Howlin Mad’s Day Off

Oh, I’m sorry. I can’t come to the door right now. I’m afraid that in my weakened condition, I could take a nasty spill down the stairs and subject myself to further school absences.~from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

I hate being sick. In fact there are few things I hate worse, among them being subjected to a Barry Manilow concert or having to go to the DMV. Turns out I am grievously sick, and on my weekend off. How unfair is that? I can’t even break out my creatively scripted excuses or lick my own palms. Pathetic.

So, I decided to come up with yet another treat for you, my loyal readers (and no, I am not sharing this nasty little virus). I decided to give you guys a sneak preview of my Big Kahuna project, the one I’ve been working on in dribs and drabs for the past year or so. I hope to have it done by the end of this year. What is it, you ask?

Many of you know of my lingering obsession with The A-Team. Goofy, and a bit childish? Yeah. But there’s a bit more to it than that. When I look at the show, I see four very different personality types working together. That’s what my book is really about (and there’s a lot of stuff about autism in there, too).  The manuscript starts off with a personality type quiz so the readers can learn more about their own type: Leader, Gluer, Creator, or Doer. The best part is, this quiz is completely free. No obligation to jump through a bunch of hoops or subscribe to anybody’s spammer site. And it’s a quiz I’ve specifically created for my book…so consider yourself a guinea pig here.

This, as it turns out, is one of the things I do on my days off when I’m too sick to go to the top of the Sears Tower.

“What’s My Personality Type, Fool?”

1. Your dream vacation destination is:

a) Thrilling, hopefully with some action sports or high-stakes gambling

b) Romantic and classic, maybe an urban penthouse or condo by the beach

c) A place with talking cartoon animals and lots of fun stuff to do

d) Irrelevant, as long as good friends and family are around

2. Two big guys approach you late at night. They’re pretty suspicious and your car is too far away. You:

a) Stall a bit, then take them both out with the weapon I always carry

b) Get away, even if I have to run; you don’t want trouble

c) Feign a seizure or heart attack, then call 911 when they’re not looking

d) Bull-rush them. They’re no match for you, fool

3. Your aunt dies and leaves you a million dollars. You:

a) Live your dream and grab something snazzy and expensive, like a fast car or season tickets to your favorite team

b) Put some away for a rainy day, but spend some on a treat for yourself or your significant other

c) Use it to open an unexpected, off-the-wall business, like vintage clothing or used books

d) Donate most of it to charity; there are people who need it a lot more than you

4. Someone else is trying to undermine you at work and steal your ideas. What do you do?

a) Take it into your own hands, only talking to your boss if necessary…nobody does that to you

b) Talk to your co-worker. It’s probably a misunderstanding and you know you can work it out

c) Fight fire with fire and undermine him/her right back…you know all the tricks in the book

d) Write an email to the boss, and if that doesn’t work, to the next boss up. You want to nip this thing in the bud

5. How would you describe your taste in clothing?

a) I like a blend of style and practicality

b) I’m on the cutting edge of fashion

c) What? Who says you can’t wear plaid with polka dots?

d) I create my own style. Besides, I’m more about comfort

6. If you were an animal, you’d be:

a) a tiger

b) a swan

c) a chimpanzee

d) a horse

7. The best revenge is:

a) Knowing that you are so much better than the person who wronged you

b) I don’t believe in revenge, it’s “forgive but don’t forget” to me

c) Playing a wonderful practical joke on someone

d) Served cold

8. Your romantic partner calls it quits after a long relationship. How do you react?

a) I’m initially upset, but I know there are other fish in the sea, and I move on

b) Devastated. I’ll do anything to get him/her back

c) Try and ignore the pain, using alcohol as necessary

d) Work off the disappointment at the gym or the track

9. You are offered a job at your local airport. Your first choice is:

a) Security agent…someone has to do it

b) Flight attendant…it’s a good way to meet people

c) Pilot…I can’t think of a better way to see the world

d) Mechanic…I’m a little scared to fly

10. What types of movies are you always most eager to watch?

a) Action thrillers

b) Romantic comedies

c) Sci-fi/fantasy

d) Inspiring true stories

11. You are in charge of cooking for a dinner party. What type of main dish do you prepare?

a) An elegant classic, like prime rib or chicken cordon bleu

b) Something you know everyone already likes, with a vegetarian dish just in case

c) An unexpected and exotic recipe you found in a travel magazine

d) A tried and true family recipe

12. Which of these foreign destinations would you most like to visit?

a) Australia

b) Italy

c) Thailand

d) Canada

13. A homeless person asks you for money. What is your typical response?

a) Keep walking; they probably want the money for booze or drugs

b) Give some money and refer him/her to the local shelter

c) Explain that you just gave the last homeless person money

d) Give him/her whatever money you have and a word of encouragement

14. At parties, you’re most likely to brag about your:

a) Latest promotion at work

b) Romantic conquests

c) Esoteric skills, like speaking a foreign language

d) Kids or spouse…you’re not much of a braggart

15. If you had to choose a superpower, it would be:

a) Flight

b) Mind-reading

c) Shape-shifting

d) Super strength

16. If you could go back in time and meet one of these famous people, it would be:

a) George Washington

b) Princess Diana

c) Albert Einstein

d) Dr. Martin Luther King

Mostly “A”

John (Hannibal) Smith: “The Leader”

Even if you don’t have a type-A personality, you are a born leader. Others look to you for strength and guidance. You say what you mean and mean what you say. You also have the gift of making the most of others’ strengths. Just be careful of getting too confident, and you’ll find most of your plans come together.

Mostly “B”

Templeton (Face) Peck: “The Gluer”

Don’t let that pretty face fool anyone…you are strong in more ways than one. You’re the one who holds everything together with your diplomacy, level head, and talent for knowing just what to say. You could sell the proverbial Frigidaire to Eskimos and you know it. Those of the opposite sex find you irresistible. Just make sure you remember what you said to whom…and use honesty first.

Mostly “C”

H.M. (Howlin’ Mad) Murdock: “The Creator”

No team would be complete without you. You’re the fun-loving, inspired, eccentric genius who never quite grew up. When the going gets tough, though, you’re always there to help pull things together. During tense moments you’re always there to remind everyone not to take things too seriously. Be proud of your differences and march to your own beat…just remember that not everyone sees the world as colorfully as you.

Mostly “D”

B.A. Baracus: “The Doer”

Calling you the “muscle” of your team is putting it too lightly. You’re the one who always takes matters into his/her own hands, because that’s the right way to do it. You have a soft spot for those in need, like kids and the elderly, and they’re going to get a fair deal when you’re around. You may be soft-spoken but you’re nobody’s fool. In fact, you tend to have no patience for fools. Just remember that it’s okay to let your guard down sometimes.

And I’d love to hear how you, the readers, scored on this test…any questions you think should be added or deleted? This book project is a labor of love and I’d enjoy any feedback on it.

Coming this week: Your Burning Questions answered and the kickoff of another cool project. I’d also like to add that this stomach virus has thoroughly whipped me, so we may be on hiatus for a day or two.

As always, if you liked this post…click that “Like” button and add us to your subscription list!

~ by Howlin' Mad Heather on March 10, 2012.