Safety Training

This week at work was our "annual safety refresher course."
So, for the entire day on Tuesday I sat through a class learning how to be more safe.
I have been so busy at work lately that I was not looking forward to giving up a whole day listening to the basics of CPR, first aid, industrial accident prevention, how to use a defribulator, etc etc.
I was doing fine, sitting in class allowing my mind to wander all around the universe (like it usually does) when the words "this next presentation will be extremely graphic" snapped me back to earth.
To say the next 45 minutes after that was graphic would be an understatement. We were forced to watch a video of what happens to someone when they come into contact with 7200 volts.
Trust me when I say, its not fun. I had to sit through about 35 slides of what 3rd degree burns look like, with detailed descriptions of infection, pus, "charred skin"
After what seemed like long enough, I had to leave the room. I couldn't take it.
Keep in mind, I was sitting amongst a group of tough guys. Most of them are members of our service crew. These are men that work on big equipment all day, with big manly tools and wrenches. They think nothing of working outside in the freezing cold, or the scorching summer heat pulling large engines to pieces and putting them back together. All of them bear the mark of tough mechanics, big thick-skinned hands and fingers, usually with a permanent grey stain from the oil and grease. Manly men. They drive big service trucks full of cool tools and hammers. They get the job done, pain, weather, dirt, blood or not.

And then there's me. Sitting in my nice pressed pants and ironed white business shirt, with my shoes nicely polished for work. I get upset because the black ink on my deskpad calendar sometimes makes my cuff's a little dirty when I type. The sleeves on my shirt always have a nice crisp pressed line running from the shoulder to the wrist. I like that, and when I see it in the office bathroom mirror it gives me a feeling of satisfaction. I may even twist my outstreched arm a little and take another look at how nice and straight it is today. I like my cubicle nice and organized, I personalized it with a few toys and gadgets I've found in my travels and things from home, you know so that you can have that nice blend of professional but fun. I guess I hope that my co-workers walk past it and think to themselves, "wow, what a nice cubicle, the perfect blend of professional, but yet fun!" And don't you dare get into my company car with dirty, oily shoes, there may be floormats there, but they need to be clean.

I suppose these guys would call me a "suit" If I were them, I'd call me a "suit" too.

As one would suspect with a room full of tough guys, watching the pictures soon became a contest of who could watch longer without cringing, or looking away.
There's them - stonefaced, emotionless.
There's me: "Seriously, I think I am going to pass out, I cant watch this anymore, I am feeling lightheaded, oh that is just nasty, please someone get me some water, just breathe, breathe man!!"
And then, I have to get up and walk out, I just cant look any more, and the commentary is even worse. There is no escape. Words like, infection, blood, pus, pain, gangrene, fill the air around me.
I tried to make it look like I needed to go to the bathroom, but I think the fact that I was covered in sweat, breathing heavily and as white as a ghost gave me away. Maybe my comment "I cant watch this anymore" didn't help either as I bolted out.

After about 10 minutes in the cool air outside, I felt better.
Now I had to go back in and face my destiny.
As I stepped back inside, one of the guys said "Hey Sean, you missed the best part"
Raucous laughter filled the room.
A hearty slap on the back from our service manager made me feel a little better.

Mechanics: 1
Suits: None

Fortunately for me, all of these big strong guys are really great guys. They will do anything to get the job done. I am amazed many times at their level of experience, pride and dedication to their company, and craft. In an age where everything is run by a computer somewhere, there is something to be said for folks who use their own hands all day, everyday to make a living.


Well, I feel safer I guess. I have a new regard for electricity. I learned how to use the heart defribulator that they have at the mall.

So be safe
And remember:
"A safe worker is a happy worker"
(Taken from a factory I visited in Mexico)

Sean.

Blogless

We haven't blogged because there's nothing new here. I'm basically just posting this because we should have at least one entry for February, right? This month has been mostly run-of-the-mill. We work, sometimes we play, and we wish for warmer days. Every year I hit my blue spell where I feel down and blue. I begin to reevaluate my career and what I want to do with my life and poor Sean doesn't know what to do with me. It seems to come around the month of February. I've heard it called the "winter blues." Thankfully, I haven't had that this year. I have to say, I've been fairly even-keeled. Yeah for no depression! So, for blog's sake, here is what we've been up to this month . . .

• Sean had his teeth filled and created a bit of amusement for those around him as he tried to communicate with a face pumped full of novacaine. (Oh, wait, that was the end of January. Still worth noting).
• Marci had some snow delays and a snow day.
  
• We both worked a lot and were very busy.
• Went to visit Marci's family in C-burg.
• Marci had her annual Girls' Christmas with her three bestest friends (yeah, it was a little late, but that way Christmas kept giving).
• We hosted Marci's work holiday party at our house. Again, extending the holiday fun. Somehow everyone hung out in the kitchen. We do have other rooms.
• Enjoyed the Superbowl on our new TV.
• Sean spent some time in Louisville, KY. Hopefully this won't cause him to start making up bluegrass music again. See post . . . Cheese Please

So, that's what's goin' on here. Happy Leap Year!

Numb the Pain...

I woke up on Tuesday morning looking forward to a visit with the dentist.
Yes, I know this sounds like loads of fun. The reason? I like having complete strangers poke and scratch my teeth with sharp metal objects. Not really. And come to think of it , I don't think a single human being (with access to good dental care,) has ever woken up and shouted aloud
"Wohoo, today I'm going to the dentist!" While I was lying in the chair having my teeth drilled and filled, I got to thinking. Which insane human being came up with this crazy idea?
Who suddenly said, " Aha, I know how to fix holes in teeth, I will construct a drill and drill them out, and then I shall fill the holes with, well, something solid." Who was the first volunteer dental patient?
"Excuse me sir, you look like your teeth hurt, I know just how to fix that"
"How?"
"Well its very simple you see, I am going to use this drill I have constructed, and then drill your teeth out"
"Great"
Crazy.

I also re-discovered the effects of Novacaine on Tuesday.
So for fun, I took a few pictures of myself desperately trying to smile after receiving about 6 shots in my mouth.


I swear, this is not an exaggeration.
Worst, after arriving home, I volunteered to go pick up the pizza Marci ordered for dinner.
I thought, what the heck, I'm going to see how the guys in our local pizza shop like my new face.
And that evening I pronounced it "pppftttthhheethzzaa" not "pizza"

So brush you teeth tonight.

Or you may end up looking like this.

Sean.

Bridge to Tear-a-bithia

So a few nights ago, I happened to record the movie "Bridge to Tarabithia" on the DVR (fancy term for a "tivo" like device)

Marci and I settled in to the couch, and curled up with a nice warm blanket to watch the film.

I was enjoying every minute of it, taken in completely by the sweet story of two middle school kids and their growing friendship. After 45 minutes, I found myself completely emotionally invested in the wonderful imaginary world I was seeing on our new TV.

To say that the young lady that producers had cast in the film was endearing, would be an understatement. One could easily feel why Jess, the main character, falls in love with her.

Marci kept saying "she is adorable"

So their story moves from, a simple friendship, to innocent love. Needles to say that this is the kind of movie that is simply heartwarming.

And then it hits you. (WARNING: SPOILER CONTENT BELOW!!!)

They kill the girl off. BAM. Completely unexpected.

WHAT??!! Yes, that is correct. She hits her head, falls in a river and drowns.

Nice.

And now you, just like Jess are left sitting on your couch with a broken heart.

I fought back 1 tear, 2 tears, 6 tears. And then I saw Marci crying.

And then I cried.

Like a little girl.

So my wife and I were sitting in our living room, sharing tissues, wiping our eyes and holding hands.

I spoke with a good friend of mine today, who also saw this movie. And he cried too.

So now I don't feel so bad anymore.

So I challenge any man, to sit through this movie and not cry. You cant do it.

So why do we cry? I have no clue.

But here is a website doing some research on crying. Maybe you can help them out.

Sean.

www.crying-survey.co.uk/

Phoenix

The sun was high but the temperature was not. I thought Phoenix, Arizona was supposed to be warm. But when my mom and I arrived there the day after Christmas, it was only about 50-something. That didn't bother us too much because we were there to see my sister, my new brother-in-law and my crazy nephews. My sister didn't tell the boys we were coming. So when she pulled up to the curb at the airport, the 7-year-old sees my mom and starts yelling "Momma!" They were so excited to see us, and we were thrilled to finally hug them. It's not always easy having family across the country, especially with the boys growing up so fast.

We spent a lovely 5 days with them in their new house. My mom and I took the boys with us as we did some sightseeing. If you ever head out that way, I highly recommend a trip to Sedona. It's breathtaking. My photos do not do it justice. The rocks are just red and amazing. The variety cactuses (you don't have to say "cacti" anymore) were neat to see. The architecture of the homes and buildings was interesting since it's so different than back east. The southwest flare is everywhere. I really enjoyed Old Town Scottsdale as well and it's quaint cowboy-esque and southwestern buildings and shops.

Our vacation ended quickly and I already miss the boys. But it's back to reality.

Click here to see the photos from the trip . . . Phoenix

Christmas Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

It's hard to believe that just a year ago we spent the holidays in Northern Ireland with Sean's family and now it's another Christmas season. The year went by so quickly. In March, Sean completed his first full year at Cummins Power Systems. It's very challenging but has wonderful opportunities for him and he enjoys it tremendously. The job has a few perks for which we are thankful. One of them being a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in May. Ah, the good life! In July we spent about 5 days camping in the Poconos with Marci’s parents, cousins, aunts and uncles. It was so nice to get away and relax for a while. We made a huge decision this year to have a house built in Kissel Hill Commons in Lancaster. At the end of August, we packed up and moved in. We love the space and have enjoyed painting and decorating, making it our own. In October Marci celebrated her 10th year college reunion. It was great to be back on Messiah College's campus and see old friends. She’s now in her eighth year at Brecht Elementary in Manheim Township and still teaching second grade. She’s taken on some roles involving mentoring other teachers in technology projects. Both of us have been busy with our church, Lancaster County Bible Church. Sean has been playing electric guitar two weekends a month and Marci is part of the vocal ensemble for one of those weekends. Recently, Sean was asked to switch one of those weekends to our new Harrisburg satellite campus. It's been a great opportunity to serve. In November, the Steeles (including Mom and Dad) headed out to San Jose, California to visit Glen and Amy. We had our Thanksgiving dinner in their lovely home and enjoyed visiting local tourist spots. Finally, Marci is looking forward to traveling with her mom to see her sister in Phoenix. Lori, Michael and the boys moved there in May and have since gotten married and bought a new home. We miss them terribly, so we're heading out that way on December 26.

That's our year in a nutshell. These and more fun details can be found at our blog http://www.seanandmarci.blogspot.com. There are even pictures for those of you who need them. We wish you a wonderful Christmas and pray God's blessings for you all.

Love,
Sean and Marci

Ahhh . . .

Ahh, I sit here finally relaxed. I made it through a few crazy weeks of working (that means children going slightly crazy because Santa is soon coming), planning a little party, Christmas shopping, wrapping the gifts, typing a Christmas letter to be emailed because I just don't do cards, and taking care of Sean through nosebleeds, vomit and a sinus infection. But I've survived and now it's time for a little R and R. While Sean plays all 8 (yes, I did say 8!) Christmas Eve services, I plan to have some by-myself-time. I probably will throw in a little food shopping and laundry and packing for my trip to see my sister, brother-in-law and nephews in Phoenix. But other than that I plan to sit on my toosh and read a book, drink hot chocolate and be lazy. Ahhh . . . !

It's Christmas Tree Time of the Year

Because of the freezing cold rain, Sean and I deviated from what I had hoped would be a tradition of going out and cutting our own Christmas tree at a local tree farm. Instead we visited Stauffers and, again because of the bone chilling drizzle, very quickly chose our tree, had the guys wrap that netting stuff around it and load it into our car. This year we were able to get a taller one because we have the space for it. So with the tip of the tree dangling out of trunk and the trunk precariously tied down, we headed home with the heater blowing full force. Once we arrived home, Sean wasn't so interested in putting on the lights, so that became my job. However, he whole-heartedly hung the ornaments. Here is the finished product.

So, the Christmas spirit has inched its way into the Steele house. The decorating is complete. Maybe now we should consider some Christmas shopping!

Thankful

I am so thankful that we were able to go to San Jose for Thanksgiving. Glen and Amy opened Hotel Steele for the 6 Steele's and our friend Steve. Sean and I had a very smooth trip out to California on Wednesday and stayed until Monday morning, when we took a very early flight back home. The days included wandering around Los Gatos, eating a very yummy turkey, a visit to Trader Joes so I could get my favorite chocolate truffles, snacking and drinking tea, a day in San Francisco, a little wine tasting at several local wineries, the Body Worlds exhibit at the San Jose Tech Museum, and dinner at the Cheesecake Factory near Santana Row. Besides all of the tourist-y activities, we enjoyed family (and Steve) time back at house, while the men rocked at Guitar Hero. Amy and I made a valiant attempt, but were booed off by the cyber-fans on the game. As it always is, vacations must come to an end. Sadly, Sean and I made the trek back home with ease. It wasn't until we got our car and started the drive home from the Baltimore airport that we experienced any delays. We hit rush hour traffic on the beltway. Welcome back to reality!

Thanks, Glen and Amy, for a wonderful time.

Click here for some photos of our trip . . . Thanksgiving Vacation

Painting Again

After a little hiatus from the painting, we began again. Our brilliant white walls were causing us to feel as if we lived in an institution. Sean suggested we spend this weekend painting. Here we go again. I had Friday off of work, so I managed to do the entire lower level. That includes dining room, entry way, hallway and part of the stairs. On Saturday, Sean joined in and we completed the upstairs hallway. This was a bit treacherous since the one wall is two stories tall. I made Sean take care of that. It was his idea to paint and not hire someone. I have to say, he did a good job. We finished around 4:00 Saturday afternoon. The painting prompted a decorating binge so we went out and bought a rug for the entryway and Sean created a little "area" on our landing. Next on the agenda, the red study. I can't wait.


Some snapshots of Sean . . .