Rollcall
Today I was thinking about how I have updated my “blogroll” (as wordpress calls it) and you may not have noticed. Now, some of the links are there just because it’s an easy way for me not to have to worry about forgetting these MOST IMPORTANT links (not that I couldn’t find them again, I’m sure…), but others are there for both of us.
Just so you know why you should read these blogs, let me give you a brief summary of why these are good enough to be on my blogroll (as opposed to the many that I’ve saved in my favorites but you don’t see listed).
Aaron Ruell’s Photography: If you have seen Napoleon Dynamite, you know Aaron Ruell, though you may not know it was him. He played Kip. (Kip sang a love song to his bride and technology simultaneously. He was a dismal failure at martial arts. He likes lots of cheese on his nachos. Just thought you’d like a refresher.) These photographs are some of my favorite things to look at. The colors are bright, the framing is unique, and I think that Ruell always makes up a story for each photograph (even shots with no people in them seem to be purposeful).
Aaron W: This guy is super brilliant. No joke. He’s very humble, though, so he won’t tell you that himself. He’s one of the best preachers on the planet, and yet he’s a real guy. I don’t have a lot more to say, but that’s my shortcoming…not Aaron’s. Really, I think Aaron’s one of those people who everyone should know. And now that I type this, I realize I never told Aaron to his face that I think this. Sorry Aaron!
B.J.: One of the funniest people I’ve ever met. He puts up a strong front like he’d rip you to shreds, but is truly one of the most caring people I know. When you visit his blog: he just got married to a great girl, so make sure you read about the songs for their wedding and reception. Oh, he is a pretty smart person, so he can get a little cynical. It’s okay, though, because it’s fun.
BSU Football: Because everyone likes the Broncos!
Donate Rice with Good Vocab Knowledge: Even if you don’t know a lot of words and their meanings, this is a great way to build your vocabulary and do good at the same time. For each word you get right, 10 grains of rice will be given to the UN World Food Program. You’ll be surprised how quickly you manage to build up enough for one day’s allotment of rice for a person!
Liz: From this link, you can get to two of Liz’s blogs. The first one is her journey through life, currently in D.C. She talks about food, her cat, knitting, what she does for fun, and 12 of 12 (I’ll let Liz tell you about that). In her “Daily Reads” section, you will find her other blog, Cinema Hype. If you like movies, this is the blog for you! Liz gives you insider information, personal perspective, and a continuing contest (usually on Fridays) called “Quotation Sensation”. The reward is a poem in your honor. There’s no place else where you can get that! Check both out!
Micah and Erica: This is a great couple. They are genuine people who dig in deep to their hobbies and get all they can from life. Photography, their real life faith, music, outdoor sports, and whatever’s on their minds are what you’ll find out about here. Oh, and they’re going to have their first baby soon, so I’m sure there will be pictures when that happens. 
Mike: He’s a youth leader, which–in my opinion–makes him a little crazy. He is another of those super smart and super sincere (snuck in some alliteration there!) people. He doesn’t post every day, but every post is worth reading. Also, his family is adorable.
Nathan: I think this is take two for Nathan’s blog, so you may find references to posts that aren’t there…but don’t worry! The posts that currently reside here will get you to thinking. I suspect that if you read Nathan’s blog you’ll be challenged to consider your own views about politics and faith and how they interact. Even if you disagree, when you take the time to think about Nathan’s perspective you will find you are enriched. I really appreciate that this is a guy who doesn’t compartmentalize his life, but strives to integrate all parts of himself.
NPR Music: Check this out if you want to find new things to listen to or hear about musicians you already love from a new point of reference. Just when I think I know all there is to know about music, I find I’m wrong.
Office Tally: For all things related to NBC’s show The Office. Really. ALL things.
Pioneer Woman: A new favorite, this website is maintained by Ree Drummond, a woman who lives on a ranch in The Middle of Nowhere, Oklahoma. She’s open, honest, generous, and fun. Just the kind of person you love to be friends with! Her recipes are amazing (if you don’t try her recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Cake, you are doing yourself a serious disservice), her photography is beautiful, her tips are always worthwhile, and…well, it’s all fun. I will say, there are more female readers here than male, but if you like cooking (of any sort) or ranching or great pictures, you guys will still find something.
Set Daily Puzzle: Some fun for your brain. This game won an award from MENSA, so you know it’s also good for you. And if you register, you can enter to win a drawing each time you complete the daily puzzle.
Stuff Christians Like: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this site. As someone who grew up in church, I relate to just about every post. Sometimes sincere, sometimes funny, and always self-depricating, Jon Acuff asks us to take a look at ourselves by being willing to take a look at himself. Sure, he makes fun of people, but only after he makes fun of himself first. If you have had ANY experience at ANY church event, you will find something to relate to. (Many thanks to Aaron W. for first highlighting this site. I owe you!)
Stuff White People Like: It’s good to make fun of yourself, and Christian Lander proves it. I mean, he’s white. So he knows. Okay, so it’s really about white Americans. I’m not willing to lump other white people in with us without some confirmation that it’s deserved. Anyway… Check this site out for perspective about why we like New Balance shoes, coffee, ugly sweaters, acting like children, and public radio. (Okay, so I don’t like ugly sweaters, but I like the rest. Also, I know people who like ugly sweaters.)
Tiffany’s Tea Page: This girl is one of the most talented people I know. She could tell you all about martial arts, longboarding, going on long hikes, business and marketing strategy, and the challenges of working in the non-profit world. But at this site she focuses on her true passion: tea. People who drink tea will appreciate her assessments of varying teas and their qualities, and people who don’t may just find they enjoy how she writes. Either way, please spend some time with Tiffany! And if you know someone in the tea industry, send them her way since she does some freelance consulting and is a huge asset to any marketing campaign. Seriously, she’s the best!
Well, that’s it for now! If you want to know about any other blogs I follow, drop me a line about your interests. I’m sure I can find you at least one new source!
