Thursday, November 6, 2008

Why the Sabres should play every night

I've got nothin' to write about today. No game taking place, no ridiculous happenings in the NHL. How boring. So, I will post pictures! And random things about me. And... stuff.... as I listen to Symphony No. 3 by Gorecki, written to describe the maternal bond, particularly when the child dies... But, really, it's life, and it's beautiful, and everybody should listen to it at least once. The complete darkness of the first part and the way it becomes, slowly, hopeful, until the ending is so beautiful that I actually feel an intense emotional response... It is love. ANYWAY.

Consider this entry to be sort of my list of one hundred things about me that everyone was doing about a month ago.

First, pictures that are not of the Sabres, and I'm... kinda glad they aren't. But only kinda. You just know that MJ at My Safety Is Harvard would have something epic to say about them if they were.


Jordan Staal. What. In. The world. And Malkin... You actually look decent in this picture, and I don't know how to feel about that. But seriously, guys? Seriously. And that woman... looks like she's had some plastic surgery. Sure she hasn't, but her face... resembles... those who have. Yeah. Overall, I think that one of the Sabres should bring this up to Staal the next time they play the Penguins. Yes.



WHY COLBY ARMSTRONG WHY
But, another picture that should be brought up the next time we get to beat the Penguins.

Here is a little story that my nine-year-old brother wrote for a school assignment. The assignment was to write two pages about

-WAIT BREAK. My twenty-two-year-old cousin who also doubles as one of my lifelong best friends just called to tell me she's now engaged. WOOOOO! Now back to regularly scheduled blogging.-

how the Sabres come back from a 5-0 deficit in Game 7 of the Cup finals to win Lord Stanley's Cup. I've totally posted this on the internet before, and Caroline at Hockey Night in Buffalo has definitely already seen it, but oh well.

"The Canucks are winning 5-0. Sabres are behind. All of a sudden, Vanek gets a pass from Derek Roy. He shoots and scores! Now the ref drops the puck. Pominville wins. He passes the puck to Drew Stafford. Stafford passes the puck to Roy. Roy does a wraparound and scores! Canucks win the faceoff. He passes it, and then Teppo Numminen steals it. He passes it to Andrew Peters, and Peters scores! Now the score is 5-3. Sabres win the faceoff. Drew passes it to Roy, and Roy scores three seconds after the faceoff. It is 5-4 with 20 seconds on the clock. Canucks win the faceoff. The Canucks shoot. Miller makes an amazing save. Miller shoots and scores! Now it's 5-5.

They start overtime. The ref drops the puck. The goalie gets the puck and he shoots it and he hits Ryan Miller really hard. Now it's a goalie fight. Ryan Miller and Roberto Luongo are fighting. Ryan Miller comes really hard and wins. And then the ref drops the puck. The Canucks win the faceoff and passes it to the other Canucks player. And then Andrew Peters steals it and shoots. Willie Mitchell is in the way. He gets hit and then they fight. Both of them have their helmets fall off and then Peters gives a hard whack and wins. The ref drops the puck. Afinogenov wins and passes it to Spacek. Spacek passes it to Rivet. Rivet shoots and scores! Let's see the next game if they can win the Atlanta Thrashers.
"

Seriously, how amazing is this. Obviously he wrote it during the Canucks game. Roberto Luongo, Willie Mitchell, and they for some reason are playing the Thrashers immediately after winning the Cup? ...That makes sense.
But seriously my brother is amazing, and this just proves it.

My college makes all the freshmen every year take two tests: the MBTI (I already knew mine; ISTJ FTW! we are 10% of the population, so we're everywhere) and the StrengthsQuest, whatever that is. So, my top five strengths are harmony (which is hilarious because I adore intellectual debates one-on-one), responsibility, consistency (I like to see everybody treated the same, basically), relator (I deliberately encourage deepening of relationships once the initial connection is made, and I'm comfortable with intimacy and strive for it and am willing to take the risk that I might get stabbed in the back for it), and intellection. Intellection I would say is actually my top strength, because essentially I think about absolutely everything all the time, and my choice in books is rather... most people don't like the books I read, because they're over their heads. Let's just put it that way. And harmony? LOL, right. As if I ever use that. To me, my strengths are in the opposite order. But whatevs.

My ISTJ profile, on the other hand, is ridiculously accurate in every single way. Hooollyyyyy crap.

"For ISTJs the dominant quality in their lives is an abiding sense of responsibility for doing what needs to be done in the here-and-now. Their realism, organizing abilities, and command of the facts lead to their completing tasks thoroughly and with great attention to detail. Logical pragmatists at heart, ISTJs make decisions based on their experience and with an eye to efficiency in all things. ISTJs are intensely committed to the people and to the organizations of which they are a part; they take their work seriously and believe others should do so as well.

ISTJs are quiet, serious, and realistic observers of their environment, who naturally attend to and remember concrete facts. ISTJs give great weight to hands-on life experiences; they use their Sensing to internally process and file away data for later use. ISTJs usually have a massive amount of information stored inside and an impressive command of the facts. In recalling a past event, ISTJs often have a good memory for what was literally said or done. Their orientation to detail can also show as a concern for precision in action and in speech. It was an ISTJ who originally said, "Say what you mean."

ISTJs bring a detached pragmatism to all that they do, and they have a great deal of common sense; ISTJs are typically down-to-earth folk. They learn by doing, and want to know how an idea can be used or applied. As a result, they are often quite skeptical people. "Seeing is believing" to an ISTJ. They respect the facts and their experience, and they expect things to be logical. Period.

Thinking gives order and structure to ISTJs' experiences and puts their pragmatism in a logical context. ISTJs tend to be analytical and tough-minded, and they make decisions with an eye to impersonal consequences; they really want their decisions to be objective and fair. Thinking in conjunction with Sensing also gives ISTJs an eye to the efficient manipulation of realworld phenomena. That is, they like to bring logical order to facts and things in their environment. ISTJs are usually more oriented to the tasks on which they are working than to the people with whom they work, and they may sometimes unrealistically expect all people to behave "logically."

ISTJs do like a structured and organized outer world, and find comfort in developing and adhering to a routine in their work. They like to know what their job is, and generally do not appreciate settings where the rules constantly change; in this sense, ISTJs are conservative. They guard what works, and they want to see evidence that a new way will work before they adopt it. "If it works, why change it?" This attitude gives ISTJs an atmosphere of patience and stability, and others often feel settled and calm in the ISTJ's presence.

Above all else, ISTJs are responsible. They do things just because they need to be done; ISTJs have a powerful work ethic. "Work hard, then play." ITSJs like getting things done, and they are thorough as they carry a task through to completion. Once an ISTJ commits to complete a task, he or she will do so; ISTJs are exceptionally dependable. In fact, they can be difficult to distract once they have begun to systematically work on a project. "Plan your work, and work your plan." ISTJs honor their commitments, and they expect others to do the same; they hold themselves and others accountable for getting things done.

Tradition, stability, and preparedness are usually valued by ISTJs. They respect the fine-tuned performance that characterizes established organizations, and ISTJs are often found working in such settings. Through their conscientiousness as well as by quietly building community, ISTJs form much of the backbone of society. They also provide stability through their often clear sense of what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate behavior, and through the keeping of traditions. Ceremonies and anniversaries, such as weddings, birthdays, and holidays, are valued and celebrated.

With their memory for facts and with their attention to getting things done, ISTJs often have great academic success, particularly in subjects that have applications and where results can be seen. Though they tend to have less interest in highly theoretical subjects, they can certainly succeed there as well.

ISTJs are often found in business, production, banking, law, auditing, engineering, and other areas where a mastery of factual data and tough-minded concern for organization is needed. In their domain, ISTJs work toward efficiency and conservation of resources; they are naturals for quality control. ISTJs are often found in management or supervisory positions, overseeing the practical realization of institutional goals. Though they often like to work alone, ISTJs are willing and able to delegate work to ensure the business of the day gets done.

In relationships, ISTJs look for fair play and dependability. They themselves tend to be quiet and serious; they are people of few words. They are inclined to be straightforward in their communications and controlled in the outward expression of their emotions. ISTJs do often have a hidden but quirky sense of humor that arises from their highly individual reactions to events. In the extreme, ISTJs may be insensitive and miss the "people part of the equation." At times, they may appear intolerant, and at worst, they may run over others who do not communicate their assertions in a logical and succinct manner.

Development of their extraverted Thinking will help ISTJs become more action-oriented and effective in the outer world. Otherwise, they may end up immersed and trapped in their inner world of impressions and memories. Development of Thinking will help bring order to their lives by helping them decide which are the most appropriate actions for them to take, and development of flexibility will help them avoid becoming too focused on details. ISTJs may need to work especially hard to understand others' needs for appreciation and emotional support; after all, they are inclined to overlook even their own contributions. Development of Feeling will ultimately help them attend more to the people impact of their words and actions. Further, development of Intuition will give them a greater respect for the big picture consequences of some of their actions and a greater appreciation for theory.

Under stress ISTJs may withdraw, focus only on their work, and burn out through pushing themselves to get to many things done. They may also become rigid about following rules and become excessively critical of others. Under extreme stress, they can become intensely pessimistic, seeing only negative possiblities in the future, for themselves, for others, and for the world at large."

Look, it's me! On a computer screen! Statistically, two Sabres are also ISTJs. WHO ARE THEY?! WHO FITS TIHS PROFILE?! I must know. Hahahahaha.

Also, I am a Type 9 personality on the Enneagram.

"

Overview
You want to be agreeable, peaceful, natural and comfortable. More importantly, you want to be calm and, if at all possible, to avoid conflict. You see yourself as accepting, unassuming and laid-back. You would like others to see you as humble, easygoing and approachable. Your idealized image is that you are content and harmonious.

Desiring union, harmony and unconditional love, you get along with most people that you meet. Considerate and gentle, you have an innate ability to make people feel comfortable and at ease. You are very accepting and readily empathize with others. Focused on the well being of others, you may at times lose sight of your own agenda. More intellectual than you let on, you have a natural gift for seeing many different points of view. You are able to see all the shades of gray in any given situation and have a way of diffusing conflict and being calm and steady in a crisis. Focusing on similarities rather than differences, you make an excellent mediator and peacemaker.

You don’t want to be drawn into conflict and avoid being pressured to react. Self-forgetting by nature, you repress your anger and neglect your needs in order to avoid the discomfort that comes with conflict. Because you may lose yourself in life’s simple pleasures, the needs of others, or the basic task of living, you may never go after what you truly want. You may struggle to find your one true passion. At times, you may be complacent and minimize anything that is upsetting.

Often the strong silent type, you have the power of patience, persistence and resistance. You see yourself as having stamina and take pride in your ability to endure. You tend to procrastinate and take longer than others to make up your mind. When you do make a decision, you are like an unstoppable elephant pursuing its goals. Not one to self-promote, you would rather be discovered than announce yourself. Others may underestimate you due to your casual and nonchalant attitude. This is nearly always a mistake–one that you are happy to let others make because you prefer not to flaunt your talents or appear egotistical.

Need
You need simplicity, peace, harmony and to be appreciated. Because you are highly empathetic, you need to know that the people around you are relaxed in order for you to be able to relax. To truly be at ease, you need to have your creature comforts and are unwilling go without them. Publicly, you may go along to get along, but when in private you make sure that you have what makes you feel happy and comfortable.

Avoid
You avoid conflict, complications and judgmental people. Being shut down, overlooked and not included by others are among your greatest fears. You are afraid of being loveless and of not receiving or being able to give love. Paradoxically, your avoidance of anger and conflict can lead to more conflict. You don't want to deal with anything until you are good and ready. It is hard for you to say no, so yes means maybe and maybe means absolutely not!

Virtue
Your virtues are your acceptance, peacefulness and ability to see universal truths. Open and receptive, you easily relate to others. When you are at your best, you can be both personally and universally connected. Whether you prefer simple pleasures or intellectual pursuits, you are always seeking what is harmonious. You often show your love by working hard, and you can make great contributions to others. Down to earth, steady, patient and easygoing, you bring a sense of calm to any given situation. Steadfast and persistent, you are able to endure even the most tedious and difficult circumstances.
Vice
Your vices are indolence, inaction or sloth. This can lead to self-forgetting and neglecting your needs and/or the needs of others. Your inattention and forgetfulness can manifest as “crimes of omission”. You may also be stubborn or turn a blind eye to someone in need. Everyone thinks that you are on his or her side and can interpret your understanding as agreement. Overly avoiding conflict, you are most likely to hurt the people around you by not keeping promises due to your lack of follow through. This can make for a passive-aggressive stance in life where you don't see the impact of your inaction and can appear callous or indifferent.

Attention
Your attention goes to identifying with and merging with others. Your soft, pillowy energy tends to spread outwards and become diffuse. Because you sense and champion the needs and feelings of whatever group you are in, you are a natural group anchor. To avoid feeling tension and conflict, you may reach for substitutes for love by eating, focusing on the minutia or getting lost in unimportant tasks.

Spiritual Path
Your spiritual journey is to reclaim your sense of right action and awaken from the coma of self-forgetting. Spiritual growth will come to you as you reclaim, define and assert your sense of self in the world.

Mantra
True love is action and not passive acceptance. To be truly loving requires that you define your values and take a stand for what you believe is important– regardless of the conflict it may cause. Indecisiveness and a fear of upsetting people can prevent you from taking appropriate action. Remember that no decision is a decision, and a “stitch in time saves nine”."

I'M AN UNSTOPPABLE ELEPHANT! YAYAYAYAYAY!

And also this profile is pretty decent:
"People of this personality type essentially feel a need for peace and harmony. They tend to avoid conflict at all costs, whether it be internal or interpersonal. As the potential for conflict in life is virtually ubiquitous, the Nine's desire to avoid it generally results in some degree of withdrawal from life, and many Nines are, in fact, introverted. Other Nines lead more active, social lives, but nevertheless remain to some to degree "checked out," or not fully involved, as if to insulate themselves from threats to their peace of mind. Most Nines are fairly easy going; they adopt a strategy of "going with the flow." They are generally reliable, sturdy, self-effacing, tolerant and likable individuals.

Nines tend to adopt an optimistic approach to life; they are, for the most part, trusting people who see the best in others; they frequently have a deep seated faith that things will somehow work out. They desire to feel connected, both to other people and to the world at large. They frequently feel most at home in nature and generally make warm and attentive parents.

The Nine's inability to tolerate conflict sometimes translates into an overall conservative approach to change. Change can provoke unpleasant feelings and disrupt the Nine's desire for comfort. Less healthy Nines seem incapable of motivating themselves to move into action and bring about effective change. When change does come however, as it generally will, Nines find that they are usually well able to adapt. They tend to be more resilient than they give themselves credit for. In fact, Nines tend not to give themselves enough credit in general, and their self-effacing attitude often seems to invite others to take them for granted or to overlook their often significant contributions. This can cause a subterranean anger to build inside the Nine's psyche, which can erupt into consciousness in occasional fits of temper which quickly blow over, but which more often manifests itself in passive agressive footdragging. Being overlooked is often a source of a deep sadness in Nines, a sadness that they scarcely ever give voice to.

Nines frequently mistype themselves as they have a rather diffuse sense of their own identities. This is exacerbated by the fact that Nines often merge with their loved ones and through a process of identification take on the characteristics of those closest to them. Female Nines frequently mistype as Twos, especially if they are the mothers are small children. Nines, however, are self-effacing whereas Twos are quite aware of their own self worth. Nines also mistake themselves for Fours, but Nines tend to avoid negative emotions whereas Fours often exacerbate them. Intellectual Nines, especially males, frequently mistype as Fives, but Fives are intellectually contentious whereas Nines are conciliatory and conflict avoidant."

I think it's funny how all of these different things tie into each other and how similar they all are... I AM EASY TO PINPOINT. Sigh. So much for being mysterious.

Hmm. What other things can I write about to help me further procrastinate studying for a bio quiz I have tomorrow (it's just over mitosis, which I still remember from high school; I'm slowly realizing that my memory is incredible).

Recently I've thought about what really attracts me to people. I have to say that I tend to fall head-over-heels in crush with guys who seem to have something intellectual to say every time I am around them. There is one guy with whom I've had intense conversations lately... and, in fact, the first time I met him I spent two hours talking with him about pretty much everything. Let's just say I like him a little bit. The same holds true for friendships... I love nothing better than a good old deep conversation. So, the dominant quality that causes me to really respect a person is being able to think... Oh, and loyalty. If I perceive any disloyalty in you, I will hunt you down and make you hurt. Yeah, not really, but I at the very least will dislike you. I'm loyal to a fault... It really is to a fault. I'll admit that.

And, um, yeah.

This is what happens when A) I am bored, B) the Sabres do not play tonight, and C) I have a biology quiz in the morning.

If this post is not an incredible cry to the NHL to schedule the Sabres to have hundreds of games and play every night and also to God to make fatigue not exist so that's possible in the first place... I don't know what in the world is.

Plus... nothing ridiculous is even happening in the NHL lately. What am I supposed to write about. The Senators? Ahahaha, I'll pass.

Next time this happens, I promise I will just post about all the reasons that hockey is amazing, even though that post would be HUGE if I allowed it to be.

4 comments:

Caroline said...

Oh god, more drunk Malkin photos. I've seen so many pictures of him getting sloppy it's not even funny. He looks like Frankenstein or something, by the way.

And I will always lol at this line: "Ryan Miller comes really hard"
hahaha.

I love that personality thing. I had to do it for Psychology one year, and it was really bang on. Like, it even said that people like me hate answering the phone....and that's one of my biggest pet peeves.

Jael said...

My favorite drunk hockey player picture is the one of Ovechkin in the ripped pants. I mean. There are just no words. It speaks for itself.

Jill said...

Ryan Miller comes really hard and wins.

Jael... you naughty naughty girl... LOL!

Ok and that girl in the first pic... she is a Butta face... or a brown bagger... good Lord... I need a fork so I stab my eyes out.

Shelby said...

That story is cute, haha. And I was wondering 'Wait, why are the Sabres playing the Thrashers after they win the Cup?', but it all makes sense now...actually, not really.

The Penguins are my second favorite team in the East, and even I don't know what's going on with that picture.