I’m many ways, I am a living oxymoron. Many of my inherent personality traits consist of juxtaposed, seemingly contrary concepts. Here are some examples:
I’m a rabble-rousing peacekeeper.
I like to ease conflict where I see it, but I’m not afraid to start an argument, either. I believe some things are worth fighting for, and I don’t hesitate to throw myself into the brawl if I feel it will serve a larger purpose. Still, if I can, I prefer to ease conflict where I see it, and create peace.
Where this is awesome: The corporate world. I can hold my own, and make friends, at the same time.
Where this stinks: This blog. I want to keep the peace here, so I often tell the rabble-rouser to shush, which leads to days of silence.
I’m a minimalistic clutterbug.
I don’t put much value on material items. I like the simple life and even when money was aplenty, I still used baking soda instead of about a hundred different products. I see no real purpose in purchasing items just to purchase them or because of their name brand– and I love my multi-purpose goods. Still, I like things. I like to be surrounded by things. I like to see things in pictures, on desks, and in drawers. I am most comfortable when there’s clutter to either side of me.
Where this is awesome: Gain & Loss. I maintain my happiness whether gaining stuff (I’m the easiest person in the world to gift to), or losing things (I’m the most chill person after a robbery or other such loss).
Where this stinks: Moving time. I always end up with so much stuff. Anything that wasn’t gifted to me ends up being tossed out, in the name of simplicity.
I’m a modern traditionalist.
I’m a traditionalist. I write with pen and paper almost as much as I type, and my days are filled with life practices that date back centuries. I believe in family and not letting phones get in the way of experiencing life. I believe in the power of the spoken word– and the importance of skilled trade, and buying local, and open source. But, I am also quite modern. I like sleek design, e-books, and the amazing internet.
Where this is awesome: Art, from literature to paintings. I love everything.
Where this stinks: Trying new things. I alternate between wanting to do things the old-fashioned way, and wanting to modernize things. Either way, it’s a struggle to just… do. At least when it’s still new.
I’m a private open book.
If you ask me a question involving only my privacy– any question– I will answer it honestly. Really and truly. Experiences, preferences, habits, thoughts– financial, sexual, career, childhood– whatever. But you have to ask. I don’t volunteer real information out all that often. I don’t know why. It’s just how I am.
Where this is awesome: Friendships. People are always learning new things about me.
Where this stinks: Friendships. People are always hurt that they were the last to know something.
I’m a pessimist of faith.
I call Dave an optimistic cynic, and I’ve met a few of those folk around the web, too. (Hey, Duncan.) I’m the opposite. I’m a pessimist of faith. I’m a believer and I have an abundance of faith in you, and me, and the world. But let’s just say I’m not surprised when things fall to pieces. My little sister says that I’m always so happy to see the sun rise because I’m the sort of person who goes to sleep thinking it might not.
Where this is awesome: Worst case scenario planning. I’m a pro. I believe in us, so I know all our possibility– but I’m quite adept at quickly identifying all the ways we could hurl ourselves towards quick and final disaster.
Where this stinks: Best case scenario planning. I’m just glad no one, including myself, required my assistance in wedding planning. My last input into my own wedding before I was sent to a different room was, “What if the monk is allergic to calla lillies and he needs emergency care? Is Urgent Care open on the day after Christmas?”
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Are you an oxymoron in any way?
