Tag team back again. Check it, wreck it, and let’s begin…

Tagged by my grandma.

So, I probably get a chain email/tag from my grandmother at least once a week, and I never actually answer or forward them on to others. In fact, I recently brought this to her attention: “Mema, no one sends out tag emails anymore,” I asserted. Without missing a step she replied, “All my friends still do.” Okay, she’s got me there.




Here is her latest email/tag:

“List your top favorite songs from each genre/category with a short explanation. Choose songs that best reflect you, your personality, and your life.” (How can I choose just one?)

1. Rock and Roll- “American Pie.” Don McLean. This song is such an epic in its own right. It just represents middle America so well.

2. Pop- “Daughters.” John Mayer. John, I am so sorry; I know that you are not a pop artist, but where else on this list could I possibly place you? So, sadly, I think he had me in mind when he wrote this song. How could a young (presumably self-consumed) male possibly have this much insight into the fragility of the female heart?

3. Country- "Strawberry Wine" - Deana Carter. It’s a sweet love song, and when I hear it, I suddenly become reminiscent of young, naïve summer loves.

4. Alternative- “How to Save a Life.” The Fray. I read a Rolling Stone review of this album a year ago. The band is pretty interesting, and this song is a true story. The song also makes me want to write a book.

5. Christian- “Tears of the Saints.” Leeland. This song reflects my heart for social justice. “Blessed be Your Name” is my favorite worship song.

6. Rap/ Hip Hop- Anything Alicia Keys. I have no substantial reason for this choice. “California Love.” 2Pac. R.I.P

7. Classic- Classic or classical? – “In My Life.”The Beatles. (Craig would be so proud of my selection.)

8. Christmas- “O Holy Night.” Tracy Chapman. Her voice is so strong, so commanding. For me, this song prompts my heart to the holiness of Christmas.

9. Love- “Wonderful Tonight.” Eric Clapton. Okay, it’s not my favorite, but since Craig did propose with it, we did dance to it at our wedding, and Charis did say it is the most embarrassing song on her Ipod, I have to put it down.

10. Party- umm… Love Shack? Kidding! Ugh! Anything Justin Timberlake. JT and I have been dance-off friends since college.

11. Currently on air- “Love Song.” Sara Bareilles. I heard it this morning, and I think it’s catchy.

12. Your pick- My pick, huh? How about best Broadway Musical Song? “Seasons of Love.” Rent.



I’m tagging people who need an update: Sarah B., Carson, Lauren S., Julie M.

Time Efficiency Expert

I find myself with a few free minutes on my hands, and I thought what better use of my time than to blog about how great Jason Castro is? I mean, really, can you think of a better use of 4.5 minutes?! (Yes, I am just that ridiculous and that ridiculously bored.)




1. I have been pretty impressed with this young man for several reasons. First and foremost, he seems to genuinely have a relationship with the Lord, and he’s fairly open about it too. That he is willing to use his American Idol platform as an opportunity to demonstrate what it looks like for a regular guy to run after his dreams while representing Christ well is such a testament to his maturity.

2. Additionally, and vying for the spot as the most significant reason I like Castro, he’s an Aggie. True, he may not go back after Idol, but I’m sure A&M would be proud to make him an honorary graduate. http://www.tamu.edu/

3. He’s in AMC (Aggie Men’s Club) A (pseudo) Christian fraternity. Craig was in this organization for 4 years, and I’ve been most impressed by the young men who have earned membership; most are honest, good ole boys who love the Lord. http://www.aggiemensclub.com/


4. He is so humble. Nearly every time I watch him perform this verse comes to mind, “if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your rightful place. Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be” (Job 8: 6-7).


5. Speaking of humility, the boy never mentions the fact that he had no voice training prior to American Idol. In fact, wasn’t he a drummer for a number of years? Hasn’t he performed like only five times before the show, and most of those performances amateur? http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season7/jason_castro/


Anyway, last night’s performance and a few free minutes were the catalyst for this blog. I’ve never been an American Idol voter, but I think I’ve just been converted! Enjoy.

A few months in a few pictures

I don’t really have too much to write or even much time to write it. So, to catch everyone up on our lives (hi, Mom!), I thought I would just post a few pictures with captions from the past couple of months.

In January, Craig had his 30th Birthday.



In February, I got re-engaged! I somehow "chipped" my diamond engagement ring, but luckily it was covered under insurance. After many, many talks and prayers, we were able to buy a new one. Craig got down on his knee and re-proposed…aww. I still have my same wedding band.



In February we had our Lifegroup retreat. There were about 30 of us who all stayed at Kyle's family's ranch house.


A few weekends later, the Crenshaws, the Hardys, and the Atkinsons all went to the Houston Rodeo kickoff! We stayed with Ashlee's parents who were the BEST hosts ever! We also got to see our good, sweet friends Beau and Allison Egert. Baby Grace got to meet baby Ellie.








In March, I went up to Dallas to visit my family. It was short but sweet time with my mom and sister. I also got to have coffee with the beautiful Lauren and the beautiful, due any minute Tracy.

(Christmas 2007)

(another Christmas 2007)

A couple of weekends ago, Katy had a birthday. It wasn't a major event in our lives, but Katy is a major influence in mine! :)

After months of praying together and individually, Craig and I felt like the Lord gave us a peace about me starting a doctoral program here at Baylor University. We very clearly heard the Lord say two things: I need to be faithful in the little so that He can move in the big, and above the pursuit of any degree, I am called to pursue the Lord in whatever capacity He may call me. So if a job relocation or motherhood interrupts the program, that’s A-okay!

(I do not know these people.)

Yesterday, Craig had his fourth interview with IBM Austin, and he says it went well. He has been asked to interview with IBM Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City (what?!). I think he still has a round or two of interviews to go. The problem is, we just aren't sure we want to move yet or even ever! We are praying through it and trying to be open to what the Lord is saying.

More to come... :)

Hello.

This is the first season that I’ve gotten “in” to American Idol, and boy am I in! The real irony here is that this is the first season of my life that I truly do not have three nights a week to offer as a sacrifice to my new idol. Thank you, America, for Tivo.

Last night David Cook, one of the contests, covered Lionel Richie’s “Hello,” and it was hello-amazing! I required Craig to watch it with me 2.5 times. (In the middle of the third viewing he got distracted by the primaries…gesh.) It may very well be my first American Idol Itunes download.

Incubus has also covered this song in a very similar arrangement, but it is not nearly as good. Perhaps David was pandering to the public, but his dirge is much softer and melodic.

I need a blog!

Man, oh man! This past month has been crazy busy for us, and I need a breather! Craig and I are in the throes of school and work, but the light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter every day! Craig graduates in May. In April, he takes a 2 week trip with Baylor EMBA program to Hong Kong, as part of his curriculum, and then he’s pretty much done. Hallelujah!

Next week (or maybe it’s the week after that), he has a third or fourth round (what kind of wife am I?!) interview with IBM in Austin. While we both recognize the amazing possibility and potential of this position, we are just not sure whether we’re ready to leave Waco. On the one hand, to pass up an upper management sells position with a fortune 500 company is professional suicide. And no doubt, it begs the question “If we’re not going to move cities and climb that corporate ladder, for what reason did Craig go to grad school?” On the other hand, have you ever lived in Waco? It really is a remarkable community.

And that leads me to my post: The reasons I love Waco. I suppose, in a way, the following are my pros from my pros and cons of moving or staying list. Fellow Wacoans, if I missed anything, add ‘em!

10. Common Grounds. I don’t even go there all that often, but I really like that a fun, hip coffee shop exists. It seems to have such a groupie following, and I love that!
http://www.commongroundswaco.com/

9. Baylor. Now, before you accuse me of being a bad Ag, or even think for a second that I don’t practice my Aggie incantations nightly, hear me out—I appreciate the variety of academic, cultural, and athletic events that a school like Baylor can offer. Plus, they are the biggest employer in town. http://www.baylor.edu/


8. Our neighborhood. So, technically, we’re on the cusp of Castle Heights. (aka Castle Crest) However, I feel like I live in Castle Heights! Really, I just enjoy going for a run amidst the beautiful old houses or stopping by to say hello to the Gaines, Griesmers, or Murphys.

7. Ninfa’s. Need I say more? http://www.mamaninfas.com/

6. Gold’s Gym movie room. Okay, so I wouldn’t necessarily stay in Waco for it, but boy do I utilize the heck out of it!

5. Our Lifegroup, our next door neighbors, and our friends. How could we ever replace them?

4. No traffic. When we first moved here and had to ask our neighbors, David and Stacy, for directions every time we needed to get around town, they would inevitably say, “Oh, it’s just about five minutes from here...” And we would think, yeah right! But every place is just five minutes away!

3. In a town of less than 200,000 people there are 6 Starbucks, 4 trendy clothing boutiques, and 1 Pei Wei. That’s enough for me!

2. Simplicity of life. Whether you want to own your own business—and just off the top of my head, I can think of over 10 successful Waco business owners under the age of 30, or even if you want to be a stay at home mom, Waco gives you the financial freedom to live out your dreams.

1. Our church. Antioch. Walking with a community of like-minded believers who love the Lord has forever changed my life. http://antiochcc.ccbchurch.com/