The Steele Dossier

Pool :: Baby Steele

2010-06-05T18:00:00.002-05:00

Test. Test. Is this thing on? Anybody still here... or has [most] everyone left the blog-o-sphere for greener (read: more participants, easier image uploading, etc) pastures, i.e. Facebook. Unfortunately for our TSD readers, I do not have an account to compensate for my FIVE month leave of absence, although not sure I would have been that much more prompt on updating it either...

On another note, Baby Steele's debut is fast approaching and in order to pass the time I've decided to implement a baby pool for friends and family. Please feel free to visit the link below as soon as possible in order to cast your best guesses regarding the baby's gender, weight, length, and arrival date and time. Everyone should be able to view each other's predictions, but try not to let them influence your own. I've included Kinsey's birth stats for those interested as well. Happy guessing and thanks for participating in this little one's much anticipated welcome into our family!

Kinsey Lorén :: due October 1st

September 16th @ 3:30pm

6 pounds 13 ounces and 19.25"

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T07:00:00.008-06:00

A Midnight Message

2009-12-25T00:00:00.001-06:00

posted by Heavenly Hosts

And the angel

said to them,

"Do not be afraid,

FOR BEHOLD

I bring you good tidings

of GREAT JOY

which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David

a SAVIOR, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

**********************************************************

FOR TO US A CHiLD iS BORN, TO US A SON iS GIVEN, AND THE GOVERNMENT

will be on his shoulders.

& HE WILL BE CALLED

Wonderful Counselor

MiGHTY GOD

EVERLASTING

F A T H E R

Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

********

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

2009-12-24T11:00:00.017-06:00

Dear Santa: For Christmas this year, I would like to be a princess, preferably Snow White or Tinker Bell (though I change my mind daily). A few weeks ago, I was ecstatic to visit you in person with my friend, Addie, and inform you of my Christmas wishes, however, I am completely awestruck by your presence and become utterly speechless upon approaching you. Therefore, I have since informed your scout elf, whom I have lovingly named "Elfvis" (The Elf on the Shelf), of my preferences. I have also made it a priority to take great care of Elfvis during his stay in my home and careful not to touch him as requested in fear of him losing his "Christmas magic." Each morning I search the house and enthusiastically announce his return and *new* hiding place.

Words cannot express how excited I am for Christmas this year. I thoroughly enjoy helping Mommy wrap gifts, appointing myself as the bow and under-the-tree placement person and have specifically requested that we make Christmas cookies for you. Everyday I ask my Daddy at least three(3) times "How many more minutes 'til Christmas?" As well as, "Will it be snowy for Christmas? Just like Charlie and Lola, so I can do this..." while laying on the floor and mimicking the making of a snow angel. As of this morning, it looks like I'll be getting my wish with the incoming snowstorm...

Good luck tonight, Santa(s) on your Christmas Eve deliveries (wrapping, assembling, etc) and thank you for all of your hard work and generosity. Don't forget to enjoy the Christmas cheer and spread the [real] reason for the season!

Blessings,

Kinsey Lorén

p.s. I'll look forward to Elfvis' return next holiday season as well ;)

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-11-06T16:00:00.015-06:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• U2 360 concert

• Surprise Birthday parties

• LifeGroup accountability

• Jamba Juice Mango-a-go-go

• Seventies and Sunny... Perfect!

07 JUN 2010 aka "Junebug"

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-10-30T08:00:00.017-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• Autumn colors

• TAZO Teas

• Fall Festivals

• Putnam City West Homemade Apple Pies

• OKC First Church of the Nazarene's "Bible Walk"

Miss Bee Havin'

T R I C K - OR - T R E A T !!!

The Steeles

A [Real] Meal Deal

2009-09-11T10:00:00.004-05:00

UPDATE :: Restaurant.com is now offering $25 gift certificates for only $1 through September 13th! Each certificate typically requires a minimum food purchase, one per party per month, week days only, and not applicable on alcohol. However, you have exactly 1-year from the date of purchase to take advantage of your savings. Not only do I [personally] find the venue selection noteworthy, but I was able to purchase not one, but THREE(3) $10-25 gift certificates for only $1.80!!! Click on the link above, make your selection(s), and enter the code NINETY at checkout. Enjoy!

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-09-04T08:00:00.014-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• Cowboy football

• Birthday Invitations

• Andy Stanley studies

• Marble Slab Raspberry Ice Cream with fudge and almonds. Heaven!

• What Font are You? Take the quiz, copy and paste your font with description in the comments, so we know what "type" of people we hang around with ;)

Where Troubles Melt Like Lemon Drops

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2009-08-31T08:00:00.017-05:00

iHola amigos, el Steeles de regresar de paraiso! A little more rested, a little more invigorated, and with a little more color in the cheeks... wait a minute...

So... two months have come and gone since our initial arrival back in the States, however, with summer festivities in full swing, not to mention a particular case of what we like to refer to as "The Revenge" immediately following our return, this post has been a work-in-progress. That aside, I honestly believe that most individuals would have a calmer sense of being [all] twelve months of the year with a permanent beachfront view. Just imagine... evening walks on the beach, the sound of the waves at night, and a daily craving for a pinacolada... Perfecto (at least for me anyway). Unfortunately, my psyche requires something other than the "wavin' wheat [that] can sure smell swee...Aaahchooooo!!!"

We kicked off the vacation [literally] by kicking off our shoes and scheduling pedicures for two at a local salon. After the marathon a few months back, someone's feet (ahem, Senor Steele's) needed a little professional TLC. And by 6am the next morning, we were on a plane to catch a connecting flight out of DFW with a 4-hour layover. Snoooooze... After a long day of traveling, we arrived at our 3-Star boutique hotel, greeted with a refreshing flute of sparkling wine, just in time for Happy Hour. We unloaded our luggage, donned swimsuits, ordered a few drinks from the bar, and absorbed the pool's lagoon-like atmosphere. Immediately, we were already enjoying our change of venue from the previous all-inclusive fare (mentioned here) to the more personable La Tortuga Hotel and Spa. The staff alone was I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E. It was the first time we had been treated like guests with a name, instead of a room number, or a potential wallet to invest in time-shares.

This alternative choice allowed us to experience a taste of the Mayan-influenced culture, with La Quinta Avenida's side walk cafes and upscale dining options at our disposal. Majority of our days consisted of complimentary breakfast at El Bistro, a 10-minute walk to one of the local beach clubs, boutique and market place browsing, lunch poolside with fresh fruit smoothies and gourmet salads, and showers before dinner and an evening out on the town.

In addition to the slideshow, a vacation post isn't complete, without a show-and-tell of a momento (or two) collected during the trip...

Mayan Art-inspired 3D Puzzle for our chica, constructed with 100% recycled materials and lead-free paint. Puzzles are one of Kinsey's favorite activities, with reading (or pretending to read) books in the running as well.

*The initial [hotel] recommendation as well as a few of the images provided in the slideshow are courtesy of tripadvisor.com members. Enjoy!

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-08-28T08:00:00.011-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• Just Between Friends Consignment Sale

• Sweete Memories' cupcakes

• Within The Word Women's Bible Study

• Kinsey's *NEW* glasses

• Pool Volleyball... wait... nevermind.

Here's Looking at You, Kids!

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-08-14T08:00:00.010-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• Lauren Child's Charlie & Lola series

• Edy's Coconut Fruit Bars

• Laser Hair Removal

• Iron Starr Pomegranate Margaritas

• Birthdays, maybe the reason for Kinsey's birthday party obsession...

:: TRESPASSER ::

On 10 AUG 09 reinforcements were called in at 1300. Code name: Grand Dad

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-07-31T08:00:00.018-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• Brandy Ice desserts

• Greeting cards by Papyrus

• Life Church's At The Movies series

• Anniversary dinners at Michael's Grill, our second year in a row.

• Our new Foster & Stearns mattress, though, still deciding on the bedding selections. Aaaaargh...

"Ta-Da!!!"

CHECK OUT those scrumptious, sugar-coated Baby Legs, a delicacy around these here parts, also great with a side of ranch ;)

10 Things I LOVE About You

2009-07-24T08:00:00.025-05:00

In honor of our marriage covenant, this week's Foto & Favorites are dedicated to the love of my life and soul-mate, Mr. James Bradford Steele.

YOUR...

• Ambition

• Charm

• Devotion

• Wisdom

• Initiative

• Compassion

• Wit

• Perseverance

• Sophistication

• Receptiveness

AND I cannot forget to mention... your Awesome Coiffure ;)

5 Years Ago Today

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-07-17T08:00:00.013-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• Pretend pedicures

• Shopping at Target

• Green Tea Frappuccinos from Starbucks

• High thread count Pima cotton sateen sheets

• Candice Olson's ultra modern designs; the only designer permitted to remodel our entire house on a whim.

My First Mate

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-07-10T08:00:00.036-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• A clean house...

• Iced lattes

• Browsing bookstores

• Our blog's 1-Year Anniversary

• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in theaters July 15!!!

Our Room of Requirement

The Room of Requirement, a room in Hogwarts that only appears when a person is in great need of it. The room then transforms itself into whatever the witch or wizard needs it to be at that particular moment. It is believed that the room is unplottable, as it does not appear on the Marauder's Map, nor do its occupants.

In his sixth year, Harry used the room again (as a Room of Hidden Things) to hide his copy of the Half-blood Prince's Potions textbook from Professor Snape. He found that many other students had used the room to hide a multitude of other objects, including the Vanishing Cabinet. HarryPotter.Wikia.com

As you can see, we also have a room of hidden things, complete with its very own "Vanishing Armoire..."

Remembering the Time

2009-07-07T12:00:00.006-05:00

25 years ago, a four(4)-year-old girl and her father walked into a local barbeque joint in Oklahoma City while the mother and sleeping baby sister waited patiently in the car. At first glance, one might have thought the pair to appear seemingly out of place. While the two stood in line to place their order, the little girl quietly considered her surroundings. After several minutes of curious observation, a wave of enlightenment swept over her. Without a moment's hesitation, the girl shared her new found wisdom by enthusiastically gasping,

"DADDY, THIS IS A MICHAEL JACKSON STORE!!!"

As the bit of color drained from my father's face, the entire restaurant erupted into laughter. Thankfully, the gentlemen found a young, caucasian girl's naive interpretation of an entirely African American employed and patronized venue to be quite humorous, as well as forgiving.

One year later, the same little girl and her mother [again] waited in line. They arrived at the neighborhood elementary with plans to enroll the, then five-year-old, girl in kindergarten for the upcoming academic year. Upon approaching the enrollment table, the counselor addressed the two with her well versed spiel, "We have two(2) kindergarten teachers: Ms. Moore and Ms. Jackson. Please indicate on the form whether or not you have a preference."

As the mother preceded to go over the informational packet, expressing any questions or concerns, the girl's imagination began to soar "Is it possible? How fun it would be!" Despite the ongoing conversation between the two adults, the 5-year-old's psyche could no longer stand it and, therefore, she had to voice her internal inquiry before any permanent decisions were made. The girl sheepishly tugged at her mother's hand as to signal a lowering of the head and whispered,

"Mommy, will there be dancing in Ms. Jackson's class?"

Ten years later, the girl was an [awkwardly] skinny sophomore with braces and bad hair dye. Fortunately, she had enough coordination and rhythm to make the high school pom squad. The squad leaders decided to create a Thriller performance for the aforementioned year's Halloween pep assembly, including a cameo appearance by the student body president's iconic impersonation of Michael Jackson; red leather jacket, silver glove and all... Last July, I was quoted as to recalling this particular experience as my all-time favorite high school memory at our class' ten(10) year reunion.

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-07-03T08:00:00.021-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• Creativity

• Pool parties

• Fresh mangoes. Yum!

• $1 Movies, for the little ones that only sit through the first hour ;)

• New, tasty treats found at Super Cao Nguyen, the local Asian market

It's a Hard Knock Life

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-06-26T08:00:00.026-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• Backyard Parties

• First Day of Summer

• Newborn clothes. They're sooo tiny!

• Miami Vices, Pina Colada/Strawberry Daiquiri

• Fellowship and communion (a.k.a. boxed wine and finger foods) with friends

Steeling Kisses

H A P P Y [belated] F A T H E R S' D A Y !!!

The Steeles

I've a Feeling We're Not in Kansas Anymore...

2009-06-14T14:00:00.025-05:00

Oklahoma. Kansas. What's the difference? Especially when neither one can even begin to conjure up such an oasis. Right? Alright people, admit it. You miss us. "What?" you ask "I have no idea what you're talking about, Mrs. Steele!?!?" Yes. Yes, you do. I'm referring to our M.I.A. noteworthy posts. You remember, the ones with memorable content, soulful insight, and (BAM!) a few complete [diagrammable] sentences thrown in for good measure.

Well, I have a confession... I miss them too (sniff). With a few ideas floating aimlessly in the wings, I've lacked the desire, much less the time, to devote the creative energy essential to wrapping them up. In the meantime, enjoy the shared, lacksidasical mindset and know that we're on a much needed sabbatical, only to return refreshed, renewed, rejuvenated... you get the idea ;)

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-06-05T08:00:00.009-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• Mornings by the pool

• S'mores

• Baby names

• Shopping for shoes

• Toddler vocabulary, the inspiration behind the new, sidebar addition to TSD.

"Are we there yet?"

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-05-29T12:00:00.016-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

• Great fitting jeans

• My morning coffee

• Pedicures

• Dinner with friends

• Eavesdropping on Kinsey's pretend phone conversations ;)

{Memorial Weekend 2009}

One Down. Two to Go.

Comic Relief

2009-05-27T08:00:00.031-05:00

Despite not being an avid Ellen watcher, I am sooo jealous right now. After perusing a friend of a friend's blog (is that correct?), and also a fellow fraternity sister, I thoroughly enjoyed this clip and decided to pass it along to our TSD readers. It's a breath of fresh air, from the usual "Hard Work Pays Off" speech, typically delivered by a family money/oil baron multi millionaire. After all, it ends with everyone in the arena dancing people!

At this moment, I (and Google) am unable to recall my college commencement address. It was probably all I could do to keep from daydreaming or worrying about the impending job search ahead in order to payoff the accumulated debt, because unlike objective degrees, subjective ones do not have "career scouts" visiting the university interviewing potential employees. So, you see my also accumulating anxiety at that moment, although, nothing compared to that of this year's graduates...

All in all, I think this was the perfect light hearted, yet inspirational, closure for a class that experienced an all but ideal beginning (aka Hurricane Katrina) to their college education, as well as a disheartening economic outlook.

Note: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and pause [||] the playlist. Enjoy!

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-05-22T08:00:00.012-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

So I missed last week's T.G.I.Friday edition, and unfortunately, I do not have any legitimate excuses other than our killer of a buzz, TV show obsessions. I blame you, Ms. Rhimes, and your 2-hour season finale of Grey's Anatomy (By the way, you didn't fool me, I had John Doe pegged as George waaay before the final scene.), plus The Office as well. Needless to say, Thursday nights are a bust around here...

My favorites list for the week: I hope you are taking notes on these, my friends, because one never knows when a 'How Well Do You Know Your Friend?' pop-quiz (The same one that has been circulating since the beginning of the "internets.") surfaces in your inbox on everything moi.

• Chocolate Covered Strawberries

• My Apple iPhone

• Dr Zorba Paster: On Your Health (NPR)

• Aquamarine, Robins' Egg, Mediterranean Blue... you get the idea.

• On a boat with friends, a chilled beverage, and my flippy-floppies ;)

This Weekend's Complimentary Wake-up Service

H A P P Y M E M O R I A L W E E K E N D !!!

The Steeles

Shiver Me Timberlake!

2009-05-13T08:30:00.020-05:00

Many moons ago, my sister [Whitney] attended a concert at the city's "premier" theme park. Myself, along with the majority of my peers, had not heard of "the band," but regardless she was ecstatic to personally receive each of the member's signatures on a free *NSYNC debut album. This was the first time I was introduced to Justin Timberlake and, at the time, thought it quite likely to be the last.

Over the years, our generation has watched Justin transform from Mousketeer to teen pop idol sensation to solo superstar to his present form, a triple threat (singer/dancer/comedian), among other noted accomplishments. Although, we admit to a continued skepticism outside of his regular musical skill set; at least until his natural talent became more apparent on his recent SNL debut, as demonstrated on the following "impromptu" Weekend Update appearance...

Note: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and pause [||] the playlist music.

Though we've tried (we've really tried), we cannot not like the man. Like most guys, I was quick to bash boy bands (jealousy maybe?), reserving a special disdain for the frontmen, most notably Justin Timberlake. However, deep down we knew we were just kidding ourselves. Justin shares a similar sense of humor, and despite his pop star success seems exceptionally likable (don't call it a man crush, though). Instead, he's what most would refer to as a man's man, never taking himself too seriously.

Timberlake's recent appearances on Saturday Night Live are the highlights of our viewing season. Aside from his brilliant collaborations (aka SNL Digital Shorts) with Andy Samberg, (although hilarious, not appropriate for a family blog) we've embedded our latest favorite, prompting repeated comical references between the two of us. So, if you missed last weekend's SNL and in need of some hump day humor to get you through the remainder of the week, then check it out... you will not be disappointed!

:: UPDATE ::

I apologize for the inconvenience, however, NBC has inconvenienced us all by requiring removal of the SNL "Plasticville" clip due to musical copyright infringements. Boo!!! Unfortunately if you missed it, then you missed Mr. Timberlake donning an implant costume labeled 34DD and "saline be pumpin' pumpin'!" Gotta love it ;)

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-05-08T08:15:00.045-05:00

A supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random. Enjoy!

Due to a last minute design request, I never got around to posting about my [hinted] topic for the week. Although, I didn't sweat it, because it's not like any dedicated readers (or is the term "followers?") expressed interest with their exceptional guessing skills. Like most viewer commentary, all guesses were submitted via ESP: Experience our blog, Survey the posts, Pass comments through screen by osmosis...

Come on, people!!! Put down the Twittering and direct your cosmic thoughts to an actual friend or person of interest versus out into the void. I could understand the need to dissociate yourself if you were an A-list celebrity with an unrelenting fan base...but...you're not, and I'm not either unless we start considering the idea that we can be to each other. Look at it this way, it's not like I "tagged" you to write an entire post requesting 40 random thoughts pulled from your wahoo (ahem, Stacy;) or (as Kinsey calls it) your "boom-boom." Whatever. Have a good weekend, dear void (I mean) friends!

• The Beach

• Well Designed Invitations

• Sushi

• T.J. Maxx

• Family Dance Parties (cue Shake It by Metro Station)

The Usual Suspects

Running Like the Wind

2009-05-06T09:00:00.006-05:00

Or... a slow breeze. Millions of people do it every year, how hard could a marathon be? Each spring stories are told of octogenarians and formerly obese Americans who damn the odds, velcro their shoes, train and complete marathons. This year, I threw my hat in the ring, declaring early on, “it’s not a matter of ‘if’ I finish, but how fast I finish.”

Training began in the summer of 2008, with the intention of just competing in local 10k races, because “there is no way I can finish a marathon.” However, soon enough, the topic of marathons came up during a LOYAL meeting, where I discovered that 10 percent of my class had completed the big race. This was my “aha” moment, certainly not a reflection on my fellow LOYALers, but the conclusion that almost anybody who wants to do it, can. The only thing holding me back was my “can’t do” attitude. It was at that table, with 4 people who had completed a marathon and 1 more who had completed the Redman Ironman Distance Triathlon, I decided that enough was enough, stop setting the bar so low and knock this thing out.

As April 26 approached, my weekly long run progressed to 25 miles, as much mental torture as physical. Between long runs, my goal was to run 3 days per week at about 4 miles per workout just to keep the soreness at bay. There were several injuries throughout the 32 weeks of training, one of which kept me off the trails for almost 3 weeks and hampered my efforts severely. Most runners can attest that it will take at least 5 weeks to recover 3 weeks of lost fitness. Weather was another factor. The cold winter wind pushed me indoors for much of November and December, where the treadmill (a very poor substitute for the road) and swimming provided a decent workout for both lower and upper body.

On March 1, a new sense of urgency struck. I had told at least 10 people of my marathon goal, which means, there were now a host of people to call me out. In retrospect, methinks that this was a subconscious effort to develop some accountability. I do not train with a partner, no one was counting on me to finish, and it can be difficult to remain self-motivated for this type of drudgery. By talking a big game however, there was a team of people in my corner who expected me to back up the talk and complete the goal.

The alarm went off at 3am on race day. My body needs time to wake up and with the race beginning at 6:30am; this allowed plenty of time to "drop off" anything that will not be useful in my stomach during a 26.2 mile run. James, a friend from our Life group and an experienced marathon runner, and I met so we could carpool downtown. There is something inspiring about driving downtown at 5am on Sunday, knowing that the few other people on the road are converging to achieve the same goal.

Park. Check gear. "Drop off" again. Warm-up. Chat aimlessly while standing in the 10:30/mile pace group. Singing. The Mayor speaks.

168 seconds of silence. I did not know anyone who died in the attack on the Murrah building. However, in those 168 seconds, I was transported back to ninth grade, remembering precisely where I was when the bomb exploded downtown: physical science class. There was a rumble, I looked back at the clock which read 9:02 and thought (in the windowless classroom) “I guess that was just thunder, although I don't recall seeing any storm clouds.” The school was evacuated a few hours later when the word of the atrocity was announced. So, needless to say, the time that was going to be used to collect my thoughts and focus on the task ahead instantly turned to the bombing, and I along with 90 percent of the others turned into a mentally emotional mess.

The gun went off, and it's time to run...right? Given the size of the race (though nothing compared to NYC, Boston, Chicago or San Francisco) it takes time just to get to the start line, where reality sets in, “this is going to happen...”

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Course Map

The first quarter of the race, for lack of a better term, was easy. We completed it in 59:57, well ahead of my goal of 5 hours. In hindsight, it is quite simple to see why we had to hold our pace back, it was downhill with wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour at our backs. This was in the back of my mind, but how bad could it be? As we approached mile 12, my partner needed a port-o-let break. I decided to keep moving for fear that once stopped, my legs would cease to start again. So, we bid adieu. I trudged on, hitting the halfway mark in an honorable 2:06:51, a 4:13:30 pace, an average of 6.2 miles per hour. This was 45 minutes ahead of my goal time, which was great news! Right? Right?

Trouble reared its ugly head just past the halfway point on Britton road, passing over I-44. The road is 20 feet above the ground and at a relatively steep incline. For the first time, runners felt the wind that had been pushing us to what we thought would be personal best times. I kept my legs moving, trying to jog in a straight line but instead blown all over the bridge by the terrible wind. From this point on, we were heading south right into the cool Oklahoma breeze.

I run the lake about 4 times a week so the next leg of the race was beyond familiar. At about this point, bodies start dropping. A man surrounded by emergency personnel looked to be the first casualty, including an IV bag and a fire truck. (I forgot to say, the humidity was over 60%.) Not 100 yards later, a couple of women overtaken by the wind. Mile 15 on the lake might have been the first time “what the heck am I doing” ran through my mind, but knowing that my cheerleading squad (Angela and Kinsey) would be at the 16.5-mile mark helped me through it. I said a brief hello, snuggled K, said thank you for supporting Daddy and moved on.

Back over the highway, 95% of the runners walked the bridge to Nichols Hills. Crossing May Avenue, there was my dad to throw me an extra bottle of water and wish me good luck. His parting words, “it’s all downhill from here.” I am guessing he did not mean that literally. From the halfway point to mile 20, my pace slowed to an even more modest 5.4 miles per hour.

The fact had never really occurred to me before, and I will not forget it now: Classen, mile 20-24, is all uphill. The wind I was mentally prepared for but not the quads burning an uphill struggle that is Classen. Those thoughts creeped into my head again, “why am I doing this, just quit now.” Which was countered by the angel on my other shoulder, “only six more miles, that is nothing. Besides, if you quit, how will you get back to your car?” Runners were dropping left and right at the aid stations. IV’s FOR EVERYBODY!

Nearing the end of Classen, 23.5 miles in, you can smell the finish line. I started to lose track of how far [actually] remained. I looked into the crowd where a little girl held a sign saying, “1 mile left. You can do it!” My immediate thought was that there has to be more than a mile left, maybe 2 miles is more accurate. A mile later, there is the same little girl, screaming her lungs out and holding the same sign... I fought the urge to set her straight.

Through Mesta Park and Heritage hills we jogged (I can not call what I was doing at this point “running”), powered only by the thought of finishing and the mountains of fattening food that would be waiting. Mile 24, the second wind hit. Residents were on their lawns spraying us with much needed water and cheering, some even offering shots of Jaegermeister. Seriously.

Mile 25-26 was a blur with a big smile on my face, I could see the end. It was just a matter of looking good for the finishing picture. I finished in 4:39:45 (mile 20 to finish fell to 4.9mph), well ahead of my goal. I collected a finisher’s shirt, medal, took off the timing chip and found the snack area. E.L. Fudge cookies never tasted so good, especially when chased by a couple of Carl’s Jr. cheeseburgers and four Powerades.

The damage? My feet were quite torn up with each toe displaying a varying degree of disgusting. The left pointer toenail is looking to come off any day now. My muscles were feeling good by the following Friday, and I actually took a run on Saturday. Mentally, completing a marathon is a huge point of pride and my full respect goes out to all those runners who make it look so easy.

If you had asked me on Sunday, “would you do it again?” The answer would have been absolutely not. By Monday morning, the guys in the office asked the same question as I lumbered through the door. My response, “I’ll break 4 hours at the Tulsa marathon in November.” Hold me to it people!

T.G.I.Friday :: Foto & Favorites

2009-05-01T08:00:00.019-05:00

A new supplement to The Steele Dossier, each edition composed of a candid photo, caption, and five(5) personal favorites selected at random.

• Planning Parties

• Attending the Arts Festival

• Exchanging Foot Rubs

• Rockin' Out to 80's Hits

• Breyers Ice Cream, particularly Snickers, Peach, and Rocky Road

Also, this week's favorites list includes a hint regarding one of next week's posts. If you enjoy guessing games, then leave your hunch in the comments section of this post. Have a good weekend!!!

Day 101: Off the Leash

Cream or Sugar-coated?

2009-04-30T08:00:00.031-05:00

I like Dave Ramsey. We enjoy his financial message and [currently] attend Financial Peace University, motivating us to “Live like nobody else, so we can live like nobody else.” His program has helped millions of people conquer debt and dig themselves out of those [often] suffocating financial holes. Dave’s Town Hall for Hope was an excellent idea that will propel many Americans toward financial independence. However, I would be an accessory to an untruth if I did not stand up and say he fired me up early…

To illustrate a lack of personal responsibility, Dave cited the story of Stella Liebeck, the woman who spilled McDonald’s coffee on her lap and thereby "awarded millions" of dollars in a lawsuit. Ramsey mocked Liebeck by saying, “Who knew coffee would be hot?” before continuing to beat down what is considered by many to be the standard for frivolous lawsuits. It has been broken down on lectlaw.com, the source from which I drew the information below and also available via many sources. Therefore, all Dave or anyone else needs to do is...wait for it...RESEARCH. Most Americans are quick to criticize the media and occasionally for good reason. In the same breath, however, they are also quick to regurgitate and believe this shock-and-awe, ratings driven sound bite. Those telling this story, in order to drive home the evils of frivolous lawsuits, count on the ignorance of the listener. If you still think Ms. Liebeck is the profile of irresponsibility and stupidity, once you receive the facts of this particular case, then I would personally like to serve you your next cup of coffee.

Stella Liebeck of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was in the passenger seat of her grandson's car when she was severely burned by McDonalds' coffee in February 1992. Liebeck, 79 at the time, ordered coffee that was served in a styrofoam cup at the drive-through window of a local McDonalds. After receiving their order, her grandson pulled his car forward and stopped momentarily so that Liebeck could add cream and sugar to her coffee. Critics often charge that Liebeck was driving the car or that the vehicle was in motion when she spilled the coffee; neither is true. Liebeck placed the cup between her knees and attempted to remove the plastic lid from the cup. As she removed the lid, the entire contents of the cup spilled into her lap. The sweatpants Liebeck was wearing absorbed the coffee, holding it next to her skin. A vascular surgeon determined that Liebeck suffered full thickness burns (or third-degree burns) over 6 percent of her body, including her inner thighs, perineum, buttocks, genital and groin areas. She was hospitalized for eight days, during which time she underwent skin grafting for the aforementioned areas. Liebeck, who also underwent debridement treatments, sought to settle her claim (having never sued anyone prior to this incident) for only $20,000 to cover medical bills accumulated as a result of the incident. McDonalds refused.

During discovery, McDonalds produced documents showing more than 700 claims by people burned by its coffee between 1982 and 1992. Some claims involved third-degree burns similar to Liebecks. This history documented McDonalds' knowledge about the extent and nature of this hazard. McDonalds also said during discovery that, based on a consultants advice, it held its coffee between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain optimum taste, admitting that they had not evaluated the safety ramifications at this temperature. Other establishments sell coffee at substantially lower temperatures, and coffee served at home is generally 135 to 140 degrees. Further, McDonalds' quality assurance manager testified that the company actively enforces a requirement that coffee be held in the pot at 185 degrees, plus or minus five degrees. He also testified that a burn hazard exists with any food substance served at 140 degrees or above, and that McDonalds coffee, at the temperature at which it was poured into styrofoam cups, was not fit for consumption, because it would burn the mouth and throat. The quality assurance manager confirmed that burns would occur, but testified that McDonalds did not intend to reduce the "holding temperature" of its coffee.

The plaintiffs' expert, a scholar in thermodynamics applied to human skin burns, testified that liquids at 180 degrees will cause a full thickness burn to human skin within two to seven seconds. Another testimony revealed that as the temperature decreases toward 155 degrees, the extent of the burn relative to that temperature decreases exponentially. Thus, if Liebeck's spill had involved coffee at 155 degrees, the liquid would have cooled and given her time to avoid a serious burn.

McDonalds asserted that customers buy coffee on their way to work or home, intending to consume it there. However, the company’s own research showed that customers intend to consume the coffee immediately while driving. McDonalds also argued that consumers know coffee is hot and that its customers want it that way. The company admitted its customers were unaware that they could suffer third degree burns from the coffee and that a statement on the side of the cup was not a warning, but a "reminder," since the location of the writing would not conveniently warn customers of the potential hazard.

The jury awarded Liebeck $200,000 in compensatory damages. This amount was reduced to $160,000 because the jury found Liebeck 20 percent at fault in the spill. The jury also awarded Liebeck $2.7 million in punitive damages, which equals about two days of McDonalds' coffee sales. Post-verdict investigation found that the temperature of coffee at the local Albuquerque McDonalds had dropped to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. The trial court subsequently reduced the punitive award to $480,000 -- or 3 times compensatory damages -- even though the judge called McDonalds' conduct reckless, callous and willful.

The parties eventually entered into a secret settlement (for presumably less money) that has never been revealed to the public, despite the fact that this was a public case, litigated in public and subjected to extensive media reporting. So, let this be a lesson to you silly, old women: learn some responsibility. Or, those looking to rant about responsibility and the frivolity of the legal system, should not speak until they know what they are talking about. Case closed.

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

2009-04-27T08:00:00.099-05:00

Last spring, Brad and I had the opportunity to spend five(5) luxurious nights in the Big Apple. An event I have not given much coverage because this blog did not exist until three months after. Not to mention, the revolutionary 'Business Capital of the World' we visited a year ago carries a much heavier burden than previously. Despite the gloom and smog of it all, I figure the preceding post makes now a better time than ever to reflect on the experience.

The inspiration for the trip was [ultimately] long, overdue business. Therefore, the first full-day was spent shuffling Brad around the City to visit with multiple inviting counterparties of the Bank: Bank of Montreal, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Koch Industries, Societe Generale. And myself? Patiently toying with my [relatively new] iPhone while laying low in the respective waiting areas. These small gestures expressed [their] appreciation by reciprocating with a few complimentary business-trip style perks. Needless to say, no complaints here.

When planning a trip to New York [most] individuals look forward to afternoons spent shopping 5th Avenue's exclusive boutiques or mysterious nights at posh, swanky clubs anticipating celebrity sightings. However, anytime I visit the 'Big City' my request will always be the same: a few evenings relaxing in a dark theatre while Broadway casts its magical spell with all its talent and splendor. The rest of the time is considered fair game. As luck would have it, we were surprisingly blessed with first-class tickets to Wicked: The Untold Stories of the Witches of Oz via our man, Steve, formerly of UBS. Let me reiterate, FRONT (row 12) and CENTER with a dinner at Molyvos prior to the show. Though expectations were high, we were whisked away (again, via bubble) to a breathtaking new level. The set design and costumes are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, the songs refreshingly catchy, along with [that] humorous, witty dialogue Broadway knowingly delivers. Let me clarify, this was not our first Broadway experience. Two nights earlier, we were also graced with tickets to Jersey Boys, another incredible performance recounting Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons rise to fame, featuring several of the group's songs in a jukebox-style format, and dinner at Serafina. Oh What a Night, thanks to Adam and Joe at Koch!

Our accommodations at the Library Hotel were top-notch and guarantee a truly unique stay in modern New York. As their web site boasts, the luxury boutique is one of the "most celebrated" concept hotels the City has to offer. Each floor is dedicated to one of the ten(10) primary categories of the Dewey Decimal System: Social Sciences, Literature, Languages, History, Math & Science, General Knowledge, Technology, Philosophy, The Arts, and Religion. Each room is thoughtfully adorned with books to further enrich the room and floor's appointed theme(s). We enjoyed our stay in Room 800.002 :: Classic Fiction.

Conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, the hotel is nestled steps away from the New York Public Library as well as Grand Central Station, our primary mode for transportation and yet another historical gem. After a long day of sight-seeing, we would rest our feet and rejuvenate our spirits at the complimentary wine and cheese reception on the second floor Reading Room be

tween 5:00 – 8:00pm before dinner reservations and an evening out on the town. After 5:00pm, the Poetry Garden and Writer's Den transform into Bookmarks Lounge, a local hot spot for after work drinks with clever names, such as the Great Gatsby and Capote.

I {HEART} NY. Almost anyone who has visited will agree, the City instills a contagious, motivating vibe, rekindling lost inspirations and reminiscent of childhood beliefs that anything is possible...

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer

yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know

what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go. And will you succeed? Yes! You will indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)"

Oh, the Places You'll Go Dr. Seuss

The trip also served as a learning experience for our next visit, and as long as New York is center stage for enchanting creative talent, charming audiences with every ounce of razzle dazzle they can brew, there will be a next time.

:: NYC Favorites and Tips ::

• In order to avoid freezing temps or the nauseating smell of garbage baking in the sun, plan a visit during early summer (June) or early fall (Sept).

• Purchase an up-to-date Frommer's New York City Guide (or equivalent) approximately 4-6 months prior to your visit and read up on noted hotels, attractions, and restaurants of interest to jump start the process.

• Visit StreetWiseMaps.com: order a laminated Transit Wise NY Metropolitan Commuter Rail map and Street Wise Manhattan map to carry at all times.

• Schedule ONE main excursion per day and a few, less time consuming sites located in the same vicinity in case you finish up earlier than expected.

• Consider purchasing a City Pass (or equivalent) to save on entry fees for possible attractions you plan to visit.

• Broadway Select the show(s) you look forward to seeing and purchase tickets ahead of time. Note: If your husband groans at the idea, then politely sympathize by saying "I am truly sorry about the person in your childhood who broke your spirit at such a young age. It was probably the same person who told you boys don't cry." while rubbing his back and placing the order ;)

• Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island A MUST-SEE for all. There are limited tickets for Statue tours, only on sale at 8:00am for that day. There is usually a line for tickets, a line to get on the ferry, and lines on each island for tours. The ferry ride to the islands are 1 hour and 15 minutes round-trip alone.

• The Chrysler Building Tour the Seven Wonders of the World stained glass windows on the ground floor, one of my favorites! Unfortunately, these were boarded up for protection, due to renovations, during our recent visit :(

• The Empire State Building Great aerial views of the City. BEWARE of the relentless, tourist-trap solicitors throughout your entire trek to the top.

• Rockefeller Center Great outdoor shopping, ice skating in the winter months, or arrive early (like 6:00am) for front-row views of the TODAY Show.

• Museums Only one per day: American Museum of Natural History, MOMA (Museum of Modern Art), The Met(ropolitan Museum of Art).

• Central Park Pick-up lunch, have a picnic, and you'll be daydreaming about tossing a frisbee with your four-legged friend while living in NYC... that is, before extended family, jobs, friends, cost of living, actual storage space, etc lovingly slaps you (SMACK) in the face and brings you back to reality.

• Fifth Avenue Spend an afternoon strolling between 34th and 60th, shopping luxurious boutiques as well as flagship stores for Apple, FAO Schwarz, Lord & Taylor, and Tiffany & Co.

• Serendipity3 The hole-in-the-wall foyer and flea market-inspired decor had me rethinking our 2-hour wait. However, the Curried Chicken Almondine casserole warmed my soul, while the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate evaporated any ill-thought preconceptions. Dylan's Candy Bar (as in Dylan Lauren, daughter of American fashion guru Ralph Lauren) located a block down "sweetened" our wait. Plan for a substantial wait on the food as well, selecting a low-key afternoon with a lacksidasical mind-set, because it's well worth it!

• Norma's, located in the Le Parker Meridien Hotel. A modern, upscale (yet kid-friendly) cafe open for brunch from 7:00am – 3:00pm. The prices are fairly extravagant, but (like most New York restaurants) the portions are large enough to split. If your feeling generous, then say "yes" to the daily fresh-squeezed orange juice served in a footed pilsner at $9 each. Ouch!

• 'inoteca, an Italian wine bar that is perfect for late-night fare, featuring an extensive [Italian] wine list and small-plates to compliment your selections, such as antipasta, panini, brushetti, and a variety of imported formaggi.

• Necessities: comfortable shoes, band-aids for blisters, travel umbrellas, sunglasses, light weight cross-over bag, camera, maps, and ear plugs for the continuous rumbling of garbage trucks running at night.

"So... get on your way!"

A Good Witch or A Bad Witch?

2009-04-20T14:30:00.060-05:00

She's not a witch at all. She's Kristin Chenoweth from Oklahoma. The "Four Foot Eleven and Going to Heaven" Tony Award winning singer/actress will be traveling through the metro [via bubble] on Monday, April 20th (7:00 pm) at Full Circle Bookstore to promote her recently released memoir, A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love, and Faith in Stages. Chenoweth will speak briefly, answer questions and sign copies of her book. Full Circle Books is located in 50 Penn Place, 1900 NW Expressway.

Interesting Facts about Chenoweth:
· Adopted at birth. The result of an affair between a married airline pilot and a flight attendant. Hmm... Braniff International Airways employees, maybe???
· Born Kristi Dawn Chenoweth. Grew up in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

· She actually is 4 feet 11 inches tall. Can I get a "Woot! Woot!" for those of us shopping in the petite section?!?!
· Graduated from Oklahoma City University with a degree in Musical Theater and a master's in Opera Performance.
· It was her voice instructor, Florence Birdwell, who suggested "Kristin" was more classically suited for an opera singer. "All right, Miss Chenoweth, say it again. The rain in spain, falls mainly on the plain."

· Second Runner-up in the 1991 Miss Oklahoma pageant. I read an interview where she joked about her height having something to do with this...
· Won a full scholarship to Philadelphia's Academy of Vocal Arts but later turned it down to move to NYC and pursue a career in musical theater. Brave!
· Speaks publicly about her faith, describing herself as a "non-judgmental, liberal Christian." In California, she attends a non-denominational church in Malibu. In New York, she attends a United Methodist Church. Whaaat, Liberal and Christian in the same sentence?!?! The nerve...
· In September of 2005, Chenoweth was uninvited from a Women of Faith conference "due to her publicized and heartfelt beliefs that God is accepting of all people on Earth," Again, the nerve ;)
* references Wikipedia

FINALE :: You ARE What You LISTEN To

2009-04-19T08:00:00.003-05:00

GQ Magazine

A worthy supplement for those who read the magazine. As the description airs, a behind-the-scenes look at written subjects explored in the print copy. The hosts can err on the side goofy but do occasionally toss out some fashion or pop culture gold. While certainly no fashionisto (masculine fashionista?), I can vouch that the men provide [relatively] low priced ways for the every-man to become a sartorialist. Key phrase: every-man. They are well aware of the astronomically priced items featured within the pages of GQ. Therefore, it is acknowledged, oftentimes with solutions to achieve the same look on a non NBA salary.

In the last few episodes, the editors having covered 50 years of LA rock, include interviews with Tom Waits and Anvil, an LA based heavy metal band (featuring guitar riffs that will melt your face). Baseball fans, you absolutely MUST listen to "Episode 118: Two Months in Hell with Lenny Dykstra." Kevin Coughlin elaborates on his story in the April issue of GQ... craziness ensues.

If you are looking for a light, sometimes educational podcast that is akin to discussions you might have with your best friends, then this is it. Enjoy.

A weekly infusion of men’s style and culture, the GQ Podcast gives you the story behind the story. Listen in on conversations between editors and writers about the best in movies, fashion, music, and other areas of pop culture. iTunes

:: Programming Note ::

Originally, the You ARE What You LISTEN To series was set to cover ten(10) individual podcasts. However, due to low reader commentary and the realization that there are only seven(7) core podcasts in my repertoire, this post will close the series. Be on the look out for a new series to begin in the weeks ahead.

Can't Keep a Good Man Down

2009-04-12T12:00:00.015-05:00

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them,

"Why do you look for the living among the dead?

He is not here; he has risen!"

Luke 24:1-6

H A P P Y E A S T E R

The Steeles

Week 6 :: You ARE What You LISTEN To

2009-03-25T11:00:00.009-05:00

The Age Grouper

I stumbled across this podcast as my interest in fitness and running took off... literally. Despite the fact that I am a whole 7 months away from 30, these guys are just like me. Successfully trying to manage work, family obligations and living an all-around healthy lifestyle, including the occasional trial by race. Jeff is a bit more typical for our age, by that, I mean not as fast and not quite as neurotic about keeping a strict training manual. If Jeff is Oscar Madison, then Eric is the Felix Unger. Eric has chronicled every workout for over 5 years and by [almost] any amateur's measuring stick, is blazing fast. Over time, the two hosts have expanded the course of the show, from following the trials and tribulations of their [own] athletic endeavors to interviewing Olympic athletes and featuring gear reviews. I've found myself in the past listening to professional athletes discuss what works best for them, with myself thinking "that's easy when your only responsibility is to train." Jeff and Eric are just like you and me, continuing to dish out tips focused on improving one's physical and mental performance.

This is The Age Grouper Triathlon and Multisport Podcast. Join Jeff and Eric, two regular 30-34 year old triathletes from the heart of the Midwest, in the kind of conversation that only age-groupers can appreciate. We explore the everyday issues that we face as swimmers, cyclists and runners. If you are part of any age group, you have found the right podcast. iTunes

Rubber Ducky :: You're the One

2009-03-14T12:00:00.047-05:00

Bubbles, Bible stories and [the original] Rubber Duck; the only three necessities to innovative bath time merriment. "Attention, Toys R Us shoppers!" I've made a favorable discovery on that dynamic parental front. There is no need to purchase a tub load of bath toys for the first three years of your child's life, especially if you cherish kid-free evenings together as a couple (i.e. The more toys, the longer bath time will typically last.) More importantly, the fewer toys there are to entertain him/her, the more 'imaginative play' is encouraged, in return, cultivating self-expression and language development. Imagine that!?!? With that being said, I've outlined Kinsey's interpretation of story time at school in three, very particular steps via my intuitive (or is it motherly) observations...

Step 1 Announce to your bath time friends "Story time, please! Story time!" repeatedly while lining up Rubber Ducky and his cohorts along the edge of the bath tub. Note: Make sure each one is facing you, the story teller.

Step 2 Pretend that the [green] Eskimo Joe's cup (used to wash her hair and hold the bath toys) is actually a story book. Then, begin each story with "God... (insert incomprehensible toddler vocabulary here)."

Step 3 Follow up each story by glancing up from your "book" to single-out each animal and whisper "Shh, quiet please." It is now, and only now, that you may continue with your next Bible story "God..."

Week 5 :: You ARE What You LISTEN To

2009-03-10T08:00:00.026-05:00

Real Time with Bill Maher

One needs an open mind when listening to Mr. Bill Maher. As humorous as he is controversial, Maher covers the day's hottest political topics; featuring guests from all over the spectrum. Do not allow yourself to be too jaded by his previous political commentary; with the last eight(8) years yielding effortless child's play through reason and logic, because Bill is an equal opportunity mocker. The new season began two weeks ago accompanied with a renewed sense of passion in his voice. Of course, [like us] he strongly supports President Obama, and unlike Mr. Limbaugh, Maher prefers to see the President and our country prosper... I'm dumb-founded by the idea of anyone benefiting from the leader of the free world failing??? However, Maher has been quick to criticize a few of the administration's earlier decisions, referring to Obama as another Clintonesque, big business Democrat. Bill is the liberal's liberal, and unlike many (though not all) of his counterparts, he enjoys magnifying the issues through a lens of logic and fact opposed to anger and fear.

In a few weeks, Maher will be making several stops in which he will debate my favorite poltergeist, Ann Coulter. Whether this will make it into the podcast or not, I do not know, but I highly advise finding a way to tune in. Between Ann Coulter's 140 decibel concern regarding the coming apocalypse, brought on by that "awful man" (FWD to 2:33 in the clip) and Bill's slightly stoned, yet rational fact based retorts, it should be great...

2009 promises to be a year of change, hope, renewal and at long last, a new president. Bill Maher and his peerless panelists are back to take on the contender, and pretenders, all year long. iTunes

The Bar Exam

2009-03-04T14:00:00.089-06:00

Before my phone's 5:30 am "harp" could wake me for my 6:15 gym class Tuesday morning, I had more on my mind than when I'm multitasking during dinner prep at 5:30 in the evening. Hypothetical Question: How much more pleasant would the world be if an 'Angel of the Lord' was sent to us each morning, perched on the moon, strumming a heavenly harp or sounding a trumpet to awaken us all from our slumber? Imagine the Dreamworks logo with a cherub-like image in place of the child fishing... Awwwe!

Ok, ok, back to my original topic. The previous day, the Moms' Group bible study I attend discussed cultural distractions in regards to raising Christlike children. The subject of materialism and societal pressures came up, so I voiced my on-going, internal debate regarding which educational format to pursue for our family. Keep in mind, Kinsey is only two and a half, however, our society places extreme importance on educational requirements (i.e. standardized tests) and has successfully managed to create an educational-arms race out of it. In conjunction, the current economic "crisis" has only added to the universal stress of the 'survival of the fittest' ideology, as well as to the expense (either monetary or abstract) of such advantages.

Apparently, in my dream, we had decided to thoroughly investigate the private school option. So, there we are... Brad, myself, and Kinsey all three dressed in uniform (looking sooo cute in plaid, pleated skirts with Brad in a sweater vest and tie, much like an Lawrence Welk Show trio), attending a "try-out" class for prospective students (or was it for the parents). REALLY!?!? I mean, I LOVE the idea of uniformity, but this is absurd, Angela. I distinctly recall driving from school to school, weighing the differences in cost, class structure and discipline, not to mention the orderliness of the uniforms. If this doesn't represent my [visual] emphasis on details, then I don't know what does... probably alluding to societal perceptions as well, but who isn't guilty of this??? Everyone demonstrates it differently through transportation, homes, ownership of land or objects, physical appearance, activities, etc. So, if I would prefer for my children to receive a Christian-based education, then why am I fearful about succumbing to materialistic pressures???

The question of societal pressures can be applied to other [pro-active] commitments as well: an organic diet or "going green." Due to the associated stigmas, it all costs more. I understand the concept of supply and demand (blah, blah, blah), but if we are knowingly consuming or doing things that produce negative results to our health or environment, then shouldn't the "punishment" (i.e. additional cost) be on those instead? Or, the "reward" (i.e. tax cut) given to the manufacturers, who comply with more humane standards, and passed down to the distributors, who should then be required to pass the savings onto their loyal customers. For example, I visited a personal 'hell on Earth' (aka Walmart) the other day to purchase a few items, one being inkjet paper. I compared two options manufactured by the same company, created for the same purpose and identical in size, weight, brightness, and amount. The only difference being that the higher priced one contained '30% Post-Consumer Fibers' the marketing term for trash people!!! But, I digress...

The dream had such an impact on my psyche; not only did I begin to experience anxiety concerning Kinsey and preschool enrollment, but in addition to dropping her off at Mothers' Day Out, I requested a packet from the program's receptionist. Got to get geared up for that race, right?!?! At the end of the day, I need to remind myself that [ultimately] the end result is out of my control...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

And... there is also a child's "free will" to consider. Our lil' reader, who enjoys selecting books throughout the house, pretending to sit and read them aloud, may have plans of her own someday. A few weeks ago, I found her getting a jump-start on studying for the "Bar Exam..."

Week 4 :: You ARE What You LISTEN To

2009-03-03T08:00:00.014-06:00

This American Life

Stories of ordinary and extraordinary people and circumstances. For some time, this has been one of the most widely subscribed podcasts in the country, and for good reason. As your guide, Ira Glass does a remarkable job integrating multiple stories into a single themed show. Much like The Moth, This American Life gives you a little taste of everything, laughter, tears (I will admit to a few while listening during my long runs), and more often than not, amazing illustrations of "The Butterfly Effect."

Official FREE, weekly podcast of the award-winning radio show “This American Life.” First-person stories and short fiction pieces that are touching, funny, and surprising. Hosted by Ira Glass, from WBEZ Chicago Public Radio. In mp3 and updated Mondays. iTunes

Rewindsight 20/20

2009-02-27T14:30:00.017-06:00

Before viewing...

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and pause (||) the playlist music. Enjoy!

The simple formating of this message creates a great [visual] analogy for me that I'm more than pleased to illustrate for you... In the midst of trying times or difficult circumstances, as human-beings we are typically unable to envision God's ultimate plan, and the reasoning behind any trials and tribulations we might experience. Right??? Therefore, it is not until long after such occurrences, when an individual is reflecting on life's rewards, that one is truly able to "see" the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.

The video is implying another message, however, the sheer structuring of it reminded me of a few other instances where this "reverse idea" can be applied. This is just another example of why I LOVE that crazy little thing called art combined with type (a.k.a. Typography) and its continual play on words!

Week 3 :: You ARE What You LISTEN To

2009-02-24T08:00:00.008-06:00

The Moth

Though occasionally touching, more often than not, “The Moth” has me laughing aloud. Stories are told by a cross section of society, and the deliveries are always fantastic. A frequent performer on Comedy Central, Mike Birbiglia tells of his worst stand-up performance...ever. On the other end of the spectrum, a retired New York City firefighter reflects on the memories [of work] that haunt him and strain his family life. In a recent episode, an apartment tenant tells of a "crazy" super who turns out to not be so crazy. If you aren't laughing, then your jaw will be on the floor. Visit the The Moth and it will turn into one of the brightest 15 minutes of your week.

The Moth features people telling true, engaging, funny, touching and eye-opening stories from their lives. Hailed as “New York’s hottest and hippest literary ticket” by the Wall Street Journal, The Moth has been producing sold-out storytelling shows for over ten years. Stories are told without notes to a live audience by a wide range of people. The best have been captured here. iTunes

Goldie Locks :: An Ode to Daddy's Curls

2009-02-18T12:00:00.014-06:00

There is a little girl

who has a LOT of curl,

berry blonde and dainty.

Unruly it can be...

without a little creme,

borrowed from her Daddy.

Week 2 :: You ARE what You LISTEN To

2009-02-17T12:00:00.023-06:00

Stuff You Missed in History Class

If “Hardcore History” is the 10,000 calorie last supper, this show is a mere appetizer with tidbits to whet your interest. The individual stories provide just enough material to comment on anything from the African diamond trade or Thomas Jefferson's revisions (he was a deist) to the Bible. How did Rasputin really die? Take 13 minutes and listen to the 9/13/08 Stuff You Missed in History Class. The show will pique your interest and force you to run to the library... or at least spend a few minutes on the Google.

From the Christmas Truce to the Boston Tea Party, history is filled with amazing stories. Tune in and learn more Stuff You Missed in History Class in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com iTunes

Again, if any of these sound interesting, do yourself a huge favor and subscribe to the podcast.

A Breed of Your Own

2009-02-16T12:00:00.046-06:00

In case anyone is experiencing a "case of the Mondays" and unable to accept the idea that everything has gone to the dogs, therefore, longing to curl up under a blanket [in the fetal position] and nap away the remainder of the day, I've uploaded an old favorite personality test of mine to alleviate the transition and allow one to join in on the Monday mayhem, doggy-style.

Now... once you have removed your mind from the gutter (People, please!), press the green play[>] button on the monitor below to view the pedigree determined for moi by the (C)anine (A)logorithmic (T)ransfer (S)ystem. Then, click on the gone2thedogs link, select GAME on the left-hand side, and answer the C.A.T.S. questions to determine the breed most compatible with your own personality. Afterwards, be a "(wo)mans' best friend" and inform us all of your inner canine in the comments section of this post, so we can see the diversity among our pack of friends. Thanks... oops, I mean Woof!

You ARE what You LISTEN To

2009-02-10T11:38:00.043-06:00

Like many Americans, I [too] am hopelessly in love with my iPod. We go everywhere together, though she does most of the talking. Our relationship started simply enough: iTunes, the occasional mixed CD, utilizing the timer function for workouts. However, I knew she was "the one" upon discovering podcasts. Business, fitness and storytelling, each category has found a regular spot on my playlist. Though my [listening] tastes could easily be described as eclectic, one can begin to understand my personal interests just by tuning in to these particular programs.

Each week, I will highlight the top ten(10) shows I enjoy while giving a brief description as to why they have earned a much coveted spot on the iPod, including a brief write-up provided by iTunes as well. If a show sounds interesting, then feel free to support it by subscribing to it and utilizing this FREE form of [educational] entertainment.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

Nothing I could say would do this show justice. Dan Carlin makes one hunger to learn more about the Assyrian empire, consider the Great Man Theory, and actually entertained me to listen to a 4-hour analysis of the Punic Wars. Want to learn why Hannibal and his Carthaginians were warfare innovators? How did Scipio Africanus ultimately counter Hannibal’s elephants and battlefield greatness? Carlin works through incredible “what ifs” and explores what might have happened if the smallest things had been different. His theme “Imagine if…”

In “Hardcore History,” the very unconventional Dan Carlin takes “Martian,” outside-the-box thinking and applies it to the past. Was Alexander the Great as bad a person as Adolf Hitler? What would Apaches with modern weapons be like? Will our modern civilization ever fall like civilizations from past eras? This difficult-to-classify show has a rather sharp edge. It is not for everyone. iTunes

Stitches Needed

2009-01-22T08:00:00.008-06:00

As unfathomable as it may be... January, the month notorious for kicking-off new year's resolutions, is already coming to a close. Maybe, just maybe, if we cross our fingers, close our eyes REALLY tight, and hold our breath while wiggling our toes, then we can push it back another week?!?! Hmm... didn't work here, my iCal still says JAN 22. Bummer. So, before we patch it up, creating another page in our memory albums with its scraps, I'd like to initiate a commentary thread on a related subject to those willing; either short and sweet or feel free to ramble on as long as it takes. I've presented a question(s) to get everyone meditating:

What is the number one excuse hindering you from fulfilling your innermost [personal] goal for your life? And, for those of you that have already begun a plan of action in order to achieve it, what is your chief strategy in combating it?

Vision o' Nine

2009-01-21T08:00:00.060-06:00

I'm going to be honest with myself [and our faithful readers]. This is not to say that I am typically an untrustworthy person, instead, consider it a moment of candid introspection. Here it goes... two thousand and eight was not a personal best for me. Remember I said not a personal best, therefore not implying any tragic occurrences. Keep in mind that only minor soul-searching has been invoked while pondering this resolution. Also, in spite of my concluded negativity, there are a few positive growths I could reflect upon, but each would be a post within itself. So, instead of boring you with my interpretation and [complete] list of excuses, I will share with you an analogy illustrating my Vision for 2009 thus far...

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ...l Peter 4:10-11

The Candle. This verse testifies to the ordained talent(s) we each possess, whether knowingly or unknowingly. I like to envision the gift as a candle with which to pass the flame of servitude (or speech) between one another, as well as a light to reveal His grace. And, as you may have already guessed, I believe my [primary] spiritual gift to be: serving through creativity.

The Matchstick. As the verse clarifies, the grace of God can be manifested in more than one fashion. So, where to begin? Upon entering college, I was clueless regarding my desired area of study. In spite of being an overly analytical person, majority of the options were too objective for my [also] intuitive mind-set. And, as most right-brained individuals will agree, turning off the creative search engine to emotional connections in life is not an easy task. I began to feel passionless... Introduce Communication Art (i.e. Graphic Design), the chosen ammunition with which to fuel my creative fire.

The Stone. Despite considering myself a work in-progress, there are still a few responsibilities and aspirations that frustrate me as to why I haven't mastered them, or at least taken the steps to fulfill them as of now... 28 years into my God-given breath. The end result: anxiety > disappointment > depression. In previous years, I placed the blame on more imperative commitments, such as a disheartening [professional] career. Although I cannot attest to being forced into any painstaking positions, it was not how I imagined expending the majority of my time, creativity, and tuition. Much less, the uninspiring compensation; personally or monetarily. Typical "restless artist," right? Needless to say, I was overcome with joy when the opportunity to become a stay-at-home parent presented itself. After all, it was as if...

The moon was in the Seventh House,

and Jupiter had aligned with Mars...

[chorus]

This is the dawning of the

age of Aquarius,

age of Aquarius.

Aquarius!

In other words, harmony people. Harmony!!! When, in reality, the Lord had knowingly graced us with an unspoken prayer in fear of sounding ungrateful for the blessings He had previously bestowed upon us.

The Spark. As I sit here imaging the possibilities, I currently hold the pieces with which to serve: the candle in my left, the matchstick in my right, and the stone in reach. So... what's keeping me from igniting the spark?!?!

Two primary thoughts:

(1) Fear of Commitment. In college, it was professors who assigned our projects, requiring attainable, yet realistic timelines, a necessity for those of us who need structure in order to complete the creative-process and achieve the desired result, perfection. Also, the pressure of my [design] peers created healthy competition with only myself to disappoint. However, upon my introduction into the [utterly procrastinating] professional world, I toiled under the direction of an employer with unrealistic expectations, requiring me to sell-out on my true abilities only to disappoint myself [and possibly him/her] while breeding resentment in the end.

(2) Perfectionism. A Love/Hate Relationship really... It's the coach, who reminds you that it's all in the details, encouraging you to keep going by taking an idea to the next level, and the next, and the next... As well as, the parent holding you back with high expectations, resulting in a mind-set stressing continual room for improvement and, therefore, never "good enough." Despite well versed intentions, an individual is paralyzed by a fear of failure, among other faulty ways of thinking.

And now... the choice to strike! Before the end of the month, I will fashion a post outlining the specific mission accompanied by follow-ups incorporating attainable steps to be completed over the course of the next eleven(11) months. As my faithful readers, friends, and/or supporters you will have power to hold me accountable. In the mean time, I would love to hear any comments or advisements you may have regarding visions for the current year.

:: Vision Two Thousand and Nine ::

This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine.

Let it shine, let it shine, in o'Nine.

Barack n' Roll

2009-01-20T11:30:00.002-06:00

A Blessing for President Obama

2009-01-20T07:00:00.004-06:00

by Reverend V. Gene Robinson, Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire

O God, we give you thanks for your child Barack as he assumes the office of President of the United States.

Give him wisdom beyond his years, and inspire him with Lincoln’s reconciling leadership, FDR’s courageous boldness and vision, and JFK’s ability to enlist the best efforts of our people.

Give him a quiet heart, for our ship of state needs a steady, calm captain for these times, not a fierce warrior who knee-jerk reacts to every real or perceived threat.

Give him stirring words, for we will need to be inspired to make the sacrifices necessary to face the challenges ahead.

Make him color-blind, remembering his own words that under his leadership, there will be neither red nor blue states but the United States.

Help him remember his own oppression as a minority, drawing on his experience of discrimination, that he might seek to change the lives of those who are still its victims.

Give him the strength to find family time and privacy, and help him remember even though he’s President, a father gets only one shot at his daughters' childhoods.

And please, God, keep him safe. We know we ask too much of our presidents, and we’re asking way too much of this one. We know the risk he and his wife are taking for all of us, and we implore you to hold him in the palm of your hand-that he might do the work we have called him to do, that he might find joy in this impossible calling, and that he might lead us to a place of integrity, prosperity, and peace.

AMEN

Great Expectations

2009-01-19T07:45:00.025-06:00

There can be no doubt that Tuesday’s inauguration, with an expected attendance of 3 million viewers (ten times more than the previous one), of President-Elect Barack Obama is a landmark moment for the United States. His inaugural address is perhaps one of the most highly anticipated political speeches in modern American history. So, be sure to tune in tomorrow America. According to history, the most awe-inspiring inaugural speeches have been known to materialize during times of economic distress, and it's believed Barack will deliver just that. The sweeping election marks a significant step for race relations, removing what was an opaque glass ceiling. “The [white, privileged] President doesn’t know what I have been through” is no longer a reason for political apathy. President Obama will be the new model for all Americans as well as living proof that it does not matter how much money you have, what color your parents are, whether you have one parent at home or two, or where you grew up. A better life or change is possible, there are no limits to what is achievable.

"To all of us as adults, he will be the first black president, but for his kids and kids like mine from all different races and backgrounds, he will just be the President. They will not know a country that has never elected a black president, and so you won't grow up wondering whether or not this country is going to accept everyone at every position; you'll already know it."

Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor Washington, D.C.

I am not blind to the lofty expectations to which we have burdened Obama. He is expected to solve a war on two fronts, fix alienating foreign policy, a flailing economy, and a government that has spat on freedom for the sake of a bit of perceived security.

“He who trades liberty for security deserves neither and will lose both.”

President Thomas Jefferson

Heck, why not throw in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for good measure; ignoring the historical fact that it has been going on for years, let's go ahead and put that on his back as well. Despite the unrealistic prospect of completely solving such issues, Barack Obama is a smart, calculating and measured person who will [at least] provide forward momentum towards a solution. Again, he will not be able to do it overnight or even in the first term, policy has always proven to be two steps forward and one back. However, any advancement, as slight as it might be, is progress at this point. Additionally, Obama (among others) has been very clear that a change of this magnitude will take commitment from the entire country in order to turn things around.

"Ask NOT what your country can do for you,

ask what YOU can do for your country."

President John F. Kennedy

Those who lived in World War I and II remember sacrificing for their country, and you can expect come Tuesday that we will be asked to do the same. The change this country needs and deserves will require more than just putting a magnetic ribbon on your car.

That being said, we expect a certain amount of failure. It is impossible to deliver everything promised during a campaign. Obama is a pragmatist, who will certainly not be able to fully satisfy his far left supporters but may pleasantly surprise those on the far right (though FOX will never admit it). While skimming through his campaign promises, I've compiled a list (far from all-inclusive) of bare minimum expectations over the next four years:

Require new hires to deny cronyism

"Obama will issue an executive order asking all new hires at the agencies to sign a form affirming that no political appointee offered them the job solely on the basis of political affiliation or contribution."—Obama's Blueprint for Change

Try to toughen rules on animal feeding operations

"Barack Obama will work for tougher regulations on concentrated animal feeding operations to prevent air and water pollution."—Obama's Blueprint for Change

Implement payment limitation to help family farmers

"Obama will implement a $250,000 [farm comm] payment limitation so that we help family farmers, not large corporate agribusiness. Obama will close the loopholes that allow mega farms to get around the limits by subdividing their operations into multiple paper corporations."—Obama's Blueprint for Change

Clean up the Justice Department

"I will rid the department of ideologues and political cronies…the Civil Rights Division will actually be staffed with civil rights lawyers who prosecute civil rights violations, and employment discrimination, and hate crimes."—09/28/07, Washington D.C.

Advocate equal treatment of same sex couples

"As your president, I will use the bully pulpit to urge states to treat same-sex couples with full equality in their family and adoption laws."—02/28/08, Obama letter to LGBT Americans

Work to overturn Supreme Court's ruling in Ledbetter v. Goodyear

"Obama will work to overturn the Supreme Court's recent ruling that curtails racial minorities' and women's ability to challenge pay discrimination."—Obama's Blueprint for Change

Forgive school loans of public defenders

"We'll recruit more public defenders to the profession by forgiving college and law school loans."—9/28/07, Washington D.C.

End disparity in crack versus powdered cocaine sentencing

"That will end when I am president."—9/28/07, Washington D.C.

Combat methamphetamine use

"As president, he will continue the fight to rid our communities of meth and offer support to help addicts heal."—Obama's Blueprint for Change

Safeguard all nuclear material within four years

"I will lead a global effort to secure all nuclear weapons and material at vulnerable sites within four years."—4/23/07, Chicago

Ban torture

"When I am president, America will reject torture, without exception."—8/1/07, Washington D.C.

Combat terrorism

"Obama will fight terrorism and protect America with a comprehensive strategy that finishes the fight in Afghanistan, cracks down on the al Qaeda safe haven in Pakistan, develops new capabilities and international partnerships, engages the world to dry up support for extremism and reaffirms American values."—Obama's Blueprint for Change

Provide tuition assistance to students who perform community service

"And we will keep our promise to every young American -- if you commit to serving your community or your country, we will make sure you can afford a college education."—8/28/08, Denver

Reduce oil consumption

"Obama will reduce oil consumption overall by at least 35 percent, or 10 million barrels of oil, by 2030."—Obama's Blueprint for Change

Withdraw U.S. combat troops from Iraq

"I will begin to remove our troops from Iraq immediately. I will remove one or two brigades a month and get all of our combat troops out of Iraq within 16 months. The only troops I will keep in Iraq will perform the limited missions of protecting our diplomats and carrying out targeted strikes on al-Qaida."—10/02/07, Chicago

Expand U.S. forces in Afghanistan

"As president, I would deploy at least two additional brigades to Afghanistan to reinforce our counterterrorism operations and support NATO's efforts against the Taliban."—8/1/07, Washington

The Princess and the [Chick] Pea

2009-01-17T20:00:00.018-06:00

Once Upon a Dinner Time,

there snoozed a lovely maiden,

whom taken to her napping

only every other day.

On rebellious afternoons,

she would bounce away the time

and later tuckered out for her entree.

Moral of the Story

A Princess can sleep with a [chick] pea,

as long as it's above the tushy ;)

Here's to BFF

2009-01-16T07:15:00.006-06:00

Before viewing...

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and pause [||] the playlist music. Enjoy!

Top Ten Dates for 2008

2009-01-09T16:42:00.037-06:00

Jan: Joining our incredible Life Group and cultivating friendships we pray endure a lifetime of memories, as well as weekly rounds of accountability.

Feb: Attending MOM's Group, a weekly dose of mom-to-mom faith-based fellowship... I [HEART] faux backgrounds and stale lemonade!

Mar: "Defying Gravity" during spring break in New York City while sitting FRONT (row 12) and CENTER watching Wicked for a true Big Apple experience.

Jun: The Steele Dossier, our family's connection to the blog-o-sphere, as well as an online journal awakening the creative being hibernating beneath layers of disorganization and self-doubt. Umm... yea, that would be me.

Jul: Celebrating our 4-Year Wedding Anniversary sipping pina-coladas on a picturesque beach in Cancun, Mexico.

Jul: Reminiscing about "the good ol' days" at our 10-Year High School Reunion.

Sept-Dec: Cheering on the Cowboys to a 9 and 4 football season. Go Pokes!!!

Oct: Mr. Steele's acceptance into LOYAL, OKC's Young Adult Leadership program.

Nov: Electing Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States and getting goose-bumps while viewing the coverage of his acceptance speech.

And... Vision 2009 (or is it my recent LASIK?), to be discussed in a future post!

Stay tuned...

2008 Year-in-Review

2008-12-31T19:00:00.006-06:00

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T19:00:00.013-06:00

10 Lords a-Singing

2008-12-10T17:23:00.051-06:00

Hello, my name is Angela... (you say "Hello Angela") and I'm a Typoholic. It's no secret, the Designer in me LOVES anything involving typography: phrases, quotes, verses, titles, words, names, fonts, letters... you get the idea. And, as you may have noticed, I enjoy those subtle, creative twists applied to a previously conceived notion, especially when it involves a play on words. If you're a cynic thinking "Whatever, Plagiarist" then here's a different perspective. It's not copying. It's RECYCLING. However, this way there's no need to sort everything in a blue, plastic bin. Who knew, I'm a true recyclist at heart!!! It's a successful way to immediately connect with one's audience or catch the eye of a consumer. Think about it... not only does a person recognize the original idea and appreciate the cleverness behind it's evolution, but he/she also subconsciously relates to the product or conception because of the familiarity associated with it. How GENIUS is that!?!? But, I digress... so, let's start over.

Hello, my name is Angela... ("Hello Angela") and from Thanksgiving to Christmas [and sometimes 'til New Year's Eve] I listen to ONLY holiday music. Now, for those of you that groaned (and yes, eye-rolling counts) upon reading this, please feel free to join my husband in Scroogeville, where everything is COLD, DORMANT and STALE without firesides, hot cocoa, and twinkling lights. Or, be forced to drink the "eggnog" and remain rosy-cheeked and cheery for the remainder of the season ;) I mean REALLY, who doesn't like twinkling lights?!?! Even saying it "t W I N K l i n g l i g h t s" should force a smile upon one's face. If there was a safe, animal-test free approach, then our dog would be adorned in them as well. Ooooh... great pic' idea... "Sutton! Here boy!"

As I mentioned in the previous post, without a unique or tradition-defying moment, one may find it difficult to differentiate one Christmas season from the next. However, my holiday music addiction has aided in this dilemma with each year gifting a new favorite tune. For example, last year's find was by one of my all-time favorite groups, Barenaked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan and their version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" found in the playlist below. If you haven't already stumbled across this year's gem, then this play on verses should bring any ol' Scrooge out of his/her holiday funk. Otherwise, drink the eggnog before viewing... after all, you WILL enjoy it damn it!

Straight No Chaser "12 Days of Christmas"

Before viewing...

Scroll down to the bottom of the blog page and pause [||] the playlist. Enjoy!

Also, I highly recommend that you check out other renditions of songs by SNC.

Visit here "This is How We Do It" and here "Don't Stop Believin'"

A Christmas Story... with a Side of Beans

2008-12-05T15:00:00.019-06:00

My dear husband can and (if lovingly encouraged by our committed readers) may speak for himself. As for Kinsey, Sutton and myself, we [HEART] the Holidays! Unfortunately, as they grow in number, each one blends seamlessly with the next. There are those few, unique years that have successfully managed to stand out. I believe they're referred to as memories. Ha! Such as, my 11th Christmas when my immediate and extended family decided to spend the holiday skiing in New Mexico.

It was the evening of our departure, and the bags were packed (including the one cradling the baked beans) on top of our GMC Astro mini-van, secured tightly to the luggage rack. We were ready to leave, when it dawned on our "wise men" that backing out of the garage might present to be an issue. Hmm... Instead of removing the items, backing out and then re-securing them to the rack, the clever and obviously safe solution was to round up a few of the adults and "bounce" on the back bumper while in reverse. Yes, I know. It sounds like a scene straight out of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and should have been our very own Star of BethleMAYHEM, beckoning us to rethink this crackerjack (oops, I mean) inventive strategy. Surprisingly and to the dismay of our cringing mothers, it worked! So, we're off. With the "shepherds" on navigational duty, cruising down the highway around midnight, and the rest of us trying to get some shuteye while it's still dark on our 10+ hour drive to Angel Fire Resort. It was an hour or so into the trip when we heard a small, random "click" and temporarily pulling over to check it out seemed like the right thing to do. Dad opens the door to take a peek at the luggage rack. "Oh crap." He reappears and in a disheartening tone says "It's all gone." "YOU ARE KIDDING ME!!!" gasps my cousin. What, no luggage??? No clean clothes. No presents. The thoughts are running wild through my 10-year-old brain. They decide to turn around to see if we can visually locate our luggage in the dark. Fortunately, my other aunt and uncle were following in a car close behind and had front row seats to this disastrous debacle. Majority of it lay stranded along the side of the road with only a few pieces getting sideswiped in the middle of the highway. With broken luggage ropes, our only option was to squeeze ALL of the luggage into the van with us. Ok, sounds a little uncomfortable, but at least it's not a total loss, right? However, our Christmas story would not be complete without a serving of gold, frank-in-BEANSCENT and myrrh. You guessed it. The baked beans had managed to grace their presence (and aroma) all over the luggage for us to inhale throughout the remainder of the trip. Undoubtedly, none of us will ever be able to fully enjoy baked beans again.

A multitude of other family outings with similar circumstances are remembered as well. However, I'll be saving those to post at a later date(s). One would think that with such havoc encircling my childhood memories, my holiday spirit would permanently be scarred. I also believe experiences like this one fostered that annoying perfectionist in me. But... it's those humorous moments that differentiate one holiday from the next and bring laughter to the point of tears while reminiscing with family. So, I encourage you to not only consider straying somewhat from your traditional holiday fare, but also share to with those of us on the blog-o-sphere those occasions that so lovingly made you (or your family) who you are today ;)

Liquid Sunshine

2008-11-10T20:01:00.022-06:00

In spite of my preference for a warm, sun-drenched morning, there is something to be said about a dreary, downpour-filled afternoon. No doubt, an invitation to curl up on the couch in a comfy pair of yoga pants, a worn t.shirt belonging to one's hubby, and that unsightly fleece blanket no one outside the family is allowed to see. Prompting a [leisurely] mid-day indulgence filled with hot cocoa and your favorite DVD lineup. I tend to prefer those warm fuzzy kind of flicks, including You've Got Mail, Chocolat, or Sweet Home Alabama. However, I can assure you that my significant other would unwaveringly select a Harry Potter marathon. Which, before anyone criticizes because of what they've "heard," READ THE BOOKS, and you will THEN be allowed to pass judgement. (Ok, off the soapbox) So, which movies or traditions are your rainy day "savors"???

"... and in the mornin'

2008-11-04T21:59:00.018-06:00

I'M MAKIN' WAFFLES!"

Why I Am Voting for "That One"

2008-11-04T07:43:00.010-06:00

At one point, I was a default Republican. Growing up in Oklahoma during the 1990's, it was a place relatively devoid of ethnic or political diversity. Elections consisted of a choice between a Republican and the "godless liberal." There were two kinds of political conversations, pro-Republican or anti-Democrat.

Through various organizations, I had the opportunity to come in contact with those less fortunate than myself: the downtrodden, mentally ill, elderly and the forgotten members of our society. People, who without help, faced a lonely, wretched existence. There were the single mothers who worked multiple jobs trying to make ends meet and could not come close. There were kids supporting their siblings, missing school to work full-time jobs because Mom and/or Dad were too strung out to buy groceries. Disabled veterans, scarred by the destruction and death they had seen, incapable of making it through the day and tossed aside by the country they served. Elderly Americans living in homes with no family, who would cry when we arrived and were almost hysterical when we had to leave. The radio talking heads told me that these individuals were lazy, did not want to work and born with the exact same opportunities as every other American. Overweight, caucasian, blue-blooded politicians told me that they just needed to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, noting that if they could do it (with their family money and Ivy League educations) anyone could. Something did not compute. I knew some people chose to abuse the system, but to eliminate hand-ups and assistance to those in need because of the sins of others was just not American.

I was transformed. I am no longer a cynic. I believe in the inherent goodness of people. I believe within most, there is a longing for something better and a desire to achieve. As Americans, we root for the underdog and can never forget that this country was once an underdog. I believe that no American should have to choose between life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And Barack Obama subscribes to this worldview. He believes in rewarding success and talent while remaining human enough to remember the back on which corporate empires are built. I believe in the American success story that is Obama. The product of a 19-year-old mother, whose husband left when Barack was only two. A mixed race boy born into a less than perfect situation. They did not have much money but provided love, education and hope. Obama attended Harvard Law School and was elected the first black president of the Harvard Law Review before returning to Chicago to practice civil rights law and teach the Constitution at the University of Chicago. Now, this man of humble beginnings is favored to be the first black President of the United States of America. Obama knows about life for the average American, and he can relate to the struggles and hardships of the middle class.

McCain Gets Mavericky on Socialism

2008-11-02T22:37:00.034-06:00

In a last ditch effort; the McCain campaign and the neoconservative machine have taken to calling Barack Obama a SOCIALIST (all caps because you should be startled by this term, I tell you). It hits your brain like a runaway Straight Talk Express, bringing to mind the Bolsheviks and for those like us in the under 30 set, Hugo Chavez. The problems with this line of attack are many. Let's look at socialism, the facts surrounding the uproar, and find out what John McCain really thinks about Obama's tax plan.

This past weekend, I discussed the upcoming election with a fervent McCain supporter. When asked why he supported McCain, his response was "electing a socialist president would destroy this country." Probing further, I asked how would he define socialist. He replied "you have a dictionary, you are voting for the guy, look up socialism and take a look at his policies, then YOU tell me why he is a socialist." This person was asking me to explain to him why he would make such a preposterous argument, but I digress. The conversation illustrates the first problem: most people do not have a basic understanding of socialism.

so.cial.ism [soh-shuh-liz-uhm] n. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.

The definition is so vague and does not sound like the Obama policies I know. Let's hear the truth straight from the socialist horse. Is this what Obama believes in?

F.N. Brill, National Secretary of the World Socialist Party (US): "Obama is as much a socialist as the Pope is an atheist. Income redistribution isn't a socialist act. It might aid in ameliorating income disparities within a capitalist economy for a limited time. But the logic of capitalism demands the rich grow richer (more capitalization is needed) and the poor grow poorer (their work creates the needed capital used by the rich)."

Rea Hederman, assistant director at the Heritage Foundation, "whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies," said the following in regard to Obama's tax policy.

"I wouldn't call the plan socialist. I have concerns anytime that the tax code is made more complex or used as a tool for social policy. Ideally, the tax code should be made as efficient as possible to maximize economic growth and minimize the distortions that arise from taxation."

Rea, you crazy liberal...who just happens to work for a conservative think tank.

An actual socialist does not think the Obama tax plan (that you can evaluate here) is socialist. The Heritage Foundation does not think it is socialist. What about Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world, a man who would presumably have the most to lose should taxes increase on high earners. What say you, Warren?

May 5, 2008 Interview with Buffett on CNBC:

The interviewer, Becky Quick, asked Buffett to pretend for a moment that she was John McCain. She then asked, "Is there anything I can do, any economic issue I can get behind, that would actually make you think twice about potentially supporting me?"

Buffett: "I would say that if you felt the tax burden should be shifted in a significant way to the super-rich and away from the middle class, I would say that would make me re-evaluate you."

Quick/"McCain": "So I could eventually gain your support come November?"

Buffett: "Well, in the end, I vote on issues NOW. I think it's pretty clear in many major areas what all three candidates would do."

Then he said, chuckling, that it was "unlikely" he would back McCain "unless he has a serious change, a lobotomy or something like that."

Okay, okay. I get it. Nobody likes to pay higher taxes. Under the Obama plan, families earning more than $250,000 will pay the same amount as during the Clinton era, and we all remember how horrific the economy was back then! The chart below tracks the level of the highest tax bracket since 1913.

From a historical perspective, high-income earners under the age of 40 have never paid high taxes. If your parents were making big bucks during the Carter administration, they paid 70% in taxes of all money made above the high earner cutoff. That was the LOWEST rate since 1931! If you want to know how your taxes will change, then visit the Obama-Biden Tax Calculator and enter your information.

I will wrap this up with Mr McCain's own words, though I could go on for days. Obama's tax cuts for those making less than $250,000, and an increase to Clinton levels for those making more. What he has argued for is a laddered tax rate, the same tax structure that the US has had since the beginning of time. It is not socialism, but you can make up your own mind. So what about John McCain? We know that this mavericky maverick thinks that raising taxes on the rich and cutting taxes for the middle class is a recipe for disaster. Go ahead John, tell that socialist Obama where to put his tax plan!

Whaaaat? Say it ain't so John, you sound just like Barack Obama. Surely, someone so mavericky would have the political spine to stand behind your true beliefs. We will give you one more shot John, tell me something true.

Where did the John McCain of 2000 go? America was a better place when you stood up for what you believed and were an independent voice far away from the Republican machine. Your legacy was going to be one of a war hero, far above Washington politics, who cared more about the success of this nation than pandering to a political party. Values were thrown to the wind and you were told to win at all cost, even stooping to hire Steve Schmidt as your campaign director, the same man who shamelessly smeared you in 2000. Now, barring a surprising result on Tuesday, you will be relegated to the scrap heap, a relic who sold out his core beliefs, took part in the politics you despised only four years earlier, and utterly irrelevant.

A Monetary Affair

2008-11-02T13:08:00.035-06:00

Twice a year, the fairgrounds are consumed by vendors (from the Midwest) exhibiting their professional or non-professional artistic creations, complete with doilies, doll heads and dream catchers. Actually, I take that back... the former objects have been replaced by tulle, toddler totes, and thread-based monograms. Anything from "look what anyone can order with a tax id number" to truly unique, homemade merchandise.

An Affair of the Heart advertisement features a circa 1985 heart-shaped wreath, straight from your grandmother's kitchen towel, and a department store song with only one verse. Please treat yourself to the real experience here. After close inspection, I'm almost certain the wreath design was created by someone vomiting on their scanner, carving out a heart, adding a bow, and embossing it. Oh, the embossing!!! Now, I realize that I'm being overly critical here, though, I believe I'm in a valid position to pass judgment on such a topic. Ahem... my BFA in Graphic Design. In their defense, the applique sweater look may actually be working for them considering the droves of women and children from all over the state attending, requiring one to park out in Timbuktu.

Despite my distaste for the event's marketing materials, I must admit to LOVING every minute of it. Maybe it's the wanna-be "crafter" in me. Or the "creative being" trapped inside mentioned in a previous post. Either way, I traditionally spend an entire day (literally) in search of those one-of-a-kind treasures with Kinsey in tow. And, no doubt she feels completely honored to be the lucky chick-a-dee to accompany me to such an extraordinary shopping experience. Throughout the day, she is chauffeured in her cushy recliner on wheels, offered a variety of snacks and refreshments, and consistently oohed and awed over by every applique sweater wearing gal within ear shot.

Unfortunately, I do not have the attention span or the patience to thoroughly browse each and every booth. However, if you are one of the select venders who have mastered your craft and packaged it in a way that tickles my creative fancy, then you will undoubtably be added to my hoard of prizes I proudly collect throughout my painfully pricey quest. I shall leave you with a glimpse of a gem out of this year's loot from fall craft festivals. Enjoy!

"In an artist's world, a slab of clay starts out an ugly, soggy, dirty lump. The clay is slung around, pounded on, and crushed; it's then plunged into darkness and heated to an extreme temperature. After cooling once, the clay finds relief, but the suffering is not over. Smothered in glaze, the wounded piece can take no more. Stuffed back into the fire, the bisque piece swelters through an additional trial. Finally, brought back into the light, the clay is no longer an ugly, soggy, dirty, lump... but rather a shiny, clean, and beautiful treasure! There was purpose in the pain. Sometimes we go through painful and difficult times in our lives. We don't quite know where God is leading us. Be confident that He has a plan and purpose for you here on Earth. As the clay endured the painful journey, it was transformed into an extraordinary work of beauty. As you endure, trust God to mold you into the treasure He sees in you."

RTC "Remember the Cross" Pottery :: Houston TX

Choose Hope, Not Fear

2008-10-30T11:06:00.009-05:00

Before viewing...

Scroll to the bottom of the blog page and pause [||] the playlist music. Enjoy!

On the Stroke of Noon...

2008-10-17T20:35:00.035-05:00

A sunrise, combined with the brisk morning air and a hot cup of coffee, always seem to magically fill me with the inspiration and anticipation of beginning something new. Something creative. And, of course, enjoyable. Something to exercise my artistic abilities and share with the world around us... heck, maybe even profitable! After all, the diploma is only a memento [representing the monthly with drawal from our bank account] collecting dust in the closet, there is also my mind to consider! However, do not believe for a second that I relish in the memories of sitting in a cubicle for eight(8) hours a day, making less than a local educator [who receives seasonal breaks] without the personal enjoyment of presenting my own work to the client. (Note: We have several relatives who are teachers, so I am aware of the additional commitments required by the educational system, making it an 8:00 am to 5:00 pm job.) Apparently, I should have chosen a more stable and profitable career with a higher demand, one the public can actually appreciate. Like Funeral Services. No, I'm not kidding... it is an area of study. After all, who doesn't look forward to spending thousands of dollars on a beautifully adorned box only to be buried in the ground, never to be seen [or appreciated] again. Ok, so maybe I do miss the daily social interactions with adult conversations and witty commentary. Although, I can't say that I would trade the first hand musings and barely audible expressions of a 2-year old for work place drama or [last minute] deadlines. Unfortunately, my "motivational spirit" only lasts for a fleeting moment before reality sets in, which can involve any number of things. Uncertainty. Lack of focus. Various excuses. Need I go on? By the time I've showered, dressed and checked my email for the day, the spell has been broken by scattered thoughts of insecurity and reminders of responsibilities I've conveniently put off finishing. By dusk, the incandescent lights are [also] illuminating yet another idea inexcusably not explored. Sigh... and everything is as it was before.

Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.

Proverbs 16:3

Holy Mudd Bath, Batman!!!

2008-10-16T12:42:00.014-05:00

Before viewing...

Scroll to the bottom of the blog page and pause [||] the playlist music. Enjoy!

Take-out for 2

2008-09-26T08:19:00.046-05:00

Fortune of the Day :: Lucky Numbers 9.16.2006

Four seasons have come and gone since the celebration of turning one,

we'll convene in the garden once again with an East meets West inspiration.

Fortune of the Day :: Lucky Numbers 9.19.1979

Double the number to double the fun, fusing two special days into just one.

We'll honor the Empress Kinsey Lorén and her Daddy, the family Shogun.

Fortune of the Day :: Lucky Numbers 9.19.2008

An Asian celebration for a birthday debut

with blessings of good fortune and...

10 Cheers in 10 Years

2008-09-22T00:15:00.019-05:00

She was a petite girl with a sociable personality and a position on the pom squad as her only "claim to fame" among a student body of over 400. He was the tall, dark and handsome type and the lucky chap to receive an invitation to the winter formal with a girl one year his senior. Despite a few dates, however, the friendship never journeyed beyond the point of flirtatious, amiable chat. Therefore, due to her budding interest in another dashing young beau, the approaching affair began to feel more like an obligation instead of an anticipated fete. In the weeks leading up, she took the chance at calling it off and inviting the other handsome stud with whom she had exchanged a few moments of witty banter and found to be not only fetching but refreshingly humorous despite his quiet demeanor. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the latter description is referring to Mr Steele himself. The shy guy who was later elected as a student body officer and a Mr Panther candidate, the highest honor one can receive from the students and faculty of North. After having been introduced by a mutual friend, the two went on to become "high school sweethearts" attending their 10-year reunion this summer. It was a surprisingly enjoyable experience and one that compelled us to reflect back on the past 10 years following our graduation in spring of 1998.

Friends and family, we ask that you raise a glass with us as we gratefully celebrate 10 cheers in 10 years...

- In Spring of 2002, Brad graduated from OSU with a BA in Finance.

- Brad interned with a bank and was later promoted to Energy Trading Analyst.

- In Spring of 2003, Angela graduated from OSU with a BFA in Graphic Design.

- After 8 years of dating, we FINALLY got engaged in Vegas baby!

- Angela began as an in-house Graphic Designer for an international publication.

- Brad became the NE Regional Account Manager for a petroleum-based marketing company.

- "At Last" we got hitched in July of 2004!

- Angela became an in-house Graphic Designer for an Oklahoma-based craft retailer.

- Brad was re-hired on with the previous bank as a VP.

- 38 weeks later, our daughter was born ;)

Here, here!!!