Extroversion vs. Introversion (Caring for Your Introvert)

First, I'd like to state for the record, I am an introvert. I am an introverted introvert or an introvert squared or an introvert to the nth degree. I am just about as introverted as it is possible to be in other words. I have recently learned that even people that think they are introverted, that think they understand what it means, really have no clue! Introversion is NOT shyness! It is also not something that can be changed, it is not a problem. It is simply a difference in ways of thinking. Introverts' personality traits include increased blood flow in the frontal lobes, anterior thalamus, and other regions associated with remembering events, making plans, and problem-solving. An introvert's brain is literally wired differently than an extrovert's!

If you click here you will be taken to a really good article that outlines some of the major issues and facts about introversion.

Here are some of my favorite bits:

"Science has learned a good deal in recent years about the habits and requirements of introverts. It has even learned, by means of brain scans, that introverts process information differently from other people."

"Shy people are anxious or frightened or self-excoriating in social settings; introverts generally are not. Introverts are also not misanthropic, though some of us do go along with Sartre as far as to say "Hell is other people at breakfast."* Rather, introverts are people who find other people tiring."

"Extroverts are energized by people, and wilt or fade when alone. They often seem bored by themselves, in both senses of the expression. Leave an extrovert alone for two minutes and he will reach for his cell phone. In contrast, after an hour or two of being socially "on," we introverts need to turn off and recharge. My own formula is roughly two hours alone for every hour of socializing. This isn't antisocial. It isn't a sign of depression. It does not call for medication."

"For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating. Our motto: "I'm okay, you're okay—in small doses."

"How many people are introverts? I performed exhaustive research on this question, in the form of a quick Google search. The answer: About 25 percent. Or: Just under half. Or—my favorite—"a minority in the regular population but a majority in the gifted population."

"Are introverts arrogant? Hardly. I suppose this common misconception has to do with our being more intelligent, more reflective, more independent, more level-headed, more refined, and more sensitive than extroverts. Also, it is probably due to our lack of small talk, a lack that extroverts often mistake for disdain. We tend to think before talking, whereas extroverts tend to think by talking, which is why their meetings never last less than six hours."

"Introverts," writes a perceptive fellow named Thomas P. Crouser, in an online review of a recent book called Why Should Extroverts Make All the Money? "are driven to distraction by the semi-internal dialogue extroverts tend to conduct. Introverts don't outwardly complain, instead roll their eyes and silently curse the darkness." Just so."

"The worst of it is that extroverts have no idea of the torment they put us through. Sometimes, as we gasp for air amid the fog of their 98-percent-content-free talk, we wonder if extroverts even bother to listen to themselves." ~(I wonder this ALL the time.....)

"Still, we endure stoically, because the etiquette books—written, no doubt, by extroverts—regard declining to banter as rude and gaps in conversation as awkward. We can only dream that someday, when our condition is more widely understood, when perhaps an Introverts' Rights movement has blossomed and borne fruit, it will not be impolite to say "I'm an introvert. You are a wonderful person and I like you. But now please shush."

"How can I let the introvert in my life know that I support him and respect his choice? First, recognize that it's not a choice. It's not a lifestyle. It's an orientation.

Second, when you see an introvert lost in thought, don't say "What's the matter?" or "Are you all right?"

Third, don't say anything else, either."


*I need a t-shirt AND a bumper-sticker with this on it!

More facts about Introverts

"Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.

Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. They often avoid social situations because being around people drains their energy. This is true even if they have good social skills. After being with people for any length of time, such as at a party, they need time alone to "recharge."

A site Just for Introverts!
Has some cool charts with interesting Introvert facts and tips for functioning better as an introvert in an extroverted society. (Ok so how many extroverts would pick Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, Christina Aguilera, Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, Harrison Ford, Johnny Carson and David Letterman as Introverts?!)

Robert Downey Jr is incredibly cute and so is Hugh Laurie

Also I adore Hugh Laurie.


" i am a swallower..."
*confused face

AWW :)

Very Good top 10 vampire movies List

Click on the Title ^ to see the original list at The Skinny Post blog. {Personally I think Underworld should be on this list!}

1. Nosferatu the Vampire (1922). 8.1 on imdb, 98% on Rottentomatoes. Considered among the greatest silent movies, it's amazing that this 85 year old genre defining classic remains scary. Absolutely still worth a watch. Number 16 on RT's Top Horror Movies.

2. Dracula (1931). 7.7 on imdb, 92% on RT. Poor Bela Lugosi. You'd have to figure the accomplished Hungarian stage actor would have turned down this life defining title role if he had to do it over again. He died penniless; Frank Sinatra reportedly paid for his funeral. Still, great movie, among the most influential of all time. Number 25on RT's Top Horror Movies.

3. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000) 7.7 on imdb, 70% on RT. The director of the transcendent anime Ninja Scroll takes a swing at the sequel to the 1985 anime classic Vampire Hunter D. Among the best anime ever produced, with over the top action and some incredible villains.

4. Near Dark (1987). 7.0 on imdb, 91% on RT. Fantastic movie whose influence is seen in dozens of horror movies. Terrific cast with Bill Paxton in possibly his finest role. ("We keep odd hours," one of the best lines ever.) Made Kathryn Bigelow's career. Number 34 on RT's Top Horror Movies.

5. Dracula (1992). 7.2 on imdb, 82% on RT. So what if it's not as great as the sum of its considerable parts? It's still a cool movie with a great choice for the title role even if the rest of the casting falls flat.

6. Interview with the Vampire (1994). 7.3 on imdb, 69% on RT. A terrific translation of a terrific book with a terrific cast. The cast is completely stacked: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas, Stephen Rea, and Thandie Newton.

7. Shadow of the Vampire (2000). 6.8 on imdb, 82% on RT. More of a dark comedy than horror, Malkovich and Dafoe make for a great onscreen duo. Terrific concept based on the original Nosferatu. Number 38 on RT's Top Horror Movies.

8. The Lost Boys (1987). 6.8 on imdb, 74% on RT. A classic 80s Coreys movie. Kiefer Sutherland shines in an early role. I wanted to put it higher for nostalgia, but this is where it belongs.

9. Day Watch (2006). 7.0 on imdb, 65% on RT. An amped up follow up to the amped up Night Watch (2004), it loses a bit if you missed the first part of the trilogy. Available today on DVD.

10. Blade II (2002). 6.5 on imdb, 56% on RT. An entertaining sequel based on the comic book character directed by Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth). Perhaps a bit loud and over the top, but it's never dull.

I wonder what his animal totem was?!

hmmm I really can't figure it out ;)

Threadless

Awesome T-shirts to be found at Threadless.com :)

Real Men Wear Kilts!

I <3 Kilts :)

Go to www.utilikilts.com to see some really awesome kilts and there are some hilarious

Mockumercials

And do yourself a favor by checking out the

Photo Gallery~!

Reasons to Wear a Utilikilt
Utilikilts Company’s Top 10 Reasons for Wearing a Kilt
Because through out history, men have worn un-bifurcated garments.
Because if women had an appendage hanging between their legs we guarantee you they wouldn’t be wearing pants.
Freedom, and increased mobility.
You only go around once, so why shouldn’t you be as comfortable as possible.
All men deserve air conditioning in the summer. You will chafe no more.
No more adjust, right side, left side… Say goodbye to wedgies.
A word about the pockets: Unlike pants, the Utilikilt’s pockets are only sewn down on top, so that they move with the garment but not with your leg. No more bulky crap contorting the shape of your leg. The Workman’s can carry an entire six pack. You don’t have to wear your cell phone on your belt. With the Wrkms kilt, you don’t need a tool belt (for lighter stuff.)
The Utilikilt is made in the USA . You are supporting local industry. Your mojo will thank you.
Easy access …
Fringe benefits:
· Physical: Your virility may increase. You will experience the pleasing sensation of air conditioning.
· Mental: Wearing a kilt shows a sense of security with yourself, and you will inspire much debate in others.
· Spiritual: Without physical constrictions, you burden will be lighter, your sense of freedom less impaired, and your sense of yourself, will have room to grow.

Utilikilts Customer’s Top 100 Reasons for Wearing a Kilt
Chicks I’ve never met before ask me about my underwear
The freedom to scratch when and where it itches.
You can call Punks conformists.
Because the boys (wink wink!), they like to swing.
Because history has shown that men in kilts routinely kick the sh!t out of the trousered.
Heat vents on cold days.
AC vents on hot days.
The extra element of suprise, when you have to kick someone in the head.
In this culture, men have spent the last century ogling women’s legs. It’s time to turn the other cheek.
You introduce yourself to a woman, and she immediately starts thinking about your undergarments.
Because I can wear / have worn the Black workman’s UK to ANY of the following : hiking, semi dressy dinner, Goth club, Burning Man, beach, wedding - and got nothing but compliments. Try THAT with another piece of clothing.
When your balls are free, you will find inner peace.
Becausen the extra groin room compensates for the cojones required to wear one. :-)
Yes, I like a UK on my boyfriend because it lets me play with his "kilt-saber" whenever I want.
When else would you ever hear the phrase, "Dude, fix your pleats."
It itches a lot less in a kilt, it’s the breeze you know.
It makes people wonder.
When it smells of Guinness, smoke and Whiskey, it can go in the wash, and not to the dry-cleaners.
I look good in it.
Almost as good as being naked.
Women love men in kilts.
Because zippers scare sheep.
Even straight guys check me out.
When operating a zipper is too far beyond your capabilities.
To give the ladies a cheap thrill when you get out of a car.
Because equality should extend to comfort, dammit!
Floor mounted AC vents on a hot day.
Name another article of clothing where you can carry a 12 pack of longnecks in the pockets!
Ergonomically, men belong in kilts. That seam in pants can be deadly.
Because I wear them!
Number one reason to wear a kilt: "You can dance in one - plenty of ball room!"
To "air out your nads" - Courtesy of my fiance.
Women LOVE them.
Utilikilts are SEXY.
Any guy who feels confident enough to wear one has got to be progressive, sexy, and hip All my men wear utilitkilts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I submit that UKs are the Ultimate ‘Babe Magnet’. ‘Nuff said.
Because it makes me feel good to feel sexy.
Prevents the marshy feeling from wearing pants when living in the desert.
When worn regularly, no one ever forgets who you are.
On a mooning raid, you have quick access!
Chicks love confident guys… and ya gotta be confident to wear one.
It’s one thing that men and women can agree on when deciding what to wear.
If you’re out of things to talk about with a new friend, a kilt will be a convo topic for at least four straight days.
Scots rule. Scots wear kilts. Kilts are the #1 reason Scots rule. Ergo, so will you when donning one.
A utilikilt also represents HERITAGE!!!! This should be the greatest ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Utilikilts Disclaimer: It may be that this customer is talking about a broader sense of heritage, not necessarily Scottish, but more primitive and ancestral. Men the world over used to wear unbifurcated garments no matter what country or class they came from. We at the UKHQ do not try to promote the UK as a Scottish garment.)
It makes a great trademark if all your band members wear kilts.
If you like carrying big swords, a kilt is a necessary accessory.
Y’know, "kilt" IS Scottish Gaelic for "easy access". Anyone up for a quickie?
As a woman who loves male legs and their accessories, it all comes down to one word: ACCESS.
I can get it on with very little clothes adjustment/removal on my part.
Fashion colours for my every mood.
I have nice calves and I like to show them off.
It’s a good reason to invest in nice wool socks.
People look at me funny.
Women like men who don’t wear underclothes (I should know, I am one of those women!) Not to mention, Kilts are sexy!
In the words of Mel Gibson in Braveheart …"Freedom!"
Because real women LOVE men in kilts (especially Utilikilts!)
All the cool guys at ren-faire wear them to the after hours events. you’re even cooler if you have a selection.
I love the reactions!
With the workmans, i don’t need a backpack.
Wearing a kilt promotes creative and witty thinking. there’s only so many ways you can respond to the "what are you wearing under that?" question. the trick is to wear it out to a busy location (disneyland) and try to come up with a different response each tme. (’i'd have to show you’ is my favorite-the reaction is quite fun to watch…)
it’s easier to run away with your kilt up than it is to be caught with your pants down….
Have you seen how dorky some of the "traditional" dress kilts are? Those men don’t need the freedom a kilt affords, they need their balls back.
You don’t have to be Sean Connery (or Steven) to look good in a UK. It looks good on everyone.
Chicks dig me in a kilt. Gay men dig me in a kilt (not my preference, but flattering none the less). Straight men admire the Ballsy attitude it requires to wear a UK in Corporate America (and wish they were you.)
Circulation. Freedom. Comfort. Style. Quality.
Two Words: Beer Pockets.
Women ask about underwear.
The only person at a party that doesnt have to go to the fridge for another beer.
Question and answer sessions w/ opposite sex.
You never feel more alive then when you fall snowboarding and slide a few feet on your ass while in a Utilikilt of course.
Because Thompson (author of:"So You’re Going To Wear The Kilt!") said to "wear it early and often".
After wearing UK’s EVERY SINGLE DAY for a year-and-a-half gives my company visual and professional recognition all over a large city like Denver.
Because after a rugby match, nothing says, "I’m a warrior", like putting on your utilikilt.
I’m a ‘contra dancer’ ie; traditional dance. A lot of men don semi-masculine skirts.. so when they are spinning and twirling.. they have something to flow.. The Utilikilt allows a man to look great dancing… and not be mistaken for a cross-dresser.
I AM A MAN AND I DON’T HAFTA WAX ANYTHING!
"The only problem with a kilt, and I mean the ONLY problem is that when you cut a fart the smell lasts longer if you’re standing up. It kind of lingers–especially if i ’s a hot fart…because heat rises.” – Mark Nichols
I am a woman who knows that men in kilts are extremely sexy. And I agree with #18.
Wearing a UK reflects my attitude of freedom to be who I am; a sexy, self assured, man who enjoys self expression, comfort and freedom to the hilt.
You get higher points from the Karoake judges recreating the Men without Hats video "Safety Dance".
The zipper scene in “Something About Mary”.
Because driving cross-country in pants is just plain cruel!
Motorcyclist can REALLY feel the freedom of the open road (I do however suggest a modesty snap so as not to get pulled over every 500 yards)
So you can just say "lipstick" when someone asks what you wear under your UK.
For the enjoyment of being properly powdered by your girlfriend (or boyfriend) before you go out.
Just to hear my Scot friends yell "What f**ken tartan is that you bloody heratic?" when I wear the cammo.
Men love pet names for their own, shall we say, "attachments". It just means we can retire the phrase "trouser-snake" and come up with something a little more inventive, perhaps "kilt-cosh" or "kilt-caber"!!!
Want to meet people? Wear a UK - you’ll meet people right and left!
I’ve worn the kilt for years, with a recent hiatus because I’d ‘outgrown’ my traditional kilt. I finally took the plunge for a UK, and I think it’s great. So does everyone I’ve discussed it with - I’ve not had a single derisive comment (not like I care). I’m a 43-year-old software engineering manager with a family (and a longtime biker) - f*** ‘em if they can’t take a joke. (Yes, I’ve ridden a motorcycle while wearing a kilt.)
Consider what disintegrates just as your jeans reach their maximum comfort: knees and crotch, if you’re like me. Enough said.
Because you can be the ‘Belle of the Ball’ at Gay Pride.
For women, it’s not all about what’s under the kilt. It’s about that strong self confidence and absolute masculinity you exude when wearing one, too…. no, I lied. It’s all about what’s under the kilt.
Chicks Dig Guys in Kilts… Plus the Added Bonus of KILT CHECKS!
The best reason to wear a UK is that it makes my wife laugh. I have to make sure that I have my wedding ring on when I wear my UK.
The Utilikilt in plain colors has no connection to any Scottish tartan or clan. I am a Friesian.
Less weight than a real Scottish kilt.
Choice of underwear: a. Cotton, b. Nothing, c. Steel.
Roomy pockets, not moving with my legs.
I can carry my hiking-backpack with my UK, riding on my hips. No buckles there.
No need to unzip in the toilet.

Because I am missing hockey

This is an incredible bench clearing hockey BRAWL from February 9th 2001. It's the Nottingham Panthers Vs. Sheffield Steelers (EIHL) and the battle just keeps going and going. You just have to watch it to believe it...



Oh and fyi "After something like a half an hour break to sort the mess out, the game actually continued! Nottingham won in the end, but the result didn't matter as Sheffield had already secured the league title."

Foo Fighters~ Stacked Actors - Live At Hyde Park

Oh mirror mirror, you're coming in clear
I'm finally somewhere in between
I'm impressed, what a beautiful chest
I never meant to make a big scene
Will you resign to the latest design
You look so messy when you dress up in dreams
One more for hire, a wonderful liar
I think it's time we all should come clean
Stack dead actors, stacked to the rafters
Line up the bastards all I want is the truth
Hey hey now can you fake it,
Can you make it look like we want
Hey hey now, can you take it
And we cry when they all die blonde
God bless, what a sensitive mess
Yeah, but things aren't always what they seem
Your teary eyes, your famous disguise
Never knowing who to believe
See through, yeah but what do you do
When you're just another aging drag queen

I totally agree...

Susan Sarandon on men: “There’s nothing that turns me on more than a smart guy with a sense of humour and a little bit of a twinkle in his eye. I like men who cry and who listen, and who have a strong feminine side. I also like a man who can take care of things for me. I don’t care what age a man is, if he’s older or younger – it doesn’t matter to me. I like someone who can dance and laugh, and has a sense of adventure and who’s good at what he does. Passionate.”

She continues on with this: "I think forgiveness is essential and difficult. I could forgive a sexual misdemeanour more easily than I could forgive being excluded from something important that was new in his life. I believe you have to give your partner freedom and be generous. I want him to be with me because he wants to be."

I love her. :)

I Hope You Dance ~Lee Ann Womack

I love the lyrics to this song :)

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance....I hope you dance..........

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance,
Livin' like me, takin' chances, but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin',
Don't let some Hell bent heart leave you bitter,
If you come close to sellin' out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance....I hope you dance.
I hope you dance....I hope you dance.
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years
and wonder where those years have gone.)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

Dance....I hope you dance.
I hope you dance....I hope you dance.
I hope you dance....I hope you dance..
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years
and wonder where those years have gone.)