Extraverted Thinking with Introverted Intuition

Today at work we did something that I love to do....we took personality tests. Most of you know I love "get to know me" games and personality tests are no exception.

Today's test was based on the psychological types and the personality research of Myers-Briggs. You can take a free test at http://www.mypersonality.info/. It's super fun and inspires insightful debate and discussion. It sumed me up perfectly...it the nail right on the head....with a couple of exceptions.

So, let's talk about me....I'm an ENTJ....also known as a "chief". ENTJs are extroverted, intuitive, thinking, judging..in other words...Extraverted Thinking with Introverted Intuition.

ENTJ Strengths
Genuinely interested in people's ideas and thoughts
Enthusiastic and energetic
Take their commitments very seriously
Fair-minded and interested in doing the Right Thing
Very good with money
Extremely direct and straightforward
Verbally fluent
Enhance and encourage knowledge and self-growth in all aspects of life
Able to leave relationships without looking back
Able to turn conflict situations into positive lessons
Able to take constructive criticism well
Extremely high standards and expectations (both a strength and a weakness)
Usually have strong affections and sentimental streaks
Able to dole out discipline

ENTJ Weaknesses
Their enthusiasm for verbal debates can make them appear argumentative
Tendency to be challenging and confrontational
Tend to get involved in "win-lose" conversations
Tendency to have difficulty listening to others
Tendency to be critical of opinions and attitudes which don't match their own
Extremely high standards and expectations (both a strength and a weakness)
Not naturally in tune with people's feelings and reactions
May have difficulty expressing love and affection, sometimes seeming awkward or inappropriate
Can be overpowering and intimidating to others
Tendency to want to always be in charge, rather than sharing responsibilities
Can be very harsh and intolerant about messiness or inefficiency
Tendency to be controlling
May be slow to give praise or to realize another's need for praise
If unhappy or underdeveloped, they may be very impersonal, dictatorial, or abrasive
Tendency to make hasty decisions
Make explode with terrible tempers when under extreme stress

I think this sentence sums up the ENTJ best....
"The ENTJ does not usually have a problem with self-confidence and is not especially emotionally needy." So I'm guessing Alicia is an ENTJ too. :)

Evidentially the ENTJ is best matched with an INTP (Introverted Thinking with Extraverted Intuition) or an ISTP (Introverted Thinking with Extraverted Sensing). So if you know of any cute, rich INTP or ISTP boys...send them my way.

Well enough about me. Take the test and let me know what personality you are.

Adverbs, Adjectives, and Nouns...oh my!

This morning white fulfilling my habitual morning routine of watching the Today Show I learned about Mad Libs 50th Anniversary. No, I was not there for its induction into the world, but who hasn't spend hours on end of their childhood wracking their brains for justthe right adjective, proper noun, or adverb?!?!?!

In case you've been hiding under a rock for the past 50 years I'll fill you in on Mad Libs. According to Wikapedia, Mad Libs is a word game where one player prompts another for a list of words to substitute for blanks in a story; these word substitutions typically have a humorous effect when the story is then read aloud. Even though the game was actually invented in 1953 it wasn't published into books until 1958.

You can go to the official Mad Libs website and waste your day away playing Mad Libs. And, since I'm not creative enough to make up my own Mad Libs (potential fun-time round table game), I thought I'd share one I just did...

My words:

Adjective - jittery

Adjective - tan

Plural noun - dogs

Plural noun - pants
Adjective - yummy

Noun - spatula

Noun - Zebra

Plural noun - airplanes

Adjective - stingy

Name of person in room - Polly

Adjective - repulsive
Noun - doctor

Adjective - shaggy

Noun - apple

Plural noun - leaves

Adjective - tasteless

Adjective - damaged

Adjective - boring

So, here's my story...

Ladies and gentlemen, on this jittery occasion, it is a privilege to address such a/an tan-looking group of dogs. I can tell from your smiling pants that you will support my yummy program in the coming election. I promise that, if elected, there will be a/an spatula in every zebra and two airplanes in every garage. I want to warn you against my stingy opponent, Mr. Polly. This man is nothing but a/an repulsive doctor. He has a/an shaggy character and is working apple in glove with the criminal element. If elected, I promise to eliminate vice. I will keep the leaves in the public till. I promise you tasteless government, damaged taxes, and boring schools.

Loads of fun! Happy Mad Libbing!

Remember This

You can thank Lizzie for the random posting today. She always sends me the most random old Sesame Street and Muppet clips and for some reason it made me think of Fraggle Rock today. I used to love this show and actually still sing the theme song to this day. So, I thought I'd share it today. What did we ever do before YouTube?

Flip Flop Fiesta

I've just about given up on posting anything to my blog on Mondays...it's just too difficult. So, you'll have to settle for the weekend wrap up on Tuesday...I'm sure you're on pins and needles.

Saturday afternoon/evening Ashley, Katie, Wendy, Ted, and I hosted the Flip Flop Fiesta. We partied it Wendy's backyard late in the afternoon until early in the morning. The afternoon/evening was beautiful...you couldn't have asked for a better day. The party was complete with washers (boooo), venision burgers and sausage, festive fiesta apps, and my sangria...which was a big hit by the way (see Saturday's blog entry for recipe...I quadrupled it).

Because I think every party should benefit some sort of charity or non-profit, we decided to stay in the spirit and collect new or gently used flip flops for Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Yes, even the homeless and working poor deserve some fun-time spring flops. We filled the bucket with flops that I can't wait to pass out to my pals on the street.

The party got into full swing with a little eyebrown plucking, a few late night keg stands, a plank off (congrats Lizzie), and a little fire pit singalong.

You know us Austinites love any excuse for a party...so stay tuned until the next one. Click here for more pics from the Flip Flop Fiesta.

Party Prep

I've spent my Saturday morning preparing for our Flip Flop Fiesta. This afternoon/evening Wendy, Katie, Ash, Ted, and I are hosting the Flip Flop Fiesta at Wendy's in celebration of spring. We could not have ordered up a more beautiful day. Zero humidity, sunny, and in the 70s. Perfect. I'm bringing Shay's Corn Guacamole, 7 Layer Dip, and I'm trying a new sangria recipe. I'm really excited about the sangria...this one is sparkling....and you know how much I like bubbles! Here's the recipe I'm using. It's tasting pretty good, but I hope its a crowd pleaser tonight. Keep you posted.

Sparkling Sangria
Recipe courtesy Michael Chiarello/Food Network

1 cup brandy
1/2 cup orange liqueur
1/4 cup sugar, super fine
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 pint raspberries
1 lime, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 bottles sparkling wine or cava, chilled

In a large pitcher, combine the brandy, and orange liqueur. Pour in the sugar, stir or shake the pitcher thoroughly to mix until the sugar dissolves. Add all the fruit at once. Add the cava and serve as is or on ice.

Mrs. Langbein goes to Washington

I'm so proud of my Aunt Jan. I've known about this for several weeks now, but have had to keep my big ole mouth shut about it until now.

Many of you know my Aunt Jan...she's my dad's sister and is married to my mom's brother. (crazy family tree is avilable upon request). But, she is best known as the incomparable Executive Director of Genesis Women's Shelter in Dallas, where I used to work. I worked under at Genesis for about six years and she amazed me day in and day out. She has made Genesis into a well known, well respected, safe haven for women and children who seeks solice in a place that is free violence and judgment. She is tireless and her efforts have changed the lives of thousands of nameless, faceless victims of domestic violence.

Well friends, my incredible "Aunt Nonny" is moving up! I am incredibly proud to tell you that she has been appointed to be the new Senior Policy Advisor to the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women in Washington. She was appointed by the big guy himself...the President of the United States. Now, say what you want about President Bush, but the guy knows what he's doing with this one.

So, Jan will be off to Washington in just two short weeks. She'll take a leave of absence from her current role as ED of Genesis and serve the duration of the current administration.

Congratulations to Jan on this once in a lifetime opportunity. No doubt she will continue change the world.

I'm an asshole...well he is

And by "he" I mean a guy from work. I'm all hyped up over a situation with a guy from work, so I thought I'd share with you one of my fave bits from Denis Leary. I love this song...it instantly puts me in a better mood.

Happy Friday!

Hi, my name is Leigh and I'm an addict...

....to Tacodeli that is. Every morning I wake and crave these the scrumptious little tacos made by my friends over at Tacodeli. It is sad to say that, yes, they are on speed dial for easy accessibility. Each week I make a resolution to get my fix but twice a week and each week I fail...miserably. I guess its a good sign to admit it when you have a problem.

So, about 8:45 each morning as I drive south towards work, I place my call. If Catherine, Adolf (unfortunate name for a great guy), or Russell answers the phone, they say "your usual?" and I somewhat embarrassingly say yes. After the ten minute drive to Tacodeli for my to go back of yumminess. My order is a bit odd, but suits me just fine....two blancos (egg whites only) with black beans and tomatoes on corn tortillas with a side of their roja and dona (spicy) salsas for kick. YUMMORAMA!!!

Tacodeli also has delicious tacos for lunch, but its too embarrassing...even for me....to show up twice a day. If you have been before, you know what I mean. If you, haven't you are missing out. So, stop by soon and I'll see you tomorrow morning at Tacodeli.

An UnquenchableThirst

I have an unquenchable thirst....always have. My dad and brother seem to both suffer from this "ailment" as well. We are not really sippers, we are drinkers. No matter the beverage, I just can seem to get enough. In the spirit of my unquenchable thirst I thought I's share some of my favorite beverages...so let's just call this "My favorite things...the beverage edition."

First, I'll start with my pal Evian. How can I not? Evian and I have been dating for some time now. If you know anything about me you know that wherever I roam, a bottle of Evian (or 2) cannot be far behind. I prefer the large 32ozers...those mini ones hardly get the job done. And, just because I am far from normal, I prefer to drink my bottled water a special way...at room temperature. I typically keep at least a 6-pack in the trunk, so I can have a bottle right at my fingertips. I particularly love Evian because I think it is the smoothest water and it tastes great at room-temperature.

I also love me some iced tea. Not the sweet kind, but a crisply brewed iced tea. Nothing better than a perfectly brewed glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. Typically fried chicken places and BBQ joints have the best iced teas and my fave happens to be at Bubba's Fried Chicken in Dallas. When I lived there, I'd drive through Bubba's every morning for a "Large iced tea with extra lemon" and would sip on it throughout the morning. I've never been a coffee girl, I just reply on a big ole glass of tea to kick me into gear.

Next I'll have to address my addiction (and yes, it very well may be a true addiction) to Fresca. I have been a Fresca drinker for a long time and while I can't take credit for "starting it," I will take some credit for "bringing it back." I have been drinking Fresca since back in high school and since that time I pride myself on having gotten many and friend and coworker addicted. Fresca is so refreshing and I love the way it burns as it goes down your throat. I really love that it is a diet drink that doesn't taste like a diet drink and it that it has zero calories. But, best of all....its caffeine free...so I can drink it all hours of the day! And don't forget that it goes amazingly well with a little vodka and lime....a drink I've dubbed "The Leigh Leigh."

Speaking of vodka, I guess it's time to move on to booze. Vodka is definitely my liquor of choice. In fact, other than the tequila in a margarita I really don't drink any other liquor. You can pretty much guarantee when I'm sipping on a "big girl drink" its gonna be either Vodka/Soda or a nasty-dirty martini. My vodka of choice is Tito's...I think it's really smooth and has a nice hint of sweetness to it. Go perfect with soda, Fresca, or 7up.


Most people think a nice cold beer is the perfect complement to a hot summer day, but I happen to be a fan of the ice cold beer in the cold weather. Again, I know I'm strange, but hear me out. Now, I'm a Coors Light girl...I'll dabble in a Miller Light or a Shiner now and again and I've been known to partake in a themey mexican beer when apropos, but I'm a CL girl at heart. Anyway, my favorite place for a nice, frosty Coors Light is sitting around the fire pit at Hidden Valley Ranch, in a big old sweater and cowboy boots. To me, the summer is so freaking hot around here that no sooner do you open your beer..do you have to grab another one because its already hot. Ugh! Don't get me wrong though, as long as that CL is iced cold, I'm a happy girl...in just about any weather.
When it comes to wine, I'm a red girl. I really lean toward the smooth and fruity types....like a great Syrah or a nice Pinot, but I'm happy as a lark with a full bodied Cab. I'm partial to Italian reds and I am really into blends right now. Just don't give me something too dry or too "spicy." I love to try new wines and am thrilled when I stumble upon something great and inexpensive.


Well, last but certainly not least - bubbly. I am a champagne freak. I think it's appropriate for just about any occasion and almost nothing makes me happier than that sound of the cork being popped. Champagne is festive and fun and always puts me in a better mood. I think I have to thank The Coons (both the older and the younger) for introducing me to good champagne. I also have the thank The Coons (this time the older) for treating me to some oh so fabulous and over the top Krug Rose champagne once or twice. Now that's a treat. Even though my taste buds were spoiled, I do love to find a great inexpensive bottle of bubbly, but if I'm feeling extra festive I'll treat myself to a bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

Well folks, that about all I can swallow for now. Until next time...cheers!

Spring has sprung

There are many signs that spring has sprung in central Texas. Most of you know that I am a fall/winter fan, but I can appreciate spring with the best of them. I think I would appreciate it more if we actually got to experience more than a few weeks of spring....we Texans are used to about a month of spring and then we are on to the sweltering sweatiness of the summer...until about November. ARGH! But, I digress....here are some of the signs that spring has officially sprung....

(1) the weather is more crazy that usual....the temperature is all over the place, wind gusts out of no where, potential hail, and the random deluge of rain are among us. Fingers crossed that we miss out on the eerie green sky that often means that a tornado is looming

(2) Backyard parties are sprouting up everywhere....last week we had a crawfish party, tonight is Wine & Washers, next weekend is our Flip Flop Fiesta, etc, etc. Never a dull moment around here, and with the arrival of spring we will have a new "excuse" for many a party. And, although "Round Table" season is actually year round, the spring is when we really take to the back yard at the Wheelers.

(3) Wildflowers are everywhere. Each year it seems to happen almost overnight, but the wildflowers are popping up everywhere. The highways are filled with them and it is always such a nice treat to delight in their beauty while you twiddle your thumbs while stuck in traffic (sorry for the rant - -I couldn't resist). The bluebonnets are my favorites and since they are the state flower of Texas, I thought I'd share with you (or remind you of) the Legend of the Bluebonnet.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

My name is She-Who-Is-Alone. I am a Comanche Indian who lived in Texas a long time ago. When I lived in Texas, only Indians lived here. They call me She-Who-Is-Alone because my parents and the rest of my family died. They died during the drought, when it did not rain for a long time. Texas is very hot in the summer. Without rain, the crops do not grow. Without food, many people get sick and die. The horses and buffalo need water also.

When the drought came, we prayed to the Great Spirits for help. The people played the drums and danced to ask for help. Our leaders prayed also. They said, "Great Spirit, your people are dying. We need rain to grow the berries. We need food so we are strong enough to hunt the buffalo. End this drought. Tell us what we must do so you will send the rain."

One of the leaders said that the Great Spirits wanted us to make a sacrifice. That meant that everyone had to give up their most valuable possession.

I went back to my tipi to think about what I should do. I only had one thing that I loved—it was my little doll. My doll was special because my grandmother made it for me. It was made from buffalo skin. The face was painted with the juice of berries. On its head were beautiful blue feathers from a bird. I did not want to lose my doll. It was the only thing I had left from my family.

I fell asleep in the tipi. When I woke up, it was dark. I knew what I had to do. I picked up my doll and crept out to the fire.

The night was very still. The air was hot. I kissed my doll and said, "O Great Spirit, here is my doll. It is the only thing I have. It is very special. Please send the rain." Then I thought about all of the people who would die without rain, and I threw my doll into the fire.

I watched the fire until it grew cold. Then, I scooped up some ashes and threw them to the Winds.

When I woke up the next morning, I couldn't believe what I saw. The hills were covered with beautiful blue flowers, the same color as my doll's feathers.

Everyone in the village saw the flowers. They knew they were a sign from the Great Spirit. Soon it started to rain and everyone danced. They even changed my name from "She-Who-Is-Alone" to "One-Who-Dearly-Loves-Her-People."

Every spring, the Great Spirit remembers my sacrifice and covers Texas with the beautiful blue flowers. The flowers are called bluebonnets.

Slacky Slacksalot

I know, I know.....I'm a slacker. Ash told me today that she better not see Sex And The City as the lead story on my blog when she looks at it tomorrow....so in an effort to please my pal...here I am. Things have been a tad on the nutty side...ok, nuttier than usual. Just really busy at work. Here's a quickie on what's been going on in the land of Leigh.

Last Friday night, a crew of us gathered at the Wheelers to watch the UT basketball game. After the UT win, we took to the back yard for a little round tabling where we were entertained for hours by our dear friend Christy...who was on fire that night. I especially enjoyed her drive along Pecos in Emma's toy jeep. Classic....if only I had a picture of that.


Saturday I met Sara and Ash for a yummy lunch at 34th Street Cafe to recap the happenings from the night before. After lunch we decided that we needed to come up with a couture cocktail to take to the crawfish boil we were headed to that afternoon. We went back to my house and brewed up a mixture of Blood Orange Italian Soda and Vodka. It was dangerously delicious and the perfect complement to the warm afternoon.



We hit the crawfish party around 3 and met up with Wendy, Mike, Renee, Caroline, Andrew, et al. We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon from the comfort of a nice new softball chair (thanks Ash). As the sun went down, we packed our things and headed for dinner at Maudie's where we met up with Jennifer and Gentry. After din din we headed to the usual haunts...Star Bar then Key Bar. It was such a fun filled busy day that I decided to call it an early night ad headed home before the stroke of midnight. Click here for a few more pics from the crawfish party.

I milked Sunday morning as long as I could...by watching movies and lounging in bed all morning. I met Ash for a late lunch at Matt's and then headed to Round Top to meet up with my mom for a little antiquing. For those who aren't familiar with Round Top....twice a year this tiny town plays host to a giant antique fair with dealers from all over the globe. My mom and friends hit it hard every fall and spring. It's a little over an hour away from Austin, so when she's down in the vicinity I like to take advantage of it and see her...plus she might even buy me a treat or two. Here are a couple of pics from Round Top, but click here to see a few more.

So, folks...that was the weekend. My apologies for the tardiness of my weekend wrap up....I promise to be better from here on out. Happy hump day!