We put in a bid for the 2004 home and it was accepted.
We're going to be homeowners!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Home?
I thought about keeping a lid on this, but then it is better to get recommendations from those that have gone through the process.
Brad and I are looking at homes for sale in Statesville. We're sick of paying so much money just to drive to work every day. We're touring two homes tomorrow afternoon.
One is a 2004 foreclosure. It's a two-story home with a two-car garage. Three bedroom, 2.5 bath. 1,200 square feet.
The second is a 1920 two-story house in a historic district under revitalization. Four bedroom, two bath, 2,000 square feet. There are many huge Victorian homes being remodeled on surrounding blocks. We have the OK from our crime reporter that the neighborhood should be fine. Her words exactly were "it's on the border" of a really good neighborhood and some poorer homes.
Of course there are pros and cons for each house. The newer home would need less attention because all it's parts are still relatively new. The older home is bigger and has more potential to be a real gem, but it would require more work (including the installation of AC -- good thing my dad is an HVAC man and we could do it at cost).
I'll update once we tour the two homes. Our lease ends on June 30 and we can go month-to-month after that, but I think we're ready to make a move.
Brad and I are looking at homes for sale in Statesville. We're sick of paying so much money just to drive to work every day. We're touring two homes tomorrow afternoon.
One is a 2004 foreclosure. It's a two-story home with a two-car garage. Three bedroom, 2.5 bath. 1,200 square feet.
The second is a 1920 two-story house in a historic district under revitalization. Four bedroom, two bath, 2,000 square feet. There are many huge Victorian homes being remodeled on surrounding blocks. We have the OK from our crime reporter that the neighborhood should be fine. Her words exactly were "it's on the border" of a really good neighborhood and some poorer homes.
Of course there are pros and cons for each house. The newer home would need less attention because all it's parts are still relatively new. The older home is bigger and has more potential to be a real gem, but it would require more work (including the installation of AC -- good thing my dad is an HVAC man and we could do it at cost).
I'll update once we tour the two homes. Our lease ends on June 30 and we can go month-to-month after that, but I think we're ready to make a move.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Me: The Mastermind (INTJ)
David Keirsey described the 16 personality types from the Myers-Briggs test in more depth. Let me know what you guys are. Go to
http://www.kisa.ca/personality/
and take this simplified version of the test. Brad and I took the tests, and there's what we came up with:
Me (INTJ): The Mastermind
All Rationals are good at planning operations, but Masterminds (INTJs) are head and shoulders above the rest in what is called "contingency planning." A contingency plan has "if-thens" in it, put there to deal with foreseeable errors and shortages of personnel and material. All sorts of contingencies are bound to arise when any complex project is undertaken, from planning a family vacation in Europe to preparing for the invasion of Europe, as in World War II. Such operations involve many, many steps, each of which must be coordinated to follow one another in a necessary progression, and each of which can be subject to unforeseen problems. Masterminds are able to grasp how each step leads to the next, and to prepare alternatives for difficulties that are likely to arise. Masterminds never set the course of their current project without Plan A firmly in mind, but they are always prepared to switch to Plan B - or C or D if need be.
Masterminds are rare, comprising no more than, say, 1 percent of the population, and they are rarely encountered outside their office, factory or laboratory. Although they are highly capable leaders, Masterminds are not at all eager to take command, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate their inability to lead. Once they take charge, however, they are thoroughgoing pragmatists, seeing reality as nothing more than a chess board for working out and refining their strategies. When planning a campaign, the Mastermind is completely open-minded and will entertain any idea that might prove useful. Fruitful ideas are quickly applied, all else discarded.
To the Mastermind, a plan is never set in concrete, but can be changed and improved. Thus they do not feel bound by arbitrary rules and by-the-book procedures, and authority based on degrees, credentials, title or celebrity does not impress them, nor do slogans or catchwords. They will adopt ideas only if they are useful, which is to say they work efficiently toward accomplishing their goals. Only ideas that make sense to them are adopted; those that don't, aren't, no matter who thought of them.
Masterminds tend to be much more self-confident than other Rationals, having usually developed a very strong will. Decisions come easily to them; indeed they can hardly rest until they have things settled and decided. They have a drive to completion, always with an eye to long-term consequences. Ideas seem to carry their own force for them, although they subject every idea to the test of usefulness. Difficulties are highly stimulating to Masterminds, who love responding to a problem that requires a creative solution. These traits lead them to occupations where theoretical models can be implemented in the workplace. They build data and human systems wherever they work, if given the slightest opportunity. They can be outstanding in scientific research and as executives in business.
These quiet, determined Rationals usually rise to positions of responsiblity, for they work long and hard and are steady in the pursuit of goals, sparing neither their own time and effort nor that of their colleagues and employees. They tend, ordinarily, to verbalize the positive and to avoid comments of a negative nature; they are more interested in moving an organization forward than dwelling on mistakes of the past. However they can develop tunnel-vision at times, which can be a weakness in their careers, for by focusing so tightly on their own pursuits they can ignore the points of view and wishes of others.
Masterminds are certain that efficiency is indispensible in the well-run organization, and if they encounter problems or overlapping functions, duplication of effort, useless paperwork and waste of human and material resources, they are quick to realign operations and reassign personnel to increase productivity. Remember, their aim is always efficiency.
On the job, Masterminds tend to drive others as hard as they drive themselves, so they often seem demanding and difficult to satisfy. Their fellow workers often feel as if a Mastermind can see right through them, and often believe that they are critical of them. This tendency of people to feel transparent, and incompetent, in their presence often results in rather distant working relationships. Colleagues may describe INTJs as unemotional and, at times, cold and unfriendly, when in truth they are merely taking the goals of an institution seriously, and continually striving to achieve those goals. Fortunately, indifference or criticism from fellow workers does not particularly bother Masterminds, if they believe that they are right. All in all, they make dedicated, loyal employees whose loyalties are directed toward the institution, rather than toward individuals within the institution.
Masterminds want harmony and order in their home and in their marriage, but not at the cost of having a submissive mate. The most independent of all the types, INTJs want their mates to be independent as well, able to stand up to the strength of their personality. Courtship is a special problem for Masterminds, since they regard the selection of a proper mate as a rational process, a matter of finding someone who correlates highly with their mental list of physical and intellectual requirements. They know quickly - usually on the first or second date - whether or not a relationship has any future, and they will not waste their time on courtships that seem to hold little promise. In general, Masterminds rely on their head and not their heart to make these choices, and at times, therefore, they will seem calculating. Even in more casual social situations, they may appear cold and may neglect to observe small rituals designed to put others at their ease. For example, INTGs may communicate that time is wasted if used for friendly chitchat, and thus people receive a sense of hurry from them which is not always intended.
Make no mistake, the emotions of an INTJ are hard to read, and neither a male nor female of this type is apt to be very outgoing or emotionally expressive. On the contrary, they havea strong need for privacy, and they do not enjoy physical contact except with a chosen few. But Masterminds also have a wide romantic streak in them, and once they have decided a person is worthy of them, they make passionate mates.
With their children, Masterminds are loving and unfailing in their devotion. Their children are a major focus in life, and they loyally support them and encourage them to develop in directions of their own choosing. At the same time, they are fully aware that children need well-defined limits, and they are invariably firm and consistent in setting those limits. Sons or daughters with little sense of direction or little drive to do well in school can puzzle Mastermind parents; they themselves are the highest achievers in school of all the types, and they expect their children to follow suit. But they care more for their children's individuality than for their own expectations, and so they quickly back off and give their children room to find their own way.
http://www.kisa.ca/personality/
and take this simplified version of the test. Brad and I took the tests, and there's what we came up with:
Me (INTJ): The Mastermind
All Rationals are good at planning operations, but Masterminds (INTJs) are head and shoulders above the rest in what is called "contingency planning." A contingency plan has "if-thens" in it, put there to deal with foreseeable errors and shortages of personnel and material. All sorts of contingencies are bound to arise when any complex project is undertaken, from planning a family vacation in Europe to preparing for the invasion of Europe, as in World War II. Such operations involve many, many steps, each of which must be coordinated to follow one another in a necessary progression, and each of which can be subject to unforeseen problems. Masterminds are able to grasp how each step leads to the next, and to prepare alternatives for difficulties that are likely to arise. Masterminds never set the course of their current project without Plan A firmly in mind, but they are always prepared to switch to Plan B - or C or D if need be.
Masterminds are rare, comprising no more than, say, 1 percent of the population, and they are rarely encountered outside their office, factory or laboratory. Although they are highly capable leaders, Masterminds are not at all eager to take command, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate their inability to lead. Once they take charge, however, they are thoroughgoing pragmatists, seeing reality as nothing more than a chess board for working out and refining their strategies. When planning a campaign, the Mastermind is completely open-minded and will entertain any idea that might prove useful. Fruitful ideas are quickly applied, all else discarded.
To the Mastermind, a plan is never set in concrete, but can be changed and improved. Thus they do not feel bound by arbitrary rules and by-the-book procedures, and authority based on degrees, credentials, title or celebrity does not impress them, nor do slogans or catchwords. They will adopt ideas only if they are useful, which is to say they work efficiently toward accomplishing their goals. Only ideas that make sense to them are adopted; those that don't, aren't, no matter who thought of them.
Masterminds tend to be much more self-confident than other Rationals, having usually developed a very strong will. Decisions come easily to them; indeed they can hardly rest until they have things settled and decided. They have a drive to completion, always with an eye to long-term consequences. Ideas seem to carry their own force for them, although they subject every idea to the test of usefulness. Difficulties are highly stimulating to Masterminds, who love responding to a problem that requires a creative solution. These traits lead them to occupations where theoretical models can be implemented in the workplace. They build data and human systems wherever they work, if given the slightest opportunity. They can be outstanding in scientific research and as executives in business.
These quiet, determined Rationals usually rise to positions of responsiblity, for they work long and hard and are steady in the pursuit of goals, sparing neither their own time and effort nor that of their colleagues and employees. They tend, ordinarily, to verbalize the positive and to avoid comments of a negative nature; they are more interested in moving an organization forward than dwelling on mistakes of the past. However they can develop tunnel-vision at times, which can be a weakness in their careers, for by focusing so tightly on their own pursuits they can ignore the points of view and wishes of others.
Masterminds are certain that efficiency is indispensible in the well-run organization, and if they encounter problems or overlapping functions, duplication of effort, useless paperwork and waste of human and material resources, they are quick to realign operations and reassign personnel to increase productivity. Remember, their aim is always efficiency.
On the job, Masterminds tend to drive others as hard as they drive themselves, so they often seem demanding and difficult to satisfy. Their fellow workers often feel as if a Mastermind can see right through them, and often believe that they are critical of them. This tendency of people to feel transparent, and incompetent, in their presence often results in rather distant working relationships. Colleagues may describe INTJs as unemotional and, at times, cold and unfriendly, when in truth they are merely taking the goals of an institution seriously, and continually striving to achieve those goals. Fortunately, indifference or criticism from fellow workers does not particularly bother Masterminds, if they believe that they are right. All in all, they make dedicated, loyal employees whose loyalties are directed toward the institution, rather than toward individuals within the institution.
Masterminds want harmony and order in their home and in their marriage, but not at the cost of having a submissive mate. The most independent of all the types, INTJs want their mates to be independent as well, able to stand up to the strength of their personality. Courtship is a special problem for Masterminds, since they regard the selection of a proper mate as a rational process, a matter of finding someone who correlates highly with their mental list of physical and intellectual requirements. They know quickly - usually on the first or second date - whether or not a relationship has any future, and they will not waste their time on courtships that seem to hold little promise. In general, Masterminds rely on their head and not their heart to make these choices, and at times, therefore, they will seem calculating. Even in more casual social situations, they may appear cold and may neglect to observe small rituals designed to put others at their ease. For example, INTGs may communicate that time is wasted if used for friendly chitchat, and thus people receive a sense of hurry from them which is not always intended.
Make no mistake, the emotions of an INTJ are hard to read, and neither a male nor female of this type is apt to be very outgoing or emotionally expressive. On the contrary, they havea strong need for privacy, and they do not enjoy physical contact except with a chosen few. But Masterminds also have a wide romantic streak in them, and once they have decided a person is worthy of them, they make passionate mates.
With their children, Masterminds are loving and unfailing in their devotion. Their children are a major focus in life, and they loyally support them and encourage them to develop in directions of their own choosing. At the same time, they are fully aware that children need well-defined limits, and they are invariably firm and consistent in setting those limits. Sons or daughters with little sense of direction or little drive to do well in school can puzzle Mastermind parents; they themselves are the highest achievers in school of all the types, and they expect their children to follow suit. But they care more for their children's individuality than for their own expectations, and so they quickly back off and give their children room to find their own way.
Brad: the Provider Guardian (ESFJ)
Brad is in the middle of being an extrovert and introvert. After reading both profiles, I think this one fits him better.
Provider Guardians (ESFJs) take it upon themselves to arrange for the health and welfare of those in their care, but they are also the most sociable of all the Guardians, and thus are great nurturers of established institutions, such as schools, churches, social clubs and civic groups. Wherever they go, Providers take up the role of social contributor, happily giving their time and energy to make sure that the needs of others are met, that traditions are supported and developed, and that social functions are a success.
Providers are very likely more than 10 percent of the population, and this is very fortunate for the rest of us, because friendly social service is a key to their nature. Highly cooperative themselves, Providers are skilled in maintaining teamwork among their helpers, and are also tireless in their attention to details of furnishing goods and services. They make excellent chairpersons in charge of banquets, rummage sales, charity balls and the like. They are without peer as masters of ceremonies, able to approach others with ease and confidence, and seemingly aware of what everyone's been doing. And they are outstanding hosts or hostesses, able to remember people's names, usually after one introduction, and always concerned abou tthe needs of their guests, wanting to insure that all are involved and provided for.
Friendly, sociable, personable, neighborly - in a word, Providers are "gregarious," so much so that they can become restless when isolated from people. And they love to talk with others. Even among strangers (on an airplane, in the line at the grocery store, in a doctor's waiting room), ESFJs will strike up a conversation and chat pleasantly about any topic that comes to mind. Like all the Guardians, they tend to have material things on their mind rather than imaginary things, and in conversation they follow a sort of free association, bouncing from subject to subject, from weather to sports to food to prices, and so on. Social traditions matter to Providers, and their conversations often drift to nostalgic recounting of past experiences in the "good old days." In addition, Providers show a delightful fascination with gossip, not only concerning celebrities, but also 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. At the same time, ESFJs can occasionally dwell on people's troubles - or their own aches and pains - sometimes to the point of getting themselves down in the dumps.
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 rather self-conscious, that is, highly sensitive to what others think of them. Because of this, ESFJs can be crushed by personal criticism, and will work most effectively when given ample appreciation both for themselves personally and for the service they give others. This is not to say that Providers are afraid to express their own emotional reactions. They are quick to like and dislike - and don't mind saying so - tending to put on a pedestal whatever or whoever they admire, and to come down hard on those people and issues they don't care for.
In their choice of careers, Providers may lean toward sales and service occupations. They have such pleasant, outgoing personalities that they are far and away the best sales reps, not only regularly winning sales contests, but earning seniority in any sales group within an organization. Observing ESFJs at work in a sales transaction reveals clearly how this type personalized the sale. They are visibly - and honestly - concerned with their customer's welfare, and thus the customer is not simply buying the product, but is buying personality from the Provider. This same characteristic causes them to be good in many people-to-people jobs, as teachers, clergy, coaches, social workers, office receptionists, and so on. Providers seldom become a source of irritation in the workplace; on the contrary, they are unflagging in their devotion to their company, and show such personal loyalty to their immediate supervisors that they make invaluable personal secretaries.
Providers take their role as family provider seriously, in both a material and a moral sense. They provide a comfortable home environment, healthy food, clean clothes, and a modest store of possessions. But they are also conscientious about routine domestic chores, are orderly about the house, and prefer that other family members be the same. In addition, they have a strong set of family values with clear shoulds and shouldn'ts, which they expect their family to abide by. Providers want family decisions settled quickly and with little fuss, and they want family living regularly scheduled and correctly executed.
Providers make faithful and loving mates, willing to stand by their husband or wife through good times and bad, going beyond the call of duty to keep the marriage running smoothly, even when the road is rocky. They enjoy socializing and entertaining, and take great pride in preparing and serving food and beverages. They love traditional festivities, Christmas parties, dinner dances, church breakfasts, and seem able to express the right feeling for a given social occasion. they are fond-hearted, sentimental and usually make a wonderful fuss over birthdays and anniversaries.
Providers are fiercely supportive of their children, and will sacrifice to see that they get everything they need for their well-being. At times, ESFJs get their own sense of success as a parent wrapped up in their children's successes and failures. They often see their children as an extension of the family, with whatever the kids do reflecting on them as parents. If their children are polite and productive, Providers glow with pride; but if their kids are rowdy or unappreciative, Provider parents may be embarrassed and become critical toward them, trying to instill in them a sense of social decorum and gratitude.
Provider Guardians (ESFJs) take it upon themselves to arrange for the health and welfare of those in their care, but they are also the most sociable of all the Guardians, and thus are great nurturers of established institutions, such as schools, churches, social clubs and civic groups. Wherever they go, Providers take up the role of social contributor, happily giving their time and energy to make sure that the needs of others are met, that traditions are supported and developed, and that social functions are a success.
Providers are very likely more than 10 percent of the population, and this is very fortunate for the rest of us, because friendly social service is a key to their nature. Highly cooperative themselves, Providers are skilled in maintaining teamwork among their helpers, and are also tireless in their attention to details of furnishing goods and services. They make excellent chairpersons in charge of banquets, rummage sales, charity balls and the like. They are without peer as masters of ceremonies, able to approach others with ease and confidence, and seemingly aware of what everyone's been doing. And they are outstanding hosts or hostesses, able to remember people's names, usually after one introduction, and always concerned abou tthe needs of their guests, wanting to insure that all are involved and provided for.
Friendly, sociable, personable, neighborly - in a word, Providers are "gregarious," so much so that they can become restless when isolated from people. And they love to talk with others. Even among strangers (on an airplane, in the line at the grocery store, in a doctor's waiting room), ESFJs will strike up a conversation and chat pleasantly about any topic that comes to mind. Like all the Guardians, they tend to have material things on their mind rather than imaginary things, and in conversation they follow a sort of free association, bouncing from subject to subject, from weather to sports to food to prices, and so on. Social traditions matter to Providers, and their conversations often drift to nostalgic recounting of past experiences in the "good old days." In addition, Providers show a delightful fascination with gossip, not only concerning celebrities, but also 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. At the same time, ESFJs can occasionally dwell on people's troubles - or their own aches and pains - sometimes to the point of getting themselves down in the dumps.
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 rather self-conscious, that is, highly sensitive to what others think of them. Because of this, ESFJs can be crushed by personal criticism, and will work most effectively when given ample appreciation both for themselves personally and for the service they give others. This is not to say that Providers are afraid to express their own emotional reactions. They are quick to like and dislike - and don't mind saying so - tending to put on a pedestal whatever or whoever they admire, and to come down hard on those people and issues they don't care for.
In their choice of careers, Providers may lean toward sales and service occupations. They have such pleasant, outgoing personalities that they are far and away the best sales reps, not only regularly winning sales contests, but earning seniority in any sales group within an organization. Observing ESFJs at work in a sales transaction reveals clearly how this type personalized the sale. They are visibly - and honestly - concerned with their customer's welfare, and thus the customer is not simply buying the product, but is buying personality from the Provider. This same characteristic causes them to be good in many people-to-people jobs, as teachers, clergy, coaches, social workers, office receptionists, and so on. Providers seldom become a source of irritation in the workplace; on the contrary, they are unflagging in their devotion to their company, and show such personal loyalty to their immediate supervisors that they make invaluable personal secretaries.
Providers take their role as family provider seriously, in both a material and a moral sense. They provide a comfortable home environment, healthy food, clean clothes, and a modest store of possessions. But they are also conscientious about routine domestic chores, are orderly about the house, and prefer that other family members be the same. In addition, they have a strong set of family values with clear shoulds and shouldn'ts, which they expect their family to abide by. Providers want family decisions settled quickly and with little fuss, and they want family living regularly scheduled and correctly executed.
Providers make faithful and loving mates, willing to stand by their husband or wife through good times and bad, going beyond the call of duty to keep the marriage running smoothly, even when the road is rocky. They enjoy socializing and entertaining, and take great pride in preparing and serving food and beverages. They love traditional festivities, Christmas parties, dinner dances, church breakfasts, and seem able to express the right feeling for a given social occasion. they are fond-hearted, sentimental and usually make a wonderful fuss over birthdays and anniversaries.
Providers are fiercely supportive of their children, and will sacrifice to see that they get everything they need for their well-being. At times, ESFJs get their own sense of success as a parent wrapped up in their children's successes and failures. They often see their children as an extension of the family, with whatever the kids do reflecting on them as parents. If their children are polite and productive, Providers glow with pride; but if their kids are rowdy or unappreciative, Provider parents may be embarrassed and become critical toward them, trying to instill in them a sense of social decorum and gratitude.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Planning is my crack
CJ graduates this weekend. Congrats, C. But my cracked out head isn't excited to go up to my alma mater and see my brother-in-law graduate. My mind is too busy planning an attack on the cookout before the graduation.
What if it rains? Will the tablecloths catch the wind? Don't forget a trashbag. We need to get charcoal from the store.
On and on.
Meanwhile I'm getting antsy. The more I plan, the more I want to plan. I get on this high and start making lists.
I am convinced that if this is not my calling, it is at least something I need to get a fix of occasionally. Can you imagine how much fun I'll have planning kids' birthday parties?!? Wow, I can't even fathom the cute factor.
I know where I partially get it from. I remember my mom going to Toys R Us and getting coordinating plates, cups, napkins, invitations and party favor bags for each and every birthday party. The cake definitely went along with the theme. I always thought that was just the coolest thing EVER.
Turns out my mom is a lunatic.
What does that say about me?
What if it rains? Will the tablecloths catch the wind? Don't forget a trashbag. We need to get charcoal from the store.
On and on.
Meanwhile I'm getting antsy. The more I plan, the more I want to plan. I get on this high and start making lists.
I am convinced that if this is not my calling, it is at least something I need to get a fix of occasionally. Can you imagine how much fun I'll have planning kids' birthday parties?!? Wow, I can't even fathom the cute factor.
I know where I partially get it from. I remember my mom going to Toys R Us and getting coordinating plates, cups, napkins, invitations and party favor bags for each and every birthday party. The cake definitely went along with the theme. I always thought that was just the coolest thing EVER.
Turns out my mom is a lunatic.
What does that say about me?
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