The "<insert number here> things" meme is going around twitter, and I've been tagged by @empirebetty. A while back, when it was a blog meme requiring eight things, Rich Burridge tagged me. So I'm now faced with the challenge of finding seven things beyond that which you already know about me. I will do my best. smile

I've decided to make my response theme-based. The theme, taken from @empirebetty's astute observation, is "Endearing Neuroses". smile

  1. Today I am an INTP. Check back tomorrow.

    Years ago, I took the Myers-Briggs Personality Test as part of a course I took at UT Austin. At the time, the results indicated that I was an ENFP:

    ENFPs are introspective, values-oriented, inspiring, social and extremely expressive. They actively send their thoughts and ideas out into the world as a way to bring attention to what they feel to be important, which often has to do with ethics and current events. ENFPs are natural advocates, attracting people to themselves and their cause with excellent people skills, warmth, energy and positivity. ENFPs are described as creative, resourceful, assertive, spontaneous, life-loving, charismatic, passionate and experimental.

    I really did used to be an extrovert, and many of the items in that description resonate with me and how I was back in those days. But that's not me any more. I don't know if those early results were flawed or if I changed. But I've since taken an online test -- mainly to get the widget for my last.fm page -- and now I'm practically the complete opposite, an INTP:

    INTPs are logical, individualistic, reserved, and very curious individuals. They focus on ideas, theories and the explanation of how things work. They are especially adept at discussions and debate. They have the ability to focus intently on a subject. They appreciate and respect intelligence in others.

    Reading the additional descriptions of the INTP, I do think that sounds more like the way I am today. Do personalities change that much over time? Regardless... I'm me, whatever type (or types) that happens to truly be.

  2. I love horror movies, but I close my eyes during the scary parts.

    Actually, that's not entirely true. I place my hands over my eyes and then slowly spread my fingers apart to peek because I really do want to see what's going on....

    The funny -- or sad -- thing is, I don't love (or even enjoy) really scary, brutal, bloody horror movies. I prefer movies that play on one's fears and suggest horror rather than actually display it. So I'm covering my eyes for what amounts to some pretty tame -- and often lame -- scenes. <shrug>

    As a related aside, I'm starting to get into J-Horror. All the benefits (psychological fear, suggestion of horror, etc.) without the need to hide my eyes. If you have any good suggestions for J-Horror, by all means let me know.

  3. I am, on the whole, a secular humanist. One that believes in ghosts.

    And, yes, I do realize the inconsistency there. By definition a good, true secular humanist wouldn't believe in ghosts. Mind you, I'm not convinced they exist; I'm simply not convinced that they don't, nor have I been given any evidence to prove that they don't. For some reason, I tend towards believing in them rather than disbelieving. Plus ghosts make for good TV and movie entertainment.

  4. I buy my vacuums based upon their bug-sucking-up attachments.

    (I realize that for some of you, this is not new information. But for many it will be, and it is consistent with my chosen theme.)

    I have, for as long as I can remember, been completely afraid of bugs -- at least those which are in danger of coming into contact with me. It doesn't matter if they are alive or dead as far as the contact goes.

    I've dealt with this over the years in a variety of fashions:

    • Marriage. Proved to be a successful solution for awhile.
    • Cats. Believe it or not, this can be effective. Cats find small moving things amusing. Plus they tend not to grumble.
    • Poison. Certainly gets the job done, but the quantity I used was so disproportional to the lethal dose for my victim that I tended to have subsequent asthma attacks and my home smelled toxic for at least a day.

    At long last I arrived at my current solution: Vacuum cleaners with really long attachments. Healthier for me than marriage, cats (turns out they trigger my asthma), and poison.

  5. I often wonder "What will happen if....?" And decide to find out.

    If I do say so myself, this approach to life in and of itself is admirable -- it arguably may be amongst my best qualities. Unfortunately, I'm only curious about things I know absolutely nothing about. Combine this with my incredibly short attention span and low tolerance for frustration and... well....

    Sometimes I have an amazing amount of success, like the time I replaced the icky 80s-chandelier-style fixture that (dis)graced my condo with a much more suitable fixture. Mind you, I turned off power to my entire home beforehand -- after dressing nicely, doing my hair, and putting on some makeup just in case what I learned about electricity from the Home Depot guy proved significantly incorrect. Other times I'm less fortunate.... Still, holes can be patched, ceilings repainted, and plumbing replaced. Besides, the fridge poetry wall (yes an entire wall) in my kitchen -- while lumpy -- is a reported favorite of the contractors who come to clean up after me.

  6. I really like movies by M. Night Shyamalan.

    Even "The Happening." There, I've said it. Phew! I feel much better. smile

  7. My father passed away this year.

    I've been debating off and on about whether or not this is something I want to announce to the world. The reason I finally decided to go ahead and share it here is primarily to explain -- perhaps even justify -- why I've been largely AWOL personally, socially, and professionally for the past several months. And to do so once in writing, rather than a bunch of times face-to-face. Yes, I AM taking the easy way out. I admit it. And under the circumstances, I think I deserve it.

    The basic facts are these: My father happened to be mentally ill and my last contact with him was when I was 13 (I'm now 38.). I learned of his passing via a letter sent to my place of employment by an attorney. The cause of death, I later found out, turned out to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

    It's funny the sorts of baggage we carry around without realizing it. Then something like this happens....

    What I've learned from this situation, and what I want to focus on, however, is this: People are amazing. I've received a tremendous amount of patience, warmth, and support from folks -- some of whom I had confided in, many of whom I had not. Some of whom I've known for years, some of whom I barely know -- or in the case of twitter, never even met. Many of these individuals could have concluded that I was blowing them off and would have been justified (albeit completely incorrect) in their thinking. Instead they keep checking in on me, looking out for me, in some cases even helping me pick up the pieces of my life because I've been too stunned to do so on my own. These people, though not related to me by blood, are my true family. Thanks for looking out for your crazy cousin in her time of need. wink

With apologies for those who don't like memes.... I'm tagging: