okay so last night I went to mass and it was so-o different than the US. There was no music and people dont hold hands when saying the our father. The cathedral was shaped like a cross so the priest has his back to 3/4 of the church during the mass. Don’t get me wrong though, the Cathedral is beautiful

The weirdest thing to me was that for communion, there are no lines-everyone just runs up for communion and stands around until someone gives them the body. (side note before I forget, My sisters wallet is destroyed because it got stuck closed and no one could open it so I had to break it. Also my adapter for the outlet exploded and started smoking while I was using my straightener yesterday…rediculous) After mass we went to the Quay’s for dinner and I tried this bear called Blummer’s—delicious. The Irish guys were jerks though and said that Americans were loud or something and were like “goodbye americans” real obnoxious when we left. I was just like whatever, who cares right? Just a couple of idiots, but today when we were walking to the college, this Irish kid mooned us on the street and this other car drove in a puddle purposefully to drench some of the students from Villanova. I don’t think the Irish like Americans very much-just saying. Anyways back to last night. So we ended up in the King’s Head and we drank and listened to this really great (or “grand” like they like to say it ‘ere). There was this really great band playing and they loved Americans(about time) and played American songs the whole time. Oh btdubs, Irish people think that Americans are all cowboy and cowgirls and like to say yee-ha all the time. It’s entertaining really. I came back early tho cause we needed to be up early today to head over to NUI (National University of Ireland in Galway). That was actually a lot of fun. We got to learn so much about the Irish culture from the nursing school. I’m starting to learn some Gaelic from being around it and from people mentioning it. Anyways I’m going to go figure out what is going on for tonight and I’ll write more tomorrow! peace.

So, I have been up now for a grand total of 27 hrs straight? i think…i dont know this whole time zone thing is throwing me off! So lets start off with the airport. Dr. Capriotti and Dr. Erickson were late and almost missed the flight. Then jen and I were sitting together and i asked to trade the window seat for the middle one cause i was nervous and jokingly said we would get a crazy guy sitting next to us-and what do you know-some guy who said he was a proffessional bball player sat next to us(dont know how true it was, could be)…he was wasted-understatement- and he was going to Ireland for a funeral-which i felt really bad about and put up with all of his antics without a word- but he was cursing, and threw his headphones at me twice to open them for him, and he wiped his sweat on me and was spitting everywhere when he talked….and he talked…and talked…and talked…and i put headphones in…and he’d tap me and talk…and id try to watch a movie with jen or read my book…or sleep….and he would kept nudging me to talk….and u know if he were a nice guy okay….but he kept insulting jen and i…and i was like yo seriously? anyways that was really the only nightmare part of the trip thus far. We left Shannon airport and drove around through limerick, and saw a bit of spittle(the town), and then we came to galway and walked around for an hour and went to the irish breakfast place where the irishmen kept talking about us tourist :-P….and laughing about how Shazi was the only guy with a group of ten of us girls. Then i came back took a shower and went for a run with the girls and Shazi and it down poured on us(or rather “softed”-my term…i dont know if they really say that here…i know they call drizzling a soft day). it was so much fun. it felt like it was summer and the rain was warm and we were just running in it and i got drenched but it was totally worth it. now im just chilling in our bed and breakfast which is mad chill. We are going to go to mass at 6pm at the Galway Cathedral-frickin beautiful doesnt even begin to cover it- and then we are headed to the Quays(pronounced keys) were we are gonna to enjoy the irish pub music, grab dinner, and “socialize” should be fun times. tomorrow we start our classes for ireland and i have to wake up mad early, but ill blog about that tomorrow night.

Things that make me happy:

I had so much fun yesterday going to SEARCH activities. It was just what I needed to re-center. I had so much fun chilling in Conn with Gabe and Skye just acting silly, talking about life, the usual ya know. Watching Garden State and hanging until 5 am in Alumni was fun too. I love hanging with Abe and all of his friends(side note- who are awesome). I didnt get anything that needed to be done, accomplished yesterday.

List of things that need to be done that should have been done last night:

Pack my things

Drop off RA forms to Res Life

Make copies of documents for RA

Get driving directions so I know how to get home

get cash for tolls

Straighten up

S’all good though, not much haha :-P

Beneath the quiet exterior, INFJs hold deep convictions about the weightier matters of life. Those who are activists — INFJs gravitate toward such a role — are there for the cause, not for personal glory or political power. INFJs are champions of the oppressed and downtrodden. They often are found in the wake of an emergency, rescuing those who are in acute distress. INFJs may fantasize about getting revenge on those who victimize the defenseless. The concept of ‘poetic justice’ is appealing to the INFJ. “There’s something rotten in Denmark.” Accurately suspicious about others’ motives, INFJs are not easily led. These are the people that you can rarely fool any of the time. Though affable and sympathetic to most, INFJs are selective about their friends. Such a friendship is a symbiotic bond that transcends mere words. INFJs have a knack for fluency in language and facility in communication. In addition, nonverbal sensitivity enables the INFJ to know and be known by others intimately. Writing, counseling, public service and even politics are areas where INFJs frequently find their niche. Functional Analysis: Introverted iNtuition Introverted intuitives, INFJs enjoy a greater clarity of perception of inner, unconscious processes than all but their INTJ cousins. Just as SP types commune with the object and “live in the here and now” of the physical world, INFJs readily grasp the hidden psychological stimuli behind the more observable dynamics of behavior and affect. Their amazing ability to deduce the inner workings of the mind, will and emotions of others gives INFJs their reputation as prophets and seers. Unlike the confining, routinizing nature of introverted sensing, introverted intuition frees this type to act insightfully and spontaneously as unique solutions arise on an event by event basis.

The INFJ’s thinking is introverted, turned toward the subject. Perhaps it is when the INFJ’s thinking function is operative that he is most aloof. A comrade might surmise that such detachment signals a disillusionment, that she has also been found lacking by the sardonic eye of this one who plumbs the depths of the human spirit. Experience suggests that such distancing is merely an indication that the seer is hard at work and focusing energy into this less efficient tertiary function.

INFJs are twice blessed with clarity of vision, both internal and external. Just as they possess inner vision which is drawn to the forms of the unconscious, they also have external sensing perception which readily takes hold of worldly objects. Sensing, however, is the weakest of the INFJ’s arsenal and the most vulnerable. INFJs, like their fellow intuitives, may be so absorbed in intuitive perceiving that they become oblivious to physical reality. The INFJ under stress may fall prey to various forms of immediate gratification. Awareness of extraverted sensing is probably the source of the “SP wannabe” side of INFJs. Many yearn to live spontaneously; it’s not uncommon for INFJ actors to take on an SP (often ESTP) role.

Nathan, prophet of Israel
Aristophanes
Chaucer
Goethe
Robert Burns, Scottish poet

U.S. Presidents:

Martin Van Buren

James Earl “Jimmy” Carter

Nathaniel Hawthorne
Fanny Crosby, (blind) hymnist
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Fred McMurray (My Three Sons)
Shirley Temple Black, child actor, ambassador
Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader, martyr
James Reston, newspaper reporter
Shirley MacLaine (Sweet Charity, …)
Piers Anthony, author (“Xanth” series)
Michael Landon (Little House on the Prairie)
Tom Selleck
John Katz, critic, author
Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul and Mary)
U. S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL)
Billy Crystal
Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury)
Nelson Mandela
Mel Gibson
Carrie Fisher
Nicole Kidman
Jerry Seinfeld
Jamie Foxx
Sela Ward
Mark Harmon
Gary Dourdan
Marg Helgaberger
Evangeline Lilly
Tori May

INFJs are distinguished by both their complexity of character and the unusual range and depth of their talents. Strongly humanitarian in outlook, INFJs tend to be idealists, and because of their J preference for closure and completion, they are generally “doers” as well as dreamers. This rare combination of vision and practicality often results in INFJs taking a disproportionate amount of responsibility in the various causes to which so many of them seem to be drawn.

INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people — a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious “soul mates.” While instinctively courting the personal and organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals INFJs will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent “givers.” As a pattern of behavior, it is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the enigmatic INFJ character to outsiders, and hence the most often misunderstood — particularly by those who have little experience with this rare type.

Due in part to the unique perspective produced by this alternation between detachment and involvement in the lives of the people around them, INFJs may well have the clearest insights of all the types into the motivations of others, for good and for evil. The most important contributing factor to this uncanny gift, however, are the empathic abilities often found in Fs, which seem to be especially heightened in the INFJ type (possibly by the dominance of the introverted N function).

This empathy can serve as a classic example of the two-edged nature of certain INFJ talents, as it can be strong enough to cause discomfort or pain in negative or stressful situations. More explicit inner conflicts are also not uncommon in INFJs; it is possible to speculate that the causes for some of these may lie in the specific combinations of preferences which define this complex type. For instance, there can sometimes be a “tug-of-war” between NF vision and idealism and the J practicality that urges compromise for the sake of achieving the highest priority goals. And the I and J combination, while perhaps enhancing self-awareness, may make it difficult for INFJs to articulate their deepest and most convoluted feelings.

Usually self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills. Since in addition they often possess a strong personal charisma, INFJs are generally well-suited to the “inspirational” professions such as teaching (especially in higher education) and religious leadership. Psychology and counseling are other obvious choices, but overall, INFJs can be exceptionally difficult to pigeonhole by their career paths. Perhaps the best example of this occurs in the technical fields. Many INFJs perceive themselves at a disadvantage when dealing with the mystique and formality of “hard logic”, and in academic terms this may cause a tendency to gravitate towards the liberal arts rather than the sciences. However, the significant minority of INFJs who do pursue studies and careers in the latter areas tend to be as successful as their T counterparts, as it is *iNtuition* — the dominant function for the INFJ type — which governs the ability to understand abstract theory and implement it creatively.

In their own way, INFJs are just as much “systems builders” as are INTJs; the difference lies in that most INFJ “systems” are founded on human beings and human values, rather than information and technology. Their systems may for these reasons be conceptually “blurrier” than analogous NT ones, harder to measure in strict numerical terms, and easier to take for granted — yet it is these same underlying reasons which make the resulting contributions to society so vital and profound.

INFJ Relationships ———————————————————————————————————————— INFJs are warm and affirming people who are usually also deep and complex. They’re likely to seek out and promote relationships that are intense and meaningful. They tend to be perfectionists, and are always striving for the Ultimate Relationship. For the most part, this is a positive feature, but sometimes works against the INFJ if they fall into the habit of moving from relationship to relationship, always in search of a more perfect partner. In general, the INFJ is a deeply warm and caring person who is highly invested in the health of their close relationships, and puts forth a lot of effort to make them positive. They are valued by those close to them for these special qualities. They seek long-term, lifelong relationships, although they don’t always find them. ———————————————————————————————————————— INFJ Strengths ———————————————————————————————————————— Warm and affirming by nature Dedicated to achieving the ultimate relationship Sensitive and concerned for others’ feelings Usually have good communication skills, especially written Take their commitments very seriously, and seek lifelong relationships Have very high expectations for themselves and others (both a strength and weakness) Good listeners Are able to move on after a relationship has ended (once they’re sure it’s over) ———————————————————————————————————————— INFJ Weaknesses ———————————————————————————————————————— Tendency to hold back part of themselves Not good with money or practical day-to-day life necessities Extreme dislike of conflict and criticism Have very high expectations for themselves and others (both a strength and weakness) Have difficulty leaving a bad relationship ———————————————————————————————————————— INFJs as Lovers ———————————————————————————————————————— “To love means to open ourselves to the negative as well as the positive - to grief, sorrow, and disappointment as well as to joy, fulfillment, and an intensity of consciousness we did not know was possible before.” — Rollo May INFJs are warm, considerate partners who feel great depth of love for their partners. They enjoy showing this love, and want to receive affirmation back from their mates. They are perfectionists, constantly striving to achieve the Perfect Relationship. This can sometimes be frustrating to their mates, who may feel put upon by the INFJs demanding perfectionism. However, it may also be greatly appreciated, because it indicates a sincere commitment to the relationship, and a depth of caring which is not usually present in other types. Sexually, INFJs view intimacy as a nearly spiritual experience. They embrace the opportunity to bond heart and soul with their mates. As service-oriented individuals, it’s very important to them that their mates are happy. Intimacy is an opportunity for the INFJ to selflessly give their love, and experience it in a tangible way. Although two well-developed individuals of any type can enjoy a healthy relationship, INFJ’s natural partner is the ENTP, or the ENFP. INFJ’s dominant function of Introverted Intuition is best matched with a personality type that is dominated by Extraverted Intuition. How did we arrive at this? ———————————————————————————————————————— INFJs as Parents ———————————————————————————————————————— “You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth… Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness; For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.” — Kahlil Gibran INFJs usually make warm and caring parents. Their goal is to help their children become adults who know the difference between right and wrong, and who are independent, growth-oriented individuals. Along the path to that goal they are generally very warm and caring, and are likely to treat their children as individuals who have a voice in family decisions. They want their children to be able to think for themselves, and make the right decisions. They also can be quite demanding on their children, and may have very high expectations for their behavior. Although they are generally soft-spoken and gentle, they may become stubborn and sharp-tongued at times when their expectations aren’t met, or when under a lot of stress. INFJs take their parenting role with ultimate seriousness. They will make sacrifices for the sake of their children without a second thought, and without remorse. Passing on their values to their children is a serious priority in their lives. Children of INFJs remember their parents fondly as warm, patient, and inspirational. ———————————————————————————————————————— INFJs as Friends ———————————————————————————————————————— Although the INFJ is likely to put friends behind their God and their families in terms of importance, they do value their friendships. As idealists who have strong value systems, INFJs seek authenticity and depth in their close relationships, and especially value people who can see and appreciate the INFJ for who they are and what they stand for. The INFJ is likely to spend a lot of time socialing with family members. If they are religious, they probably are social with members of their religious community. After that, the INFJ may have friends represented from any of the personality types. They are usually extremely intuitive individuals, who will have no patience for anyone they feel is dishonest or corrupt. They’ll have no interest in being around these kinds of people. All kinds of people are drawn towards the INFJ. They are usually quite popular, although they may be unaware of it themselves, because they don’t place a lot of importance on it. The INFJ is valued by their close friends for their warmth and consideration, their new and interesting ways of looking at things, and for their ability to inspire and motivate others to be the best that they can be. genuine article that they are.

L<3VE

:-)