The 3's

Forgive my very long blogging break.  If you follow my blog, you know it happens.  Life has certainly gotten in the way... starting grad school, staying social, working part time, keeping up relationships... well, they all take time.

That being said... I am going to get back into blogging very, very slowly.  Here is a meme that I got tagged in...

The 3's:

Three names I go by:
1. Jaye
2. Jaye P.
3. Jaye Patricia (but that is reserved for the grandparents)

Three jobs I have had in my life:
1. Chick-fil-a... I worked in the back
2. far too many temp jobs; the best when I was a secret shopper and I ordered drinks to see if the wait staff would card me.  And no, I didn't get to actually drink the drink!
3. Girl Scouts, Membership Director and now a 100th Anniversary Project Coordinator

Three places I have lived:
1. Virginia Beach, VA
2. Ann Arbor, MI
3. Raleigh, NC

Three Favorite drinks:
1. Coca-Cola
2. Water
3. Barq's Root Beer

Three TV shows that I watch:
1. Glee
2. Teen Mom
3. Criminal Minds

 Three Places I have been:
 1. Budapest, Hungary
 2. Germany
 3. Istanbul, Turkey

Three of my favorite foods:
1. Pizza - Mellow Mushroom for special occasions and Papa John's if I am ordering in...
2. Chinese - cheap Chinese may be the best...
3. Quesadillas


Three things I am looking forward to:
1. being done with this semester
2. seeing people after Thanksgiving
3.  Christmas music :-)

Three people I think will respond:
1. you're assuming I'll tag anyone... HA!


Three pets I have/had:
1. Rosie, the best Rottweiler there ever was.
2. Lana, my first crazy Siamese
3. Belle, my current crazy Siamese

Three places I want to visit before I die:
1. Australia
2. New Zealand
3. England/Ireland

Organization Gratification

I feel satisfied when...

1. I can cross something off my to-do list.
2. When I have lots to do, I make a to-do list.
3. I finish scrapbooking a trip/theme/etc.  (I originally started scrapbooking to organize my photos).
4. I get rid of stuff in my room -- clothes, useless odds 'n ends, old craft supplies I don't use any more, etc.
5. I balance my checkbook and fill out my budget worksheet.

Me

Since I didn't get to play last week... here is me in 6 pictures.

1. I am a beach person.

2. I am a list person.















3. I am a Disney person.

4. I am a dancer.

5. I am a friend.

6. I am a big sister.

Know Me

Saw this over at simply modern mom and just couldn’t resist…

Making : myself with cookie season.  I turn over all paper work next Friday!
Cooking : lots of egg salad and grilled cheese lately.  They're my new obsessions.
Drinking : water, miss Coke, but glad to be reminded that I live in a nation with plentiful clean water.  Praying for those who aren't so blessed.
Reading : Anne of Green Gables series... and my American History text.
Wanting : an iPod touch -- seems like a fun toy.  Being responsible and resisting.
Looking : out the window wishing I could be outside.
Playing : my iPod.  It is almost always on.
Wasting : time by filling this out.
Sewing : nothing right now... maybe something for some upcoming showers.  Depends on how adventurous I feel.
Wishing : to spend a week in the Bahamas or Hawaii.  How can I make that happen?
Enjoying : the sunshine and weather. :-)  and more time for Scrapbooking.
Waiting : to find out if I got into Grad School...
Liking : the new Pearl Jam song.  It is very unlike Pearl Jam which is why I probably like it.
Wondering : when my tax refund will come.
Loving : my life.
Hoping : and trusting in Christ, in His plan for me.
Marveling : at how capable at wasting time I am.
Needing : nothing.  there are lots of "wants" that I am making into "needs," but I don't really need them.
Smelling : nothing.  I should change that.
Wearing : my cute navy blue dress I got from the Gap Outlet when I went to Tennessee with fun friends last summer.
Following : no one on twitter.  I deleted my account because I was letting it waste so much of my time.
Noticing : that I can be disciplined for two to three weeks at a time and then I let it go for a week; then I hope right back on the "discipline" wagon.
Learning : about American History.
Thinking : lots of things.  When am I not thinking?
Bookmarking : lots and lots of blogs.  I need to updated my blog roll.
Opening : lots of emails.  Oh Work Inbox, how I would love to turn you off some days.
Giggling : at nothing.  I am a laugh out loud kind of girl/
Feeling : good about life right now.  I think it is all the sunshine.

 

What about you?  Feel free to fill this out and let me know how your life is!

Spring has Sprung!

not my picture.  found it on google images.

I am loving the weather lately.  I am pretty sure that spring has arrived here in North Carolina.  Not every day has been sunny with blue skies, but even on the cloudy days, we are still getting up to the 60s.  And I am loving every minute of it!!!

There are lots of reasons to love spring, but here are a couple of mine:

1. skirts.  I break them out this time of year and I love to wear them.  I know that sounds strange coming from the girl who didn't wear them. EVER. in high school and college.  But they have grown on me.  Better than shorts!
2. sunshine.  I swear that the winter makes me Vitamin D deficient and now I am soaking it all in.
3. driving with the windows down.  Need I say more?  Especially if a good song is on the radio.
4. sleeping with the windows open.  I also love doing this in the fall.
5. longer days! I really like it being sunny until 7ish.  It makes me so happy.  I will say I hate the "spring forward" part, though.  It makes getting out of bed a bear!
6. Beach Music nights at North Hills.  They start up again soon and it means I'll be shagging on a regular basis again (and for those of you who don't live in NC, shagging here is a type of dance, see this video.)
7. being outside.  All of the sudden my friends and I start hiking again, spending Sunday afternoons just enjoying the weather by playing frisbee, volleyball, etc.
8. beach time is just around the corner!  As a beach bum, I am counting down the days until I can sit on the beach for hours on end with a good book! :-)

So much to love about the Spring.  What are some of your favorite things?

Five Things...

Found this blog which participates in Talking About Thursdays and I thought I would give it a whirl every Thursday.  I need topics to write about from time to time and need motivation.  I have been a bad blogger the last couple of weeks -- mainly because my schedule hasn't dictated much time, but still.  I enjoy blogging and should attempt to do it more often.

Without further ado:  Talking about Thursdays: "Five Things About Yourself."





1. My name is Jaye -- my dad named me and I love my name.  I have only met one other girl Jaye and it makes me feel special that there aren't too many of us in the world.  I used to go by Jaye P. (and still do to those friends who know me as Jaye P.), but for some reason switched to Jaye when I started working.  It would make me happy if you would call me Jaye P.

2. I love Coca-Cola (and will not drink Pepsi) and feel my day isn't complete if I don't drink at least one.  I also love all things sweet and chewy (sour patch kids, sour gummy worms, skittles, etc).  I have at least cut most candy from my diet.  I don't think soday will ever go.  And yes I know how bad it is for me.

3. I am too busy for my own good right now.  Work here at the Girl Scouts has me overwhelmed and yet I am still attempting to take a class for grad school, apply for grad school, hang out with friends and spend time scrapbooking.  Why?  Because i don't want just one thing to rule my life.  However a lack of sleep may soon make me have to choose.  That and not enough getting done.  How overwhelmed I currently feel makes me wonder how moms ever do it.  Is it a gene that gets activated once you become a mom?

4. My plan for when I get out of debt (stupid spending habits) is to save money to travel many places.  On my trips to take list: drive across country; tour the West Coast (fly into San Diego and head north); Australia; New Zealand; Texas... oh and many more.

5. If I could change one thing about myself, I would make it so I have actual musical talent -- but in a way that I could become a 'triple threat' and do musical theater.  When I was young, I would have changed my height (I am tall), but now I am ok with it.  However, I wish I could sing, dance and act.  Instead I love all things musical theater and my current obsession is Glee.  Makes me feel like maybe I could be good to (ha! in my dreams).

December 31: Resolution You Wish You Had Stuck With

I am not big on New Year's resolutions.  Don't know why -- maybe because I feel that most of the time I don't think you stick to them... and even more importantly I fear (and probably know) that 99% of the time I personally won't stick to them.

However, I do like to set goals, and am working on helping myself to set attainable goals and reach them.  Some of my 26 Things before 26 were more goals than just things to do (and probably the closest things to resolutions I have ever set).  Of those, which one do I wish I had stuck with the most?

7) Scrapbook 2 spreads a month.

I recently had a 'aha' moment while making some Christmas gifts.  I LOVE crafts.  And more than that, I think I know why.  I have a pretty analytical job and approach most things administratively.  There isn't much of a chance for me to express myself (although I do often express my opinions on things) and crafting allows me opportunities to use the other side of my brain.  I am considering a couple of New Year's resolutions this year (why not? its a new decade, let's try something new!).  One of them would be for me to do something crafty each Sunday (thanks for the awesome idea Christy!). 

Anyway -- I wish I had known this about myself earlier.  I wonder how that might have changed the year and how I dealt with things.  What resolution do you wish you have stuck with?

December 28: Best Stationery

I love the way the Gwen Bell describes this prompt:

December 28 Stationery. When you touch the paper, your heart melts. The ink flows from the pen. What
was your stationery find of the year?

It sounds like she may have a small obsession with office supplies, or at least paper... like me. I could be wrong, but that is how this obsessed-with-all-things-officey-and-organizational-girl interprets her words.  Did you know that about me?  I could literally spend hours an office supply store like Office Depot, Staples, etc.  It has been this way since I was kid.

What did my say when I was little? "Trees quake when Jaye P. walks by.  She has so much paper in her room they know they killed their tree neighbor."

What was my favorite part of August? back to school shopping.

What was my favorite day in college? the day I had all my syllabi and could organize my planner and get my supplies together.

I have to control myself.  I won't let myself walk down the offic supply aisles in Target, etc for fear that I will buy pens or paper (and goodness knows that I have more than plenty of those!).

That being said -- I don't know I had a favorite stationery find of 2009. 

I loved to be organized, though, and nothing brings me greater joy than spending time making my various lists for the week: what work related things need to get done, what non-related work things need to get done, groceries, music to download, purchases to save for, etc.

I am not more happy than when doing that -- sad I know. 

The second part of Gwen's prompt implies (at least to me) productivity.  And I am never more productive than after I make a list and start marking things off of it.  Every Monday after I update my planner, I can hit the ground running.  So it is my planner that gets my juices flowing and is quite possibly my favorite stationery.

I need a life. 

PS. This post has inspired me to show you my planner -- but that will not be today.  I need to first get the pictures off my camera.  But look for it!

December 18: Shop of 2009

2009 was the year of cutting back on spending... not only for me, but for most of the country.  I have at times spoken of my debt on this blog.  And I must say, through the grace of Christ and His mercy on teaching me this lession, I am slowly but surely climbing right on out of debt. 

That being said... I still like to shop. :-).  I have just put myself on a budget -- and have had to tweak it as I have learned things about myself and my spending habits.

First, I model my budget off of Bryan Allain's -- he shared it once on his blog.  It was just a great format to use and I really appreciate the breakdown.  Thanks to Bryan for doing a lot of the hard work for me (figuring out the categories, etc) and then sharing it.

Second, I have realized I will "borrow" from categories if I don't get certain categories in cash. I now spend cash only on groceries, eating out, clothing, and entertainment (movies, etc).  It has helped me control my spending tremendously.  It also makes me wonder where I spent all of my money before adopting the budget and cash-only spending in some categories. 

All of that being said -- I think I have an idea of where I spent most of my money (and still do)...

iTunes.

iTunes is defintely my shop of 2009.  And most likely the shop of my life.

I love iTunes (and my iPod).  It is far too easy to just download one song... or a whole CD.  I don't think I could list all of the music I have bought this year (Hanson EP, Brad Paisley CD, songs from Fee, all of the Glee music, and much, much more)... but let's just say it was probably way too much!

That being said in 2010, I am sure iTunes will still be my best shop.  But I am not planning on ways to curb my spending on there (when it is tied to your debit card, it is too easy to go over budget).  My friend Stephenie told me about this great idea!  Buy yourself an iTunes Gift Certificate.  That is all you get each month.  When it is up, it is up!  Then either reload at the beginning of the month or buy a new one.  Genius!  I am planning on trying this out in 2010.  Wish me luck!

December 12: New Food

I am not an adventureous eater.  But I would also say I am not un-adventureous either.  I just tend to eat at places I know because one, that is where my friends eat and two, I am a creature of habit.  If you put it in front of me, I'll at least try it.

BUT it is also important to note that I am somewhat picky when it comes to food, especially the texture of food.  I don't put milk on my ceral because it makes it soggy; the look of oatmeal and grits make me want to gag; yogurt is both gross because of its taste and its slimy texture. So, even if I try something there is no guarentee I'll like it or ever touch it again.

Now, back to the prompt from Gwen for today -- best food of 2009.  Is it sad I can't think of anything new I tried?  No, I am not kidding. 

However, I have learned that I actually really like salad -- especially if you use baby spinach as your lettuce.  YUM!  I'll claim that as my new food for 2009 -- I like, maybe even love, a good salad!

Best of 09

I saw this idea first on Jenn's blog, thestylegeek.com, and loved it.  Because I have been absolutely, horribly behind this week, I will have to catch up today and tomorrow, but I want to take the challenge! 

In case you don't know the purpose of this blog, it is really just for me.  I am using this as a journal, as a way to remeber fun things, challenging things, thought provoking things.  It is a way for people in far away places to keep tabs on me (if they care to).  But more than that, there is no purpose.  I don't want to be famous, I don't want a million followers.  I just want a way to remember. 

That being said, I thought this Best of 09 would be a great way for me to keep tabs of 2009 in the life of me.  Gwen Bell was the originator of this fabulous idea.  Hope you will consider joining her (and the rest of us) on this quite awesome journey!

It's an unnatural love...

As we all know, I have an unnatural love for Chick-fil-a.  I think it is quite possibly the best fast food ever invented, on earth, all of the above.

And as this guy is a pretty popular blogger, I am going to say he knows what he is talking about.

Chick-fil-a will be served in heaven. ;-)

For all of you who don't live near a Chick-fil-a, or maybe even have never had it... go ahead, plan a trip to a state who serves Chick-fil-a.  You won't be disappointed.

Christmas Music

I love Christmas!  I love the anticipation, the cheer, the food, the presents.  I don't so much enjoy the crowds at the malls, but that is neither here nor there.

I also love the message of Christmas. It is about a day to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He came to this earth as a man to ultimately die for our sins.  He not only humbled himself to become man, but he entered as a baby, a baby born in a manager.  We don't deserve His grace, yet we are free to receive it.

Christmas is my favorite holiday for many, many reasons.  While I agree with this blogger's opinion and how American is pushing out Thanksgiving and that the consumerism of Christmas is taking over... I start listening to Christmas music November 1st each year (and I'll randomly break out my favorite CDs throughout the year).  I love Christmas music, especially from artists who keep Christ the center of Christmas and their Christmas Music.

Want to learn about some of my favorites?

Last year, I shared endlessly about Josh Wilson.  If you still have bought his Sing EP, I suggest you go and do that right now!

I also have found about Aaron Hale from MPT at his blog, Jesus Needs New PR.  I haven't downloaded the EP yet; I need to wait to get back to my personal computer.  But I have enjoyed listening to it on Aaron's website.

Speaking of MPT, he is doing a great giveaway on his blog through midnight tonight!  I am participating... you have a chance to win Chris Tomlin's new Christmas music/Worship CD and a bunch of other stuff. 

I also recommend you check on Daniel Renstorm's On the Incarnation.  It is his NEW Christmas EP.  It has 8 tracks and points to Christ throughout.  Daniel leads worship at my church, Providence Baptist, and I also love his other EP Adore and Tremble.  Support him and his wonderful music!

Other great Christmas CDs?  Well, I received Casting Crown's Peace on Earth for my birthday.  It is great.  I also love Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God or MercyMe's The Christmas Sessions.  And don't forget Shane and Shane's Glory in the Highest.

What are your favorite Christmas albums? CD's? songs? 

Revelations...

These are just some random revelations I have had over the last couple of days. None of them are all that serious... but just random thoughts I want to share with you, blog world! Don't you feel so lucky!

1. Boys have a universal language. And that language is sports.

Seriously. I went up to Michigan for the Penn St. Game this past weekend (expect a post on that as soon as I download the photos) and I watched my brother talk to complete strangers and create this bond... all over sports!

First, during lunch all the boys were watching GameDay and then one of the bajillion games one. And it was hilarious. They ranted together. They cheered together. And they didn't even introduce themselves. They all just watched and bonded. It was weird.

And then during the game, we had 4 (rather good looking) Penn State fans in front of us. I watched Ross and them talk technicalities and learn from each other. I watched the Dad in front of them (who was a UM fan) bond with them and talk the WHOLE game.

I just don't understand it. For all you men out there. This is NOT how women bond.

2. There is a martyr in all of us.

When I was little, for far back as I can remember, my mom has told me, "don't be a martyr."

It used to make me angry -- mainly because I didn't know what it means.

It still makes me angry, but mainly because I am getting called out.

But, I think we all like to be a martyr. We all like to be able to say "poor me!" "woe is me!" "I have a harder time than you!" I was struck by this because I have had a couple of volunteers recently who have purposefully made life harder for themselves, but as I watch I see them in some way almost enjoy being the martyr.

So, do you think that is true? Do we all like to be the martyr?

3. I am both a morning and a night person. I am NOT an afternoon person.

How did I learn this, you ask? Well, last night we had a social with our Women's Bible Study. We have maybe 15 get to know you questions. One of them asked "Are you a morning or night person?" And one of the girls answered BOTH and went on to explain it. And. Oh. My. Gosh. It sounded just like me!

I like to stay up at night. Typically that is when I am most alert.

But I also like my mornings. I don't like to waste the day away. I love exercising in the morning and hitting the ground running.

At work I get the most done during the morning hours and from about 3:30 on.

But my afternoons... drag... on.

I LIVE for the nap.

So, my ideal schedule would be: get up early. exercise. work. take a nap at about 1-3ish. get up and finish out my day working, hanging out, etc.

What are you? a morning person? night person? both?

---

Ok, so those are my three, random revelations of the last couple of days. Hope you enjoyed a small trip into my brain!

Success!

Have I mentioned my fear of the dentist on here before?

Well, if I haven't, let me tell you! I am terrified of the dentist. It scares me so badly to have to go... I work myself up into a small panic attack almost each and every time I go. Why then do I go? Well, if I don't go and get a regular check up there is a greater possibility of BIG dental work later on (read: crowns, root canals, etc).

Where does my fear stem from? Well, when I was three years old I "flipped" a Play-School Tricycle and chipped my two front teeth. Not too big of a deal until the following day when I was pushing My Buddy in on a swing and it came back and hit me in the mouth and proceeded to chip the teeth even further (OUCH!). My first memory is of sitting in the dentist's chair crying and asking for my dad (they wouldn't let him come back); once they did let him back(I didn't stop crying until they did) I have this memory of them trying to put on the gas mask and me just fighting it.

Don't worry -- my adult teeth came in just fine. But with a bad start at the dentist followed by much work on my teeth (I had a pretty bad overbite as a child; needed baby teeth pulled so I could get braces in 2nd grade; and have a small mouth so I have had not just my 4 wisdom teeth but 4 additional teeth pulled, too) I just don't well in that chair.

Anyway -- in July my new dentist gave me some bad news. I had a couple of cavities. Enter my freak out session... tears and sobs and all... in front of this poor man who had no idea what to do. I tried to explain to my new dentist my history... in between sobs. So you know how that went.

Well, he seemed to get the gist of it and prescribed to me a sedative.

I am sure you are thinking, "Sedative? for a filling? are you kidding me?"

But trust me -- I need it for a filling! And I have to say -- it made for the second best dentistry experience of my life. (the first being my wisdom teeth being pulled where they knocked me out and I remember anything).

So, if you are like me and a little terrified of the dentist... go get your teeth cleaned often. And if you do need work done -- consider a sedative. I have used it and am now a fan. I was still nervous, but my body just didn't respond in the same way. I was able to stay calm. It was amazing.

Are you afraid of the dentist? What is your fear?

26 Things Update!

Do you even remember this? It has been so long since I have given an update! BUT, I am making some progress, I guess. Here are a couple more updates!

#1 - Join a gym.
COMPLETE! I joined a gym last Friday. I now belong to Planet Fitness.

#2- Exercise 2x a week.
Ongoing, but COMPLETE! Yep, my co-worker Shawna and I are exercising together. We started Monday. We are going for an hour each morning. It is a good thing I have to meet her; I don't think I would make it into the gym other wise.

#6- pay off Credit Card #3.
Well, I haven't done it, but I am making a lot of progress. I recently revisited my budget and spending habits and made some changes. I know use the envelope system for things like Groceries, Eating Out, Entertainment, Clothing. The rest I still pay via check or debit card. But I am working hard to live off of my paycheck each month and use my mileage reimbursement as payoff for the credit card debt. I am seeing slow and steady progress and I think that is the most important part, right?

#8- Read 2 books per month.
I haven't let you know what I am reading, but I am getting there. I recently started re-reading the Anne of Green Gables stories. :-)

#10- Write a living will
I downloaded an example today so that I can get going on it!

#13- Redo my office
It's getting there, and there has been progress. Everything is filed, my drawers are cleaner, the company just painted. Now I just need to move my furniture. And put some stuff up on the walls. Soon, soon I think!

#14- Buy new book shelves
Doing this afternoon. Then my brother is going to help me put them together this weekend. AND, I bought a desk! Do you remember?

#15- Go white water rafting.
FAIL. So can I exchange it for my trip to Maine and kayaking? Rachel ended up not going for her birthday. I'll have to try again for next year.

#21- Visit one school of interest
Haven't physically gone, but I am doing lots of online research. Hope to know which schools I am applying to buy the end of the weekend.

#23- Blog 3x a week.
I think this one has been a success, don't you? I have seen an increase in my posts since last year!

I am making progress. I don't know if all of them will happen though. That is ok; I certainly like having goals and watching (some of) them progress!

End of the Year

Ok, so it isn't Dec 31st. But here at the job our program year runs from October 1st - September 30th of the following year.

Well, today is Sept 30th.

The big question is... did I make my goals?

I am happy to announce that YES I in fact did make my goals! :-) They'll keep me around a little big longer I guess.

Happy Wednesday all!

Happiness!

Over on this blog, Jennifer Lynn shared with us her love for dancing and then asked... "What makes you happy?" And of course -- challenged us with "Go! Do it!" I thought I would take some of that challenge.

What makes me happy?

Today, it was this picture on cat.com:

It is also:

-- dancing, especially when no one is watching

-- my new work out routine with Shawna (fastest hour spent of my day)

-- organizing photos

-- hopping into bed each night

-- wearing hoodies in the fall

-- music, especially David Crowder's new song ("How He Loves Us"); Jeremy Camp's newest ("There Will Be a Day"), Josh Wilson's new album-- go and get it!

-- Reading my Bible each morning and having the Holy Spirit speak to me each morning


I like simple pleasures... they make life worth living. I hope you have small pleasures that bring a smile to your face. What are they? Do you wish to share it with me?

Singleness

Overall I don't mind being single. Yea I have my moments where I think "my life will be completed if I only had ...a boyfriend ...a husband ...a wedding to plan ... children."

But then I remember all the awesome things you get to do as a single:

- spend money how I want to without consulting anyone
- go one trips with the girls (hello Disney, Tennessee, Maine, etc)
- drop everything to go and see a friend
- the joy of knowing I can do it!
- choosing to go back to school
- getting all the Introverted time I need
- decorating my room how I want
- not having to cook dinner every night (I have a very limited number of dishes I can make)

Sure, life isn't perfect in either boat. But I like where God has me. I read this quote quite some time ago... but it always makes me laugh.

It always makes me think, too... Let's celebrate being single! Or for that matter, celebrate where God has you! It is by no mistake you are there.

"Think about it. If you are single, after graduation there isn't one occasion where people celebrate you... Hallmark doesn't make a "congratulations, you didn't marry the wrong guy" card. And where's the flatware for going on vacation alone?" --Carrie, SATC

** Disclaimer: I am not a SATC fan, but the quote is great!

Glee!

Ok, I am going to admit it. I love the new show Glee. I can't help it! Is it ridiculous? YES! Is it far-fetched and unrealistic? YES! But are the dance numbers awesome! YES! And, are the parodies they make hilarious? YES!

So, I love it. And DVR it so I can watch the dance numbers over and over.

Really, I am 12 at heart. I have mentioned that before, right?

Anyway, here are a couple of the songs/numbers that have me on the edge of my seat...

What about you? Do you like Glee? Have you given it a shot?