Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Personality Test

my friends Apryl and Jenn have recently taken this personality test. I of course was intrigued and had to try it my self. Here are my results that are right one for me, it is pretty scary how a quick test of 75 questions can define a person so clearly:

Guardian™ Portrait of the Provider (ESFJ)

Providers take it upon themselves to insure the health and welfare of those in their care, but they are also the most sociable of all the Guardians, and thus are the great nurturers of social institutions such as schools, churches, social clubs, and civic groups. Providers are very likely more than ten percent of the population, and this is fortunate for the rest of us, because friendly social service is a key to their nature. Wherever they go, Providers happily give their time and energy to make sure that the needs of others are met, and that social functions are a success.

Highly cooperative themselves, Providers are skilled in maintaining teamwork among their helpers, and are also tireless in their attention to the details of furnishing goods and services. They make excellent chairpersons in charge of dances, banquets, class reunions, charity fund-raisers, and the like. They are without peer as masters of ceremonies, able to speak publicly with ease and confidence. And they are outstanding hosts or hostesses, knowing everyone by name, and seemingly aware of what everyone's been doing. Providers love to entertain, and are always concerned about the needs of their guests, wanting to make sure that all are involved and provided for.

Friendly, outgoing, neighborly - in a word, Providers are gregarious, so much so that they can become restless when isolated from people. They love to talk with others, and will often strike up a conversation with strangers and chat pleasantly about any topic that comes to mind. Friendships matter a great deal to Providers, and their conversations with friends often touch on good times from years past. Family traditions are also sacred to them, and they carefully observe birthdays and anniversaries. In addition, Providers show a delightful fascination with news of their friends and neighbors. If we wish to know what's been going on in the local community, school, or church, they're happy to fill us in on all the details.

Providers are extremely sensitive to the feelings of others, which makes them perhaps the most sympathetic of all the types, but which also leaves them somewhat self-conscious, that is, highly sensitive to what others think of them. Loving and affectionate themselves, they need to be loved in return. In fact, Providers can be crushed by personal criticism, and are happiest when given ample appreciation both for themselves personally and for the tireless service they give to others.

William Howard Taft, Barbara Walters, J C Penney, Ray Kroc, Louis B. Mayer, Sam Walton, Dolley Madison, and Dave Thomas are examples of Provider Guardians.


This is what Wikipedia defines as characteristics of ESFJ:

The MBTI tool consists of multiple choice questions that sort respondents on the basis of the four "dichotomies" (pairs of psychological opposites). Sixteen different outcomes are possible, each identified by its own four-letter code, referred to by initial letters. (N is used for iNtuition, to differentiate it from Introversion). The MBTI is approximately 75% accurate according to its own manual.[4]

  • E – Extraversion preferred to Introversion: ESFJs often feel motivated by their interaction with people. They tend to enjoy a wide circle of acquaintances, and they gain energy in social situations (whereas introverts expend energy).[5]
  • S – Sensing preferred to iNtuition: ESFJs tend to be more concrete than abstract. They focus their attention on the details rather than the big picture, and on immediate realities rather than future possibilities .[6]
  • F – Feeling preferred to Thinking: ESFJs tend to value personal considerations above objective criteria. When making decisions, they often give more weight to social implications than to logic.[7]
  • J – Judgment preferred to Perception: ESFJs tend to plan their activities and make decisions early. They derive a sense of control through predictability. [8]

Characteristics of ESFJs


ESFJs focus on the outside world and assess their experiences subjectively. They largely base their judgments on their belief system and on the effects of actions on people. ESFJs are literal and concrete, trusting the specific, factual information gathered through their physiological senses.

ESFJs project warmth through a genuine interest in the well-being of others. They are often skilled at bringing out the best in people, and they want to understand other points of view. They are serious about their responsibilities, seeing what needs to be done and then doing it. Generally proficient at detailed tasks, they enjoy doing little things that make life easier for others. They value tradition and the security it offers.

Easily hurt, ESFJs seek approval. They take pleasure in other people's happiness. They give generously but expect appreciation in return. Sensitive to the physical needs of others, they respond by offering practical care. As expert people readers, ESFJs often adapt their manner to meet the expectations of others.

ESFJs tend to be vocal in expressing their sense of right and wrong. Their value system derives from the external standards defined by their community, as opposed to a personal set of ethics. (This is one of the traits that distinguishes them from their ENFJ counterparts.) ESFJs raised in an environment of high ethical standards tend to display true generosity and kindness.

ESFJs seek structured, controlled environments, and tend to be good at creating a sense of order. They generally feel insecure in an atmosphere of uncertainty. They value the rule of law and expect the same of others. ESFJs may be less interested in understanding the concepts behind the rules, tending to shy away from the abstract and impersonal.[11]

Friday, July 24, 2009

101Things To Do In 1001 days

I have been inspired by my friends, Jenn and Apryl to create a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days.

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Here is what I have so far (it is a work in progress) I decided to use a start date of May 1st 2009, so I can count my 1/2Marathon because it is something I never thought I would do:

101 Things to do in 1001 days:

1. Take a first aid class (to complete my credential)
2. Pass the Constitution test (also to complete my credential)
3. Receive my Credential.
4. Join the Vi Weight loss challenge
5. Loose 5 lbs
6. Loose 10 lbs
7. Loose 15 lbs
8. Loose 20 lbs
9. Loose 25 lbs
10. Loose 30 lbs
11. Loose 35 lbs
12. Set a new workout schedule with Karen and stick to it for 21 days
13. Walk a 1/2 marathon
14. Walk a 1/2 marathon with my husband
15. Go Camping with my family.
16. Take my girls to Long Marine Lab to meet my boys (AKA Primo and Puka the dolphins)
17. Go to Sea World with my family (all 4 of them).
18. Take my girls to meet their grandparents in Illinois.
19. Go to Hawaii
20. Re-enter the Scuba Diving World.
21. Set up my sewing area.
22. Finish my King quilt.
23. Start and finish my lap quilt.
24. Finish Kassidy's Quilt
25. Start and Finish a Quilt for Audrey
26.Have a weekend away in Vegas with my hubby
27. Take a vacation trip to Santa Cruz with my family
28. Take the girls on the Santa Cruz Train ride.
29. Buy a House
30. Make a kodak Photo album for Kassidy 1st year
31. 2nd year
32. 3rd year
33.4th year
34. Start the tradition of a photo album for each birthday starting with year 5 for Kassidy
35. Make a Kodak photo album for Audrey 1st year.
36. 2nd year
37. start the tradition of a phote album for each birthday starting with year 3 for Audrey.
38. Clean off/out my desk at home
39. east Vegatarian for a week
40. get negatives from our Wedding Photographer
41. Have a wedding album made
42. Hang pictures on walls of "our house' (I'm so not doing this again till we know we are not moving again)
43. Decorate "our house" (see above for reason)
44. Put resent pictures in digital picture frame.
45. Have a family photo session done.
46. teach my family to ski
47. Take a family ski trip
48. Relearn to crocet
49. Crocet a gift for someone
50. Have a date night at Seaport Village
51. Eat at the Harbor House
52. Take a horse drawn carriage ride
53. Visit and explore tide pools with my girls
54. Take a hooping class
55. Take a golf lesson
56. Play a round of Golf with my husband.
57. Read 10 books.
58. Play Pan at a table in Vegas.
59. Go whale watching with my family
60. Take a Harbor Cruise with my husband.
61. Teach Kassidy to read.
62. Teach Audrey to write her name.
63. Plant a garden.
64. Buy a Houseplant and keep it alive.
65. Volunteer for a beach/park clean up
66. Ride in a hot air balloon

Sunday, July 12, 2009

My Purse does more than hold my stuff

I was doing some research on my new purse, I'm in need of a new wallet as well. I came across their website and learned that Bungalow 360 makes 'Earth Happy' bags. They use natural canvas and water based ink. They use solar energy and drive hybrid cars. They recycle and re-use as much as possible. They donate portions of sales to animal rescue organizations. Woo Hoo!!

Happy Anniversery

6 years ago yesterday I married the love of my life, this post is dedicated to you Doug, I love you more everyday and I'm looking forward to the rest of our lives together.

Then:

Now:


We had a great day together. We dropped off the girls at grandma's and grandpa's for their sleepover at 3 (they couldn't get ride of us fast enough once we got there). We then headed down to Seaport Village for a relaxing afternoon of wandering around, window shopping, checking out the kites and all the indepenant entertainers there. Then it was time for our reservation at the Harbor House (it is one thing I have always wanted to do, I am putting it on my 101 things list that I am going to post this week). We ate out on the covered patio, which provided a great view.


We had drinks, I had the best Mi Ti I have had since our Honeymoon. We shared delicious Calamari, Doug enjoyed a dinner salad and stole a few bites of my wonderful claim chowder and them we shared a mouth melting Miah Miah entree. They treated us to a piece of cheese cake which Doug enjoyed (I'm not a fan of cheesecake). The couple sitting next to us was celebrating their 27th Anniversay it was pretty neat to talk to them.

We finished up dinner and headed to purchase out anniversay gift. We had decided to get ahmmock swings for eachother, Doug has had opne for 10 years that I stole when he hung it up in the garage when we moved in. I wanted to get him a new one, the one he has is falling apart. He thought that it sounded like a great idea and that we should get 2 so we could swing together. We are building a stand for them today I will post pics when it is doen.We then headed to get frozen yogert for me, Doug was stuffed from the cheesecake. We were sitting on the wall enjoying while I enjoyed my frozen yogert, when Doug "ran to the restroom" or so he told me and he came back with a adorable purse I had been looking at several times that evening (I love my coach one however it is surper heave and hot for summertime).




The it was off to a quite house for the night.

I LOVE YOU DOUG!!!

I'm looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together :)

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Wonderful 4th of July

Our 4th was filled with family as well as kid free fun with friends. We spent the morning playing with the girls at home and then one of my best tutors came and hung out with the girls "kidsit" as they call it and Doug and I headed to a friends house for some adult time with friends.

The evening was filled with drinks, food and fun with friends.




I enjoyed several Mi Ties, and a couple turns on the ice luge.


Swimming in the amazing pool:


Amazing fireworks from this view:

And great tiems with our friends:

Cabin Trip

We headed to the cabin for some time with friend and family. The cabin was full of People, Kids and dogs, final count 8 Adults, 1 Preteen, 4 Kids under 5, 5 dogs!!! LOL, We had a great time with everyone!!

Here are some highlights, We huge out at the cabin, cooking and eating:

Playing on the deck


Richard cooking dinner friday night


Tucker and Madi haginf out on the deck



We went an a couple of walks:

Audrey and Tucker being silly


Madi resting or posing not sure which (she is soo cute)

Rich helping tucker through the woods


Jenn and Tucker in the creek

Kassidy and her rcoks wanting help


Madi gets and assist from Ryan




We went for ice cream yummy:



They weekend was filled with fun times.

Dancing Girls

The girls had their dance recital last week, they were so cute!!! The recital was a huge headache due to a very non organized dance teacher and the lighting was horrible but the girls had a great time and did an amazing job :). Here are a few pics from back stage before the show and a couple videos of their dances:

Posing for mommy:

Posing with their classmate Audilina:


Their new friends we made at Build A Bear earlier that day:

Julie the Rabbit and Annie the cat, they now sleep with the girls and go everywhere with us :)



Here are the videos the lighting was so bad they came out blurry :(