Personality Types

Here is a personality test that I took....I am an otter with beaver tendencies. It's very interesting.

Gary Smalley Personality Types Inventory

(from Making Love Last Forever, Ch. 10: Understanding Personality Types: A Key to Lovability)

How to Take and Score the Inventory

1. For each temperament type, circle the positive traits (in the left column) that sound the

most like you – as you are at home. It will probably help to cover the right hand

column as you take the inventory, to help you focus on the positives. Do not score

yourself as you behave at work. (If you want to evaluate your “at work” tendencies,

take the test again later, with that environment -- or any other – in mind.) For now,

ignore the right hand column.

2. For each trait, add up the number of circled traits (in the left column) and then double

that number. This is your score.

3. To graph your temperament “mix”, mark your score for each temperament type on the

graph with a large dot. If you want, draw a line to connect the dots.

Lion

Temperament Characteristics

Likes authority. ………………...Too direct or demanding

Takes charge……………….…..Pushy; can step in front of

others

Determined. …………………... Overbearing

Confident. …………………..…. Cocky

Firm ………………………...…...Unyielding

Enterprising. ……………..….... Takes big risks

Competitive. ……………….….. Cold blooded

Enjoys challenges. …….…..…..Avoids relations

Problem solver. ………….….... Too busy

Productive. ……….……….…... Overlooks feelings; do it now!

Bold. …………………….……... Insensitive

Purposeful; goal driven…..….... Imbalanced; workaholic

Decision maker. ………….….... Unthoughtful of others' wishes

Adventurous. ………………… .. Impulsive

Strong 'willed …………………...Stubborn

Independent; self reliant ……....Avoids people; seeking help

Controlling. ……………………...Bossy; overbearing

Persistent. ………………….….. Inflexible

Action oriented. ………………...Unyielding

"Let's do it now!"

Lion Score (Double the number circled): ___________

Otter

Temperament Characteristics

Enthusiastic. ……………….…… Overbearing

Takes risks. …………………..… Dangerous and foolish

Visionary …………………….……Daydreamer

Motivator. ……………………..… Manipulator

Energetic. ……………………….. Impatient

Very verbal. ………………………Attacks under pressure

Promoter. ………………………… Exaggerates

Friendly, mixes easily…………… Shallow relationships

Enjoys popularity…………..….…. Too showy

Fun loving. …………………..…… Too flippant; not serious

Likes variety. ………………..…… Too scattered

Spontaneous. ……………….…… Not focused

Enjoys change. ………….……..… Lacks follow through

Creative; goes for new ideas. .…..Too unrealistic; avoids details

Group oriented. ………….….…… Bored with "process"

Optimistic………………….….……Doesn't see details

Initiator. ………………….….…….. Pushy

Infectious laughter……….….…… Obnoxious

Inspirational……………….…..…. Phony

"Trust me! It'll work out!"

Otter score {double the number circled}: _________

Golden Retriever

Temperament Characteristics

Sensitive feelings. ……..…….… Easily hurt

Loyal. ………………………….… Misses opportunities

Calm; even keeled. ……….….… Lacks enthusiasm

Nondemanding ………….…...… Weakling; pushover

Avoids confrontations. .………… Misses honest intimacy

Enjoys routine …………….…..…Stays in rut

Dislikes change. ………….….… Not spontaneous

Warm and relational. …….….… Fewer deep friends

Gives in. ……………….……...… Co-dependent

Accommodating. …….…….…… Indecisive

Cautious humor. ……….….…… Overly cautious

Golden Retriever (contd)

Temperament Characteristics

Adaptable. ……………………..… Loses identity

Sympathetic. ………………..…… Holds on to others' hurts

Thoughtful. …………….………… Can be taken advantage of

Nurturing. …………….………..… Ears get smashed

Patient. …………………………… Crowded out by others

Tolerant. ………………….……… Weaker convictions

Good listener. …………………… Attracted to hurting people

Peacemaker. ………………….… Holds personal hurts inside

"Let's keep things the way they are."

Golden retriever score (double the number circled): _____

Beaver

Temperament Characteristics

Reads all instructions. ….….…… Afraid to break rules

Accurate………………….………. Too critical

Consistent. ……………….……… Lacks spontaneity

Controlled. ……………….……… Too serious

Reserved …………………………Stuffy

Predictable. ……………………… Lacks variety

Practical. ………………………… Not adventurous

Orderly…………………….……… Rigid

Factual…………………….…..….. Picky

Conscientious. …………….…..… Inflexible

Perfectionistic …………….………Controlling

Discerning. ………………….…… Negative on new opportunities

Detailed. …………………….…… Rarely finishes a project

Analytical. …………………………Loses overview

Inquisitive……………………...…. Smothering

Precise. ……………………..…… Strict

Persistent …………….………...…Pushy

Scheduled. …………………….… Boring

Sensitive. ……………………...… Stubborn

"How was it done in the past ?"

Beaver score (double the number circled): __________

Lions are leaders, decisive, bottom line, problem-solvers, not conversational.

Otters are fun-loving, entertainers, net workers, motivators, creative, talkers.

Retrievers are loving, nurturing, loyal, good listeners, encouragers.

Beavers are hard-working, detailed, accurate, focused on quality.

Consciously work to become more aware of your natural tendencies. Go for a

healthy balance, tempering any extreme problem area, focus on your

strengths and learn to cultivate the strengths of less dominant personality

traits.

Some suggestions for each personality type:

Lions: Be softer and more gentle and include others when making decisions.

Otters: Think before you speak, and consider consequences before you act.

Retrievers: Practice saying no and making firm decisions.

Beavers: Learn to relax and don’t expect others to do things just like you.

For a more in depth study on personality development, please read

The Two Sides of Love, Gary Smalley and John Trent.

Many Men by Wendy Shalit

This is an interesting article by Wendy Shalit. I found it in a book called Secret Keeper by Dannah Gresh.

As long as you seem to be "hooking up" on a regular basis, no one has a thing to say to you, but if you are alone, people become very concerned and start to give you lots of advice.  I listened carefully to all of it when I was alone, but had to conclude-without wanting to seem ungrateful- that the advice young women were getting was just appalling.  I was stunned at the way my friends reassured me.  You will have many men in your life, they predicted.  Your body's not so bad, your face not so ugly.  You'll see, you'll see.  You'll do very well on the market.  Trust us.  Just maybe "put on a shorter skirt or something" stop "hiding yourself", stop "taking things so seriously".  And "you'll see how the men will..."

I tuned out at this, my mind whirring over this You will have many men business.  Was that a compliment, I wondered, or a life sentence? It's a life sentence if you're like me, one who hopes for-dare one even say it-not many men, but just one.  You will have many men.  Well, thanks for the generous offer, but am I allowed to decline?

My Latest Adventure

Today as I was getting ready to go to 4:12, (a girl's Bible study I attend) I was deciding what to wear, and I looked into the wide expanse of my dresser drawer, and, seeing a pair of capries that I think are really cute, I thought, by the time it's summer and I can wear them practically, they will be to small.  So, out of lack of judgment, I decided to wear the capries.  I froze all the way to church, and when I got there, I realized that it was my turn to shovel the church walk. In five degrees below zero. Without a hat. Or gloves. Or sensible pants.
My friends all laughed at me and came outside to watch me labor, but none would lend a hand. Sad.  I feel really really blond right now.

December's Demise

This is a short story I wrote a little while ago, I hope you enjoy reading this just as much as I enjoyed writing it.

                                                                        December’s Demise

December Montgomery-Bell stood in anguish deeper and darker than the very depths.  Her only love, her only meaning, had perished in the battle of yesterday.  She paused, tried to remember despite the pain.  What brought her here?  To this terrible place where death with no mercy reigns?  She sank down slowly onto the only piece of furniture in that homely asylum, a cot of useless worth.  Slowly, slowly, it was all coming back.  The total sum of her despair consumed her.  December sat back and remembered, took up her pen, and began to write. 

                                                         --------------------------------------------------

Camelot, 1642

“It was in the heat of the battle, with swords clashing overhead as December watched from her high tower window.  Her eyes followed one tall knight, as he slay tens of thousands with his mighty sword.  As she watched, he seemed to be conquering all – wait!  With a mighty clash of the enemy’s sword, he fell to the ground.  To the enemy, he was just another of the dead and the dying.  But to December, the upheaval her heart made tumbled her soul into the very depths, where she now remains.  Her sudden grief and shock was so much so tears were not enough.  Her face was ivory white to the lips as she sat in shocked horror.  It seemed like hours but was only minutes.  Minutes that would change her life, and Jess’s, forever.   “‘I must go…to Jess.’” December managed to inform her maid.  “‘No, Ma’am, you mustn’t, a bloody battlefield is no place for a lady! Especially not one of your class!’”  Her maid warned.  You must not risk your life over an everyday, regular, humdrum peasant boy!’”  December’s azure eyes flashed.  “’How dare you insult him!! How dare you insult him with such vulgarity!’?”  She swept her royal red cape over her silky chocolate curls.  “’I am going no matter what you say about it! 

                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

December closed her eyes in immense pain.  How cruel life is!  She glanced around the cold, stone walled cell through dark lashes trimmed in tears.  “’ Do I even want to remember the rest?’” She thought.  “’It’s so…painful.’” She dreaded even the thought.  But, her trial was tomorrow.  There the unmerciful judges would surely choose death.  How, December wondered.  By drowning?  The rack?  Crucifixion?  Surely nothing quick, or merciful, for a prisoner of war such as she was.  December took up her pen in her long slender fingers, and began to write. 

                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“December dashed out the tower’s doors and paused, dumbstruck, by the horror of battle.  Such blood she had never seen!  She shivered, tossing her chocolate curls, and dashed through the men, most of whom were either dead or dying.  Cape flying out behind her as her tears streamed steadily, she found Jess on the ground, alone.  She knelt beside him, sobbing.  December gathered him into her arms and held him.  There was so much that she could have said, but she just held him, silently.  And waited.  But waited for what?  Judging by the stab wound in his chest, he was not long for this world.   But still, she could hope.  So she waited.  With the battle cries all around, the bugles sounding, swords clashing, and the thunder rumbling in the distance, she should have been scared.  But she did not give a thought to herself, only to Jess.  After what seemed like an eternity, his eyes fluttered open.  The first thing he saw was December’s alabaster brow and curls against the cloudy grey sky.  “’Em?  Ember?  Is that…you? Jess tried to pick his head up, and failed miserably.  December broke into a tear misted smile.  His voice, though weak, was the most beautiful sound in the world to her at that moment.  “’ Oh, Jess, I’m so glad you’re going to be alright!’”  Jess’s green eyed countenance grew suddenly dark.  “’Ember, Darling, I wouldn’t be so sure about that.’”  “’But, you have to be OK, look at you, you look fine.  You just need to get some color back, and dry up that blood on your chest and you’ll be fine, right?  Right?’”  A tear rolled down December’s cheek.  “’Jess?’”   Jess swallowed hard.  “’ December, I don’t know about that right now.  Just know that I will love you until the great Atlantic dries up, until the sunrise is no more, until my dying breath.  Your eyes are the color of a fresh spring sky, azure, with a hint of winter sparkle still in them.  Your hair is a cornucopia of chocolaty warmth and shine, the hue of fresh baked fudge, except without the nuts.  Your cheeks are of a shade you stole from the sunset.  Your alabaster brow, so….alabastery.  And your lips remind me of the first blossomed June roses of Damascus.’”  December let out a little cry.  Jess’s face was drained of color as he reassured her of his undying love for her, and reminded her to stay strong, as the battle cries and bugles, flashing swords and screams, echoed around them.  But they never heard them.  They were oblivious to anything but each other.  December bowed her head over Jess, and her dark curls fell over his pale face and the bloody wound in his chest.  Her tears came in torrents, as he silently spent his last moments in her arms.  The battle slowly ended, the enemy retreated; all was silent, and all was lost.  In the midst of the dead and the dying, under the sorrowful drizzle, with December’s arms around him, Jess Montmorency breathed his last. 

                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

She wiped her tears aside, trying to convince herself that the events of yesterday were irrelevant now.  But no matter how hard she tried, she could never forget Jess.  Never.  Again, with all of her remaining strength, she pressed her pen to the paper, and wrote from her heart.

                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“’As December lay mourning for Jess, on that deserted battlefield of the heart, she could not hear the enemy’s footsteps behind her.  Suddenly, they were upon her, dragging her away from Jess’s body.  She fought, kicked, and screamed as they dragged her into their cart and shackled her hand and foot.  December sobbed under the drizzle, which was as if it was mourning for Jess, too.  She watched him until he vanished from sight, she felt as if she had left her heart on that battlefield, clasped in his arms.”

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She tried to wipe away the tear marks which smudged her tragic epistle; she must leave it behind for someone to find, for the jury had announced that she would be drowned at dawn.  She rose from her cot, and walked to one of the stone walls.  Her face expressionless, tears streaming down, she found and removed a small stone from the wall.  December folded the document and placed it inside the small crevice.  She put the stone back in place.  The tower would keep her secret.

                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next sunrise, as she was marched out to be drowned as a prisoner of war, innocent, yet found guilty by those not her own, as she was chained, as she was sinking desperately into the darkest depths of the Atlantic, her only thoughts were of Jess, and his ultimate sacrifice for his country, fairest Camelot.  Her final wish as she sank down, dying, was that she could be permitted to die with half the courage that Jess did.

Fun with the Shervies

We had some friends of ours, the Sherveims, over at our house today, and it reminded me of awesome memories of when we were kids.  We would get together with the 'Shervies', and Eliza and Sadie would run off, so I would play with Charlie and Derek.  We would put together awesome schemes (Nonnie still remembers Derek throwing a Butternut Squash at her head, and hitting it)to pretend we were pirates and to kidnap Eliza and Sadie. Here was our master plan (Eliza and Sadie were hiding, a wise move on their part): Charlie would grab Eliza, and Derek would grab Sadie, and I would grab the ropes to tie them up. (We really did do all of this). Then we would try to tie them up, (we failed miserably with that), and tell them what we were going to do with our captives.  The conversation went something like this. (By the way, this was all in out haybarn.)
Me: "So... *evil sneer* we are now going to......
Derek: "Hey! You can't explain the plan! Your such a girl you'd probably mess it up.  I'll tell it.
Eliza: You're meanies!
Sadie: Yeah! Wait'll Mom finds out!
(Ericka begins to look nervous, Eliza begins to cry)
Charlie: Well, Mom's not gonna find out, because this is what's gonna happen! Derek, Ericka, get the gags.
Derek: We don't have any gags, and besides, Ericka couldn't do it anyway. She's a Guuuuurrrrrrrllll. 
Ericka: Am not!
Sadie: Pirates, please stop fighting!
Charlie: An-yway, this whats gonna happen! See this laundry basket and twine? We're going to tie this twine to this basket, and put you in this basket, and lower you over the side of the bales, where a red lava pool filled with red sharks awaits you!
(Evil laughter all around, Sadie starts to cry)
Some unseen Mom voice: Dinnnnnnnerrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Evil Pirates unison: Food!!!!!!!!
(We succumbed to the captive's pleading and let them go. Lunch was delicious.)

Our Awesome Camping Trip

Aerial view of the campground island.

The view from our  tent.

A little Island we investigated.

A toy we all enjoyed, the water mat.

A duck and her ducklings right outside our campsite.

Nea wondering what would happen if she fell in.

Our campsite.  Directly behind the photographer: the beach!

Are you lookin'? It's homestyle cookin'!

This spring, our family went on a fantastic trip to Lake Chippewa Campground, near Hudson, Wisconsin.  Here are some of the pics. Link to website: http://www.lakechip.com/beach.htm

More Random Pictures

Breezy's puppy, Fred.

I'm not sure which pup this is...they all look alike!

Peanut and me

Chance and Puff.  (Puff is Wendy's cat)

Chance and Puff are best buddies.

My new baby cousin, Hunter Phoenix Nelson.

Slumber party! L to R: Anna, Larissa, Chloe, me, Sadie, Nea.