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Friday, July 27, 2007

Time for a Change

Touchy subject? Perhaps to some. As I was skimming through the news articles Friday morning, I came across an article posted on Yahoo.

The subject was “Fiesta Bowl star Ian Johnson says he's hired wedding security because of racist threats”. I decided to read into it. It was about the Boise State Running Back that scored the winning points in the Fiesta Bowl, and then proposed to his cheerleader girlfriend on national TV. Very romantic & sweet I thought. He says he has hired security for their wedding due to racial threats. Ian Johnson, who is black, and Chrissy Popadics who is white are due to be married Saturday. He’s received multiple phone calls, letters & personal threats from people who object to their marriage plans. Ian says, “You take it for what it is -- the less educated, the less willing to change……..But we're not acting like we're naive to all the stuff that's going on. We know what's been said. We're going to make sure we're safe at all times. It's an amazing day for us, and we'd hate to have it ruined by someone……… It's really sad because a lot of people that are probably doing it are the same people who were cheering me on”.

Sad situation….yes. Why can’t some people change? Why must they be so ignorant?

I remember growing up…..there was never an issue with a person’s color. A lot of it had to do with growing up in the Army. There were Black, White, Asian, Hispanic etc. children around me. I cannot ever remember facing any problems because of my color or vice versa or noticing it an issue around me. Also, more of it comes from the way I was raised. My parents raised me to be friends with all people of color. I don’t remember ever hearing “that white girl, or that black boy….etc.” It was always by name. So I think the way people are raised plays a big part in how they view situations like this. I do remember however, when we moved to Fort Polk, Louisiana; in Jr. High I had friends of different colors and I remember a lot of the black girls were mad at me and wanted to know why I hung out with some white girls. I told them they were my friends and I didn’t see a problem hanging out with them just because they were white. That year was the hardest for me. I had my locker broken into because I refused to be “like them”….because I decided to associate with everyone and not just my “color”.

Am I ranting, venting or just sticking a topic out here for discussion? Not sure, but when I read this article I thought I should blog about it. It’s sad that there are so many people out there that refuse to change, refuse to realize how stupid & ignorant they are regarding the whole race issue. Ya know….when God sees us, He doesn’t see color, he sees His child He made, and He made us all very different, He doesn’t love one person more and one person less. We should look at people…not as “color” or “ethnicity” but as a human…as a person….that God created a little different than you. Blue eyed, green eyed, brown skin, white skin, thick hair, thin hair, big eyes, small eyes, big hair, small hands, and the list goes on.

God has blessed me with a wonderful husband. Our marriage is wonderfully blessed because He is in it. Our families & friends are amazing. We are so happy together and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Do we get “funny looks” by the “ignorant” yeah sure sometimes, but we ignore it and don’t let it bother us. It’s like whatever…..this is “our life”, “our marriage”, we are happy and in love and God brought us together for a reason and we are fulfilling that reason everyday.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Something Delicious Part 2


"Eat well, eat healthy with this herbed chicken sauteed with mushrooms and Marsala wine."

Chicken Marsala


Ingredients

¼ cup all-purpose flour for coating
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 garlic cloves pressed
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves- pounded ¼ inch thick
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup sliced mushrooms
½ cup dry Marsala wine


Let’s Start Cooking

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper and oregano.
2. Season chicken breast halves with a dash of salt & pepper and garlic
3. Coat chicken pieces in flour mixture
4. In a large skillet, melt butter in oil over medium heat.
5. Place chicken in pan, and lightly brown.
6. Turn over chicken pieces, and add mushrooms.
7. Pour in wine. Cover skillet; simmer chicken 10 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Serve with pasta or rice.

Enjoy!

I made this delish dish this week.....thought I'd share this yummalicious recipe with you! It's very tasty.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Something Delicious

Spinach & Tomato Stuffed Chicken



Ingredients:

1 Package of Frozen Spinach- Thawed
½ Cup of Water
2 Plum Tomatoes cut in little squares
2 Green Onions chopped
1 Medium Onion chopped
2 Cloves of Garlic- Pressed
½ Teaspoon of Oregano
½ Teaspoon of Parsley
½ Teaspoon of Salt
½ Teaspoon of Pepper
½ Teaspoon of Garlic Salt
1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
4-6 Boneless Chicken Breasts
4 Tablespoons of Parmesan Cheese
1 Cup of Italian Bread Crumbs/ Regular Bread Crumbs will do also
2 Teaspoons of Melted Butter

Pre-Heat Oven to 350 degrees

Let the Cooking Begin:



1. Cook Spinach in skillet, Add ½ cup of water, Cook for about 5 minutes or until wilted like. Strain Spinach. Set aside.


2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in same skillet.


3. Sauté onions, green onions, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic salt.


4. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add Tomatoes. Add Spinach. Cook for about 6 minutes. Set aside.


5. Place Chicken Breast one at a time under wax paper or plastic wrap, gently pound with a meat mallet to flatten evenly. Be careful not to tear or break through.


6. Season Chicken as desired. (Salt, Pepper, Season Salt)


7. Spray 13x9 casserole dish with a nonstick oil spray.


8. Lay chicken flat and add desired amount of spinach mixture (about 2 tablespoons) - depending on your chicken size in the middle of the breast.


9. Roll chicken and secure with toothpicks.


10. Mix Bread Crumbs & Parmesan Cheese together in a shallow bowl.


11. Dip Stuffed Chicken in the Bread Crumb mixture coating it evenly.


12. Place Chicken in casserole dish.


13. Any extra Spinach mixture, add to casserole around chicken.
Sprinkle Bread Crumb Mixture over parts of chicken that lack it.


14. Drizzle melted butter over chicken.


15. Cook uncovered in 350 degree oven for 30-45min. Or until juices from the chicken run clear.



Bon Appetite!





Monday, July 09, 2007

Ahoy, me Hearties! The Party is starting!

Place your hand in the bucket of goo prepared by the wench and find ye eyeball
Aaaarrghhh Captain Jack Sito

Shiver me timbers!

And here's the Old Salt Captain Fro

Aaaarrrghhh Shiver me timbers is ye lassy Lady Pinkerton

The Sea Pup must DIE
Blow me Down.....the Sea Pup is soon to be a gonner
Aaarghh pretty lassies

Soon to be kissing?

Captain Wiper Boot seems a little confused

Snoozing Captain Jack Sito??? Ahoy David...contemplating your next pillage?

Hang 'im from the yardarm

Time for the Booty

Batten down the hatches these lassies are up to something

Oooh the goo

Weigh anchor and hoist the mizzen! That was a greattt party!


Thursday, July 05, 2007

Bok Garden Sanctuary

Historic Bok Sanctuary, located in Lake Wales, FL., offers visitors Florida's most abundant opportunities for aesthetic, cultural and personal enrichment. The lush landscapes of the Olmsted gardens, the majesty and musicof the carillon tower and the splendor of Pinewood Estate create an experience that inspires all who visit.

We recently took a trip here. It was beautiful despite the humidity. (smile)
The meandering garden is one of the greatest achievements of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
Looking up at the 205-foot Gothic and art deco Carillon Tower is an experience like no other. Designed by famed architect Milton B. Medary and ornately crafted by noted stone sculptor Lee Lawrie, the Tower houses one of the world’s finest carillons. Recitals from the 60-bell carillon fill the Sanctuary daily.
Please enjoy my pictures............and take a trip there if you can....its really a beautiful & peaceful place!












We hung out with this swan for a little bit….he decided to get friendly with Ma Ma P’s ankle.