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!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
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*
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*
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
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*
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*
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
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).
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).
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
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.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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.
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.
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