Internet Sites Not to be Ignored

Could anything have been more influential in recent decades than the Internet? Seriously, I love it. I think that's because I love information. I want to share with others my favorite Internet sites not to be ignored, most are free.

1. Pandora.com-
I adore this one. Free Internet radio. You make "stations" by adding your favorite genres and artists and they play similar bands/artists. I have found new bands I love this way.

2. Skype.com-
Keep in touch with friends and family free over the Internet, all you need is a web cam. My dad is obsessed, but it is really cool.

3. Allrecipes.com-
You'd never need another cookbook again- all the recipes you'd want (besides family gems) are found here.

4. Opentable.com-
Earn free certificates for dining out, as long as you make your reservations through them.

5. Facebook.com-
Social networking at it's finest, or worst?

6. TruthforLife.org
Download free podcasts by Alistair Begg, a great preacher of the Word.

7. 1154Lill.com-
Make (not free at all) custom bags on-line. It's fun just to play around with the options if you want to exercise your creativity.

8. Etsy.com-
Support the crafting community where handmade (and beautiful) goods abound.

9. Drudgereport.com-
This one is Josh's mainstay. Interesting news consolidated into one site. Nowhere to be found are local "news" stories about things like cats
getting stuck in trees and other trivial tidbits.

10. Shutterfly.com-
If picture management isn't fun- make it fun by using Shutterfly. Upload your digital pics and turn them into prints, magnets, calendars... you name it.

What other great sites don't I know about? You tell me!

This Weekend

We had a full weekend of fun-capped off by a Super Bowl party at our house. I hadn't been up for much entertaining so it was fun to have a crowd over. We did pulled pork in the crock pot (which turned out great) and lots of other fun side dishes. I made cupcakes on Saturday and being a little more absent minded in pregnancy, added two sticks of butter instead of the called for one stick. Whoopsie. Let me tell you though, they tasted great! One of the party attenders brought 3-D glasses for everyone, so that's the picture. Don't all the University of Chicago students look nerdy? After everyone left, Josh and I laughed about how weird we are after our house was perfectly spotless literally 34 minutes after everyone left. Just how we like it. It's easier when both spouses tend toward the same bent for household management, and we definitely do...

Hi Again

Just when I thought I'd given up on blogging again, I decided maybe it'd be worth it with a bambini on the way... I have a lot more to talk about with her on the way and once she gets here. So maybe, I will, half-committed, start this again.

So I am getting enough of a belly that people on the bus offer me their seats occasionally. However, so far, it's only been women. At first, I thought that was pretty rude, but then decided that men probably just don't notice that I am preganent because they aren't that detail oriented, nor do they maybe feel confident enough to infer that I look big enough, so I must be pregnant. Anyway, I always turn the offers down because by 1/2 way through the ride, enough people have cleared off and I get a seat.

Yesterday was my birthday and I had a nice day. I went to work, because who wants to stay home alone on their birthday?, and last night Josh took me for dinner and then to see Jersey Boys. It was really good, we both enjoyed it. Ok, enough of this for now, since I'm at work. I'll try to be better about this... I think?

Heidi

Politics

Well-I wanted to avoid commenting on politics, because people have very strong opinions regarding their parties, candidates, and views of the world. However, it's forefront on my mind. For me, it seems like a dark time is coming up for America, and I think it will be painful for those of my ilk. Mr. Obama seems to have won over the masses, though I can't think of anything besides rhetoric which points to the fact that he will be able to make good changes for our country. Along with a democratic congress, we are in for things heading pretty left. Cut and paste the address below into your browser for a sense of what it might be like...

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB122420205889842989-lMyQjAxMDI4M
jE0NzIxMDcyWj.html

The hope we have to have, regardless of party in charge is in the Lord. Our government or a man will never have all the answers. The Truth will be more important than ever as our society becomes more tolerant of everything but Absolute Truth. I'm thankful for friends and family who share in this knowledge... keep the faith!!

CALL + RESPONSE

HI everyone- I want to let you know about an amazing new documentary coming out this week that exposes human slave trafficking. There will be showings in both Denver and Chicago, (where most of our readers are)... so I thought I'd put the link up for you to check out. We are going to go this Friday night with a group from my church. I am setting it up and an outreach ministry of the Injustice Team I am on, and am really excited to see it. After a very moving sermon series a few months ago, I have wanted to help fight injustices. It seems like an uphill battle at times, but a lot of what we can do on a daily basis is promote awareness of what's going on in the world. Injustice refers to an abuse of power by one group over another. It can result in human slavery, sex trafficking, illegal seizure of land or property and a host of other really disturbing things. As a Christian, I think I am called to take a stand against injustice, as Jesus did. To see where this movie is playing near you, see http://callandresponse.com/tickets.html At least read up on the documentary if you get a chance, at callandresponse.com Heidi

Nothing New

Just wanted to say hi to everyone and let you all know that we're just trucking along. Josh is busy with recruiting season (again). He's looking for jobs in one of the slimmest economies in a long time. However, we both trust that God knows His plan for us and we will be taken care of by Him. Josh also is busy with the Christian Business Student Association (CBSA), of which he is a co-chair at school. I am proud that he is willing to take a stand for Christ in an environment where that isn't always popular.
I have just been hanging out with friends, going to knitting and guitar classes, and generally keeping myself busy. I love that it's football season (my favorite sport), and I am following both the Broncos and Bears. We decided to go to North Dakota for Thanksgiving to see my grandparents. My family is going to meet us up there too. It should be fun... That's about it for now. Hope everyone is doing well.

Italy

How do I sum up two weeks of glorious Italy in a few words for our avid readers? We only expect that you be as avid of readers and we are posters, which isn't very...
Well the highlights of Italy were: 1) Gelato (we were pretty much eating it twice a day 2) All the other food- it's truly amazing 3) Spending time with Italian friends of Micheal and Amanda's we met once when they came to the States (Lucia and Alfonso) 4) Relaxing 5) Seeing beautiful old historical sites and towns 6) Sleeping in a lot 7) Watching Josh drive our manual shift rental (A Fiat Punto) through narrow, winding Italian roads 8) Five course meals 9) Staying at Agroturismos 10) Time together after so much time apart
Italy is fanatastic- Our route was Rome-Tuscany-Cinque Terre-Florence-Venice-Bolzano (Dolomites) Anyone who ever wants to plan a trip there, get the Rick Steves travel guide. I spent tons of time planning the trip, but it was all worth it... Now we're back in the groove. Josh starts school this week, and I have been back to work for a week.
Remember my beloved bike I got this summer? Well, someone stole it from outside my work yesterday. I was so sad.... Oh well, I guess I can always get another, but thought I'd let you know. It was fun while it lasted. Hope everyone is doing well!