The write stuff

This session my career counsellor and I focused on the results of my personality test which came out as INFJ. This seemed odd to me because it wasn't very long ago that I did the Myers Briggs test myself online and was designated a strong INFP. We talked this over quite a bit and it became more and more obvious that neither of us could decide whether I am a Judger or a Perceiver. Although the recent test results show that I am a strong Judger, there are many things about my personality that I know do not fit in that category. According to the Myers Briggs website these are the general profiles of each of these two types: INFJ Seek meaning and connection in ideas, relationships, and material possessions. Want to understand what motivates people and are insightful about others. Conscientious and committed to their firm values. Develop a clear vision about how best to serve the common good. Organized and decisive in implementing their vision. INFP Idealistic, loyal to their ...

It's funny how being on vacation for two weeks both feels like a long time to be away and yet somehow goes by so quickly.  I'm now in the comfortable place of basking in the warm familiarity of home and reflecting on the novelty of having spent time as a stranger in a different land. I thought I would do a quick day by day rundown of the trip for both my own record and for anyone who may be interested. Day 1:  Arrived at Manchester Airport at 8:15am Sunday April 11, took cab to Menzies Pinewood hotel in Handforth (a small city in the greater Manchester area), took train from Handforth station to Manchester Piccadily Station, ate breakfast at a cafe in the station, walked around Manchester stopping to shop in a few department stores and getting a mini manicure at one of them, toured John Ryland's beautiful gothic library, took the train back to Handforth, walked back the our hotel, ate a four course supper at the hotel, went to bed at 8...

The first meeting was very pleasant. My new career cousellor Emma and I both sat down with our steaming cups of tassimo green tea and chatted about why I was there, my likes and dislikes, and what I hoped to accomplish over the month. She was very engaging and understanding which helped me to open up to her. Over the course of a few days I found two tests in my inbox which was my homework for the week. I opened them up and completed them pretty much right away wondering what they were going to get out of my choosing between being a firefighter or a mathmatician and so on, but it was actually pretty impressive. According to their list of 5 themes (artistic, social, realistic. enterprising, conventional and investigative), I am mostly astristic, social and conventional. The funny thing about having this theme code (ASC) is that A and C actually almost contradict each other...its kind of like saying I am a free spirited, creative type who enjoys structure and organization? Well the funn...

I went out with my sister and Irene last night for a girls night out that included a delicious meal at Moxies, some shopping time, and the new 3D movie "How to Train your Dragon." I was expecting the movie to be mildly entertaining with lots of action and little plot. Though it didn't boast a large quantity of time to the important art of character developement and plot, it was actually a really fun movie. I instantly fell in love with the sweet and dry humoured young hero who found himself at odds with his strong viking society and with the dragon toothless who was far from it (toothless that is). Toothless somewhat resembles a mix of a cat and a dog in temperament and I couldn't help but think of my cat when he regurgitates part of his meal as a present for his new friend or of my old dog Nikki when he lifts his gums up in an attempt to grin. I would highly recommend this movie to everyone who enjoys cartoons. 

I spent this weekend with my neice's situation heavy on my mind. No she's not pregnant or anything like that (phew), but she's so unhappy. She has had such a tough life and now she finds herself living with her Mom (who has some mental health issues), fighting with her Dad (who told her a few days ago that she is dead to him), bored because she doesn't get much parental supervision or scheduled activities, and depressed about her lot in life. She is such a smart and pretty 14 year old and deserves so much more. I'm nervous that she may eventually decide to run away. I sent her a message today asking her to consider me as an alternative if she is unhappy. It's a scary thought to even consider caring for a teenager, but part of me kind of hopes she does. I want so much more for her than she has.