Weekend Update

Friday we had the 100 Days Till Graduation Party at Sully's, which had several people in attendance that I am never comfortable around, so I decided to make the night a bit more fun and allow myself to be more laid back by pregaming at my apt with some vodka... then I got to the party and decided it would be a good life choice to play flip cup with vodka... Needless to say I don't remember much of anything past flip cup but apparently I got along great with everyone and was very fun. Typical. Thankfully Rita and some others took good care of me. Here's a pic of Sully the fabulous party thrower (who knew?!) and K-Lob:




I hung around at Rita Pita's most of Saturday until she drove me home, then did errands, etc. until Mary came over and it was time to go out for Hoween's bday. We had an awesome dinner in which Mary and I were twins all night and ordered the same meal, tomato mozzarella panini with pesto, and fries (I got sweet potato fries, yum!) and whiskey sours b/c those are always a great addition to any evening. Here's a pic of us sucking them down in honor of Greg haha:

I only had 2 drinks as I had my fair share the night before so it was Mary's time to shine haha. Hoween's friends were very nice and I'd def love to go out with them again. Here's a group shot at the restaurant:


We then went to the Black Bear bar which aside from the obscene amt of sketchy interaction with creepers (especially on Mary's end, I swear she was wearing Love Potion #9, the best was when this crazy girl pretty much assaulted her for 2 songs!) it was an overall good time, and it was 80s night (we missed the memo) so everyone looked fabulous and we rocked out to an 80s cover band all night, so lots of fist pumping, mom dancing,

and power ballads were sang with full fledged emotion. The coat check guy was the coolest most friendliest guy ever who upon first meeting him described his night as "excellent b/c he was rico from miami vice,". At that point Mary and I decided there was no way we were leaving that bar without a picture with him... and our mission was accomplished:


Sunday we woke up and went to brunch with our friend Margo and her fabulous partner Chelsea who I never had the pleasure of meeting before. They go together like pb&j, I'm a big fan. Then Mary and I did some shopping and cooking for the Superbowl Party, and eventually made our way over to Will's. The spread was very impressive, and I ate far too much and paid for it today when I held back hurling throughout my workout this morning. The game was a game, I could care less about that sort of thing, but "The Office" after was prob the greatest episode created thus far. I honestly cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard, if you haven't seen it go to nbc.com RIGHT NOW.

Today when I got home from work I had to do this Strength's Finder assessment thing for class and it's findings were freakishly accurate. My top 5 strengths are:
* Empathy
* Strategic
* Developer
* Relator
* Intellection

It also included an action plan for how to live a happy and successful life based on these strengths. It's a wicked long list but some that truly stuck out to me as hitting the nail right on the head to describe me are:

-Partner with someone with strong Command or Activator talents. This person will help you take needed action, even though people's feelings might suffer as a result.

-At times, your empathy for others may overwhelm you. Create some rituals that you can use at the end of your day to signal that work is over. This will help buffer your emotions and prevent burnout.

-Because you are observant of how others are feeling, you are likely to intuit what is about to happen before it becomes common knowledge. Although your intuitions may at times seem nothing more than 'hunches', take conscious note of them. They may turn out to be valuable assets.

-You can see repercussions more clearly than others can. Take advantage of this ability by planning your range of responses in detail. There is little point in knowing where events will lead if you are not ready when you get there.

-Seek roles in which your primary responsibilities include facilitating growth. Teaching, coaching, or managing roles might prove especially satisfying for you. (In undergrad my hall director put words in frames for each of the staff members that best described them and mine was "Enrich"-to make more meaningful or rewarding. This bullet echoes that)

-Identify the mentor or mentors who recognized something special inside you. Take the time to thank them for helping you develop, even if this means tracking down a former schoolteacher and sending him or her a letter.

-You will always be compelled to mentor more people than is possible. To fulfill this inner drive while maintaining a primary mentoring focus, consider the impact of being a "mentor for the moment." Many of the most poignant and memorable developmental moments occur when the right words are delivered at the right time -- words that clarify understanding, reignite a passion, open eyes to an opportunity, and change a life course.

-Your Developer talents might lead you to become so invested in the growth of others that you ignore your own development. Remember that you cannot give what you do not have. If you want to have a bigger impact on the well-being and growth of others, you need to keep growing yourself. Find a mentor or coach who can invest in you.

-Find a workplace in which friendships are encouraged. You will not do well in an overly formal organization. In job interviews, ask about work styles and company culture.

-Let it be known that you are more interested in the character and personality of others than in their status or job title. This is one of your greatest talents and can serve as a model for others.

-No matter how busy you are, stay in contact with your friends. They are your fuel.

-You might tend to withhold the most engaging aspects of your personality until you have sensed openness from another person. Remember, building relationships is not a one-way street. Proactively "put yourself out there." Others will quickly see you for the genuine individual you are, and you will create many more opportunities to cultivate strong, long-lasting connections.

-Schedule activities that allow you to get even closer to the people who keep you grounded and happy.

-Consider beginning or continuing your studies in philosophy, literature, or psychology. You will always enjoy subjects that stimulate your thinking.

-List your ideas in a log or diary. These ideas will serve as grist for your mental mill, and they might yield valuable insights. (Hence my sole purpose for pasting this long list in here)

-Engaging people in intellectual and philosophical debate is one way that you make sense of things. This is not the case for everyone. Be sure to channel your provocative questions to those who similarly enjoy the give and take of debate.

-Schedule time for thinking; it can be energizing for you. Use these occasions to muse and reflect.

-Take time to write. Writing might be the best way for you to crystallize and integrate your thoughts.

-Find people who like to talk about the same issues you do. Organize a discussion group that addresses your subjects of interest.




*** I strongly encourage anyone to take this assessment if you're interested!