The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World

This is the title of a book I am currently reading.

Yes, I am in introvert. This does not mean that I am antisocial, don't like people or activities, am shy, awkward, self-centered or narcissistic. On the contrary, I am very much geared toward being aware of others and self. Introverts brains are wired much differently and information is processed in a more complex way. I look at the possible outcomes of situations and how they will effect everyone involved and this usually goes unnoticed by the extroverted majority. Not that being an extrovert is a bad thing, there are just more of you in this world. 75% of you to be exact. This means introverts are at a disadvantage here!

But, I think it is so important to know that as an introvert, it is not a negative thing. It's just different, and I am normal by my standards. I need time by myself or with a few others to recharge and reflect in my own thoughts and not with large groups of people (which ends up being an energy drainer, even if I am having fun). I get overwhelmed if I have something to do non-stop for days without a break. I dislike initially meeting people and having to deal with small talk and chit-chat. But I love getting to know people on a personal level and having a deeper relationship with them. I don't need a ton of acquaintances, only a few very trusted friends. I don't like talking about mundane topics like the weather or "where'd you go to college? what did you study?" Blah! One can only talk about things like this so much and get bored. So an example of this would be, I don't like introducing myself to new people, I would much rather be introduced by someone else. Not that I use others as a crutch, I am perfectly able to do things on my own.

Some other interesting facts about being an introvert (I think, at least) are that we do not speak our thoughts as they come to us, but instead we take time and think about what our thoughts are and what they really mean before talking about them. And when we finally do speak them out loud it helps to bring them full circle in understanding what's on our mind. We need to know about a topic fully before we feel comfortable to talk with others in depth about it.

Introverts can focus on one thing for a long time and don't work well with interruptions because they break our concentration. I also am someone who doesn't like a lot of options because then I get overwhelmed when thinking about each and everyone of them. I like to have a focused end point, not that it needs to be planned or structured. I just like to know what I want and then go for it.

I think these are such important things to know for all introverts and extroverts alike. Being an introvert is so fabulous! And really understanding what it means is even better! I will have more to say about this I'm sure, I still need to finish the book.

Snapshots

Here are some images of what has happened over the weekend. Both traveling on a Greyhound bus and skiing for the first time, being greeted by too much snow and the results of being snowed in. Enjoy!

One Pretty Eventful Weekend

This past Thursday I began an adventure. I made my way via a Greyhound to Allentown, PA for a day of skiing and then mini-VS retreat the rest of the weekend. However, somewhere between York and Harrisburg I get a call from Laura, my coordinator that our retreat is canceled because of the predicted snow that will come on Saturday. Well, It did come, but everywhere North of Philly missed the big snowstorm. It actually worked out pretty well and I had such a great time with my extended family members!

So, Friday I went skiing for the first time ever in my life and was taught by my Uncle Olin. He did a great job and after a long day of practicing to control my speed and make a wedge with my skis I ended by making it down the mountain without falling once. At the beginning of the day was a different story. On our way to the beginners slope, I got too close to the edge of the snow and wound up sliding backward into some ski racks. After a break for lunch my uncle make a joke about looking back and seeing me fallen off to the side, so I commented "I think I've improved since then." Nope, wrong thing to say. I crossed my skis in a way that dropped me to the ground in the next instance and didn't get up for a few minutes because I was laughing too hard. It was such a great time and I did get pretty sore, but it was very much worth it.

My Saturday was the beginning of a very relaxed weekend. My aunt Marie, cousin Tim and I sat around in our snuggies (which I've come to the conclusion this is the best activity to do in a snuggie. Sit with fellow-snuggie wearers) and my aunt and I worked on a puzzle (also a good activity). Tim fixed a damaged snowboard and I got motivated to try snowboarding down a small hill in their backyard. This lead to me wanted to just sled and make snow angels, and Tim trying to jump a ramp with his sled. Not such a good idea when you end up hitting your tailbone. But he's ok, don't worry. :)

Super Bowl Sunday I went to church and had an opportunity to share what I am doing as a volunteer. All of the kids from 4th-6th grade were very attentive and praised me along with the teacher. It was weird and I felt like I did not deserve the applause and awe I was given, because I don't. I was a really neat time of sharing though, I did enjoy that. Later that night we watch the famous Super Bowl commercials and I mentally prepared for my return trip to Baltimore the next morning.

Waking up earlier than usual, I got packed and ready to hit the road. Once at the bus terminal, Marie and I waited for the bus. The driver surprised me with the news that no buses were running South of Philly, meaning I shouldn't leave just yet. Ok by me, I was able to extend my vacation a little bit longer. However, thinking of when I would leave next became a bit stressful. There was a small frame of time when I would be able to get a bus back without getting stuck in snow, and that was the next morning.

So as it goes, Tuesday morning we tried again. This time the bus was a little late but they were running all the way to DC this time. After 3 hours of being nervous something would go wrong we made it to the terminal in Philly where I got in a very long line to transfer to Baltimore with 5 minutes to spare. Once I get to the door to hand the driver my ticket he announces there is no more room and the next bus will come in 2 hours. "Are you kidding me?!?" This is all I can say, probably a little too loudly to the man. He does come back saying another bus will arrive a few minutes after he leaves, which ended up being 1 hour.

While waiting I did get to meet a very nice, interesting man named Geoffry. A self-proclaimed mentally handicapped man who is a vegetarian hoping to one day become vegan. Our conversation started when he said "you know God loves you right?" I told him God loves him too. He was such a chatterbox and shared some very significant stories of his life and how he came to believe in God, that I didn't have to say much to keep the conversation going. It was nice because I couldn't get my mind off of just getting on a bus, but he helped the time to go by much quicker than it would have had I been standing quietly in line keeping to myself. I feel very connected to him now even though I only knew him for an hour of my life. He was on his way to Tarpin Springs, FL (somewhere I've also been!), to visit his parents because his bird died. He sounded very smart to me from quoting many things he had memorized, even though he didn't believe that about himself. Good luck Geoffry in life, it was great meeting you!

I finally made it back to the Charm City Greyhound station where too much snow was about to make the canopy collapse so we got out of the bus in the middle of the street. What a crazy day of travels. I made it back just in time for it for round 2 of "Snowpacolypse 2010" safe and sound. Since we've had so many snow days now we decided to build a fort in Beth's room and have a slumber party. A great way to be welcomed back to my house RHHP.

This was my long weekend, thank you for reading the details of what is happening in my life. I love all of my fans out there! :)

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

I would just like everyone to know that tonight at our community night, Kristin passed out little squares of paper and said to write 5 things we are thankful for. I will say right now that I didn't write family and friends, not that I'm not thankful for you people. Without any of you I don't know who or where I'd be in life. You are so much a part of who I am and I just wouldn't be the same without you. But, this time I wanted to write what I was really thankful for because family and friends are always mentioned (for good reason). Anyway, after that disclaimer here they are:

1. Anita
2. Art projects/drawing
3. My blogs and their fans
4. LOST
5. Support and affirmation from others.

This was based on my day/week and I believe it's very fitting.

Also, I'm leaving tomorrow to go skiing for the first time ever!! I am very excited about this new adventure, and will let you all know how it goes.

Today at Work

I get to work this morning after being home sick for 1 1/2 days, and find I don't have much to do. My work load really depends on others and what they have available for me, and today was just one of those lazy days. Here is the schedule of my day in the office once I arrived at my desk:

-Check emails/blogs/current and future weather/eat a bagel
-Chat with Anita for a while about weather/Netty Pots/remedies for colds
-Took one sip of crappy coffee
-Noticed the brand name of the toilet paper used in our bathroom is "Confidence"
-Asked a few questions about data analysis
-Responded to everyone asking how I felt with "I sound worse than I feel"
-Ate a very messy burrito for lunch
-Enjoyed a staff January Birthdays Celebration
-Mapped out a potential post-VS road trip
-Took a walk with Anita to deliver cakes and get OJ and pop from McD's
-Listened to people tell me I looked tired and should go home
-Had some information about Zodiac signs explained to me by other co-workers

After this long and stressful day at work, I made my way to the grocery store and picked up a few items and am now home. If only work would always be like this minus the sickness.

Some Friends of Mine

This is Carrie and Annie:





Friends. La-la la-la. Ping.

Birthday Weekend

It's time for a real post I'd say. I will finally relieve the suspense for those who are in it wanting to know what I'm doing with my life for the past few weeks. Currently I am laying in my bed, the same spot I've been for the past 12 hours basically. I went home early from work because I wasn't feeling well. Not the first time I've been yucky, but the first time leaving the office. I slept for 3 hours this afternoon which helped tremendously. I also consumed many Clementines and reused a tea bag 3 times (it wasn't the most flavorful by the end), along with filling up a glass of water many times and taking vitamin C. This has been my day.

But luckily the weekend was much the opposite of my recent activities. Here is what has happen starting Friday morning of my birthday: Beth, Kristin and I made a traditional pre-work birthday stop at On the Hill Coffee. Carrie and Annie came up for a visit along with their housemate Megan and it was so great! Many volunteers of Baltimore gathered together to help me celebrate my birthday on Friday by ice skating and having such a great time (I did not fall once!) and I received SO MUCH chocolate I have more than I know what to do with! It was such a great night!

Then with my friends in tow we walked to MICA just down the street and gave ourselves a tour of the facilities. It was mixed with great conversation about ourselves and personalities and what we hope for in the next year. Things are still unclear, but it is so nice to know we're not alone in that.

Then after a dinner of sushi, our trip down to DC took place where this sickness in my head began. I went through 3 or 4 cough drops and couldn't calm my soar throat. I met some very nice friends of my friends and they took care of me. The next morning I felt much better and we went to one of those churches that makes me really question what Christianity is all about, with the big projector screens and bigger congregation who all look like they own Mercedes or something and the pastor reminded me of one you would see on TV. But the message was one I did connect with about our purpose in life. It made me think that mine, as well as for others, is one that will continually change during my life or at least these next couple years. I also met very many great people who gave me hope about living in Baltimore and having this experience. I know I have been learning a lot about myself and can see changes that have happened. I will hopefully reflect back on this year and think that it is a gem that I can share with others. Oh life.

We moseyed through the National Art Gallery after a lunch at Union Station and saw some very beautiful artwork. I also realized when asked who my favorite artist is, that questions like these are too broad for me. I need to have less options to come up with an answer on the spot. But after thinking about it, I'd have to say Chuck Close and Jasper Jones are both up there for me.

It finally came time to say goodbye which always seems to take a while. I headed North on the Metro, took a bus to BWI, and met Kristin and Beth who were listening to the Glee soundtrack. I came back in time to watch Joseph prepare for our joint birthday celebration at 8pm. There was so much food and great company for the house. We had to each give speeches of what we wanted from this year. I said I will finish MVS and figure out what's next, and everyone will have to wait with me on that one.

After a great birthday weekend with friends and exuberant amounts of chocolate, I will call it a night.