In the Midst of Boredom, I've Found My Strengths

Hugh Marlboro hasn't been at work for the past 2 days. Also, about half our office is out for some reason, either out of town in South Africa or running around trying to get things in order for the payment of salaries.

Not surprisingly, I am bored. And since it's been a slow day, as are my remaining colleagues in the office with me.

I arrived at work to find that someone had cut a fire lily, a purple-hued cluster flower that looks like chives, and a bit of fern from the garden in front of the warehouse and placed them in a nicely arranged minimalist bouquet in a water glass on my desk. It is a nice feeling to know that someone went out of their way just to make my day a bit more colorful and pleasant.

This morning was spent checking e-mail, organizing my desk and looking at photos of cowboy boots on the internet with Ahmed, Nacho and Versace. All of the boys have requested that I bring them "texanas" from the US. I find this endlessly amusing, especially after seeing that they are most interested in the pointy-toed, embellished, fashion-forward boots. We spent about 40 minutes looking at boots, each photo greeted with a group critique of the nice and undesireable characteristics of each pair.

So, after looking at boots, I decided to take an internet quiz that I found through my friend Vanessa. According to the 240 question quiz, here are my Signature Strengths:

1. Capacity to love and be loved
You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.

2. Curiosity and interest in the world
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.

3. Appreciation of beauty and excellence
You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.

4. Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

5. Forgiveness and mercy
You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.

And, just in case you were wondering, my bottom strengths were "Modesty and humility" and "Self-control and self-regulation". Yes, I can be arrogant and out-of-control with my impulses. I totally admit this. :)

For those of you who know me, what do you think? Is this a reasonable assessment of my character strengths?