Steak Sandwich Supreme
On the way to our retreat, I noticed one of the original Del Rancho Restaurants. (If you aren't from Oklahoma, this is the home of the original "Steak Sandwich Supreme." A sandwich that features a chicken fried steak so large that is falls off the bun, slathered in mayo, with lettuce and tomato. Ahhh...I didn't say it was healthy...only delicious!) I kept telling everyone I was going to sneak out of the retreat to get myself a "STEAK SANDWICH SUPREME." We then spent a lot of the weekend talking about who had the best chicken fried steak and where you could get it. On the way home, my lovely friend Trudie pulled over at Del Rancho without even being asked and ordered me a Steak Sandwich Supreme Combo complete with a Root Beer. LOL! Was it as good as I remembered? You bet! Every inch of it was delicious. I then got out my cell phone and called the remaining few members of our group still at the retreat center to let them know I was sitting in Trudie's car finishing up the ultimate chicken fried steak sandwich. What is it with this chicken fried steak obsession? Well, I think most people who live in Oklahoma consider chicken fried steak a staple food. Maybe I'm exaggerating by saying most. But a lot of us do love our chicken fried steak and are quite picky about it. My mom makes a really good chicken fried steak and it was always our favorite meal that she fixed for us. (hint hint, Mom!) If you find a fellow chicken fried steak lover, you have a friend for life. One who will willingly meet you anywhere, anytime if you tell them the restaurant has a good chicken fry! (hint hint all you chicken fried steak lovers out there!)

On the Road to Beautiful by Charlie Hall
I was intoduced by this wonderful artist this weekend when we listened to his song On the Road to Beautiful. Below are the words. But to experience it, you must hear it with the music. You can hear part of it on his website. Very moving!

I crumble at Your kiss and grace
I'm a weakling in the dust
Teach me how to cling to You
With all my life and all my love

Father come to me, hold me up 'cause I can barely stand
My strength is gone and my breath is shot, I can't reach out my hands
But my heart is set on a pilgrimage to heaven's own bright King
So in faltering or victory I will always sing

And on the road to beautiful
My seasons always change
But my life is spent on loving You
To know You in Your power and pain

You're my portion in this life
You're my strength now in my fight
And to You I pledge my heart
In the pain and in the dark I'll love You
I'll love You, I'll love You

I'll love You...

The Road to Beautiful
"Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." Song of Solomon 2:10-13
This was the theme of the Women's Retreat I had the wonderful privilege of attending with my church this weekend. In one word...AWESOME! We had women ranging from 16 years old to 75 years old. It was so fun getting to know the other women better and getting to hear their testimonies. Some of them knocked my socks off! We spent a lot of time talking about how we are beautiful in the Lord's eyes and how we need to tend our vineyards. It takes both sunshine and water (tears) to grow a garden. I think my vineyard got a good start this weekend. We also talked about looking for the beautiful parts in the people around us instead of the yucky parts. What a difference it makes to see others through God's eyes and not our own. Try it and see what you see!

This will make you smile! 

Out of the mouth of babes...
6 year old Cole while eating lunch at a restaurant: "Mommy, are you a 'liar'?"
Me: "What??? A liar??"
Cole: "You know like the people you work with. Aren't you all 'liars'?"
Me: "Oh, you mean lawyers? "
Cole: "Yeah...lawyers."
Me: "Well maybe you should just call them attorneys. It means the same thing as lawyer."
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I always find Kathleen Parker's Editorials entertaining, interesting and thought-provoking. I especially liked her piece in today's paper.

A billionaire and his dog

By Kathleen Parker
Tribune Media Services

ARLINGTON, Va. - When it comes to movies, give me an adorable dog, a flawed father, a motherless girl-child with a heart the size of Disney World -- toss in an eccentric dowager librarian and a Magical Negro (to borrow the term popularized by Spike Lee), not to mention Dave Matthews -- and for two hours I'm all yours.

Especially if I'm 7 years old.

So goes the cast of characters in a new movie due for release Friday -- "Because of Winn-Dixie" -- that parents can take their children to without cringing. It's a sweet tale, full of humor 'n' tissue moments, about love, loss, friendship, family and redemption, all tossed with a smattering of gentle didacticism (we are all sinners; judge people by their fruits, not their roots).

There's nothing not to like about the film, which is aimed at second- through fifth-graders, and I welled up on cue at a recent screening. I'm a confessed sucker for flawed human hearts and winning dogs. Did I mention Dave Matthews? Parents will be grateful someone still makes movies like this.

Nevertheless, I come not to praise Winn-Dixie, but to note a certain cultural shift taking place under the discreet directorship of unassuming billionaire Philip Anschutz -- invariably appearing in print as "Christian billionaire Phil Anschutz" -- whose Walden Media co-produced "Winn-Dixie" with Twentieth Century Fox.

In a quick sidebar, have you noticed that Christians, like SUVs, are often identified these days? If an SUV is involved in an accident, the headline often mentions the make of the auto, the subtext being: Wouldn't you know it!? The evil, gas-guzzling, terrorist-supporting SUV murdered an elderly woman as she trudged home from the CVS with her dinner of Friskies cat food, which she purchased in lieu of the medicine she couldn't afford.

Which is Bush's fault.

Same with Christians, as if being Christian implies some nefarious or malevolent agenda. "Christian billionaire Philip Anschutz, disgusted with America's coarsening culture, has decided to infect the world with goodness, optimism, hope, forgiveness and charity."

The above-mentioned cultural shift isn't, of course, a one-man show, as demonstrated by the recent presidential election. Millions of Americans have lost patience with entertainment that degrades audiences. The shift also didn't turn on Janet Jackson's mammary moment, as trend-spotters are fond of saying.

Cultures aren't created or debased in a day, or a halftime show. Jackson was merely a focal point, a place to direct rage long simmering among responsible grown-ups bereft of options as they struggle to protect children against the sweep of raunch.

Anschutz, too, was one such adult, but he had an idea how to change the culture. Buy it.

In addition to Walden Media, Anschutz owns, well, a lot. Dusting the tip of the iceberg, his portfolio includes several sports teams, a phone and broadband service provider (Denver-based Qwest Communications International), several radio stations and newspapers, including two tabloids named The Examiner, in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., the latter of which debuted Feb. 1.

His greatest cultural impact, however, may be through his movies. Walden Media is run by education reformer Michael Flaherty and Cary Granat, former president of Miramax's Dimension Films, who shared a vision, embraced by Anschutz, of reaching kids by marrying education and entertainment.

Thus, Walden's movies are based on successful children's books and presented to educators as "field trips" with activity guides that encourage reading aloud and writing, as well as themes from the books. "Winn-Dixie," based on the popular book by Kate DiCamillo, advances the idea of volunteerism, for example.

Walden's first film was 2003's "Holes," based on Louis Sachar's novel. In December, Walden is releasing "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," based on (Christian writer but former atheist!) C.S. Lewis' beloved masterpiece.

The union of Anschutz with Walden seems to be one of those win-win-win propositions that drive cynics crazy while it inspires kids, motivates teachers, delights parents and, yes, makes even more moolah for Anschutz, thus diverting capital from other parental faves Britney Spears and Snoop Doggy Dog. I don't know what the G-rated Anschutz has up his sleeve next, but given the adorability of a dog named Winn-Dixie, I'd invest in some selective mutt breeding. Or perhaps Winn-Dixie grocery stores?

Boys will be Boys
Last night, when I was tucking Cole into bed, he let out a huge belch. Then he started giggling uncontrollably and said in his best "mom" voice, "Boys!" He then said "Men!" Then I started giggling uncontrollably.

Feeling Bookish
I'm just in a books kind of mood tonight. Here are a few of my favorite book sites and books blogs. Enjoy!
Bookbrowse - Excellent place to find out about new books, reading guides, etc. She also publishes an awesome e-newsletter.
Book Moot - features children's and young adult books
Levenger - Cool stuff for people who like to read and/or write.

I just read on Book Moot that a great children's book(The Giver) is being banned in Missouri and Kansas. Oh no, you're thinking. Here she goes again on that banned books platform. Nope not tonight. I'm not in the mood to rant. Instead, I'll just post a list of some of my favorite books that also happen to have been "banned books" at one point or another.

• The Chocolate War by Robert Corimer
• A Separate Peace by John Knowles (I actually had the privilege of reading this as an assignment in high school.)
• Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

I didn't read these books because they were banned books. I read them and liked them long before I found out they were banned. By the way, if you're needing a good read that will scare the socks off of you...Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

Old Movies
I just discovered that Turner Classic Movies is doing its annual 31 Days of Oscar. Man! They are showing some good movies! I have been TIVO'ing a few oldies that I've never seen. Last night I watched Suspicion with Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine. (If you click on the link, don't read too far down because it will spoil the end of the movie.) FYI, Joan Fontaine won best actress for this movie. I cannot believe the ending. I called my grandma to see if she remembered the movie because the ending is driving me nuts. However, it has been too long ago since she saw it to remember. But, she is now hooked up to watch Gaslight at 1 this afternoon. LOL My grandma also informed me that Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Havilland (Melanie in Gone with the Wind) were sisters.

Sick!
Well, I am on now going on week 3 of missing BSF. Chase started running a fever last night. Once the motrin kicks in, he's fine for a few hours and then his temp starts to rise again. I thought I was going to make it through the winter without anyone getting sick. ;) It usually hits at our house during January so I thought I was home free. Boy, was I wrong! February isn't looking good so far.

Libraries
Cole and I went to the Warr Acres Library today. Man! I just love libraries. Being surrounded by all those wonderful books makes me feel good inside. I have always found solace in the library. I can wander around for hours looking at the books and browsing through the magazines. I remember begging my mom to drive us to the Bethany Library when I was a kid. Eventually, I got old enough to ride my bike to the library. Of course, I had to carry a large backpack to get my books back up there. That was the hard part. I always meant to check out only 5 books and always came out with about 20. Funny thing is, I'm still doing it! Today I paid my largest fine ever at the library, $11.20 (Those darn videos are $1.50 a day if you forget to recheck them.) Was I mad? Nah...I figure I'm just supporting my local library. You can only rent about 2 movies at Blockbuster for that price and I had gotten 5 videos and 20 books for free. (At least until I incurred the fine.) Reminder: Friends of the Library Booksale is the last weekend in February.

UPDATE: Kristen has informed that the fines for videos are only 50 cents a day. (She should know. She works at the library.) Truly a bargain! Pardon my mistake. ;)

Laughing Out Loud!
This is just plain funny.

Pancake House State of Mind (aka Slow as Molasses)
When was the last time you went to Denny's or any other pancake house and got quick service? I have been in Denny's several times where I had to wait almost an hour to get my food. This was not at one location, either. This is Denny's nationwide. I've also been to many IHOPs over the years and they also had slow service. However, the past couple of years, I have noticed that they are getting better. My mom and I took the boys to a new pancake house tonight here in Oklahoma City. My hopes immediately rose as I looked in the doors to the restaurant. Wow! An extra clean pancake house with nice decor. I was pleasantly surprised. We sat in a booth at the back and a waitress instantly appeared to take our drink order. Not bad so far. We then ordered our food and the wait began. We ordered breakfast for dinner, in case you are wondering. It wasn't like we were having a steak or something that would take a long time to cook. About 30 minutes into it, I announced to my mom that I was getting ready to walk. I didn't of course. We continued to wait. They finally brought out the order, but were missing one of the kid's meals which they apologized for and brought out a few minutes later. My mom and I decided we could have cooked the whole meal and cleaned up the kitchen in the amount of time it took them to whip up a few pancakes, cook some sausage and eggs. The food was pretty decent, but I don't think it was worth the wait. So, do any of you readers in OKC know of a pancake house that has good food and decent service? Please let me know!

On My Nightstand (The New Picture Version)
Thanks to Mental Multivitamin for the idea to post a picture of the stack of books instead of just listing them.

TV Shows of my Childhood/Teen Years

Baranaby Jones - I always enjoyed this show since I secretly have always wanted to be a private eye. I love a good mystery, whether it be a book or on TV. I don't know what the allure of this show was, but I love it. If TV Land is reading this, bring back Barnaby!

Cagney and Lacey - Yes, another detective show. I warned you that I'm a sucker for detective/mystery shows. I even bought a trench coat so that I could look like Cagney. This show featured two women who were tough on the criminals and on themselves. I still enjoy watching Tyne Daly, who played Lacey, on Judging Amy.

Mary Tyler Moore Show - Always loved this program. My favorite part was the scene where she throws the hat in the air every week. Thankfully, they still rerun this show occasionally and we have the boxed DVD set.

The Love Boat - I know this was the corniest show on TV, but if I hear that music I'm drawn to watch it. I still remember a high school assembly skit where they said, "What's a sophomore's idea of a hot date on a Saturday Night?" "Watching The Love Boat"

Dallas - Yes, I admit I'm still a Dallas fan. This was my favorite show of all time. I could barely wait for 9 p.m. on Friday nights to see what was going to happen next. Now that I look back, I wonder if my mom knew we were watching this show. LOL! I spent an entire summmer, like the rest of the country, trying to figure out who shot J.R. They still rerun the old episodes on SoapNet and they have Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD. (Yes, I've watched the whole boxed set. Classic!)

Just one of those days...
It has been one of those days where nothing seems to go right.

1. Cole woke up with pink eye so we couldn't go to Bible Study Fellowship.
2. I already missed BSF last week.
3. New barstools were delivered today. That's a good thing. However, the kids immediately wanted to try them out, which is fine, but then they dumped a whole Dr. Pepper all over the new stools, floor and wall.
4. Toilet just flooded all over the bathroom so I cleaned it up.
   
5. Planned to work today, but now Cole is home from school with pink eye. AHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Boat Show
Sunday afternoon was cold and drizzly, but Chris and I ventured out to the Boat Show at the State Fairgrounds. Wow! I have never seen so many neat boats in my life. They had fishing boats, pontoons boats, cruisers, ski boats and deck boats. We were mainly interested in deck boats. I climbed in the boats and looked around. Unfortunately, new boats are very expensive!!! I don't think we'll be buying one for awhile unless we can find a good deal on a used one, but it's always fun to dream.