E-ST-J What?!

If you’ve ever taken a Myers Brigg’s Assessment, you already know what ESTJ means and you might even be one yourself. If you haven’t, you’re probably wondering exactly what the acronym is all about. Well, here it is in a nutshell…

For my Peer Leadership Seminar, we were all asked to take the Myer’s Brigg’s Assessment – Most of my classmates had taken it before, but this was my first experience so I was pretty curious. It’s about 200 questions that you are supposed to answer ‘without thinking,’ essentially answering with a natural instinct. Despite my skepticism about the whole thing, I answered the questions and predicted my results during the following class meeting. Turns out, when we got the results back, they were just as I had predicted.

E – Extroversion: “People who tend to focus their attention of the outer world of people and things.”

This is the really the only one that I sort of debated between. While I really like to be surrounded by people, I also LOVE my alone time. Going out is fun, but after a long week, there is nothing like a lazy night with a glass of wine, baking and watching some tube. However, like extroverts, I think aloud and readily take initiative, so I guess for now, I am a little bit of both.

S – Sensing: “People who tend to take in information through the five senses and focus on the here and now.”

I often see the trees rather than the forest, meaning that I focus on details rather than the big picture. Totally true. I make sure all the little pieces of the puzzle are complete before I look at the whole. I trust experience, like direction and I’m probably the most specific person you’ll meet. No sugar-coating or adding fluff with me.

T – Thinking: “People who tend to make decisions based primarily on logic and on objective analysis of cause and effect.”

Essentially, I see the world in black and white. I firmly believe there is a cause for every effect and vice versa and that everything happens for a reason. Sure, I can be see as ‘tough-minded,’ but I follow logic, rules and I tend to sway to the objective side of reasoning. Want an example of a famous ESTJ? Remember Robert De Niro’s character Jack Byrnes in Meet the Parents? Yup, that’s me. There’s no ‘maybe,’ I prefer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ 

J – Judging: “People who tend to like a planned and organized approach to life and prefer to have things settled.”

I live by my planner. I write everything down in that thing and while I would probably survive if I lost it, my world would be turned upside-down. I’m sure I drive everyone I know crazy with my need to plan, but I’m never the late one, the disorganized one or the last-minute one. I need closure, have a ‘system’ for just about everything and can’t ‘play’ until my work is done.

I am one of the most extreme cases of ESTJ. My professor said this was the first time he has ever seen someone with such a distinct result. The ESTJ blend is driven by their needs to analyze and bring into logical order the outer world of events, people and things. If they had a motto, it would be “just do it, and do it right.” An ESTJ likes to organize, complete tasks quickly, take their responsibilities seriously and believe other should do so as well. Us ESTJs are loyal, dedicated, motivated and apparently have a tendency to be athletic.

After reading this, you make think that I am a stress case with a super-planned life. Well, I am, but, I like it. I actually love it. I am always on the go, but my ESTJ-ness allows me to balance my day-to-day responsibilities. I tend to be pretty high strong when it comes to meeting deadlines and following schedule, but its how and I am and all I know. I really do feel like taking the assessment helped me to understand how and why I think the way I do and why some of the people surrounding me do what they do. So, if you’re ever asked to take the Myer’s Brigg’s Assessment, do it and take it seriously.

Take a look at this sweet ESTJ shirt I stumbled upon online that made me laugh …   



Some reflections on the end (which is actually the beginning)

      It is almost time for me to be finished up with college! In December I will be officially finished with my academic career at USM. It's a pretty scary concept, but more than scary, it's EXCITING. In a month my job/apartment search will begin! I won't be looking for the job of my dreams however. I'll be looking for a job that will pay the bills. Eventually I would like to put my degree to use, but I am going to use the next year or more to live as big as I want to live.

        What does living big entail for me? It means I will have the ability to come home at the end of a long 8 hour day and go for my daily run around back bay, kick my feet up and read a good book, or head down to the beach to walk my dog, or just poke around the tide pools. I don't want to throw myself into anything too quickly. Over the past summer I had the opportunity to live with a few of my best friend and work with them as well. We were all tired after the long day, but we got very comfortable with our 9-5 schedules.

       But please don't get me wrong. I plan on doing everything and anything I can to milk my life/future for all it's worth. I will have obtained a degree in Media Studies at the end of this trip. My interest has mostly been in marketing and advertising. I do not however see myself marketing the latest clothing or electronics products. I have no interest in formulating advertisements and market plans for products that I personally do not want to be persuaded to purchase. I am incredibly interested in jet engines, airplanes, boats, oil platforms and other various forms of engineering. My interests almost pulled my major in a different direction several years ago. I had seriously considered transferring to a maritime academy. Even though I didn't make that leap, I still intend on spending my time around the things that I love most. I hope to land a wonderful job helping to market and do public relations for a contracting or engineering firm/company.

       College has transformed my outlook on life. Growing up in a small town in the middle of Maine did not allow me to visit many places, especially since both of my parents worked. I had always known even as a small child that the world held wonderful opportunities and beautiful experiences. It wasn't until college that I realized just how lucky I am. Inspiring classes and good and bad experiences have helped me to grow as an individual. There is not one negative experience that I have had in college that made me feel even for a moment that I wouldn't be able to reach the goals that I set for myself. 

       Just today in class (Room 215 in Bailey) I found my eyes wandering to the right hand wall, which has a large world map covering it. My eyes wandered down to Chile, which made me think of the recently rescued miners, to the Hudson Bay, which made me curious about it's aquatic environment. Inspiration is everywhere. Embrace it and let it drive you!

-Kaili

Maintaining An Active and Healthy Lifestyle

Even during a busy senior year I find that it is still important to stay in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This past summer was filled with a lot of good times however exercising and staying healthy unfortunately took the backseat. The three main things that I have been doing to stay healthy are eating better, using my gym membership, and running as much as I can. I have also recently experimented with new sports.

            

For most of the summer my diet consisted of eating out and grabbing quick fast food in the midst of not so healthy beverages. This summer made up my last days as a tenant in the Fraternity house which is not the easiest place to store and cook meals and as a result I would always eat out except for the occasional snack. Since moving to an apartment in Portland I have almost completely cut out the fast food intake, which I believe has helped out a lot with my food baby and my wallet. I can now go to Hannaford and spend $60 to $70 on food that will easily last two weeks.

I pay $15 a month to Planet Fitness and only went about four times all summer long. I now am back to a schedule of at least three days a week where I mainly lift weights and sometimes tackle the Stairmaster (If you haven’t tried it, do it). I truly enjoy working out as it simply feels good both mentally and physically. It is also a great way to relieve stress after a long day of classes or studying.

            

One of my favorite ways to stay in shape is just going for a run. It really is a love/hate relationship. Running can leave you feeling great at times and can also make you want to collapse on the ground. For the most part I have had a very positive experience with running however and have come to really enjoy it. My iPod has made running much more enjoyable then listening to myself breath accompanied by the rhythmic beat of my feet hitting the pavement. It is sad to say but without it I probably wouldn’t run. A big part of the run for me is the ability to just tune out and get in a zone. The music pushes me and helps keep my mind off the pain my legs are going through. Running is also a time where I can enter my own little world and think clearly. I have found it to be quite therapeutic.

            Another motivating factor has been the Nike+ GPS application for the iPhone. Instead of using a sensor in the shoe, the app uses GPS to track your run. It gives real time information like distance, time elapsed and current pace. It also maps your route and pinpoints your fastest and slowest paces on the run. It is very useful to actually know this data as it gives you feedback on your run and motivation to improve your stats. Running this fall has inspired me to enter a road race (5k) of some sort in the near future as well. Andrea has become sort of a running role model due to her accomplishments and I she’ll tell you that I frequently send her info about my run when I am finished.

     

As a side note I have also tried some other sports that also improve the body and mind. This past Saturday I tried surfing for the first time with a friend and had a blast. We went to Higgins Beach and with an average of ten-foot waves it was quite intense. I never could stand up (maybe due to the small board) but I feel that I did learn a lot and would love to go again. I definitely recommend this sport to anyone who hasn’t tried it. We also went to the rock climbing gym on Marginal Way in Portland later on that day which is something I hadn’t done since the eighth grade. This was amazing as well but a lot harder then it looks.

      

            So for now this has been what I’ve been up to this fall to stay active and healthy in the middle of a busy semester. Until next post. Peace.

-Kyle

A Taste of Academics.

I figured I’d take this post to write about what I’ve been doing so far in my classes as well as post an example of my work thus far. This semester seems to be flying by rather fast as it seems like last week we were all sitting in classrooms (or should I say saunas) going over syllabi. Some people may want to know what a schedule for a graduating senior is comprised and if so then read on. This semester consists of four classes and one lab. Coinciding with my focus in production I am taking Field Video Production (CMS 340). This class is a lecture where we learn about shooting video in the field and the editing experience that goes along with it. This includes things like setting up the cameras (Sony PD-150/170) logging and capturing video and then editing the video into short video projects as assigned by the instructor. We also meet once a week for a two and a half hour lab (CMS341) where we learn how to do all of the hands on tasks required by the projects. Nat Ives teaches this lab in USM’s new production lab adjacent to the Sullivan gym. This is an example of my first video project. The assignment was to shoot a set location and edit it with music into a one-minute video postcard. I chose the baggage area at the Portland Jeport. My favorite part is the man talking about the "real/pretend pants".

I am also taking CMS400, which is the media studies Senior Project. Dr. Dan teaches this class and requires us to complete a group project pertaining to our major. This group project has resulted in the very weblog that you are reading right now. In addition to the blog we also are required to complete an online portfolio. This essentially is a resume and an online composition of our media accomplishments throughout our college career. I like this assignment because it is a great way to prepare us for a career and show what we can do to potential employers. The class will provide us with something that we can use for years to come as long as we update it.

I took my third class mainly because of the instructor, Kate Kaminski. I had her for a previous class (crime cinema) and loved the way she taught the class. This class is called Documentary Studies and Pre-Production (CMS320) and focuses on the pre production involved in making a documentary. We are paired up in groups where we are required to come up with an idea and then pitch it. Followed by writing up a proposal and treatment. We are essentially doing everything short of shooting the documentary. We also screen very interesting documentaries and then are required to write response papers over them. The class is long but goes by a lot quicker then your typical 4:10 to 6:40 due to the fact that Kate teaches classes that are very engaging. The only thing I have to say bad about the class is the dilapidated lecture hall that it takes place in (3^rd floor Payson).

The fourth class I am in is Foundations of Recreation and Leisure Studies (REC110) and yes it is a 100 level class however I feel that it deserves mention. I took the class as an elective because I enjoy being active and figured it wouldn’t be that challenging but oh how I was wrong. Class is fun and engaging however it is a very serious class. We dig into the theory and history of recreation and leisure and I have been really been surprised with how much there is to learn about the subject matter. I definitely recommend the class to anyone who is interested in recreation as you truly learn information that you won’t find anywhere else.

So that’s it for now. For my next post I plan on writing about my love/hate relationship with running and staying in shape and the things I do to keep motivated.

-Kyle

Running 26.2 Miles In My Backyard

Ahhhhhh. Feels good to breathe a sigh of relief. Ran my second marathon on Sunday – Maine 26.2. I wanted under four hours, but most importantly I wanted a PR and I certainly got one – by, oh, 20 MINUTES! I’m very happy about this, especially since I know that my third will more than likely bring sub-four if the trend continues.

I was nervous for this race, but not even close to the level 100 nervous-ness I experienced before Sugarloaf. Race morning Jaime and I drove up together and picked up Danielle on the way. Obviously, a marathon is not a marathon without some Danielle in the morning.  Roles were a bit reversed this time around – Danielle struggled through training and didn’t want to run Sunday, whereas I was pretty pumped.

We ran into Misty before the race, so a RTB 2010 picture was a must. Van slumber party again? Let’s do it. 

Three of my friends, who I happened to meet from work but the friendship so goes beyond work, ran the half. This was actually Jaime’s first road race ever! She was so nervous, but I knew she could do it, so I totally non-violently forced her to go through with it. So proud of her!

Andy, Pauline and Jaime and I pre-race: 

Seeing so many people I knew before the race totally put me at ease. I see them almost everyday working out, running races and they have become my fitness family. Also saw Colleen, Erin and Maureen (they ran the half as a training run for Marine Corps in a month) and are like my gym moms, always concerned with my injuries and listening to my complaining. The race started right near USM and I actually parked on campus and used Sullivan Gymnasium facilities before the race, so I felt totally at home.

It was like 46 degrees or just above at the start and since we all know I’m a huge weather baby, I sported a throw away shirt. Totally didn’t throw it away though and gave it to Sarah at the first water stop. Also managed to pull it up high enough to show off the race number. (Fun fact: There has only been one race – road race or triathlon – that my number hasn’t had a four in it and I was pumped this had one, too.)

As for the actual race, here are the highlights. I started out running with Danielle which was awesome. (She is the one I credit with my marathon obsession, after all.) I wish we could have run together longer but I totally lost her around mile 3. She might or might not have stopped to take a picture. Ya, I know, silly girl.

MILE 2 – More people I know – USM cross country team runners handing out water at the first water stop!

MILE 7 – All the half marathoners turned around. Danielle warned me about this and she was right – EVERYONE out there is doing the half. Needless to say the field depleted quite a bit.

MILE 10 – Met the long downhill that everyone was talking about. Couldn’t help but dread the run back up it at 16. Did see my family near the bottom, which was super fantastic.

MILE 13 – Reached the halfway point in 2:01!

MILE 16 – Met Mark. This was his second marathon in two days – he was one of the crazy people that did New Hampshire Saturday and Maine Sunday. Not to mention the fact that he ran an ultra last weekend (twice around Lake Tahoe) and has met Dean Karnazes a couple of times. We stuck together until Mile 20, talking about both our past and upcoming races. It was really great to have him with me, the time went so much faster and before I knew it I only had a 10K left. He yelled at me as I crossed the finish line and so here we are:

MILE 21 – Saw Misty waiting to run the last leg for her relay team. She gave me a big smile, a welcomed good-game butt slap and asked me an inappropriate question as she promised.

MILE 21.5 – Kevin rode up alongside me. He was biking along the course and hung with me for a mile or two. I first met Kevin through my internship – he’s one of our super race volunteers. Come to find out, he runs in the Maine Track Club and we have a ton of mutual friends. His first marathon is Mount Desert Island in two weeks!

MILE 24 – Back onto Back Bay, very similar terrain for me. I could actually see the finish area from here and wasn’t too thrilled that it seemed so far away. I could also see the beautiful USM parking garage and library, yet another reminder of just how far away I was.

MILE 25.5 – MISTY!! She ran up alongside me and pretty much coached me to the end. I was totally at the I-want-to-cry-because-the-last-mile-is-one-too-many point so her being there was great. 

MILE 26.2 – Funny story here, I actually ran into the half marathon finish on accident and had to hop over the barrier to finish the full. You try and hop a barrier after running 26.2 miles, not cool. Mom was right at the end, waiting for me to finish and a hug from her was all I wanted: 

The family and I post-race. I wasn’t about to let this photo-op go again (totally missed it at Sugarloaf).

I’ve been joking with my sister’s boyfriend, Eric, about painting a giant ‘A’ on his chest for me. Instead, which I happen to think is so much better, he turned the ‘S’ in the Superman logo into an ‘A.’ Don’t tell anyone, but I think I’m starting to like this guy.

Many props to the two of them. They got up so early and were there throughout my race with my parents, escorted me to the food tent and to the porta potty, which as all runners know, says a lot.

Ran into another gym rat, Veronica. This was her first marathon and she totally rocked it! Along with Veronica came Jenn, Misty (again, must have been stalking me) and Lisa (I love these gym rats!) Here’s Veronica and I:

Couple of final thoughts and words of advice … always run a marathon with a handheld and have a great sister waiting on the side with refills (the whole hydration belt sucks during a race) ... wear Zensah compression sleeves (my legs feel great) … take a post-race ice bath (it was not pleasant, but I’ll be happy tomorrow) … seek out some sweet shorts because they really do make the outfit … hang out with friends the night before (keeps your mind off things and its good for the running soul, you know, just like pasta) … wear a black shirt if it’s cold out (it’s good camouflage).

All in all, a fantastic race. Definitely a keeper and a ‘you bet I’ll be there even if I have to fly’ for my 2011 race calendar. It’s pretty much like a long run only with people you know every couple of miles in your own backyard. Post race my mom told me that she never saw me without a smile on my face and my family saw me five times throughout! If that doesn’t sum up my day, I don’t know what does.

Just because my father did such a great job taking pictures, I have to include this one of Danielle and I. I was pumped to see her finish and I’m so proud of her!



Apples and Art Walks

As we all know, it’s truly becoming fall in New England and as all of you that read my introduction post know, I LOVE fall. I love the slightly cooler but not yet freeze your bones weather which finally enables me pull out my sweater collection from the bottom of my drawer and I love fall treats i.e. pumpkin muffins, bread, bagels, and pancakes, apple crisp, and apple cider. I’m getting hungry just thinking about these things.

As everyone knows, no fall season would be complete without at least one apple picking trip. This yearly staple was finally achieved a few weekends ago when my roommate Danielle, her boyfriend Haydn, and I ventured to Randall Orchards in Standish in search of fresh apples. I’ve heard that some orchards have been open for apple picking since mid-August which might explain why a lot of the trees’ lower branches were empty but we did manage to fill out baskets were some delicious looking Cortlands and Macouns (despite it being one of the most  popular apple varieties, we’re not Macintosh people). And we didn’t even need to climb the trees to do so even though a kid there advised us that the best ones were on the highest branches. Clearly, he wasn’t aware of my previous tree climbing experiences. I won’t go into detail, but me + tree climbing = never a good ending.

Here’s an action shot of me reaching to pick an apple: 

And another of all three of us at the orchard:

We ended the day with a half-gallon of fresh apple cider and more apples than I could possible eat (I’ve still only eaten about half of them). And we even got the chance to play on some old farm equipment! Oh boy! 

Switching gears just a bit, last night I experienced Portland’s First Friday Art Walk with my boyfriend Matt for the first time ever. I’ve been meaning to check out the Art Walk for what seems like at least the last year or so but I’d always forget or be busy on that day every month so I was very excited to finally make it out. Our first stop was Maine College of Art to support our fellow college students. I definitely know nothing about art but all the pieces displayed there truly blew me away. One exhibition of paintings done by students in a particular art class at MECA included some amazing pieces, some of which I honestly thought were photographs from afar. I was even able to find a painting done by Haydn’s father, David Deal, in that particular exhibition. Here’s a picture of it:

And of course you can’t forget the free food. I think I ate my weight in cupcakes and apple cider which only made the night that much more enjoyable. From there we headed out along Congress Street stopping here and there and finally ended the night at Space Gallery. We didn’t stay out too long because it started to rain pretty hard last night and we decided tea and sweatpants sounded like a whole lot better of an option than walking around downtown soaking wet. Here’s a picture of us post-downpour: 

That’s about all the news I have to deliver about my life from the past couple weeks. Stayed tuned for such exciting stories as how I spent my entire October break working on my senior project portfolio and figuring out whether or not I’m applying to graduate school. The life of a college senior, gotta love it.

Alesia