Greetings to my blog followers...have you missed me? I started this blog 3 months ago, around the time I started working at Broward College full time. I am definitely more settled, but still very busy. Over the past few weeks, the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Inventory has been popping up at different times. I took the MBTI for the first time in 1995 and found out that I was an ESTJ. If you really want to know about me, keep reading...
The Guardian
As an ESTJ, your primary mode of living is focused externally, where you deal with things rationally and logically. Your secondary mode is internal, where you take things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion.
ESTJs live in a world of facts and concrete needs. They live in the present, with their eye constantly scanning their personal environment to make sure that everything is running smoothly and systematically. They honor traditions and laws, and have a clear set of standards and beliefs. They expect the same of others, and have no patience or understanding of individuals who do not value these systems. They value competence and efficiency, and like to see quick results for their efforts.
ESTJs are take-charge people. They have such a clear vision of the way that things should be, that they naturally step into leadership roles. They are self-confident and aggressive. They are extremely talented at devising systems and plans for action, and at being able to see what steps need to be taken to complete a specific task. They can sometimes be very demanding and critical, because they have such strongly held beliefs, and are likely to express themselves without reserve if they feel someone isn't meeting their standards. But at least their expressions can be taken at face-value, because the ESTJ is extremely straight-forward and honest.
The ESTJ is usually a model citizen, and pillar of the community. He or she takes their commitments seriously, and follows their own standards of "good citizenship" to the letter. ESTJ enjoys interacting with people, and likes to have fun. ESTJs can be very boisterous and fun at social events, especially activities which are focused on the family, community, or work.
The ESTJ needs to watch out for the tendency to be too rigid, and to become overly detail-oriented. Since they put a lot of weight in their own beliefs, it's important that they remember to value other people's input and opinions. If they neglect their Feeling side, they may have a problem with fulfilling other's needs for intimacy, and may unknowingly hurt people's feelings by applying logic and reason to situations which demand more emotional sensitivity.
When bogged down by stress, an ESTJ often feels isolated from others. They feel as if they are misunderstood and undervalued, and that their efforts are taken for granted. Although normally the ESTJ is very verbal and doesn't have any problem expressing themself, when under stress they have a hard time putting their feelings into words and communicating them to others.
ESTJs value security and social order above all else, and feel obligated to do all that they can to enhance and promote these goals. They will mow the lawn, vote, join the PTA, attend home owners association meetings, and generally do anything that they can to promote personal and social security.
The ESTJ puts forth a lot of effort in almost everything that they do. They will do everything that they think should be done in their job, marriage, and community with a good amount of energy. He or she is conscientious, practical, realistic, and dependable. While the ESTJ will dutifully do everything that is important to work towards a particular cause or goal, they might not naturally see or value the importance of goals which are outside of their practical scope. However, if the ESTJ is able to see the relevance of such goals to practical concerns, you can bet that they'll put every effort into understanding them and incorporating them into their quest for clarity and security.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Sharing is Caring...
This is a re-post of a great article entitled "Create Your Best Future: Three Ways to Shape Your Life for the Better". I have been incredibly busy with my own life, but I will be back to blogging my own thoughts and experiences VERY soon...
Because the future is created by our actions in the present, it’s in the world’s best interest, and our own, that we focus on becoming better versions of ourselves each and every day. We are born to be mediums of love and kindness. And we all have it in our power to shape the future by the choice to let loving and just, or hateful and destructive things happen through us. The future depends completely on the way we act now.
Look at the Choices You Make
Every day we are given the opportunity to do things that either lift one another up or put one another down. We can be kind and generous or mean and selfish, judgmental or accepting, forgiving or not. Every choice we make works to create or destroy the sense of goodness in life and the experience of peace on this earth. Our choices serve to unite or divide, to make others and ourselves better or worse. So pay serious attention to the choices you make. A better future depends on it.
Nourish the Capacity to Do Good
In becoming better human beings right now, we are called upon to nourish the capacity to let only good things happen through us. This means there can be no hate in our heart at all: no self-righteousness, no meanness, no discrimination, and no selfish disregard for the poor and suffering in our world. If we are not more kind every day, more understanding, more patient, more loving, and more fun to be with, then we are not nourishing our capacity to do good. The future we create will look like the world does now, agonizing for the presence of better human beings. Nourish only the capacity to do good.
Respect What You Can’t Understand
There is no way we can become better human beings by condemning what we can’t understand, whether it be someone’s religious, sexual, or political preference. There is no way we can create a better future until we treasure the differences among us as a strength binding us together, not a weakness tearing us apart. Better human beings respect all the diverse mysteries of life, especially those we can’t yet understand. If we love what we can’t understand, divine understanding will be ours.
Until the next blog, think about this: Goodness speaks in a whisper, evil shouts. -Tibetan proverb
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
10 Habits of Highly Organized People
I have been spending a ton of time scouring the internet for interesting articles and resources for my new job. Last night, I came across this list on CNN.com (although I believe it was first posted on Oprah.com). Say what you want about Ms. Winfrey...however, when CNN cites your website as a credible news source, you are powerful. I have always been told that I am very organized, so I thought it would be fun to see how many of these habits I truly exhibit. Here goes:
1. Walk away from bargains
As we get older, priorities shift and evolve. If I was to analyze this list 10 years ago, my answers would have been completely different. For me, the 75% means that I have eased up the OCD tendencies for 25% of my life. In terms of time, that is 6 hours a day, 42 hours a week, 2184 hours a year. In terms of relationships, this has opened up space for my husband, family, friends, and blogging.
1. Walk away from bargains
- I am not one to buy in bulk, although John is a huge Costco fan. His "bulk-buying" mentality has definitely been tempered since I moved in, however I do spend quite a bit of time searching for bargains, particularly online. SOMEWHAT
- It has taken me MANY years to achieve "moments" of peace with imperfection. Not total peace...that seems about as possible as ice cream lasting more than 24 hours in the freezer. NO
- Miscellaneous is one of those words that I never learned how to spell (in fact, I had to look at it twice in the statement above while I was typing...LOL). Everything has a space, place, and name in my life. YES
- When I was single, this happened weekly. Now that I am married to a man with quite a bit of stuff, this happens less often. However, we do schedule time to go through stuff in the house. I remember going through the closets after the earthquake in Haiti. John works with several women whose families were devastated by this tragedy. I think we ended up donating 6-7 bags of clothes. I joked that my shirts and pants alone could clothe a whole village or at least serve as sleeping bags...John was not amused. YES
- I have subscribed to this philosophy my entire life. Organized people are not usually filled with wells of creativity. Just look at the show Hoarders. Those "organization experts" are not creating art from the clutter. They are loading trucks from 1-800-GOT-JUNK. The only space in my life where creativity comes out is playing in the band (although sticking with what works has served me well me in band for over 10 years). YES
- This is essential. John and I use our "office". This connects with "schedule regular de-cluttering sessions". The dump zone (or Bermuda triangle of recently acquired clutter) is typically the go to place for missing items until you find a permanent space and place for them. YES
- Another challenge for me. My delegation skills have definitely improved over the past few years, but I still struggle with asking others for help. This is especially true as President of the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble. As I wrap up, delegation will be my number ONE suggestion to the next band president. NO
- Done. I am not a highly emotional person anyway, but I am definitely NOT emotional about items. I used to ask my students "If your house was on fire and you could save one item (assuming all of the people and animals were safe), what one item would you choose?" What a struggle they had. My answer is easy...my French Horn. Not for sentimental reasons...HELLO, I have band practice every Wednesday! YES
- Another one of my strengths. I prefer "hoping for the best, but planning for the worst"! This has definitely helped in my personal and professional life. However, it has made me a terrible passenger (especially in airplanes and cars). Years ago, I finally opened up to my doctor about my fear of flying. She quickly handed me a prescription for Xanax. Problem-solved. YES
- Living in south Florida, there are so many places to donate "stuff" the biggest struggle is finding the most appropriate place. I prefer places like Povarello and Out of the Closet, as this directly impacts the gay community. YES
As we get older, priorities shift and evolve. If I was to analyze this list 10 years ago, my answers would have been completely different. For me, the 75% means that I have eased up the OCD tendencies for 25% of my life. In terms of time, that is 6 hours a day, 42 hours a week, 2184 hours a year. In terms of relationships, this has opened up space for my husband, family, friends, and blogging.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Plateaus BLOW
78 and holding. No, I am not referring to the current temperature (although I think it is quite interesting that Florida is experiencing cooler weather than most of the US...yet there is still a debate about climate change). But I digress. As many of you know, I have been focusing on my health this year. Through diet and exercise (as well as the support of my doctor and family and friends), I have lost 78 pounds since the beginning of January. No small feat. However, I have been holding at 78 pounds lost for over 6 weeks. I should be happy...I will get happy...but plateaus BLOW. Especially when you continue to do the work! I know I need to be patient...but I never seem to have enough patience for anything. I need my competitive "state" to kick in ASAP! My initial goal was 111 in 2011 (what can I say...I'm gay and I LOVE a theme, so sue me!).
In reality, the past 6 weeks have been filled with an intensity that my old body may not have been able to sustain. Between the 25th Anniversary concert for the band (as well as other band issues that I was tending too) and transitioning into my new job, I should be thankful that I did not gain weight!!! The interesting thing about plateaus is that you are surrounded by ledges. Falling off the ledge is not an option...there is no going back.
I am excited about my family vacation this weekend and I am sure I will be blogging along the way. Then I will re-focus on my diet when I return. Stay tuned...
In reality, the past 6 weeks have been filled with an intensity that my old body may not have been able to sustain. Between the 25th Anniversary concert for the band (as well as other band issues that I was tending too) and transitioning into my new job, I should be thankful that I did not gain weight!!! The interesting thing about plateaus is that you are surrounded by ledges. Falling off the ledge is not an option...there is no going back.
I am excited about my family vacation this weekend and I am sure I will be blogging along the way. Then I will re-focus on my diet when I return. Stay tuned...
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Welcome Wagon
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
Theodore Roosevelt
Dear Colleagues,
Please join me in welcoming Adam DeRosa as the new Coordinator of the Career Center here at South. Adam started July 1st and replaces Kathleen Rhoad who retired last year. Mr. DeRosa’s primary focus will be to work closely with the Associate Deans and Program Managers, particularly in the Career and Technical programs, to equip our graduating students with the requisite skills to successfully apply, interview and secure employment. Additionally, he will develop partnerships with local, national businesses and Workforce One to provide internship opportunities and employment for students earning career and technical degrees. Mr. DeRosa will also work closely with the Student Affairs Leadership Team to develop a process that provides career assessment and career information to our students, thereby ensuring that all students have ‘defined themselves’ so they can ‘Finish What They Start’.
Mr. DeRosa has a Master of Science in Higher Education from The Florida State University and brings lots of experience from both K-12 and higher education. His most recent experience includes serving as the Director of Student Services and Director of New Student Orientation at Everglades University and Florida Atlantic University respectively. He has also taught the College Success Skills course both at the North Campus of Broward College and Florida Atlantic University.
Mr. DeRosa is located in the Career Center, building 68, room 100 and his extension is 8865. Please stop by and give him a warm South Campus welcome.
Janice Stubbs
Dean of Students,
Broward College, South Campus
I am excited about the opportunity I have to make a difference on this campus. Thanks to my family and friends for supporting me through this transition.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
May I Speak With The Manager?
Dear Ryan,
My name is Adam DeRosa and I went to see Super 8 at your theater on Friday, July 8th at 7:05PM. I usually go to the Regal Cinema on Cypress Creek, but Super 8 was only playing there after 9PM. When I was exiting the theater at approximately 9PM, I decided to get a refill of my large soda. When I got to the lobby concession stand, there was only one person behind the counter, and the line was about 12 people deep. Coincidentally, there was a group of about 4 employees (all in the maroon polos) on the benches in the lobby. I went up to the ticket taker and asked why there was only one person working in the concession stand. He said the other employees were "on their break". I immediately asked to see the manager on duty. Katherine came to see me about 5 minutes later. By this time, the 4 employees in the lobby had literally jumped over the counters to attend to the long line of customers. When I told Katherine what I had witnessed, she explained that there was a one hour break between films and the concession stand workers needed to take their breaks. As you can imagine, this answer infuriated me, so I ended the conversation and immediately asked for your business card.
Katherine then walked over the the concession stand and yelled at the employees saying something to the effect of "I told you to take your polos off during your break!" I know this to be true because, at this point, my partner was in the line, waiting to get our soda refilled.
I am sending this email to you because I have managed employees for years, most of which were high school and college age students. I also worked at a movie theater when I was their age and know that employee breaks are NEVER allowed to be taken within view of the customers, especially in uniform. Granted, I was on my way out of the theater, but is this the kind of customer service Regal strives for...I doubt it. As the manager, I wanted you to know what was happening at your theater after 9PM on a Friday evening. I am not sure we will be returning to your theater anytime in the near future, but my partner and I are members of the Regal Cinemas Loyalty Program and would like to continue to patronize your company. However, the employees I encountered on Friday evening, especially Katherine, will make me twice about going back to any theater you manage.
Sincerely,
Adam DeRosa
My name is Adam DeRosa and I went to see Super 8 at your theater on Friday, July 8th at 7:05PM. I usually go to the Regal Cinema on Cypress Creek, but Super 8 was only playing there after 9PM. When I was exiting the theater at approximately 9PM, I decided to get a refill of my large soda. When I got to the lobby concession stand, there was only one person behind the counter, and the line was about 12 people deep. Coincidentally, there was a group of about 4 employees (all in the maroon polos) on the benches in the lobby. I went up to the ticket taker and asked why there was only one person working in the concession stand. He said the other employees were "on their break". I immediately asked to see the manager on duty. Katherine came to see me about 5 minutes later. By this time, the 4 employees in the lobby had literally jumped over the counters to attend to the long line of customers. When I told Katherine what I had witnessed, she explained that there was a one hour break between films and the concession stand workers needed to take their breaks. As you can imagine, this answer infuriated me, so I ended the conversation and immediately asked for your business card.
Katherine then walked over the the concession stand and yelled at the employees saying something to the effect of "I told you to take your polos off during your break!" I know this to be true because, at this point, my partner was in the line, waiting to get our soda refilled.
I am sending this email to you because I have managed employees for years, most of which were high school and college age students. I also worked at a movie theater when I was their age and know that employee breaks are NEVER allowed to be taken within view of the customers, especially in uniform. Granted, I was on my way out of the theater, but is this the kind of customer service Regal strives for...I doubt it. As the manager, I wanted you to know what was happening at your theater after 9PM on a Friday evening. I am not sure we will be returning to your theater anytime in the near future, but my partner and I are members of the Regal Cinemas Loyalty Program and would like to continue to patronize your company. However, the employees I encountered on Friday evening, especially Katherine, will make me twice about going back to any theater you manage.
Sincerely,
Adam DeRosa
His Reply
Mr. DeRosa,
Thank you for taking the time to email about your experience at my location on July 8th. At Regal we strive to exceed our guest expectations and it is obvious that we failed with regards to your wait in the concession line. For your inconvenience I would like to mail you two passes that are good at any Regal Cinemas location; if you would email me your address I can get those in the mail for you. I will look into this incident further with all employees involved. I am also going to use your letter as a training tool at my next employee meeting to help prevent situations like this from occurring again.
Thanks,
Ryan Walton
General Manager
Oakwood Stadium 18 (#10-0463)
2800 Oakwood Blvd.
Hollywood, Fl. 33020
954-923-4321 (Office)
954-923-5203 (Fax)
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