Haven’t done one of these in awhile, but I caught the questions on SfAD and thought “those look interesting”, so…

Monday Mission 3.17

1. For yourself, what truths are absolute? Are there any absolute truths in the Universe?

a. Evil can be opposed by Good.
b. Good can be defined as ‘buying a little girl an ice cream cone’.
c. That’s it, though, nothing else; the only thing that counts as Good is ‘buying a little girl an ice cream cone.’

Okay, seriously. Let’s see, absolute truths…

How about this: “When you harm something, you lessen yourself.”

Not saying that it’s always avoidable — some people need a good harming — but that doesn’t alter the truth of the basic statement.

2. Do you believe that you are still “teachable?”

a. Provided that I’m the one doing the teaching, yeah.
b. I am as teachable now as I ever have been (granted, I’m a horrible student).
c. I can be taught by given something new to do.

3. To do something well, in most situations, requires study and practice. What’s the most recent thing that you have done well as a result of study and practice.

*cue seventies fuzz guitar soundtrack*
Oops. TMI. Right.

The work I’m doing right now (and doing well I’ve been told), is a direct result of years of accumulated study and practice. Sorry I don’t have anything more solid as an example.

4. If you had the time/money, what do you want to lean how to do more than anything?

If I had that kind of time/money, I think it’s obvious that I’ve already learned some pretty damn cool things.

I’d like to get letters in front of my name, I guess. “Ph.D.” or “AKA” or something.

5. Tell me about a recent situation where you had a decision to make, and those around you tried to influence or direct you. Were they successful? Was that “help” welcomed?

I canvas my phone list for opinions all the time. My last big one was probably regarding how to deal with the Palm frying in England — drastic over compensation or just letting it slide. I think my friends wisely kept their opinions to themselves for the first part of my internal debate, knowing hoping that I’d be sane about the whole thing, but more than willing to offer support for the better decision when it came, to strengthen my resolve.

Their self control is better than mine — if roles are reversed, I offer lots of unsolicited thought.

6. Things are much easier to accept when they are given by invitation rather than being forced upon us. When was the last time you rejected something because it was forced on you? How did it happen? Did you hold a grudge about it? Was it ever resolved?

I’ve turned down two job offers in the last two weeks, I guess. Since I don’t ‘have’ to look right now, their attitude of doing me a favor by calling me was grating.

7. Are you the sort of person who questions everything, or are you able to accept things without someone providing you tangible proof?

Well, that’s a complicated mix. On the one hand, I’ll argue just for the sake of playing devil’s advocate (or to keep from getting bored). On the other, I’ve noticed that I do have weakness for a cogent argument — if it happens to be something I don’t feel strongly about, then I’ll happily make note of the argument and regurgitate it later. Even if I do feel strongly about something in the opposite direction, I’ve found that a well-spoken argument the other way will make my reconsider, or reevaluate at least. My mind habitually wants to weigh all sides equally, even if they don’t deserve it.