HSP for me!

After much deliberation (with myself) and phenomenologist perspective, I've come to the conclusion I am a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). I scored a 100% on the test and after reading several books I have decided to make it official by posting a blog about it. Here is the test if you want to find out for yourself:
http://www.hsperson.com/pages/test.htm

Apparently up to 15 to 20% of the population could be considered HSP. Having light hair and eyes also contributes as the eyes are the only exposed part of the nervous system. What does being an HSP mean? For as long as I can remember I have been extremely sensitive. Usually HSPs are described as being shy or introverted, turns out 30% of us are extraverting, which is very confusing. I am energized by people and then quickly overwhelmed. I crave stimulation and then with too much become exhausted. It used to frighten and frustrate me, now that I know I'm not alone in this experience I can use it for my advantage. I pick up on subtlies a lot of people don't. I am extremely reflective and sensitive to others. No I know my sensitivity isn't a personality flaw. According to Aron, "Many HSPs are often unusually creative and productive workers, attentive and thoughtful partners, and intellectually gifted individuals."

I'm now proud to announce I'm an HSP!

Today I'm grateful for when Dad makes eggs,  waking up to a cuddly kitty, and iTunes movies.

30 Before 30

Today is my 29th solar return (birthday in hippie speak). I am suprisingly excited to get closer to 30, like a fine wine I am definitely getting better with age. However, there are several things I want to do before I turn over the next decade. The list, in no particular order will most likely change, as all things do - here's the basic list:

1. Get a cat – friendly, quiet, independent, cuddly

2. Write a book
3. Go hang gliding
4. Contribute $30 per week to FFA
5. Attend Ecstatic dance
6. Go to Angel Island
7. Visit De Young
8. Visit Exploratorium
9. Go to House of Air
10. Lake Merritt by Gondola
11. Eat at Burma Superstar
12. Plan to go to India
13. Beat Museum
14. Eat at Dottie’s
15. Caramel chicken at Slanted Door
16. Visit top POPOs
17. Chow down at Gary Danko
18. Create podcast mixes
19. See “The Room” at Red Vic
20. Sing outloud on a bus
21. Pay off credit card
22. Go to Dildo Wars!
23. Take a sail on Bay at sunset
24. Horseback riding on the beach
25. Drive a car more than 100 mph
26. Emergency fund amount for at least two months.
27. Create music mixes online
28. Take a German class
29. Dip at Fondue Cowboy
30. TCHO Chocolate tour

Philosopher not scientist

Glad I'm not a scientist. =)

Homemade Romantic Comedy

So, I'm at home where the general consensus is that I'm slightly crazy and down right bizarre. In honor of this opinion I created a video to honor my fellow crazies in the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness (PCC) program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). Self-depricating humor is a favorite of mine, and so are awkward silences and gestures. That being said, enjoy!

Today I'm grateful for Xtranormal, mani and pedis with Mom, and coca tea.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/12029791/pcc-love-story

Osama and Obama

So apparently Osama Bin Laden is dead and America is supposed to be celebrating. Why in heaven's name would I celebrate someone's death? It seems more than ever this opens a new chapter for love and hate. I'm choosing love and not to cheer. I'm choosing prayer instead of fear.

I want to love inspite of the hate that seems to surround this circumstance. I want to allow people their way of feeling this "victory" and I also fear my judgements of them. For in judging them I repeat this same cycle that creates such struggle. Nothing left to say besides some great words from MLK. (wow, I'm on a rhyming kick today)

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." -Martin Luther King