I do not consider myself a food critic, except insofar as I will pass along a good word now and then about cuisine I have enjoyed and the places it can be found. The last time my husband and I were in Broken Arrow, OK we ate at Main Street Tavern . We love to support local businesses wherever we go, because we appreciate the entrepeneurial spirit and imagination. Besides, locally owned places just have more personality. It's just a great way to experience the people and culture of the area.

My hubs had just rolled into town and was needing a late dinner and a few minutes to unwind after a near miss at being involved in a 15 car pile-up on the highway. He found MST on Urban Spoon, and it was a great choice. The service was excellent, the food delicious. The atmosphere was clean and modern, yet inviting and unpretentious.

They serve locally raised beef (from Tulsa), so my husband's selection of the Meatloaf Sliders was spot on. They were delicious! (I might have had a bite or five.) We washed them down with the Made in Oklahoma beer flights, which were also quite tasty. The DNR, which--true to it's name--is 11% alcohol, was our favorite. (Go figure.) I had a slice of chocolate cake. (I had eaten dinner earlier; don't judge!) I have to admit it was so-so, but MST is quite obviously not a place that considers their desserts a specialty. It's their Oklahoma brews and locally raised beef that makes them stand out.

If you ever find yourself in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, USA, stop by Main Street Tavern. It's a fun place to have a beer and catch up with friends. Here is a link to their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MainStreetTavernBA

I may be well mannered, but this is my Life!

I love etiquette. I really do. Even if I don't follow all the rules all the time. I truly believe that if we all treated one another with basic, common courtesy (which doesn't seem to be so common anymore), we would be well on our way to World Peace. I think a properly set table is a beautiful thing, but I would have to look it up on The Google to do it myself.  Emily Post had some wonderful ideas, but I am certainly no Emily Post. My life will never look like hers, unless her life looked like a washer and dryer covered in every article of clothing to be found in the house.

There's no funny story to go along with the picture above. It's simply what my life looks like post-baby: controlled chaos. Still I do my best to treat those around me with kindness, and knowing a thing or two about what's socially acceptable (etiquette) does help. It's a fun and practical hobby for me, especially in my new role of Domestic Goddess. Side Note: I don't like that others use their knowledge of etiquette to feel and act superior to those who simply don't have the same understanding of courtesy that they think they do. To me, etiquette is about following the "Golden Rule" in social situations, and about the bottom line in business situations. Knowing a few basic "rules" is useful in accomplishing both in all situations. 

My life will likely always look like this, but if you ever stop by for a visit, I will roll out my own version of the Red Carpet for you (if it's clean, and not in the washer or dryer, in which case I will roll out a baby quilt or fleece blanket), my guest.

A Good Omen

Throughout the day I noticed some changes in my 7 month old son. He seemed to be more determined, more animated, and just plain feisty. Tasks that were simple yesterday suddenly became  quite a challenge today. For example, yesterday I could change his outfit in just a couple of minutes. Today the task required several tries, because his new favorite game is taking his top off (gets that from his Dad, because I would never! wink-wink) as soon as I get it on. The experience was similar to both viewing and participating in the clown act at a circus. I thought he was just cranky because he's teething. Nope.

Tonight was epic. He refused to go to sleep. Flat out refused. I have never seen this defiant side of my sweet little baby boy, and quite frankly, I don't like it! I thought he would still be too young for this, but all day he's been throwing little fits and getting his poor little devious heart broken every time I try to take anything away from him. I suppose I could avoid this by letting him eat my dirty keys or chew on my iPhone, but I can't seem to find that under "Acceptable Parenting Techniques" in any of the fifty bazillion parenting books I have!

After he finally went to sleep--a full hour past his bedtime--I discovered a little piece of heaven in my stuffy kitchen cabinet (see above remnants). I think it's an omen that tomorrow will be a three pots of coffee and one bottle of vodka much better day.

My 9/11 Tribute

I wrote the following last night, as I reflected on the many emotions experienced by me and others I know on the tenth anniversary of 9/11/2001:

This day has been filled with love and laughter and the making of memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. This day marked the end of my husband's and my first weekend away from our son and our joyful reunion with him and other members of our family. This day has been a perfect fall day, great for the beginning of football season.

This day I have lived a life that was cut short for others ten years ago. I have made memories with my husband and son that others will not get to make with their loved ones this day.

Yes, I was deeply effected by 9/11/2001. I will never forget where I was or how I felt. Every detail of that day is etched into my memory, from the time my Mom called to check on me, right up to the time I fell asleep that night, after convincing myself the silence was a good thing. It meant I was safe. At least I had to believe that in order to sleep. We all lost something that day, and we are left with one day each year that means something different than it did 11 years ago.

We like round numbers in our society, and on this tenth anniversary of that atrocious, indelible day, I am celebrating life. No, I will never forget the horror, the fear, or the sadness. This day will always represent a turning point in my life. I am celebrating that life in honor of those who aren't here to celebrate; in honor of those who are still grieving for those they lost; and in honor of those who still shudder every time they hear the sound of a siren or another unrecognized loud noise. I am celebrating in honor of those who don't have the luxury of doing so, for whatever reason.

This day reminds me that I have a decade full of memories that others don't. I have a partner in life and a son, who is my joy. I knew neither of them ten years ago. There are countless families missing pieces of themselves, who were robbed of their joy and sense of security ten years ago. I can't restore that for them, and I cannot imagine what the last ten years have been like for them. But I can cherish my life as it is. I can be thankful for every moment I have with those I love.

The one thing I have to add today, 9/12/2011, is that I am reminded of the heart-wrenching reality that life always goes on. To me it is the most painful--albeit hopeful--realization of any loss. It may be forever altered, but life continues. Today I am still thinking of those who lost everything ten years ago. I wonder if the wounds of that painful realization were opened once again this morning as the sun shines, traffic jams, and people fall back into their normal routines. And I hope and pray for inner peace for those who have spent 1 decade and 1 day trying to find it again.