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Showing posts with label me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label me. Show all posts
Friday, April 17, 2009
Personal Blog
Since I've decided to make this blog exclusively food-related, I've started a tumblr. for my personal thoughts & musings:
Vonnie's Thoughts
Follow me if you like what you see!
Follow me if you like what you see!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Why I Was Named Yvonne (According To My Dad)
Yvonne's on the right. My dad thought that Yvonne was hot and I guess it stuck with him until '89, when I was born.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Next Six Weeks
Fitting perfectly into a pair of pants that you didn't think would make it past your thighs is possibly one of the greatest feelings in the world.
For Lent I always try to do something instead of giving something up. I'm going to try to work out 4 times a week. This means mostly in my bedroom with my secret little plan, but I am also going to try to walk a couple of miles when it's nice outside since I can't run. I think this will really improve my neck and back problems now that I'm out of physical therapy.
I also want to do a volunteer activity. There is this program with elderly people I wanted to check out last semester but I will this semester. My only problem is that I'm trying to return to my second job and obtain a third, so I don't know how much this will help.
A third thing for Lent is to reach out to more friends. I started today by setting a homework date with a friend in all my classes & setting up a weekend get-together with a friend I don't see nearly enough. It's really hard for me to reach out to others so I'm really working on improving that.
Working out gives me a lot of energy. I'm dancing around in my undies to Girl Talk. I'll have to start homework sometime soon.
For Lent I always try to do something instead of giving something up. I'm going to try to work out 4 times a week. This means mostly in my bedroom with my secret little plan, but I am also going to try to walk a couple of miles when it's nice outside since I can't run. I think this will really improve my neck and back problems now that I'm out of physical therapy.
I also want to do a volunteer activity. There is this program with elderly people I wanted to check out last semester but I will this semester. My only problem is that I'm trying to return to my second job and obtain a third, so I don't know how much this will help.
A third thing for Lent is to reach out to more friends. I started today by setting a homework date with a friend in all my classes & setting up a weekend get-together with a friend I don't see nearly enough. It's really hard for me to reach out to others so I'm really working on improving that.
Working out gives me a lot of energy. I'm dancing around in my undies to Girl Talk. I'll have to start homework sometime soon.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Homebody
Maybe it's all the running around, maybe it's the weather, but I can't remember the last time I went out! I have just been so content to stay at home watching Anthony Bourdain on the Travel Channel or researching tasty recipes on AllRecipes.com. I don't feel the urge to go out and blow off some steam. I just like napping, sleeping in late, and baking - a true hibernator.
I don't mind if people come visit me, but I'm definitely content enough on my own that I forget to reach out to the rest of the world. No one's good at that these days, though.
I don't mind if people come visit me, but I'm definitely content enough on my own that I forget to reach out to the rest of the world. No one's good at that these days, though.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Funniest & Most Embarrassing Moment of My Life
On Tuesday I started physical therapy in Eden Prairie and it was also my first day with my new, SUPER HIP rolling briefcase. Now, the building PNBC is in is right by the SW Transit Station. I got out of my appointment at 12:51 and the bus back to the U was going to come at 12:50. I made a restroom break to change from sweatpants back to jeans and knew I didn't have a lot of time, so I didn't tie my Converse. I walked briskly from the building to the SW Station and was arriving around 12:59 by some miracle. I saw a 698 (the bus I needed) start pulling away so I gathered my briefcase in my arms with the cute little handles it comes with. I ran to catch its attention and it stopped for me. As I half-run in front of it to board, since I was coming from the driver's side, I lost my balance and fell flat on my face, sprawled on the asphalt. I fell so hard that my shoes came off. I fell so hard that my briefcase went flying. My knees got a whoopin':
I calmly collected my stuff, completely humiliated that everyone on the bus has witnessed such a spectacle of clumsiness, and walked up to the bus doors. The bus driver asked, "Where are you headed?", to which I replied, "The U." He shook his head in a pitying way and said, "That's the bus right behind me." I looked behind me and saw a 698 whose driver was staring right at me. He had been about to leave but must have stopped when I came on the scene. I couldn't believe it. I thanked the driver I was talking to and walked to the curb to put my shoes on. I took my time getting my stuff together before realizing that the bus was still waiting just for me so he could take off. I boarded, still huffing and puffing from my run to the other bus, only to have everyone gawk at me as I found my seat at the front.
To console myself, I texted Aaron the situation. He told me that the same thing to a lesser degree had just happened to him at the top of a staircase. I couldn't stop laughing the rest of the bus ride.
I hope telling you this made you laugh out loud because I can't stop! I'm such a klutz and I never get this kind of embarrassed so I just had to share.
I calmly collected my stuff, completely humiliated that everyone on the bus has witnessed such a spectacle of clumsiness, and walked up to the bus doors. The bus driver asked, "Where are you headed?", to which I replied, "The U." He shook his head in a pitying way and said, "That's the bus right behind me." I looked behind me and saw a 698 whose driver was staring right at me. He had been about to leave but must have stopped when I came on the scene. I couldn't believe it. I thanked the driver I was talking to and walked to the curb to put my shoes on. I took my time getting my stuff together before realizing that the bus was still waiting just for me so he could take off. I boarded, still huffing and puffing from my run to the other bus, only to have everyone gawk at me as I found my seat at the front.
To console myself, I texted Aaron the situation. He told me that the same thing to a lesser degree had just happened to him at the top of a staircase. I couldn't stop laughing the rest of the bus ride.
I hope telling you this made you laugh out loud because I can't stop! I'm such a klutz and I never get this kind of embarrassed so I just had to share.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
:(
I've been cheating a little bit on the diet restrictions these past 2 days, and now I'm paying dearly. Some Special K bars (Can you blame me??), sesame chicken at Kinhdo, m&ms, and a giant bowl of peach froyo today. I've just been the opposite of stressed this weekend because I didn't have to work and there was no drama in my life. And I did all my homework! I'll be sipping Maalox through a straw the rest of the night. Ugh. I just want to enjoy a slice of mac n' cheese peetz!!!!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sweet Success
Doing well in my classes really puts me at ease. I often forget that academics is my strong suit & it's nice being reminded of that. I've been doing really well on all my French tests, papers, & oral exams. I just found out I got a 99% on my first Accounting midterm & 100% on my first Stats quiz. I'm pretty sure I did well on my first Stats exam as well! It takes a load off my shoulders knowing that my hard work is paying off & the amount of studying I can fit into my schedule is still enough.
In other academic news, I think I am going to minor in nutrition. It's something that I've always wanted to do & have a passion for. (People are often amazed I know so much nutrition information off the top of my head.) It won't take too much work and hopefully I can get it all done in 4 years, since I haven't even taken the prereqs yet! I have to start taking even just the prereqs the second semester of next year because I don't think I'll be able to do any of those things abroad in the fall & I don't have room to take them next semester if I do the I-Core of 4 classes for Carlson. I wish I had taken a physical science lab last semester so I wouldn't still have to fit in that requirement. Biogeography of the Global Garden was worth it, though. I love/loved that class. Take it if you can!
I'm really really not trying to brag (I'm always paranoid of people thinking this), this is just something in my life that's actually going well.
In other academic news, I think I am going to minor in nutrition. It's something that I've always wanted to do & have a passion for. (People are often amazed I know so much nutrition information off the top of my head.) It won't take too much work and hopefully I can get it all done in 4 years, since I haven't even taken the prereqs yet! I have to start taking even just the prereqs the second semester of next year because I don't think I'll be able to do any of those things abroad in the fall & I don't have room to take them next semester if I do the I-Core of 4 classes for Carlson. I wish I had taken a physical science lab last semester so I wouldn't still have to fit in that requirement. Biogeography of the Global Garden was worth it, though. I love/loved that class. Take it if you can!
I'm really really not trying to brag (I'm always paranoid of people thinking this), this is just something in my life that's actually going well.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Day 5 of the No Wheat, Dairy, Soy Diet
THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. I am in tears half the time because I'm starving and the other half of the time I'm in tears because I want a cookie or some pasta or a meal bar that contains soy. I have next to no edible food left in my cupboard. I gave away all my bread, pasta, fig newtons, pasta sides, mashed potatoes, etc. Last night I resorted to eating a can of tuna with spicy mustard mixed in. It was fine & everything, but I needed a whole MEAL!
This is just so hard because food is my life. I love trying new things and creating new things and baking and cooking. The only restaurant I can eat at anymore is Chipotle, and then I can't even have cheese or sour cream in my bol. It's hard to bring lunch to class because I'd have to find a microwave for whatever rice dish I want to make. It's hard to find stuff to buy for lunch because it's just all sandwiches and salads with cheese and crackers and soy-based protein bars. I am going to have to invest heavily in nuts, dried fruits, & rice noodles tonight when I go to Trader Joe's with my mom. Hopefully they'll have some rice, oat, & tapioca flour waiting for me.
I bought a Larabar for $2 today. It was just dried cherries, dates, almonds, & cashews. It was pretty good, but not filling in the least. It made me think about the raw food diet, which I did a project on my senior year. It's very interesting, but kind of hard and expensive to do. It's difficult to get enough protein when you don't have a sprouting pan or dehydrator. Aaron saw the future and bought me a raw food "cook"book for my birthday last year, so I'm going to flip through those recipes to get some ideas for what else I should buy for groceries.
I'm meeting with the nutritionist again tomorrow to get help figuring out how to eat well with so many restrictions.
This is just so hard because food is my life. I love trying new things and creating new things and baking and cooking. The only restaurant I can eat at anymore is Chipotle, and then I can't even have cheese or sour cream in my bol. It's hard to bring lunch to class because I'd have to find a microwave for whatever rice dish I want to make. It's hard to find stuff to buy for lunch because it's just all sandwiches and salads with cheese and crackers and soy-based protein bars. I am going to have to invest heavily in nuts, dried fruits, & rice noodles tonight when I go to Trader Joe's with my mom. Hopefully they'll have some rice, oat, & tapioca flour waiting for me.
I bought a Larabar for $2 today. It was just dried cherries, dates, almonds, & cashews. It was pretty good, but not filling in the least. It made me think about the raw food diet, which I did a project on my senior year. It's very interesting, but kind of hard and expensive to do. It's difficult to get enough protein when you don't have a sprouting pan or dehydrator. Aaron saw the future and bought me a raw food "cook"book for my birthday last year, so I'm going to flip through those recipes to get some ideas for what else I should buy for groceries.
I'm meeting with the nutritionist again tomorrow to get help figuring out how to eat well with so many restrictions.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Winnnnner!
Although I have unsuccessfully tried 3 times to win Fleet Foxes tickets (I was caller 3 once!), I just had the good fortune of receiving an email saying that I won my choice of Panic at the Disco or Timberwolves tickets for volunteering at U-Fest!
The Panic show is with Dashboard Confessional, Plain White T's, and The Cab; aka a show I don't want to go to anyway. I chose the Timberwolves game against the Miami Heat over games against the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. None of the teams are very good, so it's whatever. It'll be my first Wolves game but I'll have to wait until January 13th. This is gonna be grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr8!
The Panic show is with Dashboard Confessional, Plain White T's, and The Cab; aka a show I don't want to go to anyway. I chose the Timberwolves game against the Miami Heat over games against the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. None of the teams are very good, so it's whatever. It'll be my first Wolves game but I'll have to wait until January 13th. This is gonna be grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr8!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Strong Ties
I've never realized how my mood affects the music I listen to until now.
When I was a junior & senior in high school, I was having the time of my life going to shows and writing about music and staying out late on the weekends and shopping with my friends. I was into artists like The Shins and The Strokes then, but didn't listen to them nearly as much as The Semester or The Academy Is... or Cartel. I used music to get me pumped up about the weekend or getting dressed for school. I didn't listen to Brand New's Deja Entendu very much because it was so dark, but Your Favorite Weapon was always in rotation. I was happy so the music I played was happy. I always had a hard time explaining to others why pop rock was my genre of choice, but reflecting I can see more of a connection to how I felt about life.
My parents weren't on the rocks, I had a nice job so I always had money, I was getting good grades with ease, I had a car, I was part of a solid group of friends, etc. Basically, nothing bad had ever happened in my life to that point. Everything always worked out how I needed it to. I was always afraid of impending doom in the back of my head because I knew it would come at some point, whether it being someone close to me dying or my parents struggling financially. I was thankful for what I had, but I didn't think I took it for granted.
I had definitely taken my good fortune up to that point for granted. My first weekend of college, my mom left and my parents put our house up for sale. I had to learn to juggle homework assignments and exams that would creep up in my schedule. I worked at a job I didn't like for the first time. I really started struggling to find my place because my high school friends were changing and I couldn't find many people that shared my beliefs to bond with. I fell out of contact with a lot of people close to me. I couldn't accept that the person I loved was wounding me more than I deserved and dragging me through the mud. I had eating issues. Basically, all this stress piled up at once and threatened to crush me. I am a pessimist instead of the eternal optimist I once was. I used to be the one my friends would go to for advice, but now I seek advice from a professional on a weekly basis. I feel like all these dark things flooding my life at once left little room for the light to shine through. I matured so fast that I couldn't learn to integrate all these new feelings into the way I was living.
With all these difficult changes came a shift in musical tastes. I started identifying with artists who sing with soul instead of Autotune. I began to prefer sad melodies to the pop punk standard formula. Lyrics about abstract thoughts resonated more with me than those of unrequited love for a girl who doesn't appreciate the vocalist anyway.
I was feelin' the sunny times again a couple of times this past year. I started listening to the upbeat "indie" stuff like Tokyo Police Club and Vampire weekend. I even kept some of my pop rock roots by keeping The Maine on repeat and poppin' champagne with All Time Low. I went to Sing It Loud shows.
Now that I'm back at the bottom of the cycle, I find myself listening to more somber stuff like the new Stills, new Kings of Leon, Fleet Foxes, Portugal. The Man, and Secret Machines. A lot of emotion in those songs, but they're not very lighthearted or sunny. Definitely all music that is best listened to alone.Even when I did put on The Maine yesterday to try and change my mood, I didn't find myself getting very into it besides the slower songs in the middle of the album. I don't think to put on The Format or Hot Hot Heat, but go right to Owen and City and Colour.
If my mood does turn around again, where will my tastes be situated on the musical spectrum?
When I was a junior & senior in high school, I was having the time of my life going to shows and writing about music and staying out late on the weekends and shopping with my friends. I was into artists like The Shins and The Strokes then, but didn't listen to them nearly as much as The Semester or The Academy Is... or Cartel. I used music to get me pumped up about the weekend or getting dressed for school. I didn't listen to Brand New's Deja Entendu very much because it was so dark, but Your Favorite Weapon was always in rotation. I was happy so the music I played was happy. I always had a hard time explaining to others why pop rock was my genre of choice, but reflecting I can see more of a connection to how I felt about life.
My parents weren't on the rocks, I had a nice job so I always had money, I was getting good grades with ease, I had a car, I was part of a solid group of friends, etc. Basically, nothing bad had ever happened in my life to that point. Everything always worked out how I needed it to. I was always afraid of impending doom in the back of my head because I knew it would come at some point, whether it being someone close to me dying or my parents struggling financially. I was thankful for what I had, but I didn't think I took it for granted.
I had definitely taken my good fortune up to that point for granted. My first weekend of college, my mom left and my parents put our house up for sale. I had to learn to juggle homework assignments and exams that would creep up in my schedule. I worked at a job I didn't like for the first time. I really started struggling to find my place because my high school friends were changing and I couldn't find many people that shared my beliefs to bond with. I fell out of contact with a lot of people close to me. I couldn't accept that the person I loved was wounding me more than I deserved and dragging me through the mud. I had eating issues. Basically, all this stress piled up at once and threatened to crush me. I am a pessimist instead of the eternal optimist I once was. I used to be the one my friends would go to for advice, but now I seek advice from a professional on a weekly basis. I feel like all these dark things flooding my life at once left little room for the light to shine through. I matured so fast that I couldn't learn to integrate all these new feelings into the way I was living.
With all these difficult changes came a shift in musical tastes. I started identifying with artists who sing with soul instead of Autotune. I began to prefer sad melodies to the pop punk standard formula. Lyrics about abstract thoughts resonated more with me than those of unrequited love for a girl who doesn't appreciate the vocalist anyway.
I was feelin' the sunny times again a couple of times this past year. I started listening to the upbeat "indie" stuff like Tokyo Police Club and Vampire weekend. I even kept some of my pop rock roots by keeping The Maine on repeat and poppin' champagne with All Time Low. I went to Sing It Loud shows.
Now that I'm back at the bottom of the cycle, I find myself listening to more somber stuff like the new Stills, new Kings of Leon, Fleet Foxes, Portugal. The Man, and Secret Machines. A lot of emotion in those songs, but they're not very lighthearted or sunny. Definitely all music that is best listened to alone.Even when I did put on The Maine yesterday to try and change my mood, I didn't find myself getting very into it besides the slower songs in the middle of the album. I don't think to put on The Format or Hot Hot Heat, but go right to Owen and City and Colour.
If my mood does turn around again, where will my tastes be situated on the musical spectrum?
Sunday, August 31, 2008
New year,
New me? I have a feeling that I'm going to be spending a lot of my free time taking naps, reading, and catching up on Project Runway and Gossip Girl. Probably putting extra hours in @ the caf too.
I feel like I'm starting totally fresh, minus my familiar roommates that will become the foundations of my support system. I haven't figured out what my goals for the year are besides surviving. I don't know how involved I'll feel like being or anything. I don't even feel like school is starting in 2 days!
I really want to study abroad soon, maybe even next semester. I just really want to remove myself from Minnesota and experience something new on my own. Maybe I'll look into going to Ireland or the Netherlands. I can't get too out of my element! I've never wanted to study abroad for a whole semester because I'm such a homebody and could never deal with everything changing while I'm gone. But how important are things here to me anymore? The other day I thought about just staying abroad and making a life there if I like it. Maybe it would suit me better. I feel anywhere would suit me better than here. I just can't find my niche and spend a lot of my time being unhappy.
I have a whole new year ahead of me; how am I going to make it count?
I feel like I'm starting totally fresh, minus my familiar roommates that will become the foundations of my support system. I haven't figured out what my goals for the year are besides surviving. I don't know how involved I'll feel like being or anything. I don't even feel like school is starting in 2 days!
I really want to study abroad soon, maybe even next semester. I just really want to remove myself from Minnesota and experience something new on my own. Maybe I'll look into going to Ireland or the Netherlands. I can't get too out of my element! I've never wanted to study abroad for a whole semester because I'm such a homebody and could never deal with everything changing while I'm gone. But how important are things here to me anymore? The other day I thought about just staying abroad and making a life there if I like it. Maybe it would suit me better. I feel anywhere would suit me better than here. I just can't find my niche and spend a lot of my time being unhappy.
I have a whole new year ahead of me; how am I going to make it count?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Crash Boom Bang
RIP Bernadine
Got into a pretty big car accident yesterday. My airbags went off and everything. Windshield cracked. Everything was obviously messed up. My car is cashed. See that big hole? The other person's bumper was lodged in there until the tow truck guy finally dislodged it at his impound lot with extra tools. Luckily a sheriff was on the scene immediately and could dispatch a trooper and ambulance right away. The ambulance never came, but I guess I didn't really need it. I've just got scrapes and bruises and bumps on my hands and up my arms. My hands look like gargoyle hands or something. The tops are really puffy and bruised and I can't really make fists. I also can't swing my arms while walking because the blood rushes to my hands and makes it really uncomfortable.
I called my dad right away, who called my mom, who could see everything in real time. MnDOT's cameras zoom into an accident and broadcast it online, so she could see the whole after-process.
I got a ticket for "failure to drive with due caution," but I don't know how much it is yet. I guess they don't list fines on the tickets anymore. The poor other girl got a citation for driving with an expired license.
I need to call up Dr. Anne and see if she can check me out and make sure I'm okay. It just sucks that I'm going back to school next week and I won't be able to come down for appointments because I don't have a car now.
It's also a good thing that I've got school starting next week because I won't really need a car now. My dad wants me to decide right away if I want another Lincoln Mark VIII so we can keep my car for parts. I don't really have enough for a new one right now (Lowest price for one is $1800 and I only have $1300 at the moment). I think I just want my grandpa's '96 Civic. He doesn't drive very much now, so it will just be a matter of asking him if he's ready to give up independent mobility. I can wait for a little bit if he's not quite ready yet.
My dad is really pushing me to get a new car right away, but I'm not really stressing. My mom is going to drive me to work tomorrow & Saturday. I didn't have a car on campus last year anyway! I do have a job that I need to get to, but it's only 4.1 miles away from my condo. I will find a bike asap and hopefully be able to bike there until winter. Maybe find a generous friend with a car that is willing to drive me there at 7 am on weekends. :)
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Clumsy
Currently:
- 18 bruises on my legs
- 3 bruises in other places
- 5 scrapes on my legs
- Paper cut & splinter on one pinky
- Stubbed toe
- Dirt everywhere!!
I'm always scraping myself with a bin or hitting my leg on a cooler at work. Maybe it's a growth spurt? It just completes my geek profile.
- 18 bruises on my legs
- 3 bruises in other places
- 5 scrapes on my legs
- Paper cut & splinter on one pinky
- Stubbed toe
- Dirt everywhere!!
I'm always scraping myself with a bin or hitting my leg on a cooler at work. Maybe it's a growth spurt? It just completes my geek profile.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Where My Obnoxiously Long Email Address Comes From
who knows if the moon's
a balloon, coming out of a keen city
in the sky--filled with pretty people?
(and if you and i should
get into it, if they
should take me and take you into their balloon,
why then
we'd go up higher with all the pretty people
than houses and steeples and clouds:
go sailing
away and away sailing into a keen
city which nobody's ever visited, where
always
it's
Spring) and everyone's
in love and flowers pick themselves
a balloon, coming out of a keen city
in the sky--filled with pretty people?
(and if you and i should
get into it, if they
should take me and take you into their balloon,
why then
we'd go up higher with all the pretty people
than houses and steeples and clouds:
go sailing
away and away sailing into a keen
city which nobody's ever visited, where
always
it's
Spring) and everyone's
in love and flowers pick themselves
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Personal Bill of Rights
1. I have the right to ask for what I want.
2. I have the right to say no to requests or demands I can't meet.
3. I have the right to express all of my feelings, positive or negative.
4. I have the right to change my mind.
5. I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.
6. I have the right to follow my own values and standards.
7. I have the right to say no to anything when I feel I am not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my values.
8. I have the right to determine my own priorities.
9. I have the right not to be responsible for others' behavior, actions, feelings, or problems.
10. I have the right to expect honesty from others.
11. I have the right to be angry at someone I love.
12. I have the right to be uniquely myself.
13. I have the right to feel scared and say "I'm afraid."
14. I have the right to say "I don't know."
15. I have the right not to make excuses or reasons for my behavior.
16. I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings.
17. I have the right to my own needs for personal space and time.
18. I have the right to be playful and frivolous.
19. I have the right to be healthier than those around me.
20. I have the right to be in a nonabusive environment.
21. I have the right to make friends and be comfortable around people.
22. I have the right to change and grow.
23. I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others.
24. I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
25. I have the right to be happy.
2. I have the right to say no to requests or demands I can't meet.
3. I have the right to express all of my feelings, positive or negative.
4. I have the right to change my mind.
5. I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.
6. I have the right to follow my own values and standards.
7. I have the right to say no to anything when I feel I am not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my values.
8. I have the right to determine my own priorities.
9. I have the right not to be responsible for others' behavior, actions, feelings, or problems.
10. I have the right to expect honesty from others.
11. I have the right to be angry at someone I love.
12. I have the right to be uniquely myself.
13. I have the right to feel scared and say "I'm afraid."
14. I have the right to say "I don't know."
15. I have the right not to make excuses or reasons for my behavior.
16. I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings.
17. I have the right to my own needs for personal space and time.
18. I have the right to be playful and frivolous.
19. I have the right to be healthier than those around me.
20. I have the right to be in a nonabusive environment.
21. I have the right to make friends and be comfortable around people.
22. I have the right to change and grow.
23. I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others.
24. I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
25. I have the right to be happy.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Cancer
Element: Water
Ruling House: Family & Home
Ruling Planet: The Moon - Ruler of Emotions
Best Color: Silver
Starstone: Pearl
Cancer, the fourth Sign of the Zodiac, is all about home. Those born under this Sign are 'roots' kinds of people and take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. Cancers are maternal, domestic and love to nurture others. More than likely, their family will be large, too -- the more, the merrier! Cancers will certainly be merry if their home life is serene and harmonious. Traditions are upheld with great zest in a Cancer's household, since these folks prize family history and love communal activities. They also tend to be patriotic, waving the flag whenever possible. A Cancer's good memory is the basis for stories told around the dinner table, and don't be surprised if these folks get emotional about things. Those born under this Sign wear their heart on their sleeve, which is just fine by them.
The mascot of Cancerians is the Crab, and much like this shelled little critter, Cancerians are quick to retreat into their shells if it suits their mood. No wonder these folks are called crabby! For Cancer, it's not that big of a deal, though, since they consider this 'shell' a second home (and they do love home). The flip side of this hiding is that shell-bound Crabs are often quite moody. Further, in keeping with their difficulty in sharing their innermost feelings, it can become a Herculean task to pry a Crab out of its secret hiding place. What to do? Give the Crab time -- eventually these folks will come out to play again. When they do, they'll be the first to say so, in keeping with the Cardinal Quality attached to this Sign. It's said that Crabs are first to laugh and first to cry, so you can bet they'll fill you in. That shell, by the way, isn't the only tough thing about Crabs. These folks are tenacious and strong-willed and like to get their way. If their well-documented kindness and gentleness doesn't do the trick, however, they're not above using emotional manipulation to make things happen. If that still doesn't work, they'll just go back to their shell and sulk, or find a way to get back at the source of their pain, since Crabs can be rather vindictive. That said, any self-respecting Crab would tell you that they are ultimately motivated by protecting their home and loved ones, a most noble goal.
Ruling House: Family & Home
Ruling Planet: The Moon - Ruler of Emotions
Best Color: Silver
Starstone: Pearl
Cancer, the fourth Sign of the Zodiac, is all about home. Those born under this Sign are 'roots' kinds of people and take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. Cancers are maternal, domestic and love to nurture others. More than likely, their family will be large, too -- the more, the merrier! Cancers will certainly be merry if their home life is serene and harmonious. Traditions are upheld with great zest in a Cancer's household, since these folks prize family history and love communal activities. They also tend to be patriotic, waving the flag whenever possible. A Cancer's good memory is the basis for stories told around the dinner table, and don't be surprised if these folks get emotional about things. Those born under this Sign wear their heart on their sleeve, which is just fine by them.
The mascot of Cancerians is the Crab, and much like this shelled little critter, Cancerians are quick to retreat into their shells if it suits their mood. No wonder these folks are called crabby! For Cancer, it's not that big of a deal, though, since they consider this 'shell' a second home (and they do love home). The flip side of this hiding is that shell-bound Crabs are often quite moody. Further, in keeping with their difficulty in sharing their innermost feelings, it can become a Herculean task to pry a Crab out of its secret hiding place. What to do? Give the Crab time -- eventually these folks will come out to play again. When they do, they'll be the first to say so, in keeping with the Cardinal Quality attached to this Sign. It's said that Crabs are first to laugh and first to cry, so you can bet they'll fill you in. That shell, by the way, isn't the only tough thing about Crabs. These folks are tenacious and strong-willed and like to get their way. If their well-documented kindness and gentleness doesn't do the trick, however, they're not above using emotional manipulation to make things happen. If that still doesn't work, they'll just go back to their shell and sulk, or find a way to get back at the source of their pain, since Crabs can be rather vindictive. That said, any self-respecting Crab would tell you that they are ultimately motivated by protecting their home and loved ones, a most noble goal.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Get To Know Me
My Myers-Briggs results. Fits me to a t.
ISFJ: The Protector
ISFJs are characterized above all by their desire to serve others, their "need to be needed." In extreme cases, this need is so strong that standard give-and-take relationships are deeply unsatisfying to them; however, most ISFJs find more than enough with which to occupy themselves within the framework of a normal life. (Since ISFJs, like all SJs, are very much bound by the prevailing social conventions, their form of "service" is likely to exclude any elements of moral or political controversy; they specialize in the local, the personal, and the practical.)
ISFJs are often unappreciated, at work, home, and play. Ironically, because they prove over and over that they can be relied on for their loyalty and unstinting, high-quality work, those around them often take them for granted--even take advantage of them. Admittedly, the problem is sometimes aggravated by the ISFJs themselves; for instance, they are notoriously bad at delegating ("If you want it done right, do it yourself"). And although they're hurt by being treated like doormats, they are often unwilling to toot their own horns about their accomplishments because they feel that although they deserve more credit than they're getting, it's somehow wrong to want any sort of reward for doing work (which is supposed to be a virtue in itself). (And as low-profile Is, their actions don't call attention to themselves as with charismatic Es.) Because of all of this, ISFJs are often overworked, and as a result may suffer from psychosomatic illnesses.
In the workplace, ISFJs are methodical and accurate workers, often with very good memories and unexpected analytic abilities; they are also good with people in small-group or one-on-one situations because of their patient and genuinely sympathetic approach to dealing with others. ISFJs make pleasant and reliable co-workers and exemplary employees, but tend to be harried and uncomfortable in supervisory roles. They are capable of forming strong loyalties, but these are personal rather than institutional loyalties; if someone they've bonded with in this way leaves the company, the ISFJ will leave with them, if given the option. Traditional careers for an ISFJ include: teaching, social work, most religious work, nursing, medicine (general practice only), clerical and and secretarial work of any kind, and some kinds of administrative careers.
While their work ethic is high on the ISFJ priority list, their families are the centers of their lives. ISFJs are extremely warm and demonstrative within the family circle--and often possessive of their loved ones, as well. When these include Es who want to socialize with the rest of the world, or self-contained ITs, the ISFJ must learn to adjust to these behaviors and not interpret them as rejection. Being SJs, they place a strong emphasis on conventional behavior (although, unlike STJs, they are usually as concerned with being "nice" as with strict propriety); if any of their nearest and dearest depart from the straight-and-narrow, it causes the ISFJ major embarrassment: the closer the relationship and the more public the act, the more intense the embarrassment (a fact which many of their teenage children take gleeful advantage of). Over time, however, ISFJs usually mellow, and learn to regard the culprits as harmless eccentrics :-). Needless to say, ISFJs take infinite trouble over meals, gifts, celebrations, etc., for their loved ones--although strong Js may tend to focus more on what the recipient should want rather than what they do want.
Like most Is, ISFJs have a few, close friends. They are extremely loyal to these, and are ready to provide emotional and practical support at a moment's notice. (However, like most Fs they hate confrontation; if you get into a fight, don't expect them to jump in after you. You can count on them, however, run and get the nearest authority figure.) Unlike with EPs, the older the friendship is, the more an ISFJ will value it. One ISFJ trait that is easily misunderstood by those who haven't known them long is that they are often unable to either hide or articulate any distress they may be feeling. For instance, an ISFJ child may be reproved for "sulking," the actual cause of which is a combination of physical illness plus misguided "good manners." An adult ISFJ may drive a (later ashamed) friend or SO into a fit of temper over the ISFJ's unexplained moodiness, only afterwards to explain about a death in the family they "didn't want to burden anyone with." Those close to ISFJs should learn to watch for the warning signs in these situations and take the initiative themselves to uncover the problem.
ISFJ: The Protector
ISFJs are characterized above all by their desire to serve others, their "need to be needed." In extreme cases, this need is so strong that standard give-and-take relationships are deeply unsatisfying to them; however, most ISFJs find more than enough with which to occupy themselves within the framework of a normal life. (Since ISFJs, like all SJs, are very much bound by the prevailing social conventions, their form of "service" is likely to exclude any elements of moral or political controversy; they specialize in the local, the personal, and the practical.)
ISFJs are often unappreciated, at work, home, and play. Ironically, because they prove over and over that they can be relied on for their loyalty and unstinting, high-quality work, those around them often take them for granted--even take advantage of them. Admittedly, the problem is sometimes aggravated by the ISFJs themselves; for instance, they are notoriously bad at delegating ("If you want it done right, do it yourself"). And although they're hurt by being treated like doormats, they are often unwilling to toot their own horns about their accomplishments because they feel that although they deserve more credit than they're getting, it's somehow wrong to want any sort of reward for doing work (which is supposed to be a virtue in itself). (And as low-profile Is, their actions don't call attention to themselves as with charismatic Es.) Because of all of this, ISFJs are often overworked, and as a result may suffer from psychosomatic illnesses.
In the workplace, ISFJs are methodical and accurate workers, often with very good memories and unexpected analytic abilities; they are also good with people in small-group or one-on-one situations because of their patient and genuinely sympathetic approach to dealing with others. ISFJs make pleasant and reliable co-workers and exemplary employees, but tend to be harried and uncomfortable in supervisory roles. They are capable of forming strong loyalties, but these are personal rather than institutional loyalties; if someone they've bonded with in this way leaves the company, the ISFJ will leave with them, if given the option. Traditional careers for an ISFJ include: teaching, social work, most religious work, nursing, medicine (general practice only), clerical and and secretarial work of any kind, and some kinds of administrative careers.
While their work ethic is high on the ISFJ priority list, their families are the centers of their lives. ISFJs are extremely warm and demonstrative within the family circle--and often possessive of their loved ones, as well. When these include Es who want to socialize with the rest of the world, or self-contained ITs, the ISFJ must learn to adjust to these behaviors and not interpret them as rejection. Being SJs, they place a strong emphasis on conventional behavior (although, unlike STJs, they are usually as concerned with being "nice" as with strict propriety); if any of their nearest and dearest depart from the straight-and-narrow, it causes the ISFJ major embarrassment: the closer the relationship and the more public the act, the more intense the embarrassment (a fact which many of their teenage children take gleeful advantage of). Over time, however, ISFJs usually mellow, and learn to regard the culprits as harmless eccentrics :-). Needless to say, ISFJs take infinite trouble over meals, gifts, celebrations, etc., for their loved ones--although strong Js may tend to focus more on what the recipient should want rather than what they do want.
Like most Is, ISFJs have a few, close friends. They are extremely loyal to these, and are ready to provide emotional and practical support at a moment's notice. (However, like most Fs they hate confrontation; if you get into a fight, don't expect them to jump in after you. You can count on them, however, run and get the nearest authority figure.) Unlike with EPs, the older the friendship is, the more an ISFJ will value it. One ISFJ trait that is easily misunderstood by those who haven't known them long is that they are often unable to either hide or articulate any distress they may be feeling. For instance, an ISFJ child may be reproved for "sulking," the actual cause of which is a combination of physical illness plus misguided "good manners." An adult ISFJ may drive a (later ashamed) friend or SO into a fit of temper over the ISFJ's unexplained moodiness, only afterwards to explain about a death in the family they "didn't want to burden anyone with." Those close to ISFJs should learn to watch for the warning signs in these situations and take the initiative themselves to uncover the problem.
If You've Been Living Under a Rock...
You have no idea how many people quote this to me constantly. I still love it :)
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