Memories a la Video Blog

A friend of mine did this on another site...I loved it and wanted to do it here. Memories a la video blog...

Send Me an Angel - Real Life:

When I was 13, we moved in to a new house, which had an unfinished basement. I'd recently watched the movie "Rad", which had this song in it. This song will always remind me of doing tricks on my brother's little Mongoos BMX bike down in the basement, listening to this "cassette", being...well...rad.


Beastie Boys - Girls:

Back in my jr. high days, my mother didn't allow "rap" to be played in my house...she specifically didn't want me listening to these guys. While I was a relatively good child and did mostly what my parents told me, this was one area in which I rebelled. I mean c'mon..it was the BEASTIE BOYS!

Biz Markie - Just a Friend

My sophomore year in high school our basketball team made it to State. Due to the fact that we had a kickass pep club, the drill team and cheerleaders were allowed to attend and perform between quarters and at halftime. Just a Friend is the anthem for that trip...and sometime I'll have to tell the story about Dennis Blunden asleep in our hotel bathtub, and the basketball coach's poor wife having to sleep on a cot out in the hall in front of our room.

Silly Ho - TLC:

When I first started hanging out with my now husband, he and his friends would tag along every time I wanted to go on a little road trip or just drive around. Usually my cousin sat up front with me while the boys sat in the back. Silly Ho was one of my favorite songs on my "Roadworthy" CD, and those guys would bounce around so much to the music that my little red '98 Honda Civic would literally be rockin'.

This was fun! I'll do another one soon. In the meantime...your turn!

What's for Dinner? Garlic Butter & Tomato Roast Chicken Breasts

This was something I threw together spontaneously and it ended up being absolutely delicious. So, while I wrote down the "recipe", I figured I'd share.

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken Breasts (you could probably use a whole chicken, if that's how you roll)
• Butter
• 2 Tbsp. Minced Garlic
• 1/4 c. Chopped Onions
• Diced Tomatoes
• Thyme
• Table Salt & Pepper

1. Preheat oven to 425
2. In 9x13 casserole dish, sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme over both sides of chicken breasts
3. Also spread butter over both sides of chicken breasts (just a small dab each)
4. Cover chicken with garlic, onions, and tomatoes
5. Cover casserole dish with aluminum foil, bake for 20 minutes
6. Remove aluminum foil, flip breasts over and spoon "sauce" in pan over each breasts, making sure each has plenty of garlic and tomatoes on top
7. Leave cover off and bake another 10-15 minutes (until chicken is cooked through)

Enjoy!

Getting to know Jess from A to Z

As if I'm not already an open book...here's a little more about me for those of you who don't already know it all!

Ambition: To one day own and manage a hockey rink + gear shop with my family in the Pacific Northwest (near Seattle)

Bad Habit: I have a few - procrastination and impulsiveness top the list

City: SEATTLE! OK so I don't live there (yet) but that's where I'll end up eventually. Right now the closest city to me is Miami...which is a pretty cool one too, but if I have to choose one in my current state, I pick Orlando.

Seattle Skyline with Mt. Rainier

Drink of Choice: Sweet Tea - even before I moved south

Education: Edmonds Community College graduate with a few Washington State courses

Favorite Color: Blue

Guilty Pleasure: This is kind of vague. TV= Desperate Housewives; Food = pretty much any junk food - jalapeno Cheetos, Sour Patch Kids, movie theater popcorn, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, pasta...carbs in general. Oh...and Starbucks. Lawd have mercy...

Hometown: ehhhh....I'm not sure which "town" to claim, so I'm just gonna say a little town in North Idaho

Bumblebee Campground - About 15 miles from where I grew up

Look-a-Like: I've been told Holly Marie Combs, but I think they were high. I'm pretty original plain, and I'm cool with that.

Must-have Fashion Item: Melodia pants, DC shoes, cute hats for bad hair days.

Nickname: Jessmica (Trev only), Wish (select friends), Jessie (my brother and a couple of other select friends only), and my mom called me Gertie when I was little. I have no idea why, other than she knew I hated it.

Obsession: Sports (specifically Seahawks football and Ducks hockey), belly dancing, a few bands, and lately - Disney

Phobias or Fears: Snakes, worms, slugs - and the sun exploding. Shaddup.

Quote: I love so many, but one of my favorites is: I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not. ~Kurt Cobain

Regret: Honestly can't think of one...I don't like to dwell on things I should or shouldn't have done - my past mistakes have made me who I am today, helped me learn and grow...and I love my life, even if I keep making mistakes.

Starbucks: Caramel Macchiato - with an occasional Pumpkin Spice, Ginger, or Eggnog latte around the holidays.

*drool*  

Thrift Find of the Year: It's sad that I can't think of anything here. I don't shop much, and when I do, I'm not all that thrifty.

University: Washington State

Vegetable You Don't Like: Do olives or mushrooms count? Those are the only things close to vegetables that I can think of that I don't like.

Wine: usually Pinot Noir, but I do like the occasional after-dinner Moscato now and then. I prefer a sweet mead for that, though.

X-Rays: Dental of course, spinal, knees, wrists, and ankle. I won't get into the reasoning for the wrist and ankle.

Years: of what? 10 kickass wedded ones, 11.5 attached, 10 wonderful mommy ones, 2 amazing shimmy ones, more than 20 crazy fan ones....37 learning, teaching, leading, following, memory making ones all together.

Zodiac Sign: I'm a lioness, baby ...

I am Leo, hear me roar!

Now you...

Vid of the Day: It's a two-fer...Today's the day!

Vid of the Day: First Date

I'm so excited that it's Wednesday...and I'll be on my way to see these guys in two days. With new crazy hair and beautimus nails.

You might think by my excitement that I've never been to a concert before...but I've been to so many I probably couldn't even remember everybody I've seen without my ticket stubs there. (I worked for a car dealership that sold a LOT of GM's and Chrysler products...they hosted a lot of events, so I got free tickets frequently). I've seen some of my favorites, some multiple times - like Matchbox Twenty, Sugar Ray, Paramore, No Doubt, Goo Goo Dolls, Everclear, even Boyz II Men, TLC,  and so many more. I even got to take my dad to see his favorite band, Boston, when he was still alive...and I've been to a lot of concert weekend "events" that featured multiple bands. I love going to live shows, and Blink is only about about a half a step down from my very favorite, Green Day - who I haven't seen live (yet). Maybe one thing that thrills me about this one is that I'll be going with my husband and daughter - I've never been to a show with him, and she's never been to a show, period. GO BLINK! 

Vid of the Day: The countdown begins!

It's Tuesday. By this time on Friday I'll be on my way up to West Palm Beach to see these guys in person. BooYAH!

Song of the Day: More Than You'll Ever Know

Beautiful. I'm so glad these guys are back.

I'm not necessarily a hopeless romantic, but it's refreshing to hear a new "classic" love song by some amazing R&B artists without it being all about sex.

Song of the Day: Dumpweed

In less than a month, I get to go see these guys in West Palm Beach. Whoo Hoo!!

Something for the Sweet Tooth: Caramel Kiss Brownie-Cakes

I've been working on a dessert that I can make for cookouts to which we get invited, and I think I finally came up with something great.

Caramel Kiss Brownie-Cakes!

They're super easy and awesomely delicious. Wanna know how to make 'em?

What you need:

• 1 Stick Butter
• 1 c. Sugar
• 1 tsp. Vanilla
• 2 Eggs
• 1/2 c. Flour
• 1/3 c. Cocoa 
• 1/4 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1/4 tsp. Salt
• 12 Caramel Hershey's Kisses

1. Heat oven to 350

2. Spray cupcake/muffin tin with Pam

3. Mix together butter, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl (I use a mixer)

4. Add eggs to mixture; stir this together with a spoon

5. Stir together in another bowl flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt

6. Gradually add dry mixture to egg mixture, mixing until well blended

7. Drop batter evenly into cups in tin, filling each cup no more than 2/3 full

8. Bake 20 minutes, or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of cups

9. Immediately after pulling out of the oven, press a Caramel Kiss onto the top of each brownie-cake

10. Serving Suggestion: They're best with a scoop (or two) of Vanilla Bean ice cream!

In Dreams: Rachael Taylor and a Beagle at a Football Game

I should start posting these more often. Last night I beat the hell out of Rachael Taylor...I don't have the slightest clue why - she doesn't bother me.

She was a veterinarian. We were at a football game (I have no idea who was playing), and there were a bunch of people from where I used to work there. Along the sidelines was a sprinkler system of sorts, and somebody had brought their little beagle to the field. I heard a strange noise and turned my head to see that the beagle had its ear stuck in one of the sprinkler fixtures. I turned and started to run toward the dog to help him, and she blew past me. I knew she was a vet so I thought "OK she's got this" (like helping a dog out of a sprinkler fixture is something nobody but a vet can do adequately.) So she helps this dog out, he runs along on his merry little way and she walks past me going the other direction and says "I'll get a bill printed off and send it to you". We argue about it not being my dog, she says I was the first to respond, so I took responsibility. We go back and forth, it escalates, and I walk away - incredibly ticked off.  I went back to my group of friends and watched the game a for a little bit, and she walked up to me with a bill. Without even looking at it, I just started pummeling her. I don't know why - but I couldn't stop. I did wake up feeling very refreshed and relaxed though.

(For those of you who don't know who Rachael Taylor is...)

Fantasy Football tips I didn't know I had

After an entire off-season of refusal to join or create another NFL Fantasy Football team EVAR, I caved. Just call me Brett Favre....only, I didn't cave because I had a hard time letting go. I caved because my husband needed another manager for his league to round it out to an even number, so I guess that's acceptable, right? I've never "sucked" at FF - I actually have a couple of championships under my belt and several 2nd and 3rd place trophies. It just got old because:

• I refuse to draft players from my team (it's bad luck)
• I refuse to draft players from division rivals anymore. I used to, but I felt dirty rooting for them even though they weren't playing the Hawks. (I wouldn't have them for 3 out of the 17 weeks anyway - I won't use them when they play against my team and then the bye...)
• I refuse to draft players from teams that I despise. This means just Steelers, so that's no big deal, right? But let's face it...they're good, and at draft time this has on occasion left me having to choose a mediocre player in place of a much better one.

So anyway...I caved, and the draft was tonight. I noticed something while we were drafting. Not only do I use the aforementioned criteria when choosing my players, but I take a much more analytical approach than I realized.

1. I pick a QB first. 

I know - most people will recommend that you choose a RB first and foremost because they earn the highest points. However, in my experience, with the current 1-2 punch most teams are going with,  there are a lot more players available than there are elite quarterbacks. I want my QB first and I built the team around him...quarterbacks and kickers are generally the only players of which there are only one starter per team. Kickers don't get squat for points on a week to week basis, so I don't really worry too much about them until the draft is close to being finished. I usually pick up a defense after my main quarterback and a couple of running backs. They don't usually start going until the 5th round, so usually a projected high scoring one will always be available in round 3 or 4.

2. I pick my Running Backs second and third.


3. I pick a Defense early.

4. Running Backs and Receivers Pick Philosophy

I don't necessarily always take the "best available" according to the site (Yahoo, NFL.com, whatever). Of course I take into consideration how they did last year, whether or not they're susceptible to injury, and most importantly; what's the quarterback situation on their team? This year left me with a lot more RB's and a lot fewer receivers to choose from, due to the QB mess we have in the NFL. I could quite possibly be wrong in using this approach but hey...at least I'm not choosing guys by popularity or how they look in their pants, right?

5. Defense Pick Philosophy

I don't care whether or not a defense has a Troy Polamalu or a Darrelle Revis somewhere. I take into consideration how many points the entire D allowed the season before, total forced fumbles, sacks, interceptions, and TDs. A lot of times a defense will rack up a lot more of these when they don't have a star player. Sometimes it works out to be one in the same, but a lot of times it doesn't.

6. Tight Ends Pick Philosophy

Is he more of a blocking or scoring tight end? And again - what's the QB situation like on his team? If it's a mess, I'm not sure I want him over a RB or D that's going to guarantee me more points.

7. I usually make sure I have a core group (one QB, 2 RB, 1 D, 2 WR and 1 TE) before I pick anything else.

Once I get my core group done, I like to pick up the best QB and D available for bench spots - those are my top dollar guys, so I want to make sure I'm stocked in that dept. just in case of injury or mis-picked defense and for bye week. My top scores will come from QB, RB, and D on a weekly basis - I need to make sure I'm not screwed on the one week I need to go without them.

8. Kickers Pick Philosophy

Obviously I look at their accuracy...but I also take into account how efficient their team has a tendency to be in the red zone. Are they a top scoring team? Do they have a difficult time getting the ball into the end zone? What's their running game like? Do they tend to air it out rather than use short passes or pounding it in on the ground? While great kickers have been born on teams like the New England Patriots, they haven't had to kick many long field goals. Remember Neil Rackers with a flailing Arizona team before Fitzgerald and Boldin came along? Money.

9. Bench Pick Philosphy

RBs, of course your extra QB and D, and Bye Weeks - make sure that you have a couple of extra RBs and make sure that the people you pick up as substitutes for your guys for their bye weeks don't have the same bye weeks...that's a no brainer.

I honestly had no idea that I do this until I was trying to concentrate tonight during the draft. Then I asked myself "why am I concentrating so hard? how difficult IS it?" - that's why. I know this doesn't/won't work for everyone, and I'm not saying you should take this and use it as your own Fantasy Football drafting method...I will say that I've done fairly well for myself this way. I just didn't know I was doing it, haha.

What's for Dinner? Baked Mahi Mahi with garlic butter vegetables

This is something I just threw together, so it's my very own recipe and I don't really have measurements. The seasoning of the fish was outstanding and incredibly simple. Here's how I did it:

• As many Mahi Mahi fillets as you wish
• Butter
• Minced garlic in oil (could use fresh as well; might want to roast it first)
• Fresh diced tomatoes
• Small sliced onion
• Lemon pepper
• Salt

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Brown 1 tbsp minced garlic in skillet

3. Add 1/2 stick of butter to skillet, melt with garlic, add a dash of salt

4. Brush about 1 tbsp garlic butter from skillet onto bottom of casserole baking dish

5. Lay fish in bottom of pan for garlic butter seasoning and flip over

6. Sprinkle just a dash of Lemon Pepper over each fillet of fish

7. Place over each fillet: small square pat of butter, onion slices, diced tomatoes

8. Sprinkle salt over fillets

9. Bake for 12-14 minutes (until fish flakes easily)

For vegetables:

1. Steam whatever kind of vegetables you'd like (don't let them get mushy)

2. Place in skillet with the rest of garlic butter over low heat; stir until vegetables are coated

Serve with rice or pasta, or nothing else, and enjoy!

(as you can see, my daughter already dug in!)

What's for Dinner? Red Chicken Enchiladas

So I can't really take credit for the amazingly awesome flavor I got from this by rolling together a bunch of different packaged type stuff, but I figured I'd share anyway, because what better way to give ideas than make them easy?

What you need:

• 4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 24 - small taco size tortillas (you can use either corn or flour; I prefer flour)
• 2 - 16oz jars red enchilada sauce 
• 1 can or pouch of black beans
• Spanish Rice (however much you want as filler...and I use the Lipton pouches)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Taco seasoning
• Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• Sour Cream for serving

1. Sprinkle taco seasoning on both sides of chicken breast, bake in 425 degree oven for 12 - 15 minutes (until cooked through)

2. While chicken is baking, mix together rice, heated black beans, onion, and 1/2 c shredded cheese in bowl

3. Shred or chop chicken (however you prefer it) and add to mixture; stir.

4. Warm enchilada sauce in large bowl

5. Dip tortillas into sauce, covering both sides

6. Lay tortilla in large rectangle or square casserole baking dish

7. Fill tortilla with mixture; roll

8. Repeat until pan is filled

9. Pour a little of the remaining sauce over enchiladas

10. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes

11. Remove from oven, sprinkle desired amount of cheese over top

12. Bake an additional 5 minutes

13. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top and ENJOY!

What's for Dinner? Garlic Cheddar Biscuits with Crock Pot Chili

With the chili, I'm super lazy. I work full time, so I don't have a lot of extra time to soak beans and chop veggies etc. etc. yadda yadda. I often use the McCormick slow cooker packets, and their chili is pretty spot on. Sometimes I do add some ingredients to their recipe (like chopped green pepper and onion), but even if I don't, it's great.

Tonight I added my garlic cheddar biscuits. It's not Red Lobster's recipe (I do have that, if you'd rather), but I would say it's better. Enjoy!

Biscuits:

• 3 c. Bisquick mix
• 1 c. milk
• 1 tsp. minced garlic (I use the stuff in a jar, minced in oil)
• 3/4 c. shredded cheese
• 1/8 tsp dried basil

1. Preheat oven to 450

2. Mix all ingredients until they form a soft dough

3. Drop by large spoonful onto baking sheet

4. Bake 9 minutes (or until golden around edges and peaks) 

Garlic Butter Glaze

• 1/2 stick melted butter (1/4 cup)
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. onion powder
• 1/8 tsp. dried basil

While biscuits bake, blend garlic butter glaze in small mixing bowl. Brush baked biscuits with glaze and let cool.

Easy, and amazing. Enjoy!

What's for Dinner? Homemade Gnocchi w/ Garlic Butter Sauce, Parm, and Fresh Tomatoes

Again, this is a few different recipes I've found elsewhere, smushed, tweaked, and made my own. We had this for dinner tonight with pork chops and the gnocchi outshone the rest of the meal by a mile. Enjoy!

What you need:

Gnocchi:

• 1lb Russet Potatoes
• 1 c. all-purpose flour - keep it out for dusting and extra sprinkling
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 c. freshly grated parmesan (if you're lazy you can use the stuff in the plastic jar but I wouldn't recommend it)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper

Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1/4 c. (1/2 stick) butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced (I use way more than this - about 2 tablespoons minced in oil)
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning (sage, oregano, etc.)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 c. freshly grated parmesan (again...) - keep it out for sprinkling on top of finished product
• 1 fresh diced tomato

Gnocchi:

1. Preheat oven to 425
2. Overbake (about 45 minutes) ...Alternatively, you can peel and boil the potatoes - I do this when I need my oven for other parts of the meal.
3. Cut in half; scoop out of skin
4. Mash potatoes to smooth consistency 
5. Make mound of potatoes with a well in the middle. Add egg yolks, parmesan, salt, and pepper
6. Use hands to mix in with potatoes until well mixed
7. Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour onto potatoes. Using knuckles, press into potatoes
8. Fold the lump over, into itself, and press down again
9. Sprinkle more flour, little by little, folding - sprinkling - pressing, until dough holds together (be careful not to knead). The dough should be firm and yielding.
10. Start large pot of water with 1/2 tsp. salt boiling
11. Lightly flour workspace
12. Roll dough into 4 pieces
13. Roll each piece into rope about 1/2 - 3/4 inch diameter
14. Cut into 1/2 inch pieces
15. Lightly flour gnocchi squares or hands and then shape (roll into ball, then press lightly to leave finger top pocket)
16. Drop gnocchi into pot
17. Scoop gnocchi out of water when it floats to the top - keep in bowl until all gnocchi is ready for next step.

Garlic Butter Parm Sauce

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat
2. Stir in garlic and cook until the garlic has softened and begins to turn golden brown
3. Stir in Italian seasoning and salt 
4. Add cooked gnocchi to skillet and remove from heat
5. Coat gnocchi with sauce
6. Remove gnocchi from skillet and place in a large serving bowl
7. Toss gently with parmesan & pepper
8. Top with diced tomato
9. Serve 

Bon Appetit!

Goodbye, Uncle.

Please skip to another blog if you're looking for my usual bubbly self, because you're not going to get it here.

I wasn't going to post this, but I needed to get it out. It also might explain my recent reclusivess (if that's a word) and need to be left alone.

This loss has hit me harder than I imagined; while it was somewhat anticipated by some, it is still a shock to all. This is one that struck so many of us in the family, because he was such a large personality in the group..."the baby"...and is survived by all of his siblings and his mother. We are a very large but very close family, and I wish I could be there with all of my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma, brother, and especially my mother right now.

Mom is one of 7 children, #5, and due to various family situations she grew up fast and took care of her younger siblings. My uncle John was #7 and of all of the siblings he and my mother were always the closest. I don't remember ever being far away from him for very long. He lived with us off and on while I was growing up, and even when he wasn't living with us he was always at the house. He was more like a big brother to me than an uncle. I grew up with him always around, always picking on me, always protecting me. His house was where I first laid eyes on my husband.

John suffered from severe RA...I'm talking extremely severe...to the point that he was always in pain; it controlled his life. Since he'd moved into his current apartment close to my mother, she was there for him. She drove him around to run errands. She brought him anything he needed, and she was there to chat with him when he needed company. She didn't do this out of obligation - she did this because she loved him, and because they were close. Unfortunately, to dull the pain in his joints and bones, John consumed a lot of alcohol. Several weeks ago he was taken to the hospital to flush his system and get some electrolytes into his body.  He'd been doing much better recently, and he wasn't drinking as much. He wanted to take better care of himself.

Yesterday, after several unanswered phone calls and then busy signals, my mother found him in his house, deceased from what appears to be a heart attack. I will miss John very much, as the entire family will. The void left by the youngest sibling of the family with such a big personality, so full of life, shocks us all. But above everything, my heart hurts so badly for my mother right now. How very terrible it must be to find somebody you were so close to, your younger sibling, somebody you loved so very much, someone for whom you'd do absolutely anything.

L-R: Aunt Judy, Mom, Uncle John

Goodbye my crazy, silly, interesting, fun, ornery, and awesome uncle. I will miss you.

Go your way to the land of the Ancestors,

where they wait for you with open arms,

there on the edge between this world and the next.

See; there they stand.

Ancestral spirits, welcome this one

to the place where we all must go.

Off your diet? How bout some Gooey Cinnamon Rolls?

Most of my recipes are simply out of a cookbook (usually Betty Crocker or another cookbook my mom gave me something like 20 years ago), and then smushed together with another recipe to make one big dish of deliciousness. I know, that sounds a little conceited...but if I didn't think it was delicious - and have confirmation from others - I wouldn't share it.

The following, I don't even know where I got the original cinnamon roll recipe but I will say it's not an original - it did come from somewhere else. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture. I'll post one the next time I make these...

Whatcha need:

• 1 tsp. white sugar
• 1 (.25oz) pk dry yeast
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1/4 c white sugar
• 1/4 c. butter
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 c. all-purpose flour

and

• 3/4 c. butter
• 3/4 c brown sugar
• 3/4 c. brown sugar (it's there twice for a reason)
• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 c. melted butter

1.) In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp. sugar & yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy (about 10 minutes).

2.) Warm milk in small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat.

3.) Mix into milk 1/4 c. sugar, 1/4 c. butter, and salt. Stir until melted. Let cool until lukewarm.

4.) In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, milk mixture, eggs, and 1 1/2 c. flour; stir well to combine. Stir in remaining flour, 1/2 c. at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.

5.) Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn in bowl to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in warm room until doubled in volume (about an hour).

6.) While dough is rising, melt 3/4 c. butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 3/4 c. brown sugar, whisking until smooth. Pour into greased 9/13 inch baking pan. Set aside.

7.) Melt remaining butter, set aside.

8.) Combine remaining 3/4 c. brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

9.) Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and roll into an 18x14 inch rectangle. Brush with 2 tbsp melted butter, leaving 1/2 inch border uncovered. Sprinkle with brown sugar/cinnamon mixture. Starting at long side, tightly roll up, pinching seam to seal. Brush with remaining 2 tbsp. melted butter.

10.) With serrated knife, cut into 15 pieces. Place cut side down in prepared pan. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in volume.

11.) Preheat oven to 375.

12.) Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool for 3 minutes, and invert pan onto serving platter. Scrape remaining filling from pan and drizzle onto rolls.

13.) Give them to somebody or take them to an office somewhere. Otherwise, they will scream your name until you devour the entire pan.

Sea-Doo Project: Volume I

Recently my husband and I decided to purchase a couple of Sea-Doo jet skis. I owned a little 1997 Kawasaki 750 ZXI several years ago, and have kicked myself every summer since selling it. The move to southern Florida has resulted in a lot of kicking.

Fortunately, since we're not picky and my husband is a boat mechanic (as are many of his friends) always looking for a project, we decided to buy used for an excellent price. We found 2 skis on a 4-ski trailer (which we'll sell and replace with a double trailer) that need minimal work mechanically, and the hulls are in great shape. Between my husband and his friends, the plan is to have them registered and in the water before the end of summer. Well...before the end of everybody else's summer. If not for the work schedule and the boys being underway the entire month of July, it would be much sooner.

While the boys are in charge of mechanical improvements, I'm in charge of cosmetics - and boy, do I have some awesome ideas!

I decided to blog the progress - and in doing so, I'm providing pictures from beginning to end!



This little yellow GTI will likely be mine because it's the smaller of the two. I can't even attempt to tell you what it needs mechanically, though Trever has listed a few things over and over to me. It goes right over my head; all I know is that the engine itself is in good shape, and whatever it needs won't dent the pocketbook. Cosmetically I plan to either replace the deflector or sand it down and gel-coat it. I'll also either replace the handlebar pad or Trev said there's some stuff you can use to scrub the weather and water-wear off of it. I already have a seat cover custom designed and ready to order. I'm also planning to remove all of the graphics/decals and go crazy with others of colors of my choosing. When I'm through with this ski it will be unrecognizable and most likely a royal blue and black accenting the yellow (if I decide to keep the yellow, that is...the entire ski is white so there's still a possibility that might not happen). I've also picked out some sweet diamond plated royal blue traction mats. Gorgeous!

This one is a GTX and is actually pretty much ready for the water. Trever still has a few things he wants to do with it (and I definitely want to get my hands on it and make it look better) but it's basically mechanically ready to go. It needs a seat cover ASAP, which we've already designed and it's ready to order as well. I'd also like to either replace the handlebar pad or remove it altogether. Trever would rather simply remove it so it looks "simple & badass", but I'm not sure if we'll do that or not. Obviously the deflector is in excellent shape, so I won't be touching that. I will, however, be replacing the traction mat and I also would like to go carbon fiber blacks and dark greys with the decals. Maybe something with dragons...

OK, folks...here we go!!

What's for Dinner? Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken

This is my own recipe...and it's pretty much wonderful. This is what's in the oven right now. I figured I'd share!

Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken

3 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp lemon pepper *
1 tsp onion powder or freshly chopped onion *
1 pinch garlic powder (or a couple of chopped cloves, or a tsp or so of minced in oil) *
1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste *

* keep it out for extra seasoning if desired...I never use exact measurements.

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Cut lemon in half.

3. Rub lemon, then garlic, over chicken.

4. Sprinkle all other seasonings over chicken.

5. Brown chicken in skillet over medium high heat (until browned on both sides). If using fresh onion, add that to skillet before chicken.

6. Rub other half of lemon and garlic all over chicken - add more dry seasoning to taste.

7. Place in lightly greased sprayed 9x13" baking dish.

8. Bake 15 - 20 minutes.

9. Turn over, squeeze lemon over chicken and season with salt and pepper.

10. Bake 15 - 20 more minutes. (Be sure to check it - sometimes I have to bake 25 min depending on the thickness of the boobies.)

I also scrape the browned garlic and onion out of the skillet and place in the baking dish before I throw the chicken in there.

I serve this with steamed rice and vegetables, and a salad. Healthy and delicious!

Ijkalaka - Ijkalaka - Oglala...

When I was a little girl, my parents would bring home those Barnum's Animal cookies in the box with a string. My brother and I would hold on to the boxes and make a little circus train with them, tying the strings together and dragging them through the yard, garage, and everywhere else we could.

I vividly remember a day when I was by myself for some reason (perhaps my brother was taking a nap or maybe we got in a fight and I didn't want him around), toting along my little Barnum's circus cars and singing tunelessly "Ijkalaka, Ijkalaka, La-la-la...Ijkalaka, Ijkalaka, La-la-la" (of course pronouncing Ijkalaka, "eek-a-like-a"). My mom came outside and asked me where I'd heard that before, to which I honestly replied "I made it up". I was then informed that my great great great grandmother's name was Ijkalaka (as I was pronouncing it) and she was part of the Oglala Sioux tribe.

Looking back, I'm pretty sure I knew nothing of Ijkalaka Russell at that point or who she was to me until my mother filled me in. I think this might be one of the first examples of which has brought me to believe that spirits can and do communicate with us. And as children, we still listen.

Girl's Week: Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, Day 3

Late start again today. It's kind of nice to be on our own schedule.

So, today we had NO LIGHTNING!! It was hotter than hell but we were determined to catch up on all of the rides we missed on Tuesday due to the weather, and then get everything done that we'd planned in the first place. We ran all OVER those two Universal parks - if not for the VIP passes we'd probably be melted somewhere between City Walk and one of the park entrances. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait in line at all, for anything, so we ran straight through and were able to take in a whole bunch of rides in one day. Unfortunately, poor Sherry (who'd had back surgery just a couple of years ago) messed up her back on the Hulk on Tuesday so she wasn't up for any of the major coasters. It worked out ok though, now I can experience something fun and new with Trev when I get his happy ass up there. We did hit the Revenge of the Mummy though, which was amazing.

So, we went to Shrek 4-D, which was interesting. We hit MIB - a fun ride to shoot aliens and keep score. We went on the E.T. little ride, which I think Kiernan will absolutely love. We also went on Dudley Do-Right's Rip Saw Falls. OH MY GOD. That was so much fun. Splash Mountain, and even Journey to Atlantis at Sea World are completely lame compared to that ride. We got soaked, and it was such a steep and fast drop on the last leg that I almost had an accident right there in the little boat. Not that it would have mattered, I was soaked from head to toe anyway. Then we went on Jurassic Park. Now - I've been on the Jurassic Park River Ride at Universal Hollywood. It was pretty good there, but it was nothing like this one. This one had a few more dinosaurs, a few more places to soak you, and when we hit the soak zone, rather than the water plumes spreading OUT from the boat we got hit with a tsunami coming over the front. I don't know if it was the weight distribution or if the Orlando one is just that much of a better design but it was great.

After we got all soaked and cooled off a bit we went on the Harry Potter Hogwarts tour, rather than standing in line for the Forbidden Journey. The Hogwarts Castle was amazing. There were a couple of holographic images throughout that were unbelievable. It literally appeared as if Dumbledore was right there talking in the library and that Ron, Hermoine, and Harry were all talking to us on the balcony. It didn't look remotely fake. I loved that. Again, we didn't go on the coasters, so Dragon Challenge was out of the question. Next time though for sure - it looked like a blast. I had some more ButterBeer, and we strolled around Hogsmeade. So much fun!

We hit a few other things too, which I can't remember at this particular moment. I'll come back and edit when I do. I do know that it was a hectic day with a lot of running around from park to park.

After the parks we went back to the hotel to get into some dry clothes and relax for a few minutes before we went out for dinner. We decided to go back to Universal and stroll along City Walk and eat wherever we landed - which ended up being Hard Rock. One thing I love about Hard Rock is that it's a whole different experience at each individual restaurant. The one in Orlando is absolutely huge. The service was decent (which is more than I can say for the one in Key West), the food was "OK" (I think our nachos had been sitting out too long, but the fajita meat on them was delicious). The restaurant itself was amazing with the atmosphere, memorabilia, and architecture.

That was the final day of our trip...tomorrow it's breakfast, shopping, lunch, and airport. Then I drive back home, recuperating and singing like a crazy woman to the radio the whole way home!

Girl's Week: Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World, Day 2

We laid in bed until at least 10:00 this morning before we decided what the hell we wanted to do. Today was our "spontaneous day" and we decided to hit Magic Kingdom when we finally got our asses up and moving.

This place wasn't as packed as it was when I went in February/March, but it was still pretty busy. I'm sure the weather didn't help (lightning again). Not as many strollers, not as many rascals, not as many wheelchairs. This was all great for me.

We started out at Tomorrowland and had lunch, moving on to Liberty Square to hit the Hall of Presidents, which was as cool as I remembered. I've walked out of there teary eyed both times I've been there. Then we went to Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland (kinda lame, but cute I suppose) and rode the steam train from Main Street. Other than that, we just kind of walked around the park, as none of the outside rides were open. Since none of those were open, the inside rides were packed. Eventually we decided to just leave.

After spending a few minutes freshening up at the hotel we left again and went to Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf. What a kickass little golf course! Unfortunately, again, we got lightning'ed out. Eff! At least this place gave us a raincheck, so we'll head back there either tomorrow evening or Friday morning before Sherry has to be back at the airport.

Once we left Fantasia, we decided to go to Pleasure Island and check that out. Lego Land is badass, and the atmosphere everywhere around there is just as cool as, if not cooler than, City Walk at Universal. For dinner we went to Rainforest Cafe. Oh. My. God. Delicious and awesome!

Next up...Universal, Day 3!

*will post pics soon*

Girl's Week: Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, Day 1

First time at Universal Orlando for me, and although the weather didn't cooperate, the park itself did not disappoint. I'd been to Universal Hollywood and it was a lot of fun but Orlando was almost overwhelming. Unfortunately, due to the friggin lightning, most of the rides were closed down most of the day and we didn't get to ride a whole lot. We did check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which was extremely authentic and it took all of my self control to keep from spending a ridiculous amount of money on souvenirs. I did enjoy some Butterbeer (of course in a souvenir cup). I can only describe it as delicious cream soda with a butterscotch foam.

We braved The Hulk during one of the short periods of time that it was actually up and running. An amazing intense roller coaster that was JUST long enough...by the time it ended I was ready for it to end (unlike most of the roller coasters I've been on). I wanted to hit the Dragon Challenge at HP, but it was closed down; as was Jurassic Park, Dudley Do-Right, Popeye & Bluto, and a few others. We'll hit those again Thursday. We were also able to go on some of the indoors stuff like Spiderman, Poseidon's Fury,

One of the things I was surprised to have enjoyed was the Seuss Landing dining area. There was a little show with some Seuss characters and some guy reading some stories. Part of the entertainment was the table of people sitting next to us - there were 5 children maybe ages 12 and under, and their parents sat them all down and went to get food. These kids were sassy with each other but extremely well behaved. Color me impressed and curious. What does it take?

I think I may have been just as impressed with City Walk as I was with the park itself.

*will include pics soon*

Dear NFL...

Eternally yours,
Jess

Dream Weaver: Justin and the Furries

A few things I want to clarify before I describe my dream last night:
1. My dad passed away in November, 2001.
2. My dad was not an alcoholic.
3. My friend Kelley's wedding was last Saturday (and I wasn't able to attend).
4. I don't know Justin Timberlake personally.
5. The Osburn Club is a local tavern where I grew up.
6. Furries are people who have an interest in human-like (anthropomorphic) animals. Most of the time, this is a sexual interest...some attend parties where people are wearing costumes.

The first thing I remember was that we were at my friend Kelley's wedding, and they served the cake at the actual ceremony instead of the reception. Her cake was Red Velvet, shaped like presents stacked on top of one another. It disappeared in layers, and we all decided to walk to the reception. My dad was alive in the dream, and he was an alcoholic and wanted to stop by The Osburn Club on the way there. I kept saying no, we can't go to the bar, let's just go to Kelley's reception.

Almost to the reception, some dude in a suit tracks us down and explains to us that he's Justin Timberlake's attorney and he MUST talk to his client at once. However, Justin's in this Furry bar (a different bar) and the attorney can't go in because he has a Furry Phobia. WTF is a Furry Phobia, you ask? The dude was deathly afraid of Furries, so there was no way he was going in that bar. So he asks us to go into the bar and look for Justin and relay the message that he needed to speak with him. I woke up as I was arguing with the attorney about my father being an alcoholic and there was no way I was going to take him in ANY kind of bar, I don't care WHO I might meet in there. (Evidently there were tons of celebrities in this Furry bar in the middle of a 2000 population town in North Idaho).

Society can kiss my thick ass

Don't get me wrong - everybody is beautiful in their own way. But why try to live our lives so malnourished that we're unhealthy just because society deems anything over a size 6 "thick"? People have different body styles. If you're naturally thin, great. If you're an abundant goddess with curves, that's great too. Why starve and strive to have a body for which you weren't built? Eat right, exercise, and be damn proud of that body that was made especially for you.

To be beautiful and happy is to be healthy, ladies. 

Glycerine

Vid of the Day

This song means so much to me, for many different reasons. Though the actual interpretation of it (which I assume comes down to a breakup song) doesn't really go with anything in my life except maybe the very beginning of my discovery of the song. However, there are other things about it that make me nostalgic, sooth me, and speak to me. I first started listening to Sixteen Stone when I was in the middle of my divorce, and just enjoyed this song immensely then - I recognized it from somewhere but I couldn't place it. Eventually I realized that it was the song my brother would pluck along on his guitar occasionally. A couple of years after my divorce, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. My brother moved in with my parents to help, and I can still vividly remember sitting around their house just spending time together, with my brother playing Glycerine and my dad just enjoying the beautiful mellow notes. Several years later, my husband has been learning to play guitar as well; acoustic and electric, and he plays this song (among other favorites of mine) often. I can never get enough.

Not to mention Gavin's voice is absolutely effing amazing.

Save Me

Vid of the Day.

My favorite song by one of my very favorite bands. I found it fitting ;)

Enjoy.

Ink & Steel

I read a forum post recently that said those who choose to alter their bodies with tattoos and piercings “make poor life decisions”. My reason for not responding to the post in the forum is that I didn’t find it worthy of a response. However, it did leave me to chew on something a little. Generally I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I respect their opinions (or at the very least, their entitlement to have one) and for some reason I assume that they will respect mine. So instead of lashing out at the poster I chose to reflect, and try to understand this person’s perspective. In doing so, I reached into the caverns of my mind to remember as many points as I could regarding the downsides or negative opinions on the subject. I’ve come up with quite a few. There are more, but I don’t think I will go on. I will respond to each point, however. "People with tattoos and piercings: 

• don’t consider the consequences of having them done.
• How can you possibly know this? Having either of these is a big decision; what to get, where to get it, who to have do it, who to have design it, and most importantly….what does this piece mean to me? (These are only a few pieces of how most everyone I know have come to their final decision).
• won’t ever be able to find a good job.
• Tattoos and piercings can be irrelevant in the job hunt. However, most people I know have tattoos and piercings as a form of self expression. If they can’t be themselves at work, then who says they WANT that particular job? If a potential employer requires that they not have these, they should step back and ask themselves - do I want to work for someone who frowns upon my self expression even if I’m the most qualified for the job? If they do, then there’s nothing stating they can’t remove their piercings or wear a retainer while at work.
• are just kids and will regret it once they grow up.
• Some of them are, yes. And they may regret a piece they had done when they were younger. Fortunately, there are removal or cover options available now. Piercings aren’t permanent unless you’ve stretched them to a considerable gauge. They also may look at this piece that they got so long ago and rather than regret it, look back at a time of their life and use it as a reminder of something in their life at that moment that urged them to get this particular piece. 
• are “emo” and are rebelling against a troubled home life.
• This is laughable. I grew up in a very happy home, my parents loved me and though my brother and I didn’t always get along, we didn’t suffer anything more than that of any other normal siblings. I’m happily married with a fun and happy child. I love my life. I’m not “rebelling” against anything.
• are unintelligent 
• Not even worthy of a response
• are attention whores
• Again, some may be. In my experience though, a tattoo is something very personal for whatever reason. Piercings may or may not be as well. When someone gets a tattoo, its design more often has more to do with what’s going on in their life at that particular moment than it does with getting the attention of others.
• make poor life decisions
• This is rather presumptuous isn’t it? While choosing to get a tattoo or piercing may not work for everyone in their walk of life, I hardly think it has anything to do with anybody’s judgment in general on life decisions. Ridiculous.
• are going to look stupid/silly when they’re old and sagging
• Aren’t we all? When we’re old, we’ll all sag in places we don’t want to sag. We’ll all have wrinkles and liver spots and scars where we wish we didn’t. Having those wrinkles and sags decorated doesn’t change any of that.

Regardless of any of these points, who are people to judge? Will some with tattoos live to regret some or all of their artwork? Maybe. But that’s their cross to bear; not yours. Will some with facial piercings find it difficult to find work in corporate america? Possibly. Again, that’s their cross to bear; not yours. If you find it disgusting to talk to somebody who has a post in their nostril or septum or eyebrow or lip - then maybe that’s your problem. They could be perfectly interesting, intelligent, wonderful people that you miss out on knowing because your own judgement of others stands between you. I find that very sad. Some of the ugliest, most hateful, nastiest things that I’ve ever heard came out of the mouths of people with no metal in their faces.

I’m 36 years old and I have 3 tasteful tattoos and several piercings; two of them facial. All of them mean very much to me, and I plan on having more artwork done soon. I enjoy the memories and life milestone each and every one represents.

My first tattoo is on my lower back; a “tramp stamp” if you will. I had this done on my 25th birthday in 1999. Several years prior to my first tattoo, I stated to my mother that I wanted one. She gave me the most sound advice I’ve ever had regarding the subject, and I still use it today. Figure out what you want and where you want it. If you still want that same tattoo one year from now, get it. So I did. I was going through a divorce and my best friends bought me a tattoo for my birthday. I got two dolphins playing with sea weed. It represents playfulness - remembering to have fun, whatever life throws at me.

The second tattoo, on my upper back between my shoulder blades, I got in 2004 shortly before my 30th birthday. This is a religious symbol very dear to my heart that represents all things important to me on my spiritual path.

The third tattoo, possibly my favorite, I just got last spring. It’s a dragonfly on the top of my right foot. At the time I had it done, I was embarking on a new adventure; moving across the country. For the first time in my life I would be as far away from “home” as I could possibly get without actually leaving the country. The dragonfly represents change - new beginnings, and the acceptance and embracing of those things. The fact that a good friend of mine designed it certainly makes it even more special.

My piercings all mean something to me as well, though they might not be as important to me. If I find a particular piercing appealing for some reason or other, I don’t care if someone else doesn’t like it. If it looks attractive to me, if I think that it would enhance the part of my body it resides in my eyes, then it’s worth every penny and every pain. It’s even worth being judged by narrower minded people.

I crave popcorn

Thanks to a friend of mine, microwave popcorn will no longer do when I’m having a craving. Now I need to do it “the right way” on the stove top.

I decided I wanted popcorn, and I set off to make some while we watch the hockey game. When I got to the kitchen I noticed that the pot I usually use to make it was dirty, sitting with the rest of the evening dishes. I figured instead of being lazy and only wiping out the one pot, I would take a few extra moments and do all of the dishes from the evening. Among the plates, glasses, silverware and a few pots, there was one pan with melted-on cheese and a casserole dish that had been in the refrigerator and was soaking. Once I spent 20 minutes loading everything into the dishwasher and using elbow grease on the pan and casserole dish, I was all set to go. I washed out the popcorn pot and lid, dried them, and set them on the stove top. I grabbed the popcorn oil and salt. I went to the cupboard for the kernels. There are no kernels. Bummer.

At least my dishes are done.

"It’s never too late to be who you might have been."


~ George Eliot