So, I've pretty much always listened to some country music. But, lately I've been realizing that I really only listen to either Christian music or dance music now, lol. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) This semester almost every time I turn on a country station, it just sounds unappealing. What's happening to me!?! ;) So, tonightI decided to rediscover some quality country songs that make me happy/nostalgic/thoughtful/dancey. Here is my list. Judge as you will, but maybe try a few out, too!
Bring it on Home by Little Big Town Will always make me think of Garret Austin.
You're Gonna Miss This by Trace Atkins Cheese from creepy Trace, yes, but it really resonated last year. Sick and Tired by Cross Canadian Ragweed "Memories, overrated, all they do is get you damn frustrated."
Okay so this is actually a pretty random assortment - not really of my life per-se (sp? per say? hmm - help, the English major is floundering!) but maybe more-so just an assortment of things that I have had in or around my brain in the last few days/hours. There really is some interesting stuff in there I promise! ;)
This wedding video is magic. Garret works with 8mm film a lot at work, so maybe he could somehow both marry me and film our ceremony at the same time... hmmm! Jk, I want his FULL attention, I promise! (I'm not really worried about that, either.)After watching that video, I'm definitely putting visit Aspen in the summer and ride in a ski lift through the mountains on my life to-do list. Oh wait, we're hopefully going to get to do that on our honeymoon, except it will be the Smokey Mountains - whoop!
Today I went to a lunch workshop held by an organization of university/local communications peeps - ProComm, held in The Zone. I felt like a grownup, the food was really yummy, the view was great, I enjoyed getting out of the office a little, and the speaker, Jackie Huba, was really engaging. It's interesting figuring out how we could use social media well in our office.
If you ever have a craving for awesome, random dance mixes (that one contains Dolly Parton's "9-5"!), check out this DJ's blog! He's got lots of free downloads and it makes good background or dancing music! A few of the songs are shady, sorry, but most of it's just plain random - a really unpredictable, fun mix of old and new.
This post about "telling time" on Girl Talk was really good. As I seek to get ready for marriage, this balance of being both a strong and submissive wife, definitely comes up. I want to learn how to "tell time" in a godly way! I've been reading about the book Womanly Dominion and I def want to pick it up soon. I think we studied similar stuff in the first aspect ("Mistress of your Domain" - mistress as in in-charge, not as in adultary - just clarifying) of the Five Aspects study we are doing in D-ship. It's packaging/presentation isn't especially trendy, but I HIGHLY reccommend that study!
Some more Etsy favorites (that I won't be buying this month bc I'm trying to be good): Fruits of the Spirit print, Love Defined art, and this is SUCH a cute print!
Yes, I am fairly addicted to looking at wedding blogs. There, I admit it. Me and my Google Reader are, like, almost-bffs. Anyhoo, this was one of the most attention-holding posts that I found today - so many things in these photos that make me smile and giggle - that happy-go-lucky blue sky, those yellow shoes, and... llamas!?!
Just chilling in my office for lunch today, and trying to read/watch/listen to things that are life-giving or at least thought-provoking while I eat my yogurt...
Random thoughts after almost two months of supposedly being a “grown up”…
Since graduation, there’s been lots of transitions. My days have consisted of work, time with Garret, discipleship, time with roomies, and working out. And of course Many trips home. Garret and I have gone home SIX times since graduation! For sure, I am enjoying the lack of homework, and every time I drive by Copy Corner I remember how wonderful it is to no longer have to go on late night treks there.
For a while now, I’ve felt like my heart is hardening. Too much pretending, too much just getting through things. But, God is faithful and last weekend I reached my breaking point in several areas and the heart defrosting began. Now I just need to keep pursuing it. God is reminding me that in Him, I really can have a soft heart and sensitive spirit. I’m slooowly beginning to again more readily see His provision and care, both in everyday things and big ones. For example, one day a few weeks ago, my bff Kristi texted me to say that she’d gotten a teaching job, and seeing God provide in a big way made me start tearing up, and that made me happy. I’ve missed being weepy!
On a lighter note, here are some of my new favorite things: songs: Hero by Connersvine, Mercy and You will be Whole by Lindsey Kane (Seriously - check those out. a-mazing.) food: Special K protein shakes, grapes, blogs: Girl Talk, Card Observer, Pioneer Woman, Surviving the Stores, Smitten Kitchen stuff: my Mary Englebreit tear-away calendar – because it makes me smile every morning when I get to see a cute new picture for the day.
Garret and I are doing well. We've gotten to stay in College Station and rest lately, and that's been really nice. He is still enjoying working at a local video production company. He's also pretty excited about how well the Texas Rangers are doing this year.
During the month of June, I participated in my first camp at Cliff Latham’s Adventure Boot Camp for Women, and it was really great to have accountability and enthusiasm from friends and trainers to help me take better care of myself – and challenge myself! Even though waking up at 5 a.m. (usually actually about 5:17) was not very enjoyable, it’s been so much fun to feel like an athlete again. As I transitioned from college life where I walk to campus and class every day, to a 8-5 desk job, I wanted BC to be a real catalyst for positive change, and I think I’ve achieved that. I’m probably not going to do another camp for a while (for money and time reasons), but I’m trying to keep working hard on my own. Feel free to keep me accountable on that, because it’s definitely harder on my own. I really love walking and running around my neighborhood, so that is extra incentive.
That reminds me – lately I’ve been realizing how much I LOVE our neighborhood! I’ve always loved looking at old houses, and I’m so thankful for that going on 3 years now God has placed me in a wonderful house with wonderful girls, in a quirky/old/historical neighborhood. One of my new favorite diversions is taking long walks/jogs down little winding lanes I haven’t yet traversed. There are so many adorable houses, random woods, and quirky garden-jungles around here. It’s fun exploring :)
I turned twenty two today! That's crazy! All in all it was a very fun day: quality time with Garret, fun party time with my roomies and some of my favorite people, ice cream, EA videos, and some dancin.
Me, with my birthday flowers from Mom, leis from the roomies, and silliness from Maggie ;)
I know it's been a while, so here's a brief serious and funny update on my life...
- I graduate in six weeks. This is craziness. - I need a full-time job in BCS for after graduation. - I'm struggling with managing my time well, and I've stunk at it for so long that I now have trouble not just resigning myself to the sleep-deprived cycle. - This video makes me laugh A LOT!! - I'm procrastinating right now. - These are some of my new favorite songs: While I'm Waiting by John Waller, Yours by Steven Curtis Chapman, and I Don't Feel Like Dancin by the Scissor Sisters.
