Susan's Blog

This blog sucks :) I hate writing this thing...I think I've mentioned it once or twice eh? :) I don't really like talking about myself or my boring days. On a side note, I've found so many old (don't worry guys...I use that term lightly) friends on Facebook. Ooh yessss...I've been bitten by the social bug. It happens once every ten years apparently. :) I now work in the Customer Service department for Budget now...I like it! Enought with the small chit chat. Now you know what's going on...not much!

Almost forgot...made a poster..I think it kicks ass if I say so myself. : P Check it out my shop page!

Well, if you haven't noticed already...I hate writing a blog. :) I just don't have the time I guess. Bahh! Anywhoo, I just had gallbladder surgery recently. NOT FUN! It wasn't super painful or anything...but I certainly didn't like it too much. One of my stitches came out and I didn't even notice it until a few days after while I was cleaning the wound. No big deal really...just another battle scar. I think scars are interesting. Not very appealing I'm sure for a female to have on their body, but I really don't care about that. The body is like a piece of parchment...worn out eventually and stained with a history. I like history. Changed the website just now, hope you all like it! Don't forget to check out my newest addition, the library page!

Wow it's been a helluva long time since I've posted anything new! I don't seem to have the time, nor the passion to keep this thing up. Ah well. Ok, so what's new with me? Well, I'm trying to keep Simon active. I am taking him for bike drives (hell, who am I kidding, I drive the bike, and he runs next to me). I'm also watching a lot of the Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. He's amazing! I love his show. Learning a lot from watching him too. I'm trying to be Simon's pack leader....but I seem to cave a lot for him. He's obsessed with his Teddy Bear and he whines for me to throw it all the time, but that's minor. We're getting "the walk" pretty good too. Just have to keep doing it and keep getting better at it.

I was recently interviewed by Samantha for a English paper in her class. It was a great honor Samantha. I've copied and pasted her paper here for others to read. Good work and best of luck to you.

Samantha Dickhoff

Mrs.Kashner

English II/ I-Search

March 23, 2007

Writing My Future

Ever since I was younger I hated reading and writing with a passion. I would try every tactic in the book to get out of doing it. Yet, as I grew older, that hate turned to pure love. Visiting different worlds, “seeing” places and events I never would be able to in a hundred years in all of about half a school year. When first considering an occupation, I was going to go with something in the medical field so I could easily ask my parents and be done with it. When it came time to write though, I had a complete and total case of writers block. I seem to get that a lot now that I am helping my cousin with a book she is going to publish as soon as it is done. I have been her editor and one of her inspirations for ideas. We are both 15 and collaborating with another 15 year old who lives in Maryland and was friends with my cousin before we both moved. I still have not met her face to face, but supposedly she is coming up soon to visit Steph (Stephanie Keirn, my cousin), and she has invited me over to finally meet Shelby (friend, do not know last name). I first found out I had a small talent for drawing things that come to mind. They usually were weird people, machines, and animals. Soon after drawing them, a story would unfold within my mid about who they were, where they were from, and so on and so fourth. So I started writing their stories. Not all of them worked out, but I recently started a promising project and got many of my friends to read what I have so far. Some give me a bit of inspiration with a unique idea, or make a suggestion about being more detailed. They all help out in many ways, each showing their support, even in times of writers block when nothing will go right. So I chose being a writer or novelist instead of everything else. My world of work map says I would do well in the category of things and ideas, but I am a very social person and get along great with just about anyone. My reading and geometry were the highest scores on the PLAN test, and if I really applied myself, I could possibly get into a selective to highly selective college. My career would fall under career area U. Creative & Performing Arts in region eleven.

I was able to interview Scott L. Mingus, Sr. when he was at Kaltreider-Benfer Library on March 15th. I met up with him in the back meeting room where he was making a speech on his latest book, Human Interest Stories of the Gettysburg Campaign. After he was done, he agreed to allow me to interview him about writing. I started off with asking if he worked from home or an office. He replied that writing isn't his main job, but a side one he did for fun, and that most of his writing was done on a plane between trips for his actual job with a newspaper. Along with his plane trips for work, he also needs to go to Chicago, Gettysburg, or Columbus, Ohio to visit one of his publicists fro ideas or the publishing of a book. His advice to anyone starting out searching for a publicist is to try the internet, then ask around, and last, hire an agent to find one for you. Along with the internet idea, people all over send in feedback to Mr. Mingus everyday. He leaves his e-mail address in the back of each of his books too so people can get a hold of him for ideas, tips, and whatnot. Mr. Mingus was also kind enough to explain how the profits work. First rule is to spend money to make money, and a lot of that is lost in “translation” anyways. Such as paying the publishers, shipping, the usual. So in the end, he ends up with $4000 per book, which rounds down to about $5-$10 per book. I also asked him about his high school education. He explained that he originally didn't want to be a writer, but was always really good at writing. He took college prep English and journalism to help better his writing skills. There is also a rumor that no matter where someone goes, the first year is always the hardest. He confirmed that this was true. “It was really easy getting the facts together, it's just hard not to ramble off, or put too much useless information in the book. You know what I mean?” His work is that much simpler though because he writes history only. All you need are the facts. He uses the journals, diaries, and letters sent during the time he is writing the book so eh can get a better feel for how life actually was during the time. Next we talked about how competitive the field is. “Most writers are actually eager to help each other. No one puts stress on each other and overall try to help each other. Until you get to the point where you are writing for a living. For instance, look at King and Clancy, they are so jealous of each other, they hate each other. But until then, most anyone is completely willing to help you.” Moving on I asked him two last questions, did he ever regret writing and did he have any family or friends who influienced him. His only regret was that he didn't start writing sooner, like in high school, and his father was actually wrote journals as a Forest Ranger. So he was kind of an inspiration to start writing, and his friends usually supplied him with tips and ideas. Before we knew it, it was nine and my parents were waiting for me outside in the rain. Before we parted though, he gave me a copy of the book he was promoting and signed it.

I was also able to catch Susan Voth, who publishes books of poems. I was unable to interview her in person, but got a reply via e-mail. I was lucky to catch her so late in the week. I asked her all twelve questions, and she had similar answers. Such as, the fact she also does not write full time. She works for a company called Avis Budget Group in Fredricton, NB, and does not have the fortune of working from home. I questioned her about her inspiration, and she had a clever reply. "Simple things inspire me to write. Sometimes the most clever thoughts will come from the simplest things. An oddly shaped cloud, a crumpled piece of paper or even a flashing cursor can trigger a thought." After that, she said she publishes with PublishAmerica. It being the first and only publisher she has persued because it was the simpelest procedure and you don't have to pay to have the works published. She dosen't use the internet, but things may change. She also posts a lot of her poetry on a website called gotpoetry.com, which is where i found the link to her. I also asked her opinion of what percent of profits she made, but she was unsure and estimated around eight percent, but not to trust that estimate. Then, I asked about what she wrote, and she said she wrote because she liked to write. Not to please others, and if they didn't like her works, they could go find some other book. She also stated that she used time in high school.

Being a writer is a lot easier said than done. A college degree is usually required fro a writer or editor, but most people are self employed, or are freelance writers. Writers and authors held about 127,000 jobs in 2004. The job is slowly becoming increasingly popular because of how easy it is becoming to publish books. Being a writer requires creativity, curiosity, self-motivation, and perserverence as a must. Anything or anyone can become inspiration for a story. Though it is not recommended to become a writer fulltime. You only make about $4000 per book, and starting off, people only publish one, maybe two books a year. Most writers work from home, they can have an office, but most important is acess to a nearby computer. They can spend past five hours typing up a story on the computer. The most challenging gerne is fantasy or sci-fi. You have to come ou with the outfits, people, clothing, what they eat, and what planet they live on. It is a lot of hard work.

Writing could be a fun job for anyone who is willing to stick to it. Being a writer could be alot of fun as a side job to vent creativity, frustration, or stress, knowing other people feel the same way.

Well, I told you I didn't know how often I would be updated this blog...tsk tsk :) So I've been delinquent as of recently in keeping this thing going. I find it so difficult sometimes, I really do. I am a very private person and I keep most things to myself. Bah, enough with that...ok, so what's new? Well, I'm still debating my position with my company. I mean, I like the job I currently have, but with the new changes taking place in my position, I'm thinking I'd rather go down one step. Best thing is, I will have less responsibilities but will keep the same pay. Can't go wrong with that right? Only problem is, I feel like I'd be abandoning the rest. A lot of folks aren't happy and several have left or are thinking of leaving...that's bad. I wish the company could think of others rather than looking at the numbers...sheesh.

Well…done training for my “new” position. It may be “done” but that’s hardly the case. I have a feeling we’ll be reading our material over and over again over the next few weeks. I start my shift tomorrow which is great (7:30am). I’ve got a MASSIVE headache right now so I’ll keep this blog entry short and sweet. Watched Hannibal Rising yesterday and while it was interesting to find out why Hannibal became as he did, I felt it was kinda boring almost…not sure why. I’d see it once, but no more.

Wow, been a long time folks. Hope everything is going well in your life. I'm on my 4th chapter for Firestone, things are going smoothly (slowly however) with that. Also, still smoke free! Yep, that is going well too...luckily. Things are taking a crap at work however...Apparently we'll be merging with another department...like we don't have ENOUGH to do already? This is my biggest problem with the company. We are the dump pile for the company. Anything you need done but don't know who to assign it to, you send it our way. Don't feel like taking the calls? Send it our way. Ridiculous. I'm not sure what's going to happen in the next few days...it'll all depend on what management has to say about raises and whatnot...I'll keep you posted!

Today is day one of quitting smoking. Not too bad thus far (mostly because I think I slept through most of today). My puppy lets me sleep in a little more now and then. Today I only got up to let him out twice, once at 5AM and the other at around 11 AM. He’s getting the real hang of going outside luckily. It was never a problem with him going out beforehand (which made me dread starting the potty training business), it was me. I was lazily holding off as long as I could I think. I mean seriously, who wants to get up 2-3 times a night to let the dog out? It has done me some good however…keeps me active and on my toes I guess.

Remember Firestone? Yeah, still haven’t touched it. I’m thinking however of going over all three chapters and drastically changing the “voice” of the book. I’ll have to look and see if I can manage it. Well, time to not think about smoking and check out more websites. I like it when Simon is asleep on me…ahh peace and quiet.

Well, it’s 1:37pm, Saturday. I still have this damned flu. I’ve had it since Wednesday (that was the beginning). I’ve had to miss two days of work too because of it. It sucks, but nothing really can be done. Trying to drink lots of HOT beverages as it seems to help with the rumbling in my chest and my nose. You know what I hate worst than the flu? The damn dry cracked skin around the nose that is the ugliest thing and most annoying thing ever. And then what do we do? (Well, I do anyways) I take a nice hot face cloth and scrub my nose raw after a shower…why…I need to remind myself (and maybe I am now) that that never works. It seems to make the cycle start all over again…great, right? Yeah, so this time, no scrubbing crazily before going to work, it is what it is. Oh, and of course lotions don’t work on that damn annoying problem either. Great. Well, I have been rambling on about nose issues for a little too long I think….

On to better and brighter things…Firestone (the novel I’m currently working on) hasn’t been touched in weeks. I figured I would get back to it after the holidays, then, there was this flu…so it’s just sitting on my computer wasting space. That’s one of my resolutions this year. Finish the book once and for all! I wanted to post a premise here, but I’m a little weary of doing so (paranoia can be a bitch, yes). I’ll wait first until it is completed and copyrighted. Anywhoo folks, I’m going to go smoke a cigarette while I can (yep, another resolution of course) and see what’s going on in some of my favorite MMA Forums. If you want, check it out. Great forums and friendly folks.

Hey there guys, hope you had a wonderful Christmas and hopefully your New Years will be a blast! I intend (thus far) on drinking this New Year and then going back on Zyban to quit smoking once and for all. I’m doing this after New Year’s Eve because I want to drink and I can’t do that (technically) on Zyban. On to a new subject, this was recently posted in a forum I frequent and I thought I’d like to post my thoughts on the subject:

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

Here with a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. If this is what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad. Next confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees "Christmas trees". I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: "Christmas trees". It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew, went to.In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something lik e this Happen?" (regarding Katrina). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" (She said the same thing when interviewed after 9-11).In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools,and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

While I agree with his views on child spanking and the world changing as it has (somewhat), I don't think the "God' aspect has any merit. How could God allow billions of things before our new day and age happen? It hasn't stopped happening and therefore now that it affects us, we ask the question? Thoughtful, thought provoking, but obviously debatable throughout every crevice. Perhaps things like corrupt authority and corrupt politicians have changed the way our youth are? Perhaps the endless wars and views of different cultures in recent centuries have altered the young? Who knows what could have changed the world to what it is now. I don’t believe there are that many more serial killers than there were hundreds of years ago (Elizabeth Bathory comes to mind). New advances, larger populations and more crime solving techniques have lead to greater statistics in this day and age.

While we’re on the subject of religion, back in that day and age (the one’s we’re obviously considering as “better”), people were murdering at a much higher rate for their religions, were they not? I mean first we had the taking over North America and the “conversion” for the Indians. We have had countless (and we still do) murders and deaths for Islamists and whatnot. Where was God then? Sitting back and saying “Heck yeah! Convert those poor bastards!” ? Come on now…if there is a God (I consider myself to be Agnostic by the way) I’m pretty sure he has nothing to do with what we do to ourselves, or our Earth which has caused all of these natural disasters. So in conclusion, how could God allow this to happen? The question really is how could we?

Howdy folks. Hope all is going well for your Christmas shopping! I'm finally done, actually did it nearly all in one day too. I'm almost done chapter two in my new book. It's going to be title (for now anyways) Firestone. It's very difficult to write historical/fantasy/romance. I think my biggest challenge is dialogue right now. The he said, she said, stuff gets challenging to make a smooth conversation. Anywhoo. Not too much going on here. Going to my "hometown" for Christmas and I am off bascially almost all next week (saweet!). Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Folks if I don't chit chat before then!

December 17th, 2006

Well, I haven't written on here in a while...I know, I know...damn me right? Well, kinda been busy. I've decided to try my hand...er...pen at writing a book. No, not another book of poetry, this time a fantasy romance novel. Well, at least I think that's what it's going to be categorized as anyways. We'll have to see how it goes...should be interesting to say the least. Also, I've put up a shop on my website! Yep, you can now be the owner of a "SusanVoth.com" t-shirt, beer stine or whatever else suits your fancy. I've placed a haiku on there and hope you all like it! Alright, it's Saturday night and I've gotta go play some Call of Duty 2 with my fellow clanmates from DoG. See you soon!

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December 12th, 2006 - Tuesday

Personality tests….ooh it reeks of boredom mixed with rubbish doesn’t it? Is there any accuracy to the whole process? I think most times…let’s say 98% of the times, it’s completely garbage. So what happens when one actually seems to defy logic and probability…?

This is an interesting test that Natey posted on http://wwwgotpoetry.com. It was amazingly accurate! I couldn’t quite believe it in fact. Apparently Carl Jung created this “test’ (not this particular one per se). Now, I’m not going to go into too much detail about Jung. You can click on his name and find out for yourself that he was a Swiss psychiatrist who was quite involved and studied personalities (particularly schizophrenic patients). What I will tell you is that it is utterly fascinating to look at yourself in a whole new light and to analyze yourself. So, without further ado, the test results of my personality, INFJ:

Professions Best For INFJ’s:

INFJ - Counselors, clergy, missionaries, teachers, medical doctors, dentists, chiropractors, psychologists, psychiatrists, writers, musicians, artists, psychics, photographers, child care workers, education consultants, librarians, marketers, scientists, social workers.. Blessed with an idealistic vision, they do best when they seek to make that vision a reality (source A)

About INFJ’s:

Beneath the quiet exterior, INFJs hold deep convictions about the weightier matters of life. Those who are activists -- INFJs gravitate toward such a role -- are there for the cause, not for personal glory or political power.

INFJs are champions of the oppressed and downtrodden. They often are found in the wake of an emergency, rescuing those who are in acute distress. INFJs may fantasize about getting revenge on those who victimize the defenseless. The concept of 'poetic justice' is appealing to the INFJ.

"There's something rotten in Denmark." Accurately suspicious about others' motives, INFJs are not easily led. These are the people that you can rarely fool any of the time. Though affable and sympathetic to most, INFJs are selective about their friends. Such a friendship is a symbiotic bond that transcends mere words.

INFJs have a knack for fluency in language and facility in communication. In addition, nonverbal sensitivity enables the INFJ to know and be known by others intimately.

Writing, counseling, public service and even politics are areas where INFJs frequently find their niche.

Functional Analysis:

Introverted intuition

Introverted intuitives: INFJs enjoy a greater clarity of perception of inner, unconscious processes than all but their INTJ cousins. Just as SP types commune with the object and "live in the here and now" of the physical world, INFJs readily grasp the hidden psychological stimuli behind the more observable dynamics of behavior and affect. Their amazing ability to deduce the inner workings of the mind, will and emotions of others gives INFJs their reputation as prophets and seers. Unlike the confining, routinizing nature of introverted sensing, introverted intuition frees this type to act insightfully and spontaneously as unique solutions arise on an event by event basis.
Extraverted Feeling

Extraverted feeling: the auxiliary deciding function, expresses a range of emotion and opinions of, for and about people. INFJs, like many other FJ types, find themselves caught between the desire to express their wealth of feelings and moral conclusions about the actions and attitudes of others, and the awareness of the consequences of unbridled candor. Some vent the attending emotions in private, to trusted allies. Such confidants are chosen with care, for INFJs are well aware of the treachery that can reside in the hearts of mortals. This particular combination of introverted intuition and extraverted feeling provides INFJs with the raw material from which perceptive counselors are shaped. Introverted Thinking

The INFJ's thinking is introverted, turned toward the subject. Perhaps it is when the INFJ's thinking function is operative that he is most aloof. A comrade might surmise that such detachment signals a disillusionment, that she has also been found lacking by the sardonic eye of this one who plumbs the depths of the human spirit. Experience suggests that such distancing is merely an indication that the seer is hard at work and focusing energy into this less efficient tertiary function. Extraverted Sensing

INFJs are twice blessed with clarity of vision, both internal and external. Just as they possess inner vision which is drawn to the forms of the unconscious, they also have external sensing perception which readily takes hold of worldly objects. Sensing, however, is the weakest of the INFJ's arsenal and the most vulnerable. INFJs, like their fellow intuitives, may be so absorbed in intuitive perceiving that they become oblivious to physical reality. The INFJ under stress may fall prey to various forms of immediate gratification. Awareness of extraverted sensing is probably the source of the "SP wannabe" side of INFJs. Many yearn to live spontaneously; it's not uncommon for INFJ actors to take on an SP (often ESTP) role.

Famous INFJs:

Nathan, prophet of Israel
Aristophanes
Chaucer
Goethe
Robert Burns, Scottish poet
Martin Van Buren
James Earl "Jimmy" Carter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Fanny Crosby, (blind) hymnist
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Fred McMurray (My Three Sons)
Shirley Temple Black, child actor, ambassador
Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader, martyr
James Reston, newspaper reporter
Shirley McClain (Sweet Charity, ...)
Piers Anthony, author ("Xanth" series)
Michael Landon (Little House on the Prairie)
Tom Selleck
John Katz, critic, author
Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul and Mary)
U. S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL)
Billy Crystal
Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury)
Nelson Mandela
Mel Gibson
Carrie Fisher
Nicole Kidman
Jamie Foxx
Sela Ward
Mark Harmon
Gary Dourdan
Marg Helgaberger
Evangeline Lilly
Tori May

(source B)

More Info about INFJ’s:

INFJ
creative, smart, focus on fantasy more than reality, attracted to sad things, fears doing the wrong thing, observer, avoidant, fears drawing attention to self, anxious, cautious, somewhat easily frightened, easily offended, private, easily hurt, socially uncomfortable, emotionally moody, does not like to be looked at, fearful, perfectionist, can sabotage self, can be wounded at the core, values solitude, guarded, does not like crowds, organized, second guesses self, more likely to support marijuana legalization, focuses on peoples hidden motives, prone to crying, not competitive, prone to feelings of loneliness, not spontaneous, prone to sadness, longs for a stabilizing relationship, fears rejection in relationships, frequently worried, can feel victimized, prone to intimidation, lower energy, strict with self

Favored careers:
psychotherapist, artist, art curator, bookstore owner, freelance writer, poet, teacher (art, drama, english), library assistant, professor of english, painter, novelist, book editor, copywriter, philosopher, environmentalist, bookseller, museum curator, opera singer, magazine editor, archivist, music therapist, screenwriter, film director, creative director, librarian, social services worker, art historian, sign language interpreter, photo journalist, makeup artist, photo journalist, homemaker

Disfavored careers:
Airline pilot, race car driver, businessman, information technology consultant, executive, administrator, supervisor, bartender, lab technician, restaurant owner, strategist, ceo, bar owner, marketing specialist, business consultant (source C)

Sources:
A) http://www.eggheadcafe.com/articles/mb/default.asp (this is also where the test can be taken)

B) http://typelogic.com/

C) http://similarminds.com/jung/infj.html

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December 11^th, 2006 – Monday

Well, I’m not sure how often this thing will get updated. I really like to stay to myself. If there was ever a loner, it would be me…well, most times. I have been known to go out to bars/clubs once or twice a year. I have gone over to a friend’s house last year. You must think that’s pretty pathetic. Yep, I’ll be the first to admit that I am very glad to stay at home, even by myself if need be. I actually don’t really care for people coming over to my house either (like that’s hard to believe). Why? Well, I think it has more to do with the fact that 1. I am a loner as mentioned above and 2. I don’t want to “act” or play hostess to anyone.

I think my social “phobia” came about when I was a kid. I went to A LOT of schools due to us moving around quite a bit. No particular reason for moving so much (no my parents weren’t in the military). We moved when we had to. If mom got a job and needed to move to be closer to work, we moved (back in those days, we didn’t have a car). We moved if the neighbors drove us nuts. It was just something we did. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not like we moved twenty times or something outrageous. I think, if my memory serves me right…and sometimes it doesn’t, we moved probably six times in my entire “school” life. Not as bad as you thought right? Heck, not as bad as I thought or remembered either. I guess the main reason we switched schools a lot then was because mostly how the schools were run in sections. I “switched” schools a total of six times.

Now, what does switching schools six times have anything to do with being a loner? I was picked on a lot. I was the little kid in the corner of the room who was just kinda sat that and didn’t say much. I was the prime candidate for bully’s who needed to establish themselves. Funny thing is, you’d think for a girl, it would be a girl bully right? Not me. Not ever actually. It was always some group of friends who liked to pick on people and I was their “people” I guess. It drove me to question myself and ask what was wrong with me. It drove into my head that I didn’t wear the right clothes or that I was ugly. I hated them everyday and I still feel the resentment in recalling those damnable days of getting spit on or having gum in my hair. There was nothing I could do and the only thing I felt I could do was pass every grade to be sure I wouldn’t get stuck another year in the crappy school systems. Needless to say, I never failed a grade. Every year I longed for summer vacations by myself. I got really good at staying solo and I grew up that way. I like my life now, loner and all and wouldn’t change a thing. Wait…maybe I spoke too soon…ah well, that’ll be for another blog.

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Let me begin by stating the obvious...I write poetry. Yep, fluttery words of encouragement and disgust followed by a blinking cursor and unlimited writing space. I've always enjoyed creatively conjuring images and sometimes hidden meanings in crookedly used words; I've just taken it one step further and published my first book (one I hope of many to come). The real challenge wasn't in writing the 136 page book, it's the aftermath, the advertising of said book. See, I went through PublishAmerica to get my book in print. Now, I know a lot of folks are adamantly against PublishAmerica (or so I've read on a few sites), but that was my first choice. Confused yet? I will explain of course.

PublishAmerica takes up the cost of publishing. Now, if you're writing/submitting anything other than poetry, I may recommend other paths first. Why? Simply because you are 100% responsible for your own advertising. They are somewhat like a POD company (basically the same except they do offer returns now which was a major draw back to large distributors) and the bonus here is that they take up the cost of publishing. No funds out of your pocket. That's why I chose them. I was going to take up the costs my self but decided to try them first. I could have submitted to other publishers (of course) but I decided that I didn't want to necessarily do that. The real question I guess is why? For one, I didn't want to be obligated to a company in reference to book signings, appearances, travel...etc. I have a full time job and a husband (oh and now a cute new puppy). Would it have made my success brighter? Undoubtedly, if that's what one wants… I'm not sure that's what I necessarily want however.

I've decided that I would try it on my own first. If I am successful in my own ventures and advertising, I may decide ultimately to do another route for my next book, but I had to at least give this a shot and see how I liked it. I didn't have the $1500+ to publish my own book, this seemed like the most viable solution to my predicament. I wanted my book, but I didn’t want the contractual obligations just yet. So far, I must say that I am very pleased with PublishAmerica. I have a beautiful cover design for my book, and the layout is simple and exactly what I wanted. I have no complaints and would recommend anyone to them (especially for poetry as it is not in high demand).

In conclusion, you will clear your own path. You’ll decide where it is you want to go, and you’ll find a way there. I had an idea and a destination in mind, and I’m on the right path thus far. Don’t let other opinions alter your own. Take everything into consideration, but you must choose ultimately what it is you want and how to get there. I’m glad I did.