Bonefish Grill Egg Harbor Township, NJ

House Salad – Simply delicious and colorful with a new vegetable to me called heart of palms.  I really enjoyed the consistency, although it didn’t have much of a taste.  The salad was drizzled with just enough of the house vinaigrette.

Chicken Marsala – Chicken breast, topped with mushrooms, Marsala sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and sphagetti squash.

Jen’s Jamaican Coconut Pie

My experience at Bonefish Grill was not as successful as my previous visits.  The atmosphere was still warm and pleasant as well as the staff.  I really adored the décor of the restaurant.  My meal on the other hand was not the best.  The bread was magnificent as well as the olive oil and herbs, the salad was simply delicious, however the Chicken Marsala was not good.   I had to saw my first piece and found it to be very tough to chew.  I had the meal sent back and was given a genuine apology and assured the replacement would be better.  No such luck, it was a repeat of the same thing and the kitchen manager apologized and offered me something else.  I wasn’t a fan of the way they made the Marsala, maybe it was reduced too much it could have been more of a jus.   I was quite disappointed to say the least. I thanked manager but said I was done and didn’t really want to chance anything else.  He insisted on me having dessert and I did Jen’s Jamaican Coconut pie(didn't like the glob of whipped cream on top could have been more presentable).  The pie was okay minus the presentation, but along with it I was given a gracious complimentary dinner for two.  I really felt like a valued customer however I would have much more preferred good food.  There plating with the exception of the bread and the salad was poor.  I will dine at Bonefish Grill again because I’ve had other meals with no problem.  There is nothing worst then a dry chicken from a restaurant.  I hope my next visit will be as pleasant as my previous visits, but I will not be getting the chicken breast.  The waiter and the kitchen manager were more than accommodating.

Rama Thai

Rama Thai

This is a beautiful cozy warm restaurant that features Authentic Thailand Cuisine.  The staff members are very welcoming and very pleasant as they provide excellent service.  The soft music provides a sense of tranquility for one to mentally escape to Thailand.

Appetizer

Rama Wrap - ground chicken in special sauce served with lettuce

Entrée

Gang Phed -  shrimp sautéed with red curry, coconut milk, green beans, bamboo shoots, basil, bell peppers and kaffer-lime leaves.

The meal was scrumptious and the aroma provided the senses with a smell of something to desire.  The colors in the meal were vibrant and appealing to the eye, and the flavors complimented each other.  A hint of spicy was just enough to give everything a pleasant kick.  This is my second visit to the Rama Thai and I will visit again.  The prices are reasonable and the portions are satisfying.  To top everything off the say thank you with their hands together and a bowed head. Rama Thai is located in English Creek Shopping Mall in Egg Harbor, NJ.

Just Play Your Horn

Little boy, little boy, go play your horn.

 When you become a man exchange that horn for a trumpet.

 Blow it loud, as if you are sounding the alarm. 

You are a mighty man of valor! 

As a boy someone may have tried to strip you of your dream, but it couldn’t be done. 

I remember seeing you tossing pebbles in the pond, and secretly making a wish.  Because making a wish, Man, that’s for girls, and I’m a boy I can just make things happen.

 My name is name is Malik, but they usually call me mean, mischievous, or miserable.

 I can’t let that stop me because I have my secret wishes of being a;

teacher

doctor

 lawyer

 or after 2009 even a president.

 I can be anything I want to be.  It is my secret wishes that reassure me that the sky is the limit.

 Beyond the sky is a place called paradise, and oh I’m sure to go there also. 

I am strong, mighty, an aristocrat, and more than a conqueror.  I’m just waiting until my secret wishes are manifested, and then they will know that the man they see today started out as me.  A little boy just playing his horn.

                                                                TTJ

Meadow of Flowers

Meadows of Flowers

She skips to the meadows as happy as can be dressed in patent leather saddle shoes with doubled laced baby pink socks.  A flared baby pink dress with light grey paisley prints fits her little frame perfectly.   Pearl necklace with earrings to match simply compliments the outfit well, and her hair is freshly pressed with Shirley temple curls, edges slicked back with Royal Crown hair dressing and a baby pink bow holds the hairstyle together  just right.  She is beautiful on the inside and out.  One may think this was an outfit for Easter Sunday, but not for Danielle she would wear a dress seven days a week if she could.  Off to the meadows she struts without a care in the world.  Oh how she loved the pretty flowers that were so elegantly scattered.  Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violent just like a rainbow that had fallen to the ground.  The colors are beautiful in the form of red roses, orange gerbera daisies, yellow roses, green mums, blue pansies, indigo lilies, and violet violets.  Danielle twirls through the meadow with her arms stretched wide as she looks to the sky with sweet melodies playing in her ears, and an exuberant smile on her face.    I think she was thinking I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are thy works, and this my heart knows quite well (Psalms 139:14).

Random by TTJ 11/10/10

Gone Too Soon

GONE TOO SOON

Have you ever been in such a hurry that you decided to put off for tomorrow, what you could do today? By living in a microwave, “Have It Your Way” society we do everything in a hurry, and have time for nothing.  There are four situations that has really caused me to pay attention to slowing down, and not taking anyone or thing for granted.  In 1993 my beloved Sister was murdered at the tender age of 17.  I will never forget the time that I was double parked, and I ran in quickly to say goodbye.  She was upstairs and someone was outside honking their horn, so I yelled, “See you next Thursday Lashay, I have to go someone is blowing their horn” she replied ok.  Little did I know that Thursday would come without my beloved sister?  GONE TOO SOON!

He was the love of my life since the age 19, we go married had two beautiful children settled in New Jersey, and the rest as they say is history.  We both came home from work normal routine.  I was braiding my daughter’s hair in the back room, while my son was playing video games in the living room as his father napped on the sofa.  It was a typical day until all of a sudden there was a paradigm shift in our family unit.  The man that I was to spend my golden years with had a massive heart attack.  He got home from work by 3:00 and he was gone forever by 5:00.  GONE TOO SOON!

She had a radiant smile that would bless any one that she met.  She was also called one of my favorite names Zoe, meaning life.  I never met her but I learned of her when she suddenly became ill by some unknown virus.  When I became aware of her situation I began to pray for her without cease.  There was something about her that captivated my heart for a week.  I can’t help but think of her mother, father, brother, and family and the last time saw her.  Did they get the chance to spend it as if it were their last?  What I do know is that the out pouring love of this young lady was amazing.  To know her was to love her, but after a week of captivating my heart she too was GONE TOO SOON!

Last but not least is Terry he was in the Air Force (sorry I don’t know his rank).  Terry was a remarkable aspiring young man full of life.  He came home from Germany to celebrate His father’s birthday at the end of March.  He returned back to Germany in April he went out to wash his car and had a massive heart attack.  Did he and his father know that this would be their last time seeing each other? Probably not, but at least their last time was full of a celebration and wonderful memories.   Terry too was GONE TOO SOON.

The truth is that no one knows the day or the hour that we will depart this thing called life.  Therefore it is important to stay on good terms and treat others well.  Go out of your way to say a kind word or give a nice gesture.  Life is just too short and once your love one is gone you don’t want to be left with should have, would have, or could have.  Give your best to those you love and don’t hesitate to celebrate their life, because before you know it they too could be GONE TOO SOON.

Written by TTJ Inspired by those I loved 11/9/2010

Cuba Libre

Visit to Cuba Libre

My visit to Cuba Libre was an awesome experience of Cuban cuisine.  Upon my entrance into the restaurant I felt as though I instantly escape New Jersey and entered into the island of Cuba.  The ambiance of the Cuban Flag, palms trees, furniture décor, and the music gave me the sense that I was in perhaps Santiago de Cuba.  The candle lit atmosphere produced a warm comforting sensation, which assured me that there was no rush.  My server was wearing a white Cuban shirt which also increased my anticipation of the restaurant’s authencity.   The menu was reader friendly and had a strong selection or chicken, fish, and vegetable.  My selection came from the lunch menu which included:

piqueos (2 appetizers)

Batata con Camarones (Cuban marinated shrimp, sweet potatoes, and arugula)   

I found this dish to be delicious as well as beautiful.  The interconnection of all the flavors infused my taste buds.  The one problem with the dish was the shrimp were a tab bit tough, but not unbearable.

Guacamole Cubano golden pineapple, lime juice, evoo, accompanied by crisp plantain chips. 

This appetizer was outstanding I did think just a hint of sea salt would have enhanced the flavor; however I enjoyed the combination of flavors.

Favoritos

Mama Amelia Empanadas:

De La Casa chicken, corn, sweet peppers, and jack cheese

Simply delicious

Cataluna shrimp, creamy spinach, and pine nuts.

The sweet pickled relish is to die for sorry don't know what the call it, but it came with the Empanadas.

The shrimp was sautéed well but had an overwhelming fishy taste.  I wouldn’t order that one again.

Overall I give Cuban Libre * * * * because of the fishy shrimp and the fact that rice and beans are not a part of the lunch menu.  Rice and beans is a must the portion could be small to compliment the idea of lunch being a lighter meal.  The pricing was affordable for adults it’s not necessarily a kids place unless they are accustom to the cuisine.  I’m looking forward to my next visit.

I Choose to Worship

An attitude like Pastor Wes Morgan has been embedded in my heart long before I ever knew.  My testimony is not like his an ex-drug addict, but I do have a testimony, as everyone does.  Approximately 15 years ago I was really caught between a rock and a hard place.  The tragedy occurred between two people that to this day I hold near and dear to my heart (immediate family).  They shall remain nameless because of the nature of the situation.  One’s life was taken away by death, while the other’s life was taken by accusation of a committed crime.  During this traumatic time my only choice was to worship the Lord.  It was never up to me to choose who was guilty or innocent.  When I did know what to do I knew enough to turn to the back of my Bible.  It was with the help of the index that I was lead to the word of God that would minister to my mind and soul.  To say that during this time I felt such an overwhelming sense of helplessness is an understatement.   I felt like all hope was gone and that my life had shattered right before me.   I was 25 at the time and had to make some major decision grief beyond grieving.  This song by Pastor Wes Morgan “I Choose to Worship” is one that encourages worshiping God at all times no matter what a situation appears to be.  God is able and willing to keep you from losing your mind.  I too am a living witness.  This is only one of many testimonies of what God had done for me.  I decided to share this one to help someone that feels like they have to choose.  The only thing you have to choose is to worship the Lord, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you could ever thing or ask, and that’s a PROMISE (see Ephesians 3:20-21).  If He did it for me, He will do it for you, be blessed.

I Have A Voice

Why is that no one wants to listen to me?

I know that I'm about a half pint in size and young in age, but I have a voice and I need to be heard.

When I say that someone is verbally mistreating me don't blow it off as cynical, I have a voice that needs to be heard.

If I act out and refuse to do my work, or respond the way you see fit  it's not because I don't care, maybe I just can't put my expressions into words, but I have a voice and I need to be heard.

Just because I'm a child doesn't mean that I don't have feelings please listen to me, often,  my actions speak louder than my words. Perhaps you don't think you owe me respect, but I think like you I deserve respect. I have a voice and I need to be heard.

Often adults label children, but children also label adults we know the ones that talk down to us when no one is looking, or is really in it for the money, and/or could careless about me and my issues. Perhaps you think I should be able to just get over it.  Are you sure that you as an adult can handle "it", or do you really care.   I have a voice and I need to be heard.

As children we know the ones who really have our best interest and we pour our hearts out to them, but they are far and few between.  They lend an ear of compassion, words of encouragement, a friendly smile, even a joke or two.  Most of all they know that I do have a voice and I need to be heard, before it's too late.

Verbal abuse leaves scares that can never be erased. Even physical wounds have time to heal. (written by TTJ 10/26/10 1:30 a.m. inspired by a child)

Just another voice that need to be heard if I don't stop abuse then I become a part of the abuse.  "If you don't know the purpose of a person / thing abuse is inevitable."  Change begins with me but it is a learned behavior, which takes time.  Please share your thoughts

The Beauty of Color

As I was driving down the long street of 11th Ave I couldn't help but notice the beautiful colors of the changing leaves brown, yellow, orange, red, and even green.  My thoughts were although there are many clusters of leaves that appear to be the same in color; they must be unique in some way.   However, when placed all together they display a wonderful portrait of artwork.   That took me to my next thought  humanity is full of different shade and colors and even those that appear to be the same are unique in their own way.  When humanity is brought together in unity what a beautiful portrait of art work they too display, and original design by the Master Artisan.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made this my heart knows quite well.

God is Still in the Blessing Business

So last night I requested prayers of favor for my heating situation. The man that fixed my heater had done work on my house about 6 years ago and the last time he came he told me that he was giving up his business to do missionary work. We talked about the Lord and encouraged him on being lead to do what God called him to do. He moved his family and they went off to do as instructed by the Lord. As far as I knew all went well there business sign was removed, and in my mind the story was history. In the mean time my heating system has be working well with no problems until last week. This was a good thing being single with no handy man or anyone I can trust not to take advantage. Well I rode pass the house where they use to reside and there was the business sign and I said to myself, "self just give a call and see what happens" well to my surprise his wife answered the phone. They are here temporarily and he doing some work as needed, ok, that was music to my ears. Well today he came looked at everything and told me I needed some small piece and the labor $100.00. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!!! I went on to tell him that I think God sent him back to help me because I trusted his work, and I was nervous to call someone else. He then told me that they are leaving soon in a few weeks and I told him that I will be relocating soon as well. He told him that he thought I had moved since the last visit because he knew my husband (he remembered his name WOW) had passed. I'm just glad that I continue to believe God for all that He does. The fact that this just happened full circle nobody but God could have done they and $100.00 for a heating issue. He is worthy to be praised!!!!! I told the man that this was a testimony and he laughed and agreed, but what I didn't tell him is I would post it on FB. Well, I had to tell somebody what the Lord has done for me. Couldn't keep it to myself. Thanks for listening.

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!(had to say it).

Marvelous Are My Works

            

Welcome

 

Welcome to becoming Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

enjoy the experience.