What a fun idea.

I think this exercise says a lot about where we grew up and how we grew up.  So I’m gonna share my songs.  And you share yours.  At least a couple.  Either in a blog post, or in the comments, but I think this will be fun.

Here are a few of mine:

1. I listened to a GREAT DEAL of Caedmon’s Call in high school.  I would’ve drank their bath water.  So they’re on here a few times actually.  In fact, the whole 40 Acres album probably deserves to be on this list, but it’s not a list of albums, it’s a list of songs.  The title song to 40 Acres is the perfect song to play on the last stretch of road to my grandparent’s ranch.  And also, Back Where I Began off that same album reminds me of sitting outside FBC Canyon during the summer, waiting for our parents to pick us up after Wednesday night Priority.  Good times.

2. George Strait’s The Fireman was my little brother’s favorite song, bar none.  He would sing it all the time and knew every word.  My mother even misplaced him in Michael’s one day and tracked him down by following the sound of him singing The Fireman.  Ironically, the Fireman is not about an actual firefighter, but a guy who runs around town making out with hot women.

3. TLC’s Waterfalls.  I distinctly remember this being the last dance at the 8th grade Valentine’s Dance.  I had a boyfriend at this dance, and his little brother was born that night.  In case you were wondering, sadly, this is what I looked like in the 8th grade:

I know.  Could I be more lovely?  Truly, no.

Ok.  I’ve shared some of my home songs.  Your turn.  Don’t let me down.

My friend and fellow Canyon-ite, Michael Kelley, has a guest post on Stuff Christians Like.  It’s a very funny post, and gut-wrenchingly close to home, unfortunately for me.  Here’s an interesting tidbit: my parents bought my first car from Michael’s parents after he and his brothers moved onto greener pastures (car-wise).  Here is a picture:

Publisher’s Weekly just posted their list of the Best Books of 2009.  There’s a lot to sift through here, but would make a good starting point for anyone that needed book suggestions.

Lifehacker has a cool post for my photography friends today.  They show you how to build a low budget studio in your closet.

Is this not the most beautiful blog?  I just want to look at everything.  Sigh.  This blog makes me think of Brandi.

RUSH is a mockumentary done by members of FLMJ 300 at Samford University here in Birmingham.  Below is the trailer, but you can see the whole (very funny thing) on youtube in four parts (1, 2, 3, 4).  It made me giggle and features some SL alum, which is fun to see.  I love watching things by people who enjoy what they do, and I feel like RUSH is a really fun example of that.

If only I had had the foresight to make a 3-armed baby Halloween costume.

This is Iris.  She’s our new Compassion child.  I’m really excited about getting to know her better.  Compassion International is a great organization that is releasing children from poverty in Christ’s name.  I would LOVE to tell you more about Compassion and how you can sponsor a child or even give to some of their general funds during the holidays.  But anyway, Iris is awesome, huh?

I’m really trying to buy handmade this Christmas (or make my own gifts), so I’ve been doing a lot of shopping on Etsy.  Here’s just a couple of things I’ve had my little eye on.

The Book of Lists by jedgell.  Don’t you just want to make a bunch of awesome lists in this pretty little book?

Ball and Chain – Aquamarine Faceted Round with Oxidized Sterling Silver by mycellardoor.  My beautiful birthstone ring that I got for my 14th birthday is was put away for safekeeping one day so well that it’s still lost in my room at my parents house.  I know it’s there somewhere, but this aquamarine necklace could tide me over until I find it.

Organic Black Pepper Mustard by MistcalAcScents.  After a long hiatus from mustard, I am really starting to dig on it (although I still think yellow mustard is DISGUSTING).  Doesn’t this sound so tasty?

And finally, I saw ‘This Is It’ last night and it was…so good.  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t tear up a little when the bass line for Billie Jean kicked in.  So awesome.  Here’s a couple of MJ videos I could watch OVER and OVER again.

The 1988 Grammys.  Please.  PLEASE!

Billie Jean Live in New York.  He says, “Do you want me to put this glove on?  Oh.  I think you do.”

Smooth Criminal.  Please.  I love a good huge shadow.

Ok.  The Weekend Links are done for now.  But rest assured, I’ll have some awesome ones next week.