4.16.2007

Thankful

You know on of the scariest things to hear when you pick up the phone?

"I just wanted to let you know I am ok."

Thank God my brother is ok! Today, as I am sure you all know by now, there was a mass shooting at VaTech. VaTech is where he goes to school. At first it was nice to know he was ok... but as more news pours in, I feel more and more relief... as well as more fear.

My brother was in class when it happened! Not only that... but he is an engineer. It was an engineering building! For clarification, I am not saying he was in that building. I have yet to confirm that with him. BUT, still. It is scary.

Thank you, Jesus, for protecting my brother, for protecting my family today. Lord, I pray for all those who have lost someone today. May you be with them, comforting them, guiding them, and showing them your love. I feel for them, but not truly knowing how they must feel. Just thank you for sparing me that pain. I know that is selfish, but it is how I feel. I am so thankful my brother is hear to call me. Thank you.

4.15.2007

Xanga

Do you remember when Xanga was the place to have a blog? Yea, me too!



Since I am new to the blogging world at blog spot, I'll let you see what my blogging style used to be. I think I'll improve over time (and maybe be a bit more regular on updating... maybe).



Jaye's Super Old Xanga Site.

4.14.2007

So, what's your major?

Seems like a simple question, right? I mean... when you meet someone in college, it is definately one of the first three questions you get.

1)"What's your name?"
2)"Where are you from?" (and if you go to UM, then you get a response using your hand ;-))
3)"What's your major?"

Even Freshman get this question. Very few people know what they are going to major in their freshman year. I certainly didn't... my evolution went... pre-med (thanks mom), PT/OT, pre-law (again, thanks mom), christian counseling, school counseling/admin, speech therapy, etc. Then I decided Human Resources was where I wanted to end up. By that time (maybe the end of my sophomore year, but more like sometime junior year) it was too late to apply to the Business School, so I decided on the next best thing?

Study Psychology. Concentrate on organizational, it would be useful right?

Well, I don't regret my choice. I really think psychology can be facinating, and I learned a lot that is really applicable in ALL situations. I find myself using different theories in different situations, and it can help me understand how to interact with ALL people.

HOWEVER, in 20/2o hindsight, I might have chosen differently, double majored (or at least minored in something), OR at least chosen my electives differently.

Anyone who talks to me on a semi regular basis knows this next thing is true of me right now... HECK, if you have seen me at ALL this past year, you know this to be true.

I am not too crazy about my job.

And this has called me to question my choice in a career (all nine months of it... well, if you count my internship all 13 months). Am I meant for the business world? Do I like sitting at a desk 8 hours a day? What do i want to do with my life?

Well, currently the plan is to look into all avenues. Today I went to a Job Fair for Teachers in the Wake County Public School System. What I found out is that you need to have 24 credit hours in what you want to teach in order to enter the lateral entry world. (for more on lateral entry, see www.teach4nc.org, and PS, this may just be the policy of WCPS, so there still may be hope for the teaching thing...) And in all my 120 plus credits, all I could do to get my foot in the door would be to do Special Ed... not what I was planning. So, this has made me look at the classes I did take.

I probably have 24 credit hours of Social Studies classes... BUT, that is one field they DON'T need lateral entry teachers. Everyone wants to teach Social Studies. Sooo... I need to take more classes... not to mention if I ever decide to go back for my MBA or for anything else, I also definately need to take pre-reqs. Why didn't I listen to my mom and take at least an Econ course? I guess I do look at my classes and wonder why I did take some of the classes I took.

Ahhh, 20/20 hindsight. So not helpful. Oh well, not is all lost. At least I like the learning process. So, maybe I will start taking classes at a community college, online, or even at a nearby university. All while job hunting...

God knows what is best for me. He knows what will happen and will make all for the Glory of Him. I am so thankful I am not in this alone. Lord, guide me as i continue to walk with you in this uncertainity.

4.13.2007

TGIF!

I come to every Friday glad I made it through another week.

But, seriously... i LOVE Fridays! I get to wear jeans to work... normally it means going out for lunch... and it means I have two days of nothing but relaxation in front of me. I LOVE it!

It is always funny though, because on about half of the Fridays, i would say that we at work get nostalgic and talk about the good old days with TGIF on ABC. Ok, so maybe I am exaggerating, BUT we definately talk about those quality shows.

Who could forget Step by Step? Or, Family Matters (aka, the Urkel Show)? Then we undoubtably start wondering if Full House was on TGIF, or it was just on during the week? Anyone know that answer for sure? I personally don't remember it being on Fridays. Just on the week nights... but I could be wrong. Then we wander over to how great Home Improvement was. Why don't they still have those great half hour comedies on any more? I know they were cheesy... all problems solved in 22 minutes when the music comes on signify the lesson learned where we end at the 30 min mark with a nice little bow on the package. BUT, they were great! Come ON! Corey and Topanga, who didn't want them to get married? And didn't we all love when Uncle Jessie and Aunt Becky got married and then had twins! And even though I am not too sure about them now, those Olsen twins sure were cute babies. "You got it, Dude!"

Well, enough down memory lane. They certainly don't have the great family friendly comedies anymore... but I can't complain. I still LOVED Alias while it was on... certainly was WB girl during my teen days... I watched all of those one hour tween dramas (Dawson's, Charmed, 7th Heaven, Buffy, Angel, etc). Now you can't tear me away from American Idol or Grey's. I also love the new additions this season of Brothers and Sisters and October Road.

Man, I need a life. I think I watch too much TV. Guess that is why my nickname growing up was JP Jet the TV Set (anyone know what poem that came from?)

4.12.2007

Let's Review

I can't even remember where I found this... but I thought it was a good way to review the past year. Obviously, the person I stole it from did it as a review of 2006. I am slightly editing and doing it as a review of my first year as a college grad (the one year mark is coming up... one year on April 29th)

OH, and I am putting the lowlights first because in honor of Jenn during Bible Study... do the bad stuff first. You want to end on a good note!

The lowlights of my first year as a college grad:
1. Having to move from Ann Arbor
2. Leaving everyone in Michigan
3. Not getting the job at Google (I saw the light for a split second... and then it was snatched away!)
4. realizing I don't have summers anymore... what up with that people
5. realizing I can't just drop everything and travel like I used to (vacation days count!)
6. this job just isn't cutting it anymore (or ever... note to self just because it is a "good opportunity" doesn't mean I have to take the job)
7. Being on the job hunt again...
8. realizing the only mail you get as an adult is bills
9. UM losing to OSU and then losing at the Rose Bowl
10. not being home (or at 727) to watch "What Not to Wear" at noon anymore... and just plain not having time to watch it. I miss Stacy and Clinton.

The highlights of my first year as a college grad:
1. Didn't think I would say this... BUT... moving to North Carolina. It's been a GREAT thing
2. All my new co-workers (or should I say FRIENDS!)
3. Going to the UM vs. OSU game. We may have lost, but it was AWESOME to be there for THE game of the season
4. all of my trips to Michigan to visit... I always feel so loved
5. Jenn and Josh's wedding. What a great time!
6. getting my kitty! Belle is too cute for words!
7. FREEDOM! I can now support myself. Guys, I realize that I won't fail as an adult!
8. moving back to an area that has Chick-fil-a! (and, no, I am not kidding. I love it that much!)
9. Getting to know the Niemans w/ 2 kids... Having the Niemans w/ 11 kids nearby. I am TRULY a Nieman now! And, they always make me feel sooo loved
10. feeling so close to God. He has shown me repeatedly this year that He knows me, knows what is best for me. He is an awesome God, and I am so glad that I know Him!


Traveling:
Oh, the places I have been...
Started in Ann Arbor MI
Went to northern Michigan to visit Christine's and Sarah's cottages (yea!)
Moved to NC
Stopped in VaBeach on the way
Visited UM for the first time
VaBeach various weekends
UM for three more football games
Columbus, OH for THE game
Ann Arbor for the Google interview
California for the Rose Bowl w/ my Dad
Virginia for Sarah and John's wedding
Michigan to visit the grandparents
Michigan to visit friends
Here... planning a trip to FL in June, going Las Vegas with the fam in July

4.11.2007

Welcome to the Madness

So, I thought I might try blogging and see what I think. I often have random thoughts throughout my day and think this might be a good forum to talk about what I am learning, feeling, etc. Sometimes we may have funny stories... sometimes we may have random thoughts that have made me pause and think about the world at large... sometimes it may be a survey I thought might be good to help me reflect, or just interesting to read.

Really, I am doing this for me... and if you read it... great! But, I am not going to assume that anyone really wants to know what goes on in my head... it can be pretty scary. But, alas, here I am... pondering away.

Look for a new post to come soon (hopefully!)