Category: Blog challenge

Posted in Blog challenge

“Lifestyle” Blog: Part 3

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Since I’ve shared posts 1 and 2 earlier this week “celebrating” my 1,000th blog post…

…Today, I’m wrapping up this recap by sharing thoughts and posts from the third column of “What do lifestyle blogs talk about?” graphic.

Parenting:

Well, the first thing I thought about with parenting, is that I try to keep it light and humorous with my Friday “mom memes.”

I wrote this Thursday Thoughts post last year reflecting on my kids getting older.

We went from this to this…real quick.

I’m currently working my way through a couple of parenting books geared towards raising teens, and I will share those after I finish them.

Marriage:

Just like parenting, even though I’ve been married a while, I’m still no expert.

I share what we are up to mostly when recapping what’s going on like going to a concert, Keeneland or out to dinner.

I never asked for it, but Travis started writing my name in bubble letters a long time ago. While that doesn’t really have anything to do with marriage, it’s a nice gesture that is now something I look forward to.

I wrote this post on the 5 Love Languages a few years ago, and I do think it’s important to try to understand the best way to communicate with your spouse (and all loved ones, really)

Photography:

No photography tips from me.

The only photos I know how to take are using my phone…and even now, the kids help me make those look better! Of course, I’ve shared lots of photos on the blog through the years.

Motivation and Inspiration:

Through some self-care and Enneagram posts, I probably have written about motivation and even inspiration.

When I think “inspiration,” I think of Pinterest where I “pin” ideas.

Recently, I wrote a “Pinned on Pinterest” post, and I have another one planned soon.

Pinterest is a great spot to find inspiration whether it’s for home decor, clothing styles, quotes, and more.

Art and Design:

I’m not an artist!

As far as design is concerned, we recently did Hadley’s Room Refresh, and the last piece arrived yesterday!

I’ve shared plenty of “before” and “afters” on how we’ve updated the house through the years…and some smaller projects like “ship lap” and like “chalk paint.”

Crafting:

Ahhh – this is one of times that I wish I’d started the blog when the kids were younger. We used to do lots of crafts. When the kids were little, I always had them make an ornament for family for Christmas. We also did lots of coloring, painting, and other activities often when they were little.

During the spring of 2020, the kids were still young enough, and we had the time, to do a few Covid crafts which was fun.

One of the first Not Just a Mom posts I wrote was for their “Getting Crafty” post.

Exercise:

Again, you’d think I’d be in “tip top” shape since I’ve been sharing workout posts recently, but I just I know I need to make an effort to get three to four workouts in a week (five if I really have the time, which is rare) to stay somewhat on top of my health. Having exercise as part of my routine has been important to me for quite a few years.

So far this year, I’ve shared my workouts for January and February.

Event Planning:

No real events, but I’ve recapped the kids’ birthday parties these past few years.

Interests or Experiences:

Like I mentioned in Part 2, a Not Just a Mom post recaps my current interests and hobbies.

I try to share experiences too when we travel, go to concerts, take part in traditions and more.

Thanks for letting me indulge on this trip down memory lane. I know I can’t check all the boxes on this “Lifestyle Blog” graphic, but it’s been fun to think about my posts and what I’ve shared over the past four and half years.

Again, I really appreciate all those who read, follow along, and engage with me on the blog.

Posted in Blog challenge, Me

“Lifestyle” Blog: Part 2

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

Thanks for the love yesterday when I shared my 1,000th post. It definitely feels like a fun blogging milestone. Today, I’m linking up with Joanne for Talking About it Tuesdays…

…to continue discussing…

Today, I’m looking at the next ten blog categories and sharing posts about most of them.

Interior Design:

On the website, I have “Home Updates” and “Home Decor” tabs. In the spring of 2020, when I had a little more time on my hands, I went through my house room by room and showed how we updated it. I shared many “Tuesday Transformation” posts. Now, we’ve been here almost ten years, and there’s so much I’d still like to do…or even update again!

We started recently with Hadley’s Room Refresh.

I’ve also shared smaller changes, like a couple of years ago, when we added ship lap to our living room wall.

Hobbies and Interests:

I’ve written about a few interests and hobbies through the years. You know I love reading, and I guess right now I’m in the phase of life where my main hobby is watching my kids do what they love to do. I wrote about those two things, and a few other ideas, in a Not Just a Mom post last year.

Favorite Products:

I’d say my most popular posts are when I share Amazon favorites! Of course, I have an Amazon tab on the website.

This month, I’ve made it a daily point to share an Amazon favorite in my Instagram stories. Then, I add the product to my Amazon Instagram highlight. It’s been a fun goal for me to keep showcasing things I’m buying and then saving them in one place.

In my Friday Favorites posts, I typically throw in a few favorite products or clothing items from time to time. As I mentioned in yesterday’s posts, I’ve shared my favorite Dime Beauty and Seint products.

Travel:

We go on a few trips a year, and I love having these posts as a “scrapbook” of sorts with the memories. There’s a “Travel” tab on the website. Our most recent “travel” was to Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago, but I’ve also recapped summer vacations, fall break trips, and even a look at what states I’ve visited. That was one of my favorite posts to write.

Technology:

I’m not much of an an expert on technology. I’ve written a couple of posts about favorite apps like the Cozi app. One Not Just a Mom post was about our favorite phone apps. I always love seeing what others have to say. I’m sure I’m missing out on the latest technology!

Local Activities:

I wrote a Lexington post a couple of years ago, and it was another favorite post that I’ve put together.

When the we do yearly traditions like going to Keeneland or the pumpkin patch, I tend to recap those fun events too.

The first week of May is always a busy time in Kentucky. It’s all about Oaks and Derby!

Cooking/Cookware:

Under the “Meals and Recipes” tab, I’ve shared quite a few “Monday Meal” ideas. Truly, there aren’t many recipes that I’ve created on my own, but I love sharing meals my family enjoys. Plus, o can look back on them for dinner ideas when I’m in a rut 😉

Pumpkin Penne Pasta and Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Irish Soda Bread are my two favorite recipes to highlight.

I’ve shared some Instant Pot recipes, but I actually donated my Instant Pot when I did a good kitchen purge after Christmas.

I can’t live without my slow cooker, and I use it at least once a week.

My new favorite gadget is my egg cooker. I make six perfect hard boiled eggs every week now!

Baking:

Oh! We love to bake. I’ve always loved to bake, and so has Hadley. Just think weekend, Hayden decided he wanted to learn how to make the box of brownies and Krusteaz cinnamon swirl cake. Now, of course, those are not home made, but at least he’s interested in baking for himself!

There’s a “Delish Desserts” tab with anything from seasonal desserts to other faves like Graham Cracker Pudding recipe.

Like I mentioned in yesterday’s post, earlier this year, I shared twelve desserts we made last year.

Entreprenuerhsip:

I’m not very entrepreneurial, but I do share my Amazon buys every month thanks to Tanya’s link up. Being an Amazon Associate means I make a small commission.

Truly, just yesterday, I received my monthly earnings gift card, and I used it to finish buying a couple of things for the kids’ Easter baskets. I appreciate the support of my blog, whether it’s big or small!

Book Reviews:

Some of my favorite posts to write are my monthly book reviews as well as the end of the year book post where I share my Top 5 books of the year. Reading is one of my favorite things to do.

On my Instagram page, I’ve added a highlight with book trackers for anyone to use. Thanks to a reader’s idea (hi, Christina!), I have a highlight of the books I’ve read so far this year. I can’t believe I haven’t thought of that idea before now.

Well, two recaps down, one to go!

Have a great day!

Posted in Blog challenge, Me, Uncategorized

SM&ST 1000th Blog Post

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

It’s a big day over here at Show Me and Sweet Tea…Today is my 1,000th blog post!

Who knew when I started this blog in August of 2019 that I’d have enough to say to write 999 posts + today’s post?!

I’m linking up with the Hello Monday ladies, Sarah and Holly, to share my thoughts.

I saw this graphic on Pinterest recently.

Honestly, the word “lifestyle” kind of made me cringe. I don’t know why. I’m just living my life and sharing, but not trying to tell you how to live your life. haha

That being said, I really can check so many boxes on this list.

You know I love a recap of sorts…so today I’m going to share and link back to some of the posts I’ve written that would fall under the first ten categories.

Personal Style/Fashion:

I don’t do it often, but I’ve shared some “What I Wore Wednesday” posts. Of course, I share other clothes that I love…mostly from Amazon, Target, and Shop Style Your Senses.

Beauty:

When I first think of “beauty,” I first think of skincare, but that’s it’s own topic!

I’ve been using Seint makeup for about a year and a half. I’m a creature of habit, so I haven’t really changed my makeup routine at all.

So, I think I’ve only written one Seint post, but I really love these makeup products.

Hadley shared her “heatless curl” hair tutorial last summer, and it was one of my favorite posts to share.

Spirituality:

Just by nature, I’m pretty private with my faith, but just recently, I’ve shared about about my daily Bible routine. I hope to share more in the future.

Skincare:

I’ve been using Dime Beauty products longer than I’ve been using Seint, but, again, I think I’ve only written one post.

Dime Beauty products are reasonably priced, have clean ingredients, and are so easy and convenient to use.

Hadley recently wrote about her skincare routine. Again, I loved having her share her thoughts, and she really appreciated the sweet comments.

Productivity:

I try to be as productive as possible.

I use the calendar on my phone, I write our activities and dinners on a magnetic pad, I use a desk calendar at school and write my lesson plans in a planner.

As a family, we use the Cozi app.

I tell my family they should be thankful for my time management and planning skills. 😆

Personal Finance:

Oh…I don’t get much into finances on here, that’s because my least favorite thing to do is talk about money…unless it’s sharing a good deal.

I literally just had to ask Travis why my paycheck where my stipend was $100 more than the previous paycheck didn’t reflect $100 more in the net amount…he reminded me about taxes. Boooo!

One of our Not Just a Mom posts last year was about money saving tips.

Self-Care:

I think I share a lot about self-care on this blog. Anywhere from quiet time, to working out, to monthly facials, I think self-care is important, and I still fail at it!

The first Monthly Musing post of 2024 was about self-care during the winter months.

Foods/Drinks/Dining:

I have a “Monday Meals” and “Delish Desserts” tab on the website, but I don’t feel like I add to them like I used to.

Last year, Hadley and I made a dessert a month, and I shared that post in January.

I always try to share new recipes I’ve found or recap what we’ve eaten in the week if I think it’s something others will be interested in.

Wellness:

I share quite a bit about wellness…and, again, it’s still an area that I’m always working on improving.

At the end of 2023, I recapped the Bodi programs that I completed last year.

So far this year, I’ve recapped my January and February Bodi workouts.

I’ve shared some goals like drinking more water, getting in more steps, and eating more protein.

Recently, I’ve started using these essential oil sticks (Awaken // Sleep) in the morning and before bed. They’ve been an easy addition to my wellness routine.

Mental Health:

I guess I haven’t really written a post on mental health, but I think I reference it when I share about my morning routine, taking time for myself, working out, quiet time, blogging, and more.

Some of my Enneagram posts, tie in with mental health because it’s about better understanding others and how they might think, feel or react.

Some thoughts:

I’ve really enjoyed blogging over these past four and a half years. I still truly wish I’d started a blog when I’d first thought about it years before 2019.

Lately, it has felt like I haven’t had as much time and energy to give to it. I’m wondering if this is just a phase, where I’m at in life, or if I’m running out of steam. (I hope not!)

August 4th will mark five years of SM&ST, and I’d love to continue writing and sharing. I have felt a bit of “shift” recently just knowing my kids are getting older. They don’t mind the blog, but I do try to be very intentional with what I share. I’m wondering next year, with them being in high school, how much of that I will continue to share. I guess time will tell.

I’m also trying to navigate blog post ideas that aren’t just about the kids or what we are up to as a family. I’d like to dig a little deeper into other topics.

For any bloggers already in this “phase of life,” I’m open to advice and ideas. Also, if there are certain topics that I already share, and you look forward to those posts, let me know that too. Let me know what you want to hear about from me! I’m open to suggestions.

Through this blog, I’ve connected with so many readers, chatted with other bloggers, participated (and co-hosted) in link ups, and I’m an Amazon associate.

I hope to continue this recap of “lifestyle blog” topics throughout the week if I have time. It’s been fun to look back on these posts.

Thank you for showing up and reading my posts. Commenting on those posts also means the world to me. I try my best to respond to everyone!

I hope you have a great start to your week.

{Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog}

Posted in Blog challenge, Homer

Bloganuary 1.24.24

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, we survived the first day back. It was a good one, but we were all hungry and tired by the time we got home from school. It’s good to get back in a routine…at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

I saw this, and after a long day back to work, I had to laugh…

Anyway, I’m continuing on with the Bloganuary challenge…

…with this prompt today:

Before I jump into this post, I want to say, when I saw this prompt, I kind of rolled my eyes.

Last year, when I did the Bloganuary challenge, I felt like WordPress posed lots of great prompts.

I haven’t felt that way this year…but I’ve liked the “challenge” of posting every day, so I’ve shared my regular content as well as other prompts and some WordPress suggested ones.

So, I’m just going to roll with it because who doesn’t want to read about this sweet face?!

Also, I realized there hasn’t been much Homer content lately because, well, apparently when you are almost five years old, you behave…😆

No more stories of him running off (although, he still will if the front door isn’t shut all the way by accident), no more stories about him eating an entire cookie cake off the counter (but if there are crumbs on the counter, he will find them), and no more stories of him ruining pillows or shoe laces (but he will still snag a random item out of the trash can!)

Anyway, back to today’s prompt:

If we could make Homer understand one thing maybe it would be that we love him more than what’s probably normal? Actually, I think he probably knows that. We have so many nicknames for him, we all tell him goodbye when we leave, and of course he gets lots of cuddles…especially from Hadley.

So, really, I think I’d love for him to understand how helpful it would be for him to close the door when he comes inside. He asks to go out often, and then as soon as I sit down, whether it’s been three minutes or thirty, he comes inside only for me (or one of us) to have to go shut the back door. I guess we could probably teach him to nudge it closed…but it still wouldn’t be shut all the way.

Just a little dog owner “pet” peeve, I guess.

That minor inconvenience is worth it though! Just look at that face:

We feel lucky to have found Homer and have him as ours.

Posted in Blog challenge, Me

Tuesday Talk

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

Well, we’re finally headed back to school for the first time since January 12th! That sure is hard to believe! While I’ve enjoyed some time at home, we definitely need to get back into a routine.

Today, I’m linking up with Joanne for…

…and today I’m talking about this “by two” prompt:

Here’s an explanation for my answers:

  • 2 things I love: Coffee and books are two things that I love. It’s been many years since I can say I haven’t had at least one cup of coffee for teh day…and I can probably say the same thing about reading.
  • 2 names I like: When I was younger, I loved the names Lydia and Annie. It’s not that I didn’t like my name, but Jennifer was a popular name. My middle name is Ann, and sometimes I wished my name was Annie. I remember liking the name Lydia after seeing the movie Mrs. Doubtfire.
  • 2 things that scare me: I’m definitely not a fan of heights. Choking is a new fear. I actually choked a little over a year ago, and my friend saved the day with the Heimlich maneuver. Ever since then, I’m very cognizant of choking…and I’m always telling my kids to slow down when they eat! If Trav coughs, I immediately ask him if he’s choking. Like I need one more thing to worry about…haha
  • 2 careers I’ve considered: I’ve really never considered another career besides teaching. I do wish that I’d gotten a library science degree/certification. I would love to be in a library working with kids every day. My mom worked at the public library a couple days a week after she retired. Maybe I will do that one day? Also, ever since cookie decorating became popular, I’ve thought it would be fun to do. Again, I’m not thinking about a career change…but how fun would it be to make people happy by baking and decorating cute cookies? I’ve taken a few cookie classes for fun, and a lot of hard work goes into even one cookie!
  • 2 places I want to visit: Nantucket continues to be on my dream list to visit. I’ve been to London, but it was when I was in high school…and I really hope to go again and take the kids.
  • 2 accounts I love: Jen Reed (@thesisterstudioig) is just the most down to Earth woman to follow. She’s happy, encouraging, and supportive and just shares so much with her followers. Brittany Garcia (@kingdomofsequins) is so fun! She always starts her stories with “Hey girl!” and just has a bubbly personality. I could definitely be friends with both of those ladies (and they are friends in real life!)
  • 2 books I love: I took a deeper dive into books in Sunday’s “All About Books” post, and it’s difficult for me to choose two of my favorite books. That being said, Where the Crawdads Sing and Becoming Mrs. Lewis were the first two to pop into my mind.

What are two things you can tell me about yourself from this prompt?

Posted in Blog challenge, Books and Shows

Bloganuary 1.21.24

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Sunday!

Well, the days have started to run together this week, but it is the end of the weekend…and I have another Bloganuary post.

It’s no secret that reading is one of my favorite hobbies. Today, I’m sharing a few fun book graphics and my answers to an “All About Books” prompt.

I like to think that I’m “lives in the book shop/library” and “the bookworm.”

Pinterest/ @idotdoodle

Via Pinterest, I found this “All About Books” prompt…and here are my answers:

C/o Pinterest @glammtemplates
  • Favorite book: I remember everyone talking about Where the Crawdads Sing, and for whatever reason, I put off reading it. Once I started to read it on vacation a few summers ago, I couldn’t put it down. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read it. I think the movie is pretty amazing too.
  • Book I regret reading: Travis asked me once if I ever start a book and don’t finish it…and I told him I used to never quit a book, but now I do if needed. There are so many books that I want to read, so I try not to feel like I “have” to read a book. Anyway, Block Party was a “hot” book this summer, and I trudged through it. I should have stopped reading when I wasn’t enjoying it, but since it was pretty popular, I kept reading…and I wasted time I could have spent on a good book.
  • Currently reading: I’ve had All the Light We Cannot See on my list for a while, but I finally made it a priority to read because I also want to watch it on Netflix! I’m enjoying, but it’s a long book…so I hope I can finish it soon.
  • Books I recommend: This varies based on the person or situation…but the Class Mom series is so funny, and Elin Hilderbrand is the queen of beach reads!
  • A book I can always reread: To Kill a Mockingbird is one that I could read over and over…and do thanks to my job! haha You would think that I would have read this book in high school, but I never did. The first time I read it was right before I taught the unit my first year teaching. Now, over twenty years later, I can say that I’ve read it at least 12-15 times. The past few years, the students I’ve worked with have read the graphic novel version.
  • Favorite genre: I used to like chick lit and light, easy reads. A few years ago, I really started enjoying historical fiction.
  • Least favorite genre: I do not like sci-fi or fantasy…books or movies.
  • Buy or borrow books? It’s pretty rare for me to buy a book. Again, since there are so many I’d like to read, I’m ok with being on the wait list at the library until it’s my turn to read a book. I do love buying books from time to time though.
  • Write a book someday? I don’t think that’s something I desire to do. I like being the author of Show Me and Sweet Tea. 😉
Pinterest @becauseallthebooks

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

I will post this template from @glammtemplates on Instagram today. I’d love to know your answers…and don’t forget to tag me in your responses.

Have a great rest of your weekend!

Posted in Blog challenge, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

I hope you’ve been able to stay warm this week. I know many of us are dealing with winter weather…and we are on NTI day #3 around here.

Today, for…

…I’m continuing with….

Besides WordPress ideas for blogging topics, I have a few ideas saved on Pinterest. One journal prompt was:

Favorite part of my evening.

Is there anything better than getting home after a long day and getting settled for the night?

Today, I’m sharing my top five favorite parts of my evening.

Not counted in the count, but something I love is when I get home, and I know that I don’t have to go back out. Of course, we’re in a busy season of life, so a night at home is a rarity and a treat. If that’s the case, then these five things really apply:

Pajamas!! Now, many times I get home from school, change into workout clothes, and head to the basement for my workout. Even workout clothes are a nice change from wearing school clothes, but as soon as I can put on my pjs and slippers, I’m a happy camper.

Leftovers for dinner! While I love cooking, it’s so nice to just pull a meal out of the fridge to warm up for everyone. Often times, even if we have leftovers, I still add something new to the meal like rolls, salad, or green beans.

Family dinner/everyone is home!

Again, being in a busy season with all of the kids’ activities, we don’t get to eat dinner together every night. So, the two to three nights a week that we are able to do so mean so much to me. That’s one of those “mom things” that I don’t think the kids know that parents appreciate.

I can’t remember if I’ve shared this, but the kids have Language Arts class together this year…and this semester, they have Tech Ed together too. While Hayden doesn’t share as much, Hadley usually has funny stories or the kids end up falling into a conversation about school or the classes they have together, and it’s nice to hear about their day…even if they don’t always like to give us all the details. haha

Hot shower/skin care! Usually right after dinner, I take my evening shower, do my nightly skincare, and put those pjs (back?) on.

I’m still loving a shower steamer when I remember to throw one in the shower. I’m still using body butter, and the Candy Cane one from Trader Joe’s is my favorite this season.

Then, of course, I like washing my face and using my Dime Beauty products along with a few other things. It’s nice to have a clean face that’s ready for bed.

Reading! Once we got back to school, I didn’t have as much time to read. That being said, there are many nights that I scroll my phone for a few minutes, so now I’ve decided to be a bit more intentional about reading time.

When I read on my Kindle, I always read before bed, but if I’m reading a book, that’s harder to do…because Travis is ready for me to turn the lamp off.

Anyway, for the past week, I’ve been reading this book and making sure to read for 20-30 minutes after my shower which has been nice to do.

If Travis and I have time to watch a show together, that’s always good too. We just finished The Night Agent two nights ago, and we loved it. It’s been a long time since we’ve “binge watched” a show together.

Many times, we’ll watch Kentucky or Missouri basketball games too. He’s lucky to have a wife that loves sports…haha

I’ve also started Fool Me Once, and I’m almost finished with The Crown. While those are shows just I watch, it’s nice to have an evening at home to watch them.

What’s your favorite part of your evening?

Posted in Blog challenge

Bloganuary 1.14.24

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

How is your weekend going? We had a busy day yesterday, but we don’t have much on tap today. I’m ready for a bit of downtime.

I’m continuing with my Bloganuary posts…

…and sharing about…

When I was little, I loved my Madeline doll based on the Madeline children’s book. The main character lives in an all girls boarding school in Paris, France.

The first pic I found of me with my Madeline doll is at my second birthday party.

I carried that doll everywhere…so much so that I think my mom had to “repair” it at some point by sewing a few parts back on…an eye or arm, maybe? Then, eventually, I even got a new one to replace the original.

Madeline and I logged a lot of time together and many memories.

When the kids were little, I got the Madeline book for Hadley and read it to her often.

Do you have a favorite toy from your childhood?

Posted in Blog challenge

Bloganuary 1.6.24 -Gifts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday!

I hope your weekend is off to a great start.

One of the Bloganuary topics this week was:

I wrote this Let’s Look post a couple of years ago about Love Languages.

“Acts of service” continues to be the best gift I can receive…especially from my immediate household. haha

I still really appreciate help picking up, doing the laundry, unloading the dishwasher, etc.

Taking things off my plate is definitely the best gift I could receive.

As far as other gifts…

To be clear, I have everything I need. I don’t need material things. Of course, I appreciate the gesture and thoughtfulness of receiving a gift, but I tend to buy what I need.

That being said, I love cards. I’ve always appreciated a card, a written note, a sticky note saying “Have a great day” and more.

Travis is known for his “bubble letters” which I love.

I don’t get flowers very often, but I do love them!

Kind of like with the cards, I appreciate sentimental gifts…

Sorry to mention it again, but these pics of the kids were my favorite Christmas gift this year. They were such a lovely surprise, and they were perfect!

A few years ago, Travis gave me this burlap print with our address and the year we moved into this house. It’s not anything I would have asked for, but it’s an example of something thoughtful that I see every day and love.

I also really love traditions like receiving two hanging ferns for the front porch as my Mother’s Day gift.

We went to Julep Farm because Trav gave me a gift card to the restaurant there. An “experience” is always a thoughtful gift.

The gift of self-care is always nice.

Years ago, Travis gave me a gift card to the med spa where I now go monthly for my facials. I appreciate having that 45 minutes to an hour every month to take care of myself.

He’s also given me gift cards for manicures/pedicures which I can always use.

Last year for my birthday, Travis gave me a gift card for a massage. Again, that’s not something I typically buy for myself, so I appreciate him “forcing” me to take a break and relax.

This year for Christmas another one of my gifts came in a cute gift bag…gift cards for a massage, dinner out, and a night at a hotel. It was all very thoughtful and unexpected.

Travis and the kids taking the time to think about me and tell me I can take a break and have some time for myself is beyond thoughtful.

So, the gift of self-care really is appreciated!

What’s the greatest gift you could receive?

I will have another post tomorrow — I’m sharing my recent Amazon purchases…buckle up!

Posted in Blog challenge, Me, School

Bloganuary 1.4.24 – Colleges

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Today I’m sharing my first “Bloganuary” post. Yesterday’s WordPress topic was “what colleges have you attended?”

At first I thought this topic might be boring, but then I realized that I had a journey/story for each part of my college career.

University of Missouri:

University of Missouri (KC):

When I graduated high school, I was really uncertain about where I wanted to go or if I even wanted to leave home.

My “homebody” tendencies started early, and I wasn’t much of a “risk taker.” I was really comfortable living at home, working part-time at a dentist office, and sticking with my surroundings. Ultimately, I decided to stay home and attend UMKC which is a smaller branch of the University of Missouri system. Looking back, I still think this was the right decision for me. I was able to ease into college while being in the comfort of what I already knew at home and work.

That being said, I had always liked the idea of going to a bigger college, and in the spring of my freshman year, I applied to University of Missouri-Columbia. (MIZZOU).

University of Missouri (Columbia):

My sophomore-senior years were spent at MIZZOU. Again, the timing really worked well for me. I’m glad I waited to go until my sophomore year. I lived in the dorm that year, so I was able to experience that. I do wonder if I’d gone to MU my freshman year if I would have joined a sorority, but I did make some great friends living in Jones Hall!

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My mom was a middle school Language Arts teacher for over 30 years. Also, I loved to read and always had great English teachers. So, I never once changed my major. I was always going to be a high school English teacher. I couldn’t wrap my brain around working with elementary aged kids (they seem so needy…haha), and I just felt like older kids would be a great fit.

I graduated in four years with a B.S. Secondary Education: English (grades 9-12) in May 2002. I feel very fortunate that I entered adulthood debt free thanks to my parents paying for college (and I helped a bit financially by staying home the first year, earning a few college credits while in high school, and even managing the front desk of my dorm as a junior to have free room and board).

I loved CoMo, and stuck around one more year for my first year of teaching.

Rank 2: University of Missouri

I moved to Kentucky after my second year of teaching and started my first Master’s degree after teaching for three years. In Kentucky, the pay scale is by rank. So, teachers earn more every year with experience, but they also move on the pay scale with their rank. With a B.S., it’s Rank 3 pay. One Master’s degree is Rank 2, and then an additional Master’s gets Rank 1 pay. In my district, there is also Rank 1.2 (PhD).

Anyway, I knew I wanted to start on my Rank 2 before we had kids. I was living in Lexington, but the University of Missouri had an online Master’s with a focus in literacy. Literacy had always been something I was interested in. I also knew that having that focus could be of benefit to me as I grew as a professional. I started that program in the fall of 2005.

All of the courses were online, but I really enjoyed having the flexibility of the program and there was no commute! I think I typically took two classes each semester, but maybe I took three one summer?

In May 2008, I earned my M. Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Focus: Literacy which got me my Rank 2.

I’m so thankful for that degree because right after that, I took a job as a Literacy Coach in my school building and really enjoyed that work.

Rank 1: University of Louisville

The Literacy Coach position came about because the district I was in was a part of a federal grant called Striving Readers. It was a three year grant with partners at the Collaborative for Teaching and Learning in Louisville and the University of Louisville.

As a part of the grant, I had the opportunity to earn a reading specialist degree which would give me my Rank 1. I delayed the start of this work because Travis and I had just had the kids.

Then, my school was able to add an additional year with the grant. Knowing that it was “now or never” and this degree would be paid for, I realized I should go ahead and take advantage of this opportunity. I started working on the degree when the kids were about a year old…I think!

That time period is a blur, and it was a lot of work…but much like my Rank 2, all the courses were online, and I had such great support from my mentors at CTL and U of L.

I enjoyed working on the courses and completing each Capstone. I’d much rather write a twenty page paper than take a test!

In May of 2012, I earned my M. Ed., Reading Specialist, May, 2012, Rank 1 through U of L.

Again, that degree is one of the main reasons I’m able to work as an interventionist today. Both of my Master’s degrees have really led me to wonderful opportunities, and I appreciate that I’ve been able to work in my school in a capacity besides as a traditional classroom teacher.

I know college isn’t for everyone, but I always say that no one can take away your education. Also, through the years, these degrees have enhanced my knowledge and expertise as well as allowed me to better support my family and my future.

So–those are the colleges I attended.

I’m still a big MIZZOU fan, but I can’t cheer for the U of L Cards in my house…haha

I will cheer for the CATS with the rest of the fam.