In Case You Were Wondering...

...I am still alive. Arctic Blast '08 has turned into Mucho Melt nearly 2009. Cars that were completely covered on the side of the road are now drivable, 4-wheel drive is no longer necessary, weather news is not dominating all the t.v. stations and I am actually getting to celebrate Christmas with my fam tomorrow evening! It has been a crazy holiday season. Hope you all had a great one!

The snow that stole Christmas.

There's no place like home for the holidays...and I'm pretty sure that the way it's looking I won't get there. Here's some pics from this morning.



Check out Kass' car in this pic! CRAZY! Check out my post from Friday to compare the snow level!

SUUBI Update!

I've still got necklaces, we are still blessed. Here's a chance to bless ladies in Uganda, and help them provide for their families!

Shoot me an e-mail (simplespiel@gmail.com) if I can send some your way!
$20.00 and $10.00 styles still available! Check out my original Subbi post here.

Thanks in advance for your generosity!

The Weather Outside Is Frightful...for Oregon.

This week has proved to be a crazy one. Who would have thunk that a few inches of snow would have caused such a huge mess. It snowed a few more inches last night and here's a few shots from the casa.




In related news, it is the perfect evening for a Winter Ball. My sweet (said in a completely sarcastic tone) friends some how convinced me to join them for a fundraiser at the McMinnville Ball Room tonight. Should be a rowdy good time. Here's a sneak peak at the attire.



Cheers!

Snow Day!

Mac Town is a crazy snow mess today. Therefore, it seems as though the entire state of Oregon has been shut down for a snow day due to "Arctic Blast 2008". Seriously, the news is all over this little weather fiasco of ours. It's a bit like a high speed chase in SoCal. The news is constantly on it, overriding all usual programing (except for the Tyra show).

So, this should be a day of rest. But no, there is no rest for the weary. Tracy and I have taken it upon ourselves to create the office atmosphere at home. We are attempting to work on our computers on her couch. So far I have gotten quite a bit of blogging done and she is actually legitimately working (trying to show me up). Turns out I don't think we need that wall between our cubicles at the office. We do a pretty good job of staying on task. :)

We haven't taken any pictures to capture this monumental day but I have found a more summery, middle-aged, male version of us.
Use your imaginations.

Stay warm today!

SoCal.

Good times.
Whirlwind packing.
Fly.
San Jose.
Fly.
Ontario.
Family.
Coffee.
Laughter.
Get caught up.
Play.
Coffee.
Hollywood.
Pad Thai.
Puff The Magic Dragon.
Boy with amazing mustache.
Largo.
Candles in mason jars.
Legit tunes.
Canter's.
Eclairs.
Coffee.
Good talk.
Cinnamon Rolls.
Sharing of secrets.
Contemplating dreams.
Word search wars.
Coffee.
Late night design.
Changing traditions.
Asian chicken salad.
Minus chicken.
Light the tree.
Coffee.
Spa.
Feet.
Relax.
Missing Ron Jon.
Devastating.
Coffee.
Heart to heart.
M & J's beauty shop.
Coffee.
Whirlwind packing.
Fly.


More coffee, less sleep. Even then, there simply is never enough time.

Give Good Gifts - Numero Uno

TOMS SHOES!

Check out this video! Toms Shoes will be giving a pair of shoes to those in need for every pair you buy this holiday season! And guess what...they are going to Ethiopia! Sweet deal!



Visit the website here

Christmas Switch-A-Roo

It's December 14th, oh my word, and Christmas will be here before we know it!

It's snowing in Mac today, yeah, fully snowing. It's beautiful. Chains are required on the highways, people are sliding around town and I'm sitting here blogging, feeling so blessed that I get to be warm, cozy, full, entertained, employed, and loved. It really seems more like Christmas just has happened upon us this year. If you have been reading my blog at all you know that I've got some serious convictions about giving back, staring poverty in the face and learning all I can about what I have avoided in the past when it comes to injustice, etc.

A few months ago I shared about my friend Matt and his trip-o-la to Africa. Besides having a heart for Africa he has a serious desire to change how we celebrate Christmas. He's done his research, knows his biz and can say it much better than I ever could. If you've got a minute check out his blog here to read all about it. And, then click here for some great ways to give good gifts this year!

I started a Christmas list of my own and added a few links to my favorite organizations on my side bar. I've been coming across all kinds of great new organizations and people who are getting active about giving. They are such an inspiration and I'll be sharing a few of them with you over the next few days. Let's give like it's going out of style this year!

P.S. Suubi necklaces are still available! Let me know if I can send one your way!

SUUBI: Update!

A big thank you to all of you who have already contacted me about getting necklaces. Just to let you know, I have sold out of the $15.oo "slim" version. Boo. If you like it best you can always purchase one from their website here.

I still have plenty of the original multi-colored long necklaces and chokers...so please let me know if you would like one, or two, or seven. I will do my best to keep you updated!

Thanks again for the support!

Happy Wednesday!

P.S. If you have no idea what this update is all about...scroll down! :)

SUUBI!

A couple months ago I heard about SUUBI from some friends who knew that I would appreciate it both as art and as a way to give. A project from the non-profit Light Gives Heat, SUUBI is a rad little community program started by some twenty-somethings who traveled to Africa to adopt their daughter and came across a great way to help women in Uganda.


So, SUUBI?

SUUBI is the Lugandan word for HOPE. The selling of their artwork provides Hope to women in Uganda. Here's what the SUUBI website says about their goals...

HOPE is the essence of the Suubi (hope) project and our vision is two-fold:

1) The Suubi (hope) project is about creating consistent weekly incomes in otherwise unemployable areas in Uganda through the purchasing and reselling of these hand-make necklaces. Thus, allowing for women to provide food and pay school fees for their children.

2) In Uganda, we have been shown a HOPE that doesn't make sense and has changed everything. Therefore, we simply want to spread HOPE - sharing the stories of these amazing women and getting people across the world to look outside of themselves and respond creatively.

So, I was excited. I bought a necklace and then learned about the spread campaign. It's a way that I'm able to get more involved and give you the opportunity to join me. It's not just about getting a cool, handmade piece of African art (although that's awesome) it is a great way to raise awareness and give back! SUUBI sent me a supply of necklaces to offer. Here's the great options I've got...
$20.oo - Long multi-colored necklace, can be worn double, tripled or even as a bracelet, sweet stuff!

$15.oo - Slim version of the multi-colored necklace. I love this one, also really long and super versatile.

$10.oo - The choker version, great for guys or girls!

Perfect for gift giving!

So, here's the deal. I'm all about alternative Christmas. I've been giving you bits and pieces, but a full explanation is on it's way. SUUBI is a great way to get involved. Buy a necklace (or two or three) for gifts this year and help give to those need it most!

I've got a limited supply so, if you would like to purchase some SUUBI, or have questions please e-mail me... simplespiel@gmail.com, and I'll get you all fixed up! And if you can't afford to help this year, your prayers and spreading of the word would be amazing. Tell your friends about SUUBI! Share some hope this holiday!

P.S. My goal is to get 'em sold by Christmas...let's do it!

Farewell.

Vacation is almost over, just a few hours to go. It's been grand, I have a lot to share and alternative Christmas to catch up on. I'm leaving on a jet plane bound of Vegas in a few hours. My goal is to win enough moo-lah (during my two hour lay over), so I can quit my job and keep up my blogging habit. Wish me luck.

Note to self:

When in an airport restroom stall DO NOT for any reason put your backpack on the floor while you pee in the event that there is not a hook on the back of the door. And if you do happen to put it on the floor please refrain from putting on your back when you leave. Cause what is on the floor is now on your North Face jacket, gross.

What I don't want for Christmas & What You Shouldn't Buy Anyone, Ever.

I'm flying today. Currently, I'm sitting in a semi-quiet corner in the San Jose airport waiting for my connecting flight. My trip from Portland to San Jose was pretty uneventful. I caught up on some magazine reading and did a bit of SkyMall looking. I have to say I love the catalog. It is pure entertainment to me. It is the prime example of consumerism gone crazy. It's the place to look for a gift to give simply because you are obligated, gifts that are completely unnecessary yet oddly useful, I've decided to share a few of my favorite finds.

Embellished 1GB USB Drive

Everyone needs a little bling! I don't know about you, but after seeing this little piece of technology couture I am embarrassed by my average looking USB drive. You may want to make this classy upgrade, and it will only cost you $75.oo. What a deal.

The Sweet Machine

The SkyMall description of this little box 'o fun says that "everyone loves the claw game!". Really? I happen to think it is a money stealing jerk face that I can never succeed at. Some why in the world would I want to pay $69.95 to have one in my home? But if you just gotta have another thing to consume your time and exercise your hand/eye coordination, go for it.

Living XL Portable Chairs
These camping chairs may look typical. But, no. They are XL camping chairs making it possible for those up to 800 pounds to enjoy the great outdoors. These chairs would definitely come in handy if I gain 670 pounds and still want to keep up an active outdoor lifestyle. I mean really, I wouldn't want to let my weight get me down. And the built in cup holders for my Jamba Juice are a real plus.

King Tutankhamen's Egyptian Throne Chair

Indulge this holiday with a little bit of Egyptian history. Some may view this piece as a little over the top, but I say every room needs a little gold gaudy. Order 2 for even more class. Seriously, I would love to know how many of these sell.

And last but not least, my favorite of all favorites.

JUMPIN' JAMMERZ


Christmas PJs are not just for kids thanks to these footed pajamas! I was lured in by this product not so much because of it's nostalgic nature but mostly by it's hot marketing campaign. Check out that picture again. Those peeps are loving their Jammerz! I mean really, loads of fun is going on. I can't imagine being a model who gets that job.

I know these items are extreme examples but it sure helps to illustrate the point of ridiculousness that Christmas gift giving has come to. I did however find one good gift. Not in the SkyMall but in my Domino mags I read (a design favorite).

Chocolates for a Cause! Check 'em out here. These super rad bonbons are infused with a traditional Africa flavor and are pretty cute too! Plus, each purchase includes a Relief Beads bracelet to help support hungry women and children in Darfur!


I will be posting more about Christmas, I've got a lot to say. But until then, enjoy the holiday preparation, it will be here before we know it!

Cheers!

Tomorrow.

CAN.NOT.WAIT.

I've been thinking, writing, talking a lot lately about waiting. Waiting in anticipation while living where I am. Looking ahead while pouring into what I have now. I've been eager to get going and yet content where I am. It's a great feeling to know that there is always more, that the plan is ever unfolding. Being content is a constant struggle in my life, especially when I feel my heart pulled in specific directions, to places that I know little about and have no idea how I will get there. And, I believe that dreams have been born in me for a reason, with a bigger picture in mind. I'm learning that patience is genius, the Lord's timing and will are perfect, and His blessings are far greater than I realize!


One thing He has blessed me with are like-minded friends who help to spur me on to greater things. I am beyond excited to see how the Lord is using my friends to share his grace and hope with others, not just here in Mac but all over the world. Many of you know my friends Tyson and Tracy. Or if you read my blog enough you probably feel like you do! :) They are not only my neighbors but some of my favorites, and parents to Kai, who is one amazing kid that I can't seem to get enough of! Although I am beyond sad to see them go I am so excited for the Smith's new adventure to Peru. They have accepted a position with Extreme Nazarene and will be leaving in February for Peru! It's been really amazing to see all the Lord has provided and continues to provide to them as they prepare for the next two years. I'll be posting more about Tyson, Tracy and Kai soon, but until then if you want to learn more about their trip or give to get them there click here or check out their blogs here and here .

Love, love, love you guys!

I love a party!

Thank you to all of you "Holiday Shopping Affair" shoppers! We had a great night, sold a few things, but most importantly got to be together!

Thanks Madre and Calitlin for the food...it was all super delish!

Leslie, Jenna and Abby, it was so good to be with you all, thanks for sharing your time and talents!

Miss Tracy, thank you, thank you for all your hard work to make the night happen. And don't worry, I will still love you, even if you burn down the house! :)


P.S. Miss Erin, I assume that you will read this blog. :) It was great to meet you (and your mom & sis) can't wait to see the new house!