The Post About 5 Ways to Get Music Online and Giveaway

Three years ago I started chasing rabbits.

That sticky July in 2008, I wrote about the profound which included:

• Talking like a grown-up around my parents.
• A lengthy exaltation about my love for Stephen.
• How typing 65 wpm should be included in my online dating profile.
• How iTunes takes advantage of my ADD.

Each one of these is still true and accurate.

However, my music issues have only become more complex. There are 5 places I frequent for music - enablers, all of them.

1. iTunes: I stand by my claim that it's the best organizer of your music library, even if you don't own an iPhone, iPad or iPod. Playlists, rating system, genius mixes, and suggestions of new music based on your current favorites. And now, it's headed to the cloud which means it goes with me to your house party when you think Michael Bolton would be perfect for appetizers.

2. Amazon: I cheat on Steve Jobs often with Jeff Bezos. Amazon often is cheaper per track (most popular songs are only $0.69 vs iTunes $1.29) and albums tend to be a better deal 90% of the time. So why not use Amazon exclusively? Their cloud is nice, but it can be slow and fussy. Plus, the Amazon downloader that adds purchases to your computer automatically drops those same tracks into iTunes. An affair with no downside.

3. Pandora: My ADD demands I have background noise to maintain basic function (like blinking). Pandora is the supplier. Type in your favorite artist and Pandora shimmies and shakes its box and plays that artist and/or others with a similar sound until you can't stand it anymore. Pandora is free for up to 40 hours per month. For unlimited listening, you can subscribe and skip the ads. I have stations for Beyonce, Munford & Sons, The Civil Wars, John Mayer, Carrie Underwood, Christy Nockels, and quick mix stations for Working Out, Broadway, and Tweens. Umm...don't judge.

4. NoiseTrade: Free. Legal. What a lovely combo for a Southern Baptist girl. Apparently, record deals aren't always what they're cracked up to be for the artist. So he or she or they go rogue and look for new ways to distribute their music. Enter NoiseTrade. You may not recognize some of the artists, but NT includes the helper "For Fans Of..." So if you like Joshua Radin and Ingrid Michaelson, then you might like Cary Brothers. And they are right.

5. Twitter: No, you can't really snag music here, but it's a wonderful way to learn about new tunes. Follow an artist you love and then see what other musicians they mention. Follow a favorite venue or even people whose tastes you share. They usually won't lead you astray.

So, to celebrate my blogiversary AND music sweet tooth, let's have a giveaway!
(1st of 3 this month)

Two Winners:

$25 iTunes Gift Card

OR

$36 Pandora 1-Year Unlimited Subscription

How To Enter:
Leave a comment answering the question:
What's the last song/album you bought and loved?

**2 Extra Credit Entries**
Each of the following will give you 1 extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for each, whether you're doing it for the first time or you've already done it in the past.

1. "Like" Jamie's Rabbits on Facebook.
2. Follow Jamie's Rabbits on Twitter.

Important Details: Open to anyone in the US or Canada. Must enter before 11:59pm CST on Monday, July 18 to qualify. Winners will be chosen randomly using Research Randomizer and announced next week. Obviously, anonymous folks can't win unless they leave a name in the comment.  

P.S. Although I spend most of my free time and workout time and healthy eating time on the above mentioned sites, they don't know the first thing about this blog or this giveaway. 

{image: Jamie}

The Post About Jesus and Me Going Green

Last week, I noticed these in the church hosting our work conference.

I was all high fives and chest bumps.

I may or may not be over the moon about taking care of the planet. It all started on a trip to San Francisco in 2009 when I fell for all things hilly and redwoody. Plus, there were recycling bins everywhere. And no plastic bags. Not a one. I was fascinated.


When I returned home, I started to make small changes that didn't get all up in my face, but seem to be making a difference.

1. Reusable bags for shopping. Cashiers are getting less angsty about this and mine are a sassy fashion statement.
2. Thermostat on 77 in the summer. It's 198% humidity in Alabama, but I survive. Although I might survive sans pants.
   
3. Reusable aluminum water bottles. Not really a money savings because I tend to leave them on top of my car and then speed off.
   
4. Reusing bath towels. I'm generally clean by the time I get to the dry off part anyway.
5. 5-Minute showers. I'm a shaving, conditioning ninja.
   
6. No pre-washing dishes before the dishwasher. I own the Kenmore, it does not own me.
   
7. As bulbs died, I switched to compact fluorescent bulbs. My Dad has only had to drive 40 minutes round-trip with his shiny ladder once in 3 years to change my flood lights.
8. Cold water for all clothes-washing. I'm not a Chilean miner, so we're not talking major stain removal.
   
9. Stopped all paper bill statements. I also went check free by paying all debtors online and no longer attending Mary Kay parties.
   
10. Rechargeable batteries. My camera flash and 30-second FWD button for the DVR get quite a workout.

My next goals:

• Old school matches instead of those snazzy reach-into-the-candle-jar-lighters-that-never-leave-the-landfill.
• Homemade household cleaners despite my long-term love affair with Lysol wipes.
• Buy a dainty Schwinn Cruiser to ride to church which is less than 1/2 mile away. However, I may need to continue to pray about that.
  

As a Christian, I've always thought taking care of the earth is a no-brainer. However, it's never been a movement my church or those like it have side hugged into common practice.

Why is that?

Is it Al Gore? Did he invent the Internet and then ruin the concept of stewardship?

I believe any stuff I have is actually on loan from God so I need to value it like I value Him. That definitely includes the plot of the planet I occupy.

So how do you try and "love on" the planet? Or am I in left field about all this green business?

{images: Jamie}

The Post About Independence Day in Review

I'm usually not a fan of the blog recap. 

Particularly when they might make me jealous. I doubt that will be your experience here, so let's review, shall we?

My church throws a big God & Country shindig which is really a fair with fireworks and the Holy Spirit. This year we added a car show which had me thinking a hickie from Kenickie would have rounded out the evening nicely. 

2012: Kissing Booth for Jesus.

I ate a funnel cake.

And two bags of these.

With a side of this.

 

This generation...Generation Bieber...will always smile for a photo. Better yet, they will pose mid shot to help you get yours.

Since I live in Alabama, I'd like to show you how our event might be different from yours in California or Maryland.

"Insulated" mugs.

 

Wearing the flag is a sign of respect.

 

But sometimes your heart for SEC football trumps being a patriot.

My own Freedom Funness party was rained out so we had to be creative with the cooking. Since I don't really cook, the creativity started with making my friend Joseph lead the meaty charge.

You should call him at 205-555-MEATROCKSTAR and have him whip up all your protein.

My cooking contribution was an As Seen on TV EZ Disposable Grill on the front porch. I mentioned on Twitter that Yankee Candle needs to consider a WienersontheGrill scent.

If Bath and Body went that route, I'd be planning a Fall wedding. Yesterday.

 

Since baking is my claim to mediocrity, we had berry trifles in a jar for each guest. You're right, they are fetching.

So how did you celebrate the 4th? Or better yet, what would make your patriotic good times different from mine?

{images: Jamie}

The Post About Rabbits I Chased This Week

A few moments from the past week.

None of those 215 campers and staff were listening to me. I know it.

My agency hosted an Independent Living Conference for teens in foster care. Keynote speaker, Eric Anderson, taught them how to swallow fire. Surefire résumé booster. Surefire...get it.

My e-book on writing is already scheduled for publishing.

I attended a seminar, Working with Adolescents, which included this slide on the hormone issues faced by teenagers.

It confirmed my theory that my dominant personality is a 14-year-old girl.

{images: Allison Peatross, Jamie}