Homework #4

Reading chapter four I was struck with a feeling I have had many times before which is a conlficting desire to live many lives but, yet, have deep roots somewhere. I mainly come to the conclusion that the latter is more important to me because I have always hated the feeling of the temporary. But, nonetheless, the section about five lives resonated with me and so I'll list those and choose one to construct the touchstone model.

1. An author of a cuturally significant novel (succesful as well)
2. An owner of a sports bar
3. A history teacher (not sure of level)
4. A screenplay writer
5. An urban planner

Dream: novelist

Touchstone: respect, money, affect on people

Role Model: Stephen King- He has written much more than just classic horror. He also lives life with his success as opposed to being some brilliant recluse.

Target: an interview on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

I realized through the process that I would like to make some sort of impact on people; whether it be in the classroom or by writing a book that really resonates with readers. I also learned that to live my five lives I need to write a famous novel that makes me rich and is turned into a movie (with my help). I then need to use some of that wealth to buy a sports bar in Chicago. This bar then needs to not only draws friends and family, but also, influencial politicians whom I befriend. I then provide ideas to said politicians for helping Chicago's urban community. That seems simple enough.



Excerise #2

I was scored as a ENFJ (etraverted, intuitive, feeling, judging). "The Giver"

That was amazing and, at times, hard to read. As I was taking the test I felt It would say I was too extraverted because while I enjoy parties and such, I value my alone time very much. However, in reading my description about how ENJFs tend to find their thoughts going to dark places when we are alone, and they tend to feel guilty about things is extremely accurate. It said ENFJs often take on the burdens of others more than they can bear which was hard for me too read it is so true.

Among a few other options, it suggested I be a teacher, a writer, or in public service. Considering what I wrote in excerscie 1 that is pretty impressive/encouraging. I really never had any interest in these type of things but that was touching, flattering, comforting and a little unsettling all at the same time. And hey, anything that says I'm like Lincoln, Obama, Nadar, and that Chicago girl Oprah, is fine by me.

Homework #2

My mother gave these answers to the assigned questions.

1. I was very active; full of life. I was walking at 8 months. I was very fun but also mature because I was always spending time with my older siblings.

2. I loved playing "guys" (action figures) and all kinds of games but especially monopoly. I also loved the beach and the Field Museum. She always thought of me as a philosopher. I had a intent interest in seemingly everything.

3. She thought I would some day become a Philosopher.


My strengths/gifts:

My sister Amy said that I'm very loyal and sympathetic. I am now, and always have been there for those I love. She also says that I'm *perfect*, as well.

My girlfriend Lauren said that I'm very chivalrous. She says I know how to talk to people. I can make many different people feel like I understand and respect them. I can also handle most/any situations that others are afraid of or find too awkward.

My friend Kirby said that I am a free thinker. He said that I'm very open-minded and independent.

My brother David and my friend/sister in-law Katie wrote their responses in the comment section.

My nephew Matthew wanted to add that I'm good at writing, football and baseball.

I got lucky with this one. I was able to go to Indiana over the long weekend and spend time with my brother and his family. My nephew Matthew is ten now but I remember
my brother gave him his old G.I Joes many years ago. Matthew is not much interested in the toys these days; he prefers video games, sports, reading, and riding his bike. But he was kind enough to oblige me in my strange request for a good old game of "guys". My brother dusted off the box of action figures and we poured out what looked like hundreds of different characters.

We each got a turn to pick a guy (just as my brother and I always did) and much to my surprise and delight there were many of the exact action figures we had growing up. After the initial awkwardness of coming up with dialogue for a two inch soldier passed, it was a whole lot of fun. Many battles and alliances ensued and we had no idea where the story would go except, of course, that Matthew's army would eventually win. He apparently plays with much different rules than David and I used to; with super natural men and such. On many occasions during the game, David and I would look at each other with a quick laugh; both in enjoyment of the moment, and in recognition of the many great games we had in the past.