What is a joule? Define in... language I can understand please? :)?

Basically a joule is a way of measuring energy used. You can measure the amount of enegry used to run around the block in calories or joules. You can measure the amount of energy a candle gives off in one minute in calories or joules. You can measure the energy in a candy bar in calories or joules. The calorie is an American or English measurement, whereas the joule is more of an international measurement, similar to inches vs.centimeters, or ounces vs. grams. Melting ice into water takes energy usually in the form of heat. The amount of energy to melt a given amount of ice into water can be calculated and refered to in calories or joules.