Enneagram

Monday Memo

Posted on December 15, 2025December 14, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Ours was really good. Did you read my post on Friday? I shared a few gift ideas, but I also mentioned that I was waiting to hear if we’d have a snow day…well, we did! Then, we got more snow over the weekend, and bitterly cold temps followed, so we have yet another snow day today.

My school district is going to use the non-traditional instruction this year again, but they decided not to start that until after winter break! So, we’ve already had three traditional snow days in December. Hopefully, we don’t have to make all of these up in June!

Anyway, we had family in town for an early Christmas. We decorated cookies, opened gifts, and had dinner together.

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an Enneagram post, but @mirabellecreations shared this one about prepping for the holidays, and I thought it was pretty accurate for my 5w6 self!

Enneagram 5:

Researching the history of every family tradition– I’d say this is pretty true. I love traditions, and appreciate some of the ones we have in our family. Just this weekend, we made our traditional waffle cookies using the waffle iron that my great-great-grandfather brought from Germany.

Choosing thoughtful gifts that are exactly right: I do think I do a good job with this. Of course, I end up ordering many things online, but I still think they can be really personal. I ordered my mom this tote from Bauble Bar and she really liked it. I like giving something personal. Recently, I went to a local boutique, and it was fun to shop in person. I got a few things including a cute tea towel and notepad for my Gma. It’s nice when you’re out shopping and you see things that remind you of loved ones.
Planning quiet pockets of rest: Uh…yes! Now, sometimes those pockets of quiet time don’t happen until after Christmas, but I do try and factor in time to wrap presents, watch a movie, bake cookies, etc.
Staying up late reading by the Christmas tree: Well, is there anything better? Actually, I couldn’t really sleep yesterday morning, and I got up early and decided to finish the book I was reading. It was nice to have the glow of the Christmas tree as I sipped my coffee and read. (I will share December books before the year ends, but I will go ahead and say that I highly recommend Christmas with the Queen. Loved it SO much!)

Observing all the chaos with a warm cup of something: Yes! You know I love my cup of coffee, but lately, I’ve been an iced coffee girl. I’m just really enjoying using my new festive glasses.

Enneagram 6:

Keeping track of all the traditions being completed: That’s definitely me, but I also don’t think we overdo it which is nice. Typically, we bake cookies one day, go to the Horse Park lights, the kids each get a gift for each other, and a few other things we do. Just last night, I told Trav we need to go see the Horse Park lights this week.

Triple check travel plans and weather forecasts: This is definitely me. I’m a worrier about the weather as we’ve definitely had times where we are traveling to KC at the holidays and there’s snow in the forecast. Just this weekend, I worried about family getting to and from Lex safely with our forecasted weather. Obviously, if the weather is bad, we can pivot and probably adjust schedules by a day or two. We’ve always made it work somehow.
Brings emergency kit and snacks: Any travel needs snacks, of course!
Watching all the classic holiday movies: I tend to watch holiday baking shows in December. That being said, I have many movies I like to watch in the holiday season or on break like A Christmas Story, Home Alone, and The Holiday. Some movies aren’t necessarily Christmas movies, but ones I tend to watch during this time like You’ve Got Mail and While You Were Sleeping.

Feeling extra grateful for the people who feel like home: I know the holidays can be stressful, and sometimes they are hectic, but I’m always grateful to spend time with extended family, but I also really enjoy the time at home with my family of four too. When we go to Louisville and KC, we’re able to spend time with family we don’t see as often as we’d like. When we stay home for Christmas, we have a few traditions like hanging with friends after the Christmas Eve church service. I like that our holidays are predictable but vary a bit year to year.

Overall, these were pretty accurate for me.

Today, I hope to spend some time making one final list of the last few things I need to buy (mostly stocking stuffers and a couple of gift cards) and maybe I can get some wrapping accomplished?!

Have a great Monday!

Enneagram, Me, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on September 18, 2025September 18, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday! Wow…this week seems to be flying by.

I haven’t shared a Thursday Thoughts post in a while. I’ve seen the “unfortunately I do love” trend on Instagram, and that idea coupled with my interest of Enneagrams makes for the perfect combo.

On Instagram, I follow @alignedsoulco, and saw the recent Enneagram series. It’s been a few years since I’ve taken the Enneagram test, but I’m a 5w6.

Unfortunately I do love:

Type 5:

Watching people from across the room: Why does this one sound so creepy? haha. I definitely love to people watch.
Having weird niche knowledge about random topics: It’s the teacher in me, I guess!
Disappearing for weeks and then acting like nothing happened: This summer, I had a few friends say they barely saw me at the start of the summer. I swear I become a hermit when I need to decompress after the end of the school year.
Observing social dynamics like a nature documentary: Again, I like to people watch!
Preferring texts over phone calls: Yes…most of the time.
Researching anything before experiencing it: I do like to have all my info and feel prepared.
Being an expert on things I’ve never actually done: This one isn’t me…this is actually a pet peeve of mine.
Emotional detachment as a lifestyle: Put this way, this doesn’t seem very healthy! I do kind of compartmentalize my feelings a bit.

Type 6:

Worst case scenario planning: I always tell Travis I’m a realist…not a pessimist!
Asking “what if” about everything: Again, I need to have all my info!
Seeing reassurance and then doubting the reassurance: For sure me if I feel uncertain about a decision.
Being prepared for apocalypses that never happen: I don’t know about this one, but in general, I do like to be prepared in situations!
Loyalty tests nobody knows they are taking: Ok, this sounds devious…but loyalty is important to me.
Anxiety as a personality trait: Unfortunately, yes…and something I’m working on.
Overthinking overthinking: I don’t overthink as much as I used to…I think letting some of that go has come with age.
Being suspicious of good things: Listen, someone has to be suspicious!

On a little lighter note, Shay shared this a few weeks ago…and while we’re just at the halfway point of September, there’s so much to look forward to in the “-ber” months.

Pumpkins arrive in the stores: I’ve been tempted, but so far I’ve held off!
Apple recipes in the kitchen: I haven’t made it yet this season, but this apple cider donut cake is a fave this time of the year.
Football season arrives: Well, the Chiefs are off to a rough start, but I’m hoping they’ll get it together. On the other hand, my Mizzou Tigers are 2-0 to start the season!
Oktoberfest is here: I don’t go to Oktoberfest every year, but it is a fun September activity.
Seasonal coffee drinks are out: I want to try Starbucks’ pumpkin cold brew.
The temps start to decline: Well, we had a “fake fall” a couple of weeks ago, and now the temps are soaring to the upper 80s/low 90s. Just yesterday, Hayden said, “It’s so hot! Isn’t it supposed to be fall?” Of course, he really notices because he’s out there running!
The slow cooker comes back out: So true! Of course, with back to school, I need as many slow cooker meals as possible.
My house smells warm and cozy: I do love nothing more than switching out seasonal candles. I have an apple/vanilla one burning right now.
Seasonal movies on repeat: Who has time to watch a movie? haha! But yes, I have some favorite seasonal ones.
The return of boots and booties: As soon as these temps drop, yes!

What’s your favorite thing about September?

Enneagram, Inspiration, Me

Word of the Year – Enneagram Edition

Posted on January 3, 2023January 6, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, yesterday wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. Thankfully, I didn’t have to be to school until 9:00, so today will be the first day of my alarm going off at 6:00 again. It was good seeing my colleagues yesterday, and it’s always great to get students back in the building. I know, even for my own family, it will be good to get back on a schedule and a routine.

Anyway, we went to a New Year’s Eve get together, and my friend had us each draw three words and we shared them as our “Word of the Year.”

I’m sure you’ve seen those graphics where they say the first three words you see are your words for the year. That’s where she got this idea.

Anyway, the words I drew were: creativity, reset, and calm.

I like those words. I’m generally pretty creative, and I’ve said that this blog is my main source of creativity. January is a perfect time to reset on all the things. I want to get back to tracking what I eat and working out. I also want to take the time to plan and get organized. My birthday is next weekend, and I’m always pretty reflective this time of the year. I think with turning another year older and the start of a new year, I was meant to have a January birthday. It’s just a natural time to hit the reset button. Lastly, I actually feel like January is a more calm month in general after the holidays, and it’s just what I need.

I will keep these three words in mind this year.

I’ve shared this account before, and am always curious to see what @the.enneagram.mom has to say about 5w6.

Enneagram 5:

Enneagram 6:

I also saw this on Instagram, and it stuck with me as good intentions for this year:

I hope to have a great year…both 2023 and 43. I hope the same can be said for you!

Amazon, Enneagram, Gift Ideas

Gift Guides (ish)

Posted on December 5, 2022January 6, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? We spent some of our weekend in Knoxville because Hayden ran in the AAU National Championship race. Then, we spent Sunday doing all the things like church, grocery pick up, shopped for Angel Tree gifts, chores around the house, and then watched the Chiefs game.

Anyway, I know that many Instagrammers and bloggers share gift guides this time of the year which can be both helpful and and sometimes overwhelming.

In my own little twist on “gift guides,” I’m sharing Enneagram gift guides because I love the ones that @ashton.creates shares on her page.

Again, I don’t live or die by Enneagrams, but I do think it’s interesting. I’m a 5w6 and here are the gift guides for both of those:

5 (Investigator)

Camera: Well, I haven’t owned a camera in ages thanks to my iPhone, but I do love taking pictures.
Candle: Yes! I love candles. I used to pretty much only buy my candles at Bath and Body Works, but this past year, I’ve ordered quite a few from Antique Candle Co., and I’ve loved them all.
New mug: I love coffee mugs. While I switch them up season to season, I pretty much stick with my fave most mornings.

6 (Loyalist)

Weighted blanket: I cannot live without my weighted blanket. I’ve had one for a couple of years, and it’s hard to sleep without it!
Membership: Memberships are a great idea. We always gift Netflix to my dad every year.
Letter board: Crafty things are so fun.
Slippers: I have a couple of pairs of favorites slippers, but these are my fave.

Another favorite Instagram account I follow is @the.enneagram.mom. Her gift guides are fun too!

5

Blue light blocker glasses: When we were online for school, I snagged a few pairs of glasses; they were fun to wear.
Collectors book set: I always ask for a couple of books every year. Since I rarely buy books, I usually keep a list on Amazon that I share with family as gift ideas for me.
Comfy sweaters: Yes to a sweater! The best part about winter is sweater weather. This is my favorite Amazon sweater (I have it in three colors), and this one is a recent purchase that I love.
Book marks: I love a good book mark!
Add to their coffee station: K-cups in my stocking, please.
Home thermostat: This is a practical idea.
Reading chair: I dream of having a big enough bedroom one day to have a reading corner.

6

Comfy sweaters: See above!
Personalized jewelry: Etsy always has so many cute options. I’ve gifted and received so many good and thoughtful pieces through the years.
Cute storage: Organizing is always a great idea!
Water bottle: Besides a water bottle (which we don’t need ANY more!), I love personalized tumblers and skinny can coolers.
New vacuum: This I do not need 🙂
Home security: Again, practical!
Purse organization: see “cute storage” above

What’s on your “wish list” this year? If you know your Enneagram number, you should check out their posts!

Teens (and others!)

Now, these aren’t Earth shattering ideas, but I never shared what I got the kids for their birthday.

I try to do “want, need, wear, read” to keep it a somewhat simple shopping list.

Both:

This book caught my eye and I knew they’d love the Homer socks!

Hayden:

I hope they’ll let me buy them Christmas pjs until they are 18. I don’t buy the cute little kid ones anymore, but bottom line is in the winter months, they need warmer pjs…so why not buy for birthday?

Hayden prefers the jogger style for sweatpants and pajama pants, so I turned to Old Navy to get both of their pjs. Both of my kids now fit in adults sizes (what the what?!), so that’s what they got. Travis ordered this set of football cards for Hayden, and he was excited.

We also got Hayden a Nike UK hooded sweatshirt, jogger sweatpants, and basketball shorts.

Hadley:

I wanted to get Hadley something special for her 13th birthday, and picked out the Elisa pendant necklace at Kendra Scott. I wasn’t sure what stone she’d want, and I ended up choosing her birthstone.

Besides flannel pj bottoms (and t-shirt), I got her a Kentucky sweatshirt, leggings, and this sweater.

Honestly, I feel more behind than ever on my shopping. As the kids have gotten older, they understand that money and gift cards go a long way, but of course, I want to pick up them up other things as well. In some ways it was easier when they loved Legos and Barbies!

I’d love to hear any ideas you have for my teens! Bonus points if I can order on Amazon. haha

I hope you have a great start to your week.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Enneagram, Me

Little Miss + Enneagram

Posted on August 3, 2022January 6, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I’m not sure why or where these Little Miss sayings started, and I think people either love them or hate them. haha

I follow @the.enneagram.mom (Tess) on Instagram, and loved looking at her recent Enneagram types posts.

I think it’s been two years since I took the Enneagram test, and I’m a 5w6. Sometimes, I think I’m more of a 6 than a 5 when I see different references, but I think it’s fun to analyze.

Here are the Little Miss sayings that most apply to my Type 5w6 self:

Type 5

Little Miss “All Black Wardrobe”: While I don’t wear all black (mostly because of Homer hair haha!), my winter wardrobe is usually black, gray, and navy!
Little Miss “Give Me Space”: I definitely need my “me” time every day.
Little Miss “Doesn’t Like the Spotlight”: I definitely don’t like the spotlight. I’m happy to blend in.
Little Miss “Probably Overthinking”: All day, err’y day!
Little Miss “This Could Have Been an Email”: I like to be as efficient with my time as possible. I hate when I feel like time is being wasted…or a meeting could have been an email!

Type 6

Little Miss “Needs the Schedule”: How can a person live without a schedule?!?
Little Miss “Planner Addict”: The best thing about “back to school” is a new planner and new pens!
Little Miss “Online Shopping Addict”: Did you see yesterday’s post? I don’t think I’d call myself an “addict,” but I do prefer to shop online. That being said, I also think that goes with my tendency to want to be efficient…and stay home.
Little Miss “Little Miss Overpacked”: I wrote about my over-packing tendencies in this blog post. I’m a work in progress. I’ve also admitted that I’m a “home body,” so I think that’s why I overpack. I just want to feel “at home” wherever I go. Also, I used to overpack a large suitcase. Now, I just overpack a medium one. #babysteps
Little Miss “Makes Tons of Lists”: I love a list…or 12. I have lists on my phone, lists in my school planner, lists on sticky notes, grocery lists and more. I also make “to do” lists for my kids for their chores or even schoolwork if they need to stay on top of it. I’ve even added things to lists after I’ve already completed the task just so I can cross that item off. So satisfying! Am I normal? Actually, don’t answer that! 😉

What Enneagram type are you? You should check out Tess’s posts, and let me know which Little Miss you relate to the most.

I hope you are having a great week.

Me, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on November 11, 2021November 10, 2021 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Today, I have a Thursday Thoughts post.

I’ve shared Erin’s (@cathartic_word) Enneagram graphics in previous posts. When I’m scrolling the ‘Gram, I immediately stop and look at her posts. Her Enneagram graphics are amazing, and I immediately swipe to see what she’s created for 5w6.

I’ve had this “Things each Enneagram loves” post saved for a while, and today I’m breaking down my thoughts on the 5 (investigator) and the 6 (loyalist).

Things each Enneagram type loves…

Type 5:

Quiet time: Heck yes. I’ve shared before that I need my morning quiet time to start my day. If I can have pockets of quiet time throughout the day, that’s even better!
Take out: While I love eating out, I also enjoy just getting take out and eating dinner at home in the comfort of my home. There’s nothing better than pajamas, a good book, and food I didn’t have to cook 😉
No plans: Do you know what’s better than no plans? Cancelled plans! haha
Long talks: This one is less like me than the others. I think after talking all day long with students, I’m ok with shorter conversations. That being said, it’s always good to catch up with someone I haven’t seen in a while.
Their bed: Absolutely! While I don’t mind travelling, there are times I’ve left my house thinking about how many nights of sleep until I’m back at home and in my own bed (with my favorite pillow, my weighted blanket, and my sound machine! #highmaintenancesleeper)
New books: Have you met me? This is a definite yes. I love a new book! It’s like meeting a new friend.

Type 6:

Stationery: It must be the teacher in me because I do love stationery.
Multiple cups: of coffee?? haha I do have my favorite coffee mug, water tumbler, and wine glass. I guess I am particular about my drinkware!
New pens: Again, the teacher in me…I start every year off with a new pack of pens. My faves are Optimus Fine Point Pen or Paper Mater Flair.
Dinner date: Sure! It’s not often we get to go out, but I do love grabbing dinner out with Travis.
Reliable Friends: I’ve learned through the years it’s the quality not the quantity of many things, including friends! I appreciate those who “get” me and are there for me.
Mismatched socks: uh no. This is definitely not me! It drives me crazy when I can’t find the match to a sock.

I feel like this glimpse of what a 5w6 Enneagram type loves is pretty spot on.

You should definitely check out Ashton’s Instagram account. She has so many fun Enneagram posts, and she often shares cute seasonal graphics that can be used for phone backgrounds.

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Me, Self-care, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts: Enneagram Ways to Cope

Posted on September 17, 2020September 16, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! So, I’ve shared before about my Enneagram type being a 5w6. (Investigator/Loyalist) In my last Enneagram post, I shared how I’d started following @cathartic_word on Instagram. Erin’s graphics are so cool, and always seem to ring true for the Enneagram types which I think is so fun.

I recently saw her Ways to Cope series, and thought I’d chat about that.

Everyone copes with sadness, frustration, anxiety, worry, and more throughout their lives. I see with my students or my own kids, that they don’t always know how to cope with all of their feelings and emotions. Knowing how to cope is beneficial and a perk of being an adult. 😉

So here’s the breakdown for my Type 5w6…

Type 5:

Solo trip to the movies: Solo anything! 😉 I feel like when I’m overwhelmed, I need space. I need time to think and decompress. A movie would be a great way to do that, and I find comfort in watching reruns of familiar shows like The Golden Girls or cooking shows….I’m basically wanting to watch something where I don’t have to think.
Something innovative: For me, something innovative would be writing a blog post. Or…do you know what else I love? Those coloring books with all the details. I loved when my kids were little and liked to color. Hayden likes to draw right now. I’m not a drawer…but I definitely like to use colored pencils or the thin tipped markers for coloring pages. I even have a Golden Girls coloring book.
The entire pot of coffee: Yes. Coffee. On repeat. Besides needing coffee to wake up my brain and function, I always feel warm and cozy in the morning when I light a couple of candles, sip my coffee, and read blogs or scroll social media.
Writing: I’ve always loved journaling. At different points in my life, it’s been a priority and other times not so much. Obviously, the blog satisfies that need and can be a form of coping.
Learn something new: Of all things listed for Type 5, this is least like me. I’m not opposed to learning something new (I am a teacher, after all!), but actually when I need to decompress, it’s usually because my brain is too full, and I just need a minute to unwind my thoughts and feelings.

Type 6:

graphic c/o @cathartic_word May 19, 2020

Long walks: Yes! I love a solo long walk. It’s a great time to think about my day or plan upcoming days. Kind of like watching a familiar show, I enjoy listening to podcasts when I walk as a way to zone out and cope.
Dogs: Of course! You know I’m a dog person. I’ve shared about our previous dogs Shiloh and Scout…and now we have Homer. I’m always amazed at how animals know when you need them. Even Homer, who can be wild and crazy, knows when I (or any other family member) needs a good snuggle for comfort.
A good book: I love getting lost in a good book. Reading is certainly a way to cope for me.
Catching up on sleep: I’m forever tired. I always need more sleep, but even in my day to day life, which can be hectic, I find that I’m making sleep a priority more and more. If there is something I’m struggling with, then the lounging in my bed for a few minutes with my eyes closed is so helpful for me to calm my thoughts and get my mind right.
Music: I’ve never been a big music person. For me, like I said above, I’d probably choose a podcast over music as a way to decompress. I also really love silence in the car. I’m the type that turns down the radio to think. 😉

I don’t get too caught up in my numbers…and sometimes I think I’m more of a 6 than a 5…I think 6w5 is an option;) but I do find it interesting. If you haven’t checked out Erin on Instagram yet, you should! Go find the graphic for your type!

What’s your Enneagram number? This is the test I took about a year ago. I’ve thought about taking it again…but then what if my number has changed? I’d be so confused! haha

See you back here tomorrow for this week’s Friday Favorites post.

Take care,

Me, School

Enneagram Backpack

Posted on August 7, 2020August 6, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Hey hey! We made it to Friday. I guess it’s technically my last Friday of summer before my teacher responsibilities start on Monday! I’m hoping to have a fun day with the kids today leading into a pretty relaxed weekend (with one baseball game).

So, back in the fall, I took an Enneagram test because I’d heard so many people talking about it. I posted a bit about my results and thoughts about the test in an About Me post in September.

I’m a 5w6. Type 5 means that I’m an “Investigator” and I have some 6, “Loyalist,” tendencies. I don’t live or die by these descriptors, but when I see something about Enneagram references, specifically with 5’s and 6’s, I usually like, “Yep. That’s me!”

Recently, I started following @cathartic_word on Instagram. Erin is an artist and her graphics are fun and beautiful! She creates various ones specific to Enneagram types focused on ideas like, “Road Trip Essentials,” “Step Inside My Mind,” and “Enneagram Colors.”

Recently, I saw her “What’s in My Backpack” series, and thought , with school starting soon, it would be fun to look at 5w6 graphics. They are pretty spot on for what would be in my backpack!

Type 5:

graphic c/o @cathartic_word July 9, 2020

Headphones (noise canceling) :I don’t know that I need noise canceling headphones, but I do like quiet when I work. Headphones are perfect for drowning out extra noise.
Notebooks: I heart notebooks. I can’t ever have too many. I tend to use one notebook (or colored pad of paper) for meetings, another notebook for lesson plan ideas, etc.
Books (old and new): Give me all the books! Y’all I know I love to read. I also love to re-read some books and even mark them up with pen and pencil or dog ear pages!
Laptop: I need my laptop for all the things.
Phone (for research): Can’t leave home without my phone. And, I do use it to look up many things as well!

Type 6:

graphic c/o @cathartic_word June 8, 2020

Water bottle: I have been working on drinking more water 😉 I do prefer to have a refillable bottle to use for my daily water intake.
Planner: I must have my planner. Always. I have my lesson plan book (with dates, meetings, appointments) as well as my desk calendar and my calendar on my phone to keep me organized.
Travel mug (or 7!): If I’m leaving the house in the morning (for school, early game, workout class), I always have a travel coffee mug.
Phone charger: I’m the type of person who panics if my phone battery is less than 70% 😉 So, a phone charger always comes in handy.
Snacks: I often have snacks on hand for myself and the kids. You just never know when you’ll need something to tide you over until the next meal!