Hey hamr22, I'm also working on my building first bike/ first cross bike. It's not quite moving yet, but I've recently decided on a lower-end Cane Creek headset (cartridge bearings), the S-1, and went with the Tektro Oryx brakes - widely reviewed as a great brake for a fantastic price.
Hopefully I'll be able to let you know how they work soon!
(building up the IRD Crossfire, for the record!)