Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Happy Hallowe'en!

Hi Everyone!

We had 24 trick or treaters (and 1 Rottweiler) tonight - a new record! There is still leftover candy however.

It's really cold (-5 and dropping) and there's snow everywhere.

Anyways, back to homework...

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Personality Test

Hi Everyone!

As part of my homework, I was required to take a Myers-Briggs Personality Test. I have pasted the results below. It was interesting seeing how accurate it seemed to me. I'm hoping to get your opinion to see if you agree/disagree with it and overall comments you may have.

Have a great day!

Personality Questionnaire Results

Congratulations, you're an ISTP !
That's an Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving type.
Percentages of Results: E/I S/N T/F J/P
31/69 60/40 69/31 47/53

Portrait of an ISTP - Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving(Introverted Thinking with Extraverted Sensing)

The Mechanic

As an ISTP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you deal with things rationally and logically. Your secondary mode is external, where you take things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion.

ISTPs have a compelling drive to understand the way things work. They're good at logical analysis, and like to use it on practical concerns. They typically have strong powers of reasoning, although they're not interested in theories or concepts unless they can see a practical application. They like to take things apart and see the way they work.

ISTPs have an adventuresome spirit. They are attracted to motorcycles, airplanes, sky diving, surfing, etc. They thrive on action, and are usually fearless. ISTPs are fiercely independent, needing to have the space to make their own decisions about their next step. They do not believe in or follow rules and regulations, as this would prohibit their ability to "do their own thing". Their sense of adventure and desire for constant action makes ISTPs prone to becoming bored rather quickly.

ISTPs are loyal to their causes and beliefs, and are firm believers that people should be treated with equity and fairness. Although they do not respect the rules of the "System", they follow their own rules and guidelines for behavior faithfully. They will not take part in something which violates their personal laws. ISTPs are extremely loyal and faithful to their "brothers".
ISTPs like and need to spend time alone, because this is when they can sort things out in their minds most clearly. They absorb large quantities of impersonal facts from the external world, and sort through those facts, making judgments, when they are alone.

ISTPs are action-oriented people. They like to be up and about, doing things. They are not people to sit behind a desk all day and do long-range planning. Adaptable and spontaneous, they respond to what is immediately before them. They usually have strong technical skills, and can be effective technical leaders. They focus on details and practical things. They have an excellent sense of expediency and grasp of the details which enables them to make quick, effective decisions.

ISTPs avoid making judgments based on personal values - they feel that judgments and decisions should be made impartially, based on the fact. They are not naturally tuned in to how they are affecting others. They do not pay attention to their own feelings, and even distrust them and try to ignore them, because they have difficulty distinguishing between emotional reactions and value judgments. This may be a problem area for many ISTPs.

An ISTP who is over-stressed may exhibit rash emotional outbursts of anger, or on the other extreme may be overwhelmed by emotions and feelings which they feel compelled to share with people (often inappropriately). An ISTP who is down on themself will foray into the world of value judgments - a place which is not natural for the ISTP - and judge themself by their inability to perform some task. They will then approach the task in a grim emotional state, expecting the worst.

ISTPs are excellent in a crisis situations. They're usually good athletes, and have very good hand-eye coordination. They are good at following through with a project, and tying up loose ends. They usually don't have much trouble with school, because they are introverts who can think logically. They are usually patient individuals, although they may be prone to occasional emotional outbursts due to their inattention to their own feelings.

ISTPs have a lot of natural ability which makes them good at many different kinds of things. However, they are happiest when they are centered in action-oriented tasks which require detailed logical analysis and technical skill. They take pride in their ability to take the next correct step.

ISTPs are optimistic, full of good cheer, loyal to their equals, uncomplicated in their desires, generous, trusting and receptive people who want no part in confining commitments.
Jungian functional preference ordering:

Dominant: Introverted ThinkingAuxiliary: Extraverted SensingTertiary: Introverted
IntuitionInferior: Extraverted Feeling

Careers for ISTP Personality Types

Whether you're a young adult trying to find your place in the world, or a not-so-young adult trying to find out if you're moving along the right path, it's important to understand yourself and the personality traits which will impact your likeliness to succeed or fail at various careers. It's equally important to understand what is really important to you. When armed with an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, and an awareness of what you truly value, you are in an excellent position to pick a career which you will find rewarding.

ISTPs generally have the following traits:

Interested in how and why things work
Do not function well in regimented, structured environments; they will either feel stifled or become intensely bored
Constantly gather facts about their environment and store them away
Have an excellent ability to apply logic and reason to their immense store of facts to solve problems or discover how things work
Learn best "hands-on"
Usually able to master theory and abstract thinking, but don't particularly like dealing with it unless they see a practical application
Action-oriented "doers"
Focused on living in the present, rather than the future
Love variety and new experiences
Highly practical and realistic
Excellent "trouble-shooters", able to quickly find solutions to a wide variety of practical problems
Results-oriented; they like to see immediate results for their efforts
Usually laid-back and easy-going with people
Risk-takers who thrive on action
Independent and determined - usually dislike committing themselves
Usually quite self-confident

The ISTP is fortunate because they have the abilities to be good at many different kinds of tasks. Their introverted and thinking preferences give them the ability to concentrate and work through problems which leaves many doors open to them. However, to be happiest, the ISTP needs to lead a lifestyle which offers a great deal of autonomy and does not include much external enforcement of structure. ISTPs will do best working for themselves, or working in very flexible environments. Their natural interests lie towards applying their excellent reasoning skills against known facts and data to discover underlying structure, or solutions to practical questions.

The following list of professions is built on our impressions of careers which would be especially suitable for an ISTP. It is meant to be a starting place, rather than an exhaustive list. There are no guarantees that any or all of the careers listed here would be appropriate for you, or that your best career match is among those listed.

Possible Career Paths for the ISTP:

Police and Detective Work
Forensic Pathologists
Computer Programmers, System Analysts and Computer Specialists
Engineers
Carpenters
Mechanics
Pilots, Drivers, Motorcyclists
Athletes
Entrepreneurs

ISTP Relationships

ISTPs are generally extremely capable individuals who are good at most things which interest them. They are usually bright, interesting, and exciting individuals with a lot to offer. They live almost entirely in the present moment, and usually do not make commitments beyond the immediate foreseeable future. An ISTP probably coined the phrase "nothing is unconditional". They strongly prefer to take things one day at a time, rather than make long-term commitments. If a relationship interests them and satisfies their needs, the ISTP will do their part on a daily basis to keep the relationship strong and healthy. If they lose interest in a relationship, their natural tendency will be to move on.

ISTP Strengths

Good listeners
Usually self-confident
Generally optimistic and fun to be with
Practical and realistic, they handle daily concerns
Are not threatened by conflict or criticism
Able to leave a relationship with relative ease once it is over
Able to administer punishment, although they're not interested in doing so
Likely to respect other's needs for space and privacy

ISTP Weaknesses

Living entirely in the present, they have difficulty with long-term commitments
Not naturally good at expressing feelings and emotions
Not tuned in to what others are feeling, they may be insensitive at times
Tendency to be overly private and hold back part of themselves
Need a lot of personal space, which they don't like to have invaded
They thrive on action and excitement, and may stir things up to create it

ISTPs as Lovers

ISTPs can be very intense and exciting individuals. Their strong Thinking preference makes them seem rather aloof and "hard to get". Their Sensing and Perceiving preferences make them sensual, earthy individuals. These attributes frequently make them attractive to the opposite sex. ISTPs live entirely in the current moment, which makes them especially interested in new sensations and experiences. They strongly dislike routine and strict schedules, and resist being controlled by others. They are fiercely independent and need their own space within a relationship. When involved in relationships which provide for their basic needs and which present them with new experiences, the ISTP will be happy to do what's necessary to keep the relationship alive and well. If a relationship becomes boring or oppressive to the ISTP, they will try to fix it, or move on. ISTPs take their commitments on a day-by-day basis. Even if they say "I do", it usually means "I do for now". They do not like to make lifelong commitments, although they may very well be involved in lifelong relationships which they have taken one day at a time.

Sexually, the ISTP approaches intimacy as a physical act rather than an expression of love and affection. They are earthy and sensual beings who enthusiastically experience sex with all five senses. They bring spontaneity, creativity, and enthusiasm into the bedroom, and enjoy new experiences. Since aesthetic beauty has such strong appeal to them, they appreciate the "setting", i.e. bedding, lingerie, cologne, etc.

ISTPs love to fix things, and may create problems in their personal relationships, just so that they can have the fun of fixing them.

They have a tendency to hold back their own views on things. They like to listen to other people's views, but are generally non-commital about expressing their own opinions. ISTPs have a habit of evading answering questions by asking more questions. This can be frustrating at times to their mates, if they are after a direct answer. The ISTP's decision making process is entirely internal, so they don't feel much need to share their opinions with others. When they are interacting with others, they are in "information gathering" mode, so they tend to ask questions rather than share views. The ISTP just doesn't feel the need to expose themselves fully to others. When it comes to intimate relationships, the ISTP has the further motivation of protecting themselves. Most ISTPs are afraid of having to deal with their deeper feelings. Since their Thinking preference dominates their personality, their Feeling side is their least developed (inferior) function. Consequently, ISTPs are usually quite vulnerable and perhaps weak when dealing with their feelings. Their habit of keeping part of themselves hidden may also serve the purpose of keeping a protective wall around their hearts.

Although the ISTP does not usually have a well-developed Feeling side, they frequently do have intense feelings for people. They can feel overpowering love for their mates, although they are likely not to express their emotions, or to express them inadequately or inappropriately if they do venture towards expression. However, unlike many of the other personality types, ISTPs feel strong affections one day at a time. One day, they may feel completely, intensely in love with their mate, and the next day they may be totally disinterested, or perhaps even ready to move on. This "live for the moment" type of approach is different from how most other types experience their feelings, and is difficult for many to understand. Consequently, the ISTP may be called "fickle" or "cold". In fact, they are not really fickle, and certainly not cold. They simply experience their lives on a moment by moment basis, and go along with it's natural flow. However, since most people need more commitment than can be offered when taking things day-by-day, the ISTP who wants to remain in a relationship will have to resolve themself towards being involved in a more traditional commitment. For most ISTPs, making a commitment to an intimate relationship will require an effort to stretch themselves outside of their comfort zones. However, those who do so will realize that they can enjoy the benefits of a strong, committed relationship and still live their lives in the present tense.

Although two well-developed individuals of any type can enjoy a healthy relationship, the ISTP's natural partner is the ESTJ, or the ENTJ. ISTP's dominant function of Introverted Thinking is best matched with a partner whose personality is dominated by Extraverted Thinking. The ISTP/ESTJ combination is ideal, because both types share the Sensing preference for perceiving the world, but ISTP/ENTJ is also a good combination

ISTPs as Parents

ISTPs are flexible, laid-back, uncontrolling parents who like to take things as they come. Their dislike of being controlled or controlling others extends to their children as well, and they're consequently likely to give their kids a lot of breathing room and space for individual growth. However, when discipline is required, the ISTP will be able to administer it without too much difficulty. They may have difficulty mustering up the enthusiasm to discipline their kids, but once they get going they'll be effective.

ISTP parents are likely to maintain a distance between themselves and their children. They do not feel a tremendous need to pass on their values to their children, or to influence their decisions in life. They're likely to rely on their mates for creating a structured environment for their children to live within. ISTPs do not like to be directed or controlled, and are not likely to direct and control others - including their children. They're likely to be relatively uninvolved with the daily happenings of family life, without making a conscious effort to keep interested.
ISTPs will enjoy spending one-on-one time with their children pursuing outdoorsy activities, such as fishing, boating, hunting, etc. It is during these private moments that the ISTP will take the opportunity to get to know their children's perspectives, and to pass on the ISTP's interests and perspectives.

ISTPs as Friends

ISTPs have an enthusiastic, childlike approach to life that is attractive to others. As Introverted Thinkers, they also have some real substance to them which prevents them from being entirely frivolous and hedonic in their pursuits. They are laid-back and flexible, and generally accepting of a wide range of behavior. These attributes make them valued friends and confidantes. ISTPs usually have a selection of friends who share their love of particular hobbies and pasttimes. They might have a friend who they ski with, and another who they shoot pool with, etc. They generally have no interest or patience with individuals who do not share their interests, and will spend little or no time with them. They have a difficult time understanding people with extremely strong iNtuitive preferences, and are not likely to spend time with these individuals unless they share a common interest or hobby. They enjoy spending time with Extraverts, whose enthusiastic, talkative natures are attractive to the more reserved ISTP, but they will eventually tire of their "bubbliness". The ISTP is able to get along well with people of any personality type, but is likely to value and bond only those with whom they have common interests

Friday, October 27, 2006

A Cool Friday

Hi Everyone!

It's gray and cool today, a bit damp. Finished my homework Tuesday night (well, Wednesday morning). I'm going to stay more focused and have it completed this time on the weekend. My first class was relieving. The teacher was very nice (his wife baked us treats) and it was a relaxed atmosphere. I felt better that I wasn't the only one who struggled with the homework. I didn't get home until almost 11:30 (bus connections) and ended up napping after work on Thursday rather than go to choir practise.

Will be doing a lot of things around the apartment this weekend and running errands.

Have a great day!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Tuesday already!

Hi Everyone!

The past week has flown by! I still have a bit of homework left for tonight but I already have things laid out in my head.

I've been working on a newsletter for The Townships Project. I have another meeting on Friday night with Bill to work on it. If it wasn't for the fact he's over eighty, I'd have a social life! He is a rather sweet old man who always picks me up, even if I'm able to walk the 5 blocks to the coffee shop.

The weather's been nice. Warm and dry.

Have a great day!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

It's Wednesday!

Hi Everyone!

The snow that came on Monday has melted and the air's warmer. Went to work on Monday but was sent home as I could only single-task (with a lot of concentration). Slowly getting better.

I'm looking forward to going home tonight and having a nice nap.

Have a great day!

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Sick again

Hi Everyone!

I've got a cold but I think I'm through the worst. I think with the move and everything going on this fall, my immune system was lower than usual and that's made me more suseptible to everything going around. Was off work on Friday. Had some energy for laundry on Saturday but had to rest afterward. Went to church for the first time in almost a month (sickness, vacation) and although I was tired after, I'm glad I went. I missed the fellowship and music. I'm hoping I'll be back to choir on Thursday.

Have a busy week - a Townships meeting tomorrow, off to the bookstore for a study bible on Tuesday, choir on Thursday, and possibly a breakfast/fundraiser on Saturday (it's for Results Canada and the speaker will be talking about micro-financing). I also need to do homework. I received my assignments and textbooks on Wednesday. I was told to expect about 10 hours of studying/homework a week.

My first class is called Personal Life Strategies. Course description - "The setting of goals, as well as priorities among those goals, with an emphasis upon how those goals and priorities relate to the realities and aspirations of life. The attitude of the individual including ohter aspects of psychological makeup and how it impacts upon the ability and willingness to set goals and priorities. An emphasis upon how goals, priorities and attitudes can lead to effective Christian personal management." I think this will be a very challenging course as I've never sat down and thought about my goals and my future before (and written my thoughts down). I've always floated around from place to place (and job to job) relying mostly on feelings. I'm curious to see I what I will get out of the course.

I've also registered for my psychology course. It's though Athabasca University and it's a traditional correspondence course. I find when it comes to learning, it's easier to learn from a textbook and paper in front of me than a computer screen. It starts in December. Since I have a few weeks off at Christmas, I think it'll give me a good chance to focus.

I've got my new computer and have internet all set up at home. It's nice to have it back. Although I generally hate working on computers, I've come to realize just how important they've become in my life. Still haven't decided if this is a good thing or not, or if it's just something I have to deal with.

I've put the psycho fish in with the rest of my fish. So far, everyone's getting along. I think Rainbow was so use to being alone that he couldn't adjust to an aggressive school of fish. My fancy tails are pretty active and since one psycho fish jumped down the drain a few weeks ago, I think the dynamic of their school has changed. The other two don't seem to gang up on anyone. My upside-down cat fish is very interesting and the others seem to ignore it. It's quite interesting to watch the fish tank with all the movement.

Trimmed everyone's nails (except mine) last night. I hit a quick (vein) in Gilbert but he's o'kay. It's very difficult to trim his nails as they are dark (can't see the vein) and he doesn't like being held in one place. I've had a couple nice cuddles with Whiskers this weekend. Mike's been a bit of a suck but I think it's because I've been napping so much over the past several days.

The weather's rather cool and misty tonight. There's a chance of snow.

Have decorated the door with Hallowe'en peel on/off stickers and have my pumpkin lights draped on the upper railing. Can't plug them in until Hallowe'en as there's no convenient outdoor outlet but they're still festive. Got a bunch of candy. I'm unsure how many kids to expect (a lot of children will go to parties or community events instead of trick or treating - for safety reasons) but the more I buy, the more there will be left over!

Recycling starts tomorrow and I'm starting a subscribtion with the Sun. It's nice that I'm starting to get everything established here - makes things more homey.

Have a great day!

Thursday, October 12, 2006

A Quick Hello!

Hi Everyone!

Had a nice Thanksgiving. Had Greek instead of bbq but it was really good.

Registered for class last night and got my textbooks. Will update you in a couple days about this.

Have a great day!

Friday, October 06, 2006

Thanksgiving

Hi Everyone!

My tummy's feeling so much better - hoorray for yucky yougurt! I have now caught a cold and stayed home yesterday. Still feel crappy but the long weekend should allow me to recover.

Had a wonderful time in Edmonton. The trees were changing colour and there were lots of pretty oranges and gold leaves. There isn't the reds here (no maple trees) but there was a lot of contrast. I had a great visit with Corey. We went to the conservatory (4 climates for plants), strolled down Whyte Ave (people watching, trendy stores) and went to West Edmonton Mall. We were there first thing Sunday morning so we went on the amusement park rides and there was no line-up! We also went to the aquarium and saw the sea lion show. There is so much to see there that I don't know how people shop. It sensory over-load. The bus ride was very nice - I took the Red Arrow rather than Greyhound. Very plush seats and lots of legroom. It was also a lot more convenient as there weren't a lot of stops.

I'll be taking it easy this weekend. I think I'll do Korean bbq (I found a restaurant nearby). I'm hoping to stay in my pjs for as long as possible. Lisa headed home Tuesday night for the holiday so it'll be just me and the furry family.

I got some new fish! There are 3 fancy tail (small fat goldfish with large tails) and an upside down catfish (to clean the tank). I haven't put the psycho fish in with them as I'm afraid they'll kill my new fish. They are very pretty and so far everything is going well.

Anyways, my laptop is somewhere in transit. It's being couriered up and should arrive today. What a fiasco.

Bought some moon cakes. It's the Chinese Harvest festival on Saturday.

Happy Thanksgiving!