Personality Probing ... 0

Well here is a glimpse into the person behind the keyboard -- not just the persona.

You are more withdrawn than social, more calm than anxious, more structured than unplanned/spontaneous, more accommodating than strong willed, more inventive than conventional.
You are a private person who finds serenity in structure but remains flexible and inventive in the face of change.


Tradition. Integrity. Electricity.

Your Personality Type:

Average Extroversion The Extroversion domain measures traits related to the enthusiasm and interest you show towards others. People who score high on this domain are outgoing and friendly; people who score low tend to be reserved and serious. You scored average on this domain indicating that you are fairly balanced in your desire to be with others or spend time alone. You are social, but not overly so, appreciating parties and other social gatherings as well as enjoying your alone time. High Emotional Stability  The Emotional Stability domain measures the way in which you react to stressful or emotional situations. People who score high on this domain are relaxed and fairly worry-free; people who score low have strong emotions and may be prone to sadness. You scored high on this domain indicating that you are self confident, secure with who you are and remain calm in stressful situations. You take criticism well and don't take things too personally. Because your emotions remain fairly even, others find you a pleasure to be around as you are consistent in your interactions. High Orderliness The Orderliness domain measures your drive and organization. People who score high on this domain are organized and conscientious; people who score low are laid back and prefer to act spontaneously. You scored high on this domain indicating that you are an orderly, responsible individual who sets high goals. You work hard to succeed at all that you do. You like to plan ahead and work by a schedule. You are punctual, neat, and well organized. High Accommodation The Accommodation domain measures how you interact with others. People who score high on this domain are soft hearted and cooperative; people who score low tend to be more hard headed and competitive. You scored high on this domain indicating that you are a compassionate, tender hearted individual who is generally trusting of others. You are enjoyable to be around, get along with most anyone and forgive easily. You dislike conflicts and may avoid unpleasant topics of conversation because of this. High Inquisitiveness The Inquisitiveness domain measures your openness to new experience. People who score high on this domain are curious and open minded; people who score low are more traditional and seek out the familiar. You scored high on this domain indicating that you welcome new experiences. You enjoy learning and doing new things. You have a broad range of interests, an active imagination and accept change in your life with relative ease.

The things that shape us - Grade school incidents 1

When I was 8 yrs old,my class was assigned to write about the seasons - mainly Fall. I set out my large ruled paper & newly sharpened pencil & set to work. I finished and came up with this:


When Autumn's curse comes alive,

And spreads it's
loneliness throughout the land ,

Leaves crack and crows caw for they are
all creatures of Fall.

squirrels quarrel with the mice and leaves fall
because they have lost their lives.

--- Amber © 1989. All rights Reserved.

I was truly excited to show the teacher. When she took the paper from my hands, I couldn't help but grin. But a frown slowly moved across her face. She looked at me squarely, and shrilly asked:

"where did you get this? What book did you copy this from ?"

I was taken aback. I had written this, like many of my other poems - the words seem to fall right onto the paper, with little editing. I couldn't understand the disgust she showed toward me.

Her voice grew louder & shriller - she was making an example of me.

"If you don't own up to this lie, and tell me what book you got this poem from,
you will go out into the hall - to think about what you've done!" she remarked. Her face flushed.

I stuck to my story, for it was the truth. She grabbed my arm, pulling me out into the hallway. I was alone, left to internalize this chain of events.

I know now that she had probably figured that a girl from a poor background and divorced, single parent home could never have parents who educated her, better yet encouraged her artistic side.


But that was the opposite. I led a happy existence. My mother was always full of creative ideas to keep little kids occupied. She had encouraged my creativity, more than that she had awakened my thirst for original thought.

Culinary vs. Baking --- the icky blue line. 0

I asked a fellow baking student about the separation - the unspoken divide, that exists between baking students and culinary students.

Thin Blue Line by Derbeth

This was his response :

"It has always been there. No one has even tried to end the separation. When I first started, I started sitting over at the culinary table -- to visit with the former chef, he sat alone and I'd offer to sit with him. Everyone WOULD FREAK OUT if I mentioned going there...they told me: See that blue line the tile on the floor creates --- this is a line no-one will cross. IT is looked down upon."

I told him: "I had already committed that "taboo", no wonder I get looks". He laughed uneasily.

Another student , this time from culinary - had this to say:

"Bakers bake, cooks cook. Nothing more to that. We leave each other well enough alone, the only exception - lunch, or when we are hungry for some pastry."

Another culinary student - More brazen, actually came up to us (on our baking "turf"), though it was only the 3 of us, due to an earlier lunch because of the station we were in, he still came up to us and said this :

"I am trying to bridge the gap between baking and culinary. I am trying to make conversation with everyone."

Unfortunately he never attempted this ballsy move with the larger baking crew. He hasn't attempted this since.

It really is quite bizarre. And the main thing is everyone carries on this behavior as if we are rival fraternities. The right of passage for either is one's ability to ignore the other or avert your eyes . Doing this allows you full privileges inside the esteemed circle.

This is truly not what I was hoping to find. We are not part of some large & evil plot in a movie, we are just students learning.

And the funny thing is I have been on both sides. So far my previous culinary classes were so great. I loved the friends I made and all the memories. We had a blast.

So I imagined I would share this again. But it is awkward to try joining in on this bizarre discrimination. The problem is I have already made my stand. And people fear change.