Monday, April 16, 2007

Stuff that keeps me busy


This is from a personality assessment I had to upload for a class. Shawn is my partner for the project. For more information, google the phrase "DiSC personality test". We had to design a logo and catchphrase (above) to accompany our results:


Keith Waggoner and Shawn Worman teamed up together for this project. We are both high “I”s. Keith’s secondary tendency is a “D” (a high D, actually) and Shawn’s is a “C”.

What are the strengths & weaknesses of your profile?

As high “I”s (influencing tendency) we tend to be people-oriented and outgoing. As a result, we tend to make new friends easily. We are usually poised and persuasive, passionate about what we wish to see accomplished. We are enthusiastic in our interaction with others and are often very trusting.

While there are many positives about the “I” trait, we also have to pay careful attention to the more negative implications. We are often disorganized, impatient, emotional, can have dramatic fluctuation in moods, tend to give more attention given to feelings than facts, and have this annoying habit of dominating conversations. We struggle with the ability to be firm in dealing with a less than comfortable situation. In fact, we often avoid confrontational situations due to our desire to be liked by everyone.

What kinds of things cause your style stress?

When we know that a confrontational situation waits, we stress out. We also want to know that we are appreciated. When that “pat on the back” doesn’t happen, we begin to doubt the worth of our contributions. We also are frustrated by a lack of flexibility either by employees or employers. The phrase “we’ve always done it this way before” drives us crazy. Think outside the box, people!

What does your style do that causes other styles stress?

Our annoying habit of taking a while to get to the facts is especially stressful to those with the high “D” style. Also, our relaxed approach to dealing with challenges can cause stress to those who just want to get to the bottom of the problem. The “S” and “C” traits would be annoyed with our tendency to wait until the last minute to accomplish tasks. All traits would be exasperated with our failure to develop systematic approaches to a task or situation.

Do you feel that if you took the test looking at your personal/social life, the results might be different?

Both of us answered no. Keith fits the “I” profile even more in his social life, than in the workplace. When he is on the job, his “D” tendency tends to surface almost as much as his “I” mode.

How do your family/spouse/friends look at you?

They would definitely place us in the “I” category. We are a fun person to be around and usually are at the center of any activity or conversation. They view us as motivated and competitive, while still being team players. We are viewed as creative, with the ability to “roll with the punches”, accomplishing tasks despite changes or interruptions. Shawn believes that people would also perceive his high “C” side, as well.

If you are in a management position, would this be a helpful tool for hiring?

Keith: The DiSC test would be a helpful tool, though not one that would carry a lot of weight in the hiring process. Ultimately, I’m looking for the best person for a specific position, someone who can get the job done. The test would shed a little bit of light towards a person’s tendencies, but I don’t think it would be a definitive indicator of whether or not they are the right person for the job. I think the test would be more beneficial for an employee who is already hired.

Shawn: I think it would be very helpful. If you have a paper work position to fill that works alone, then I probably wouldn’t be the best fit. This could help fill the position with someone that would enjoy their work and make a more productive, happy employee. This would especially work when hiring someone in sales.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

The Food Network presents...


I am currently home alone. Lori and the kids are in Pennsylvania with her parents (who haven't seen Trey and Kassady for 3 years) which means that I am living the bachelor life.


It has given me the opportunity to cook for myself, which rarely happens. So, I've been getting by. Tuesday night was Italian night with agnoletti with light alfredo sauce, a tossed salad, and breadsticks. Wednesday's lunch featured veggie-cheese sandwiches with a mango and green tea on the side. Wednesday's supper was baked Mediterranean cod and asparagus. Yum, yum! This morning I got up early to prepare a special breakfast casserole that would knock your socks off: eggs, goat cheese, and spinach. Today's lunch was orzo risotto with roasted vegetables. The feta cheese just put it over the top. Then, tonight was my crowning achievement: salmon with matzo crust, steamed green beans, and a lemon. Incredible!




Ha, ha, ha! I'm having a hearty laugh as I look over what I just typed. First of all, I don't even understand what I just described. I copied it from Lori's "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine that was found on the kitchen counter. Secondly, I wouldn't even think of imbibing the above-mentioned culinary wonders. Truth is I've been surviving on frozen pizza, Pop-tarts, warmed-up chicken corn soup, and Taco Bell. I am begging God to make the time pass quickly. I am also downing quite a few Pepcid AC.

Keith and Norman say "Two thumbs up"


I'm always the last one to jump on the bandwagon, but for those of you who haven't seen the movie "Facing the Giants", do so. It's an awesome story of God's power at work in the lives of those who believe in Him. It's true that His strength is perfect when our strength is gone.


I needed it's message tonight. Awesome!

Hair-raising

OK, for all of you that gave me those incredible words of affirmation concerning my new 'do, thank you. For the time being I'm letting the fringe grow back. However, as soon as summer rolls around, the hair is coming off. To be honest, I like the no-hair look (and feel).

Sorry, Mom.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Workhorses

Liberty's work is never done. People wouldn't believe the time and energy that we put in to improving our performance. Like this picture, for instance. Most people would take a quick look and say, "Oh. That looks like two grown men making fools of themselves in public." But a deeper look would reveal that this picture is in fact of two grown men practicing to make fools of themselves in public.

Getting a Facial

I've been trying to tell Royce that if he keeps on screwing up his face like that it's going to stick. Look what happened to Doran (to the right of Royce).


Actually, that's Paul Munson to the right of Royce. He spent last weekend traveling with us. He's more fun than a busload of Mexican jumping beans. You know, I started to type the previous sentence with no clear idea of where I would end up with that analogy. It's a gift. It really is.

Just another item to add...

Well, for better or for worse, here we go. Tuesday kicks off the first day of classes in my MBA program. I am pursuing my degree at Indiana Wesleyan University. I use the word "at" very loosely since I will take the program in its entirety on-line. This is what I love about living in the 21st century. Due to my traveling schedule there is no way that I could find time for traditional classes on campus, but this on-line program meets my need of flexible course delivery. We're living in the good ol' days, folks.

So, if you need to flesh out your prayer list, add Baldy. In all seriousness, I would appreciate it.

Bracketologist Despair

My brackets are so screwed up. There's a reason they call it March Madness. I decided to go out on a limb this year and pick several upsets. Of course, this is the one year that all the top seeds win. Everytime I zig, the games zag. I am resigned to a lifetime of bracket disappointment. You know it's bad when you find yourself behind Jon and Doran in the standings. Sheesh!

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

As promised...


Shaved

I finally did it. Yesterday I took the plunge (actually with the help of a very reluctant Lori) and shaved my head. Totally. Gone. Mr. Clean.

Tomorrow I'll try to get a picture up. I kind of like it myself. However, the timing of my haircut is due to the fact that Liberty is off for the next couple of weeks while the guys enjoy spring break with their families. So, I have plenty of time to grow the fringe. I'll probably let it come back. Especially since Lori isn't convinced with my shiny coiffure.

Let me know what you think.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Apology

No, wait. I was wrong. It's 82 degrees here.

My bad.

Monday, February 05, 2007

Arizona Highways

I am alive and well in Mesa, AZ rejoicing in the fact that the Indianapolis Colts are the Super Bowl champions (I almost feel as though the statement should end with "now, turn to page 121 in your hymnal; page 121").

Liberty is in the middle of a 12-day tour in Arizona. The temperature is about 72 degrees, no humidity. I went swimming last night, then sat in the hot tub for a while. For all of you enjoying your -20 degree windchill factor, sorry. It's great out here.

While I know it's going to be a while before I can post again, check out www.jonplank.com. He's posting like a madman.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Updated Media Packet

Thanks to Pastor Frank at Menlo Park Presbyterian for the new Liberty promotional pictures. Just thank the Lord that I'm the only bald guy in the quartet.



Tuesday, January 30, 2007

New Look

I just ran by Wal-Mart to pick up my new glasses today. Fresh. I would be more than happy to post a picture, but I left the camera on the bus.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Squeaky


For those old Kingsmen fans out there, Liberty recently did a concert with former Kingsmen tenor, Garry Sheppard (far right). He is currently doing stand-up comedy and a little singing. I never would have pictured him as the comedic type, but he is very, very funny. I thought Royce and Dan were going to fall out of their seats on some of the material. He did sing one of my favorite tenor solo songs "He's All I Need". We had a great time.

I did get the low-down from Garry on how he got the nickname Squeaky from Jim Hammill. Before he joined the group, Garry was a lead miner who would occasionally sing in church. Shortly after he joined, the Kingsmen headed into the studio and recorded an album. Immediately after the recording session, they left on a 31-day trip (with a concert on every day). Garry's voice wasn't even remotely up to the challenge and by the last night he was dragging big-time. He got up to sing that last night and he said he felt like there were razor blades in his throat. He could only squeak out the notes. There was nothing musical about it. Jim coined the phrase and voila, the rest is history.

Also pictured are John Harness and Daymon Qualls of the California Melody Boys.

Singing is for wimps

Occasionally, we'll stop by retirement homes for a concert. This was the case in California. I enjoyed it immensely. Nobody laughed at Royce's jokes, since they couldn't hear them. We had one dear soul who sang along (loudly) on all of our hymns including our a cappella arrangement of Holy, Holy, Holy. She was about 4 steps off. Dan was trying to figure out who he should follow, Royce or her. She was louder, so he went with the stronger voice. Fortunately, I never lose control of my emotions during humorous moments (cough, cough). The song ended with my laughter-induced trembling voice holding on for dear life to a note that wasn't anywhere near to what the rest of the guys were singing. Of course, they were all in their own individual key as well. During the song I heard another resident complain loudly, "I WISH SHE WOULD SHUT UP!" Don't you love ministry? Royce and Dan looked into room rates after the concert.

I kind of look like a muppet in this picture.

Bassically Blind

Our very own Fanny Crosby.

The New Tri-Tip Diet

Dan has been invoking the name of his wife Donna when sharing about his diet plans from the stage. He says that Donna eats only celery, carrots, and pea pods while encouraging him to eat likewise. Our good friends the DeJongs called him on it when we went over to their house for a delicious meal of tri-tip steaks.



To his credit, Dan ate it.

Back in the old days...

Dan was on his way to a Liberty practice when a little throat tickle caused a cough which threw his back out. He has been limping around ever since. Doran and I have finally come to the realization that we're traveling with old guys. The smell of Ben-gay in the air, the grunting and groaning heard as they pull on their socks, and the talking in a loud voice all point to the fact that we're operating a geriatric center on wheels.

Dan cons Mark DeJoong, a physical therapist in Ripon, CA, into working on his back alignment.

Doran attempts to teach Dan some flxibility exercises that he declared would cure him of his troubles. We had to carry Dan out to the bus following this picture.