Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater
1. Name: Mary
2. Age: 25
Remember to explain why/elaborate on the following questions.
3. Have you read all 6 Harry Potter Books? Which book was your favorite?
I have read all six books, both the American and British versions, because I just couldn't stand to think I'd miss something. If my German was better, I probably would have read the German versions too, because I really like the covers. Goblet of Fire was always my favorite book. Honestly, I think I appreciated Harry starting to grow up and act on his own a little, and part of my liked him fighting with Ron. Maybe I just like to torture poor Harry. I'm also a big Weasley fan and it was nice to see Bill and Charlie around. I absolutely adored getting a look at other wizarding schools and the expansion of the HP universe. The scene with the twins trying to get their names into the Goblet is still one of my favorites out of any of the books. Goblet of Fire will always hold a dear place in my heart.
However, I think Half Blood Prince has finally beat it out. I love the minor characters in Harry Potter. Odd, I know, but I think that they add so much depth. And there were so many introduced in HBP. I do admit to having a few qualms. There are parts that feel they evolved straight out of fanfiction. Romances didn't develop. I can see that in the younger generation, as we've all had those "oh we just met and now we're dating but we're going to be broken up next week" type things in high school. However, I would have liked more evolution of Remus and Tonks. I found Bill and Fleur to be utterly amusing though. Fleur is a character I truly love for her vanity. She always makes me laugh, even when I think she doesn't necessarily mean to do so. But I think I could have lived my entire life without hearing Ron called "won won." Seriously, I wouldn't mind. I did love the introduction of the horcruxes though. I'm big on Harry Potter theories, and this thrilled me beyond belief. I've now got something to occupy me until the next book comes out.
I think there was so much more character evolution in Half Blood Prince. I mean, Draco Malfoy cried! I was sure his tear ducts were removed at birth. It seems like a very Malfoy thing to do. I never thought I would see Narcissa bedraggled and pleading. And Dumbledore, through both the fifth and the sixth book, has become less of an omniscient deity and more human. Then again, it may just be that we see things through Harry's eyes, and he's growing up, so he's seeing that Dumbledore isn't perfect. Harry had such blind faith in him when he was a child, and it's only throw growing up and seeing that Dumbledore did make mistakes, especially regarding him, that Harry, and thus us as the readers, can see the humanization of him. I also admit, I liked Ron and Hermione's snarky fighting. Yes, I like snarky. When the birds attacked Ron, I had a good five minutes of convulsive laughing. I'd love to be able to do something like that to a few people!
4. Which house qualities do you value most?
I have to admit, it bothers me when people think that certain attributes are exclusive to certain houses. There are people outide of Slytherin who are ambitious. It's not just Hufflepuffs who are loyal. I think certain qualities are valued more, however it's not an absolute. That being said, I proceed. I obviously value ambition. I'm a very determined person. Anyone who knows me can tell you that. I'm completely stubborn and when I set my mind to something, it gets done. I think ambition is something you can't get by without in life. If we weren't at least a little ambitious, we'd all be sitting on the couch scratching ourselves in unseemly ways, though no offense to those of you who are at the moment. :-) I think ambition must be tempered with justice, which is where Hufflepuff would come in. You can succeed without stepping on everyone, though really, sometimes people do need stepped on. But you have to be able to decide when it's ok. That's a bit justice and a bit loyalty. You don't step on your friends. And you don't step on people who don't deserve it. But if someone tries to step on you...step harder. I think the Ravenclaw quality I admire most is wit. Life would be boring with sheer intellect and no wit. Aristotle said that wit is educated insolence, and I love insolence! It's such a hedonistic indulgence, and what's better than hedonism? I haven't forgotten my lovely Gryffindors. I know it's often said, but I do so admire the brave. As one who was once painfully shy, it's taken me quite some time to master bravery, and I still have moments of doubt, though you'd never know it if you met me. Honestly, how many occassions have you wished you had the guts to do something? Gryffindors do. You have to respect that. All in all though, I don't think you could survive with just the qualities of any one house. They all compliment one another and work to make a well-rounded person. Someone who could master a bit of each of the houses would indeed go far in life, especially in any type of career that put them in the limelight (ie politicians, actors, etc).
5. What are your pet peeves?
Oh, what a list. I shall list them as Mary's levels of hell.
6. Based from your personality, what kind of Animagus would you be? (The animal chooses you, you don’t choose it.)
Oh that's hard to say. I'm often compared with a cat do to my rather fickle temperment. When I'm sweet, I'm often called a pussy cat. When I'm mean, I'm often called a hellcat. My favorite shirt even says "kitten with a mean streak". However, as an animagus, I don't think I'd be something along the housecat line of felines. Nothing domesticated. I'm barely domesticated so my animagus wouldn't be. I would probably be something along the lines of a sand cat. They're solitary creatures, nocturnal by nature, and have acute hearing and ultra sonic sensitivity so they can stalk prey both above and below ground. They're survivors, able to survive without water in the desert living only off the fluids of their prey. They stalk even the most venemous of desert snakes without fear and prey far larger than themselves, even burying their larger prey to come back at later dates. They mature early, depending on only themselves. And they're darn cute too! So yeah, I think that's probably the closest I could come to figuring out my animagus myself.
7. What shape would your Boggart take? (Remember: Your Boggart takes the shape of the thing that you fear the most.)
That would probably be me, alone and old, in a state of disrepair synonymous with failure at life. That's probably my biggest fear - not succeeding. It's not a matter of not succeeding at this one task, but life overall. Every failure is like a tick on the permanent record of life and, I swear, after so many you lose! So failing at anything is kind of the same as failing at everything to me. And I don't think there's anything worse to be perceived as incapable of success. I think, over time, the Boggart could take many forms, but they would all come back to failure. It would probably be whatever task was looming over my head the most at the time. Totally screwing up a job interview. Failing school. Being fired. I could see the Boggart being any of those. So as to what exact shape it would take, that's difficult. It'd depend on the events. But I've told you what the Boggart would represent, so hopefully that's enough. It's such a difficult question. I think what you fear the most changes over time. If you'd asked me when I was a child, I had no concept of failure. It probably would have been a snake. If you ask me in a few more years, it may not be failure. I may have learned to deal with the fear of failure and it may be something else. I think your twenties are a time when you're expected to prove yourself, and everyone around you is so focused on the task that you're pulled into the fray. If you don't prove yourself now, it's like you run out of time. But after you prove yourself? Who's to say. I guess I'll know when I get there.
8. What do you worry about the most and why? (Note: This is not the same thing that your Boggart becomes. Your biggest fear and your biggest worry are two different things.)
I have generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder which, let me tell you, are good combinations. What I worry about the most is literally worrying. I can worry myself into a frenzy over nothing and the more I worry, the more extreme things get. I start out worry about something mundane, like laundry, and next thing you know, I think no one likes me, I suck at my job, I'm a failure at life, and there's no point doing anything other than sitting on my couch eating chocolate and crying. Luckily I'm spunky enough that I can talk myself out of that most of the time before things get that extreme, and there's always medication if I worry until I get a panic attack. But I worry about worrying and the consequences. I don't know how many of you have ever had a real panic attack, but it's scary. And when you know what triggers it, you try not to do that. In my case, it's anxiety. Only when you're anxious about being anxious it's a vicious cycle!
The only other thing I can say I honestly worry about are my friends. I'm an Army brat and have quite a few friends in Iraq. My stepdad has been twice now. My best friend is there now. And I've lost quite a few friends in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's not as bad here as it is in Europe. When I'm visiting my mum or when I was in school over the summer in Paris, I could read Stars and Stripes. They put a list in every day of soldiers who've died. It's a daunting task to read the list knowing you've seen the names of people you care about on there more than once. You always turn there first and hold your breath while you scan the names and hope. When my stepdad and Foster aren't there, it's not quite so bad. You lose people you've cared for and it hurts. But when it's someone you know will take a large piece of you with them if anything should happen, it's scary. So yeah...I worry about that. Alot.
9. Would you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?
Yes, yes, yes! I would probably do it without even thinking because I couldn't stand not to at least compete. After I put my name in the Goblet, I'd worry about the consequences and I wouldn't be sorely disappointed if I wasn't chosen. However to not put my name in would be like admitting that everyone else was better than I am, and that wouldn't happen. However, if I was chosen, then it'd just mean that I had new people to compete with, so I'd definitely rise to the challenge. I like to be in control, and I'd tackle the tournament the same way.
10. What do you believe is the greatest weapon you possess? How, why, and when would you use it?
I would have to say highly refined wit combined with biting sarcasm. I have a dry sense of humour which I can temper to charm people, or let loose should someone insult me or those whom I care for in any way. I've rarely in my life had to resort to any sort of physical violence, as I've found that the right combination of words can usually cause more pain. Whoever said sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me was obviously never around the right kind of people. I'm an emotional person, though I compartmentalize well, and I take words more seriously than anything else. I think when you respect words, it gives you more power over the language as a whole. Anyone who's ever seen me mad can tell you what a scary sight it is. On the flip side, I obviously read in abundance. I'm well-versed and can be quite the charmer when I wish to be. And I've got a particular gift to turn anything into a dirty joke.
11. Would you ever want to be a prefect?
Definitely. As I said, I like to have a leadership role. I think I've been that way all my life. I was a peer helper in high school. I organized study groups for hard classes. I'm forever organizing and reordering things. I've always found it a more plausible way to harness my nature. If you're in a leadership position and make an honest effort to be fair it works better than being the disgruntled bossy girl.
12. What quality do you admire above all others? Do you feel that it is a quality you or the people you surround yourself with possess?
I amdire people who really enjoy life. People who aren't just along for the ride, but direct the way. I admire people who aren't afraid to take chances. There's a lyric by The Postal Service: I want so badly to believe that "there is truth, that love is real". And I want life in every word to the extent that it's absurd. That's always appealed to me. To have life in every word is a dream. It's living your life with meaning. I don't want to drift through life. I want to see things. I want to do things. I want to create things that will be remembered. As for being surrounded with people like that, to a large extent, yes. Many of my friends are more laid back than I. I mean, anyone just like me WITH me would be a little scary. But I go to art school and I'm immersed in a very creative cross-section of people. And to be paying like $27,000 a year to go to art school, we obviously take risks! Because you know everyone wants to hire someone with a degree from art school as soon as we graduate, right?
13. What are the worst qualities that you believe a person can possess? Why do you feel this way?
I detest liars and people who cheat in relationships. I think the lieing part because I'm an extremely blunt person. I always figure people are going to either like me or not, and I'm not changing who I am so they at least get the honest look at me. But I hate it when people tell you what you want to hear rather than what they really think. As for cheating, I think you should have the balls to leave if you aren't happy. Cheating is just weak. If you commit to something, you follow through. It's giving your word. And if you give your word to be exclusively with a person, you're with that person. If you can't handle that, then you tell them, openly and honestly, and move on. It's healthier for all parties involved. Hmm...I guess it goes back to lieing really. So be good...don't lie! Not that there aren't times when little white lies are necessary, mind you. I needed to add that as a personal disclaimer. Because if my mom says "do I look fat in this?", unless she totally shouldn't be leaving the house in it (and really, you have to save your mom and your best friend...it's required), I'm probably going to say "no, you look fine." Because there is a line between being blunt and being rude.
14. If you were to look into the Mirror of Erised, what would you see?
I would see myself in the future, having graduated from school and worked on a few really good pictures, hopefully with an Oscar for visual effects on a film (you know...the part of the Oscars most of you don't watch and you wish those people would get off the stage? that's me!). I'd be settled in Europe, teaching somewhere like SCAD Lacoste. Some sort of laid back art school either in France or England...maybe Italy. I'd have a husband and children. No white picket fence, but a place near the beach would be nice! I'd have a garden and a place to write a book and paint. A darkroom wouldn't hurt either.
15. How many people do you consider true friends? What qualities do they have that are important to you? Why are they your friends?
I have very very few true friends. I have an amazingly large set of aquaintances, but true friends I could count on my fingers and still have some left. My friends are really varied, but I can say two things that are common among all of them. The first being that they're funny. When we're together, we're that group of people in restaurants that drive people insane. We all have the dirtiest minds you could possibly encounter and it's constant laughs. Several of us usually end up in tears. And if there's alcohol involved, watch out! We made some of the people at dragoncon look boring this year! The second characteristic they all have is the fact that they're loyal. I know my friends would do anything for me and I'd do anything for them. If I got a flat tire at 4 in the morning hours from home, one of my friends would show up to help. They may grumble, but they'd be there. And if I have to leave work to go to Donut Connection to get one of my friends because her truck died, I'll go. All of the people I consider "true friends" are spectacular people who I love with all my heart. We're all different, but we click to form this perfect symbiote. We have the most fun together. But if anything's wrong, we're right there for eachother.
16. What are your thoughts on Voldemort?
Oh how to sum up Voldemort. He's the superhero to some and the ultimate villain to others. Just like most major political figures, he is (or at least once was) enigmatic enough to draw a strong support base by compelling to the strong emotions held by one particular group of people. He's obviously extremely intelligent. He achieved things that no one has ever done before. He was an orphan but even when Dumbledore found him with no formal magical training and no actual concept of what magic really was, he was able to control his powers, and already using them to gain what he wanted from everyone. He was handsome and charming when he was young, yet he was never attached to anyone. He's always out for his own motives. I've heard people say they pity Voldemort, but I don't at all. He was his own creation. From a very young age, he'd determined what he wanted to be. Not necessarily "I want to grow up to be Lord Voldemort and commit genocide on mass levels", but that he wanted to be someone of singular power, in a position to do as he pleased and to have people see him as something great. I think Dumbledore made it clear to Harry that, to beat him, he must understand him. And understanding Voldemort will be a tricky task. And he's going to have to outsmart Voldemort as well.
17. What do you think are your main 3 characteristics?
Artistic - I'm a visual effects major, but I was torn between that, graphic design, and photography. I'm minoring in interactive game design. The good thing about art school is that you get to take classes that cover such a wide variety of interests. I helped run a graphic design community on LJ for a very long period of time (amazing designs if anyone remembers it!). I also maintain several websites. I'm a web DJ on Night Right Radio and have a great time with that! I love photography, especially medium format, and I like developing my own negatives and making my own prints. I also like to paint and photo-journal. I write, though I rarely share most of my writing. Most of my art revolves around art in some degree. And don't even get me started on music. This summer I went to Live 8 in Paris, V Fest, Glouchestershire, Rock-am-Ring, and a few other music fests through the summer in Europe. And yes, I loved it.
Funny - I know quite a few people in sorting hat who can back me up on this one. I can be quite amusing, and usually am. I like to be around people (though I do require solo time as well) and I love a good joke. My mind is in the gutter 99.9% of the time, and you'll be suprised at how fast I can turn anything you say into something funny. Life's meant to be lived and enjoyed, and I enjoy mine!
Ambitious - I went from pre-law in school to visual effects in art school. Both are high demanding fields. I've always taken a leadership role both at school and work. I always feel more comfortable when I can at least have some say in what's going on. I've never been a follower. I've always made my own path and I don't see that changing any time soon.
18. What house do you feel you belong in?
I think I could belong to just about any house. I have qualities that match several houses and could be an asset to any. I'm often told by people what house I belong in, and it's never the same house! So I honestly don't know where I belong. I'm leaving myself in your capable hands and hoping you can decide where I fit.
19. "Blood or water" - Which is more important; friends or family?
My true friends are like my family, especially since my mom moved to Europe. When it comes down to casual friends, I'd definitely pick family. But my "family type friends" are who I've spent the holidays with the last year. They're the ones who have actually been there for my birthday. They're the ones I have weekly meals with. They're the first people I call when something happens, good or bad. So I'm sure you can see my dilemma. I love them both, but at this stage in my life, my friends are my support network.
20. How did you find out about us? (House points are given to users who refer you here.)
Everyone at several RPs including Nichole, Jackie, Ariel, Lauren, Lacey, and Rosie. I've heard about what a fun place this is, so here I am!
2. Age: 25
Remember to explain why/elaborate on the following questions.
3. Have you read all 6 Harry Potter Books? Which book was your favorite?
I have read all six books, both the American and British versions, because I just couldn't stand to think I'd miss something. If my German was better, I probably would have read the German versions too, because I really like the covers. Goblet of Fire was always my favorite book. Honestly, I think I appreciated Harry starting to grow up and act on his own a little, and part of my liked him fighting with Ron. Maybe I just like to torture poor Harry. I'm also a big Weasley fan and it was nice to see Bill and Charlie around. I absolutely adored getting a look at other wizarding schools and the expansion of the HP universe. The scene with the twins trying to get their names into the Goblet is still one of my favorites out of any of the books. Goblet of Fire will always hold a dear place in my heart.
However, I think Half Blood Prince has finally beat it out. I love the minor characters in Harry Potter. Odd, I know, but I think that they add so much depth. And there were so many introduced in HBP. I do admit to having a few qualms. There are parts that feel they evolved straight out of fanfiction. Romances didn't develop. I can see that in the younger generation, as we've all had those "oh we just met and now we're dating but we're going to be broken up next week" type things in high school. However, I would have liked more evolution of Remus and Tonks. I found Bill and Fleur to be utterly amusing though. Fleur is a character I truly love for her vanity. She always makes me laugh, even when I think she doesn't necessarily mean to do so. But I think I could have lived my entire life without hearing Ron called "won won." Seriously, I wouldn't mind. I did love the introduction of the horcruxes though. I'm big on Harry Potter theories, and this thrilled me beyond belief. I've now got something to occupy me until the next book comes out.
I think there was so much more character evolution in Half Blood Prince. I mean, Draco Malfoy cried! I was sure his tear ducts were removed at birth. It seems like a very Malfoy thing to do. I never thought I would see Narcissa bedraggled and pleading. And Dumbledore, through both the fifth and the sixth book, has become less of an omniscient deity and more human. Then again, it may just be that we see things through Harry's eyes, and he's growing up, so he's seeing that Dumbledore isn't perfect. Harry had such blind faith in him when he was a child, and it's only throw growing up and seeing that Dumbledore did make mistakes, especially regarding him, that Harry, and thus us as the readers, can see the humanization of him. I also admit, I liked Ron and Hermione's snarky fighting. Yes, I like snarky. When the birds attacked Ron, I had a good five minutes of convulsive laughing. I'd love to be able to do something like that to a few people!
4. Which house qualities do you value most?
I have to admit, it bothers me when people think that certain attributes are exclusive to certain houses. There are people outide of Slytherin who are ambitious. It's not just Hufflepuffs who are loyal. I think certain qualities are valued more, however it's not an absolute. That being said, I proceed. I obviously value ambition. I'm a very determined person. Anyone who knows me can tell you that. I'm completely stubborn and when I set my mind to something, it gets done. I think ambition is something you can't get by without in life. If we weren't at least a little ambitious, we'd all be sitting on the couch scratching ourselves in unseemly ways, though no offense to those of you who are at the moment. :-) I think ambition must be tempered with justice, which is where Hufflepuff would come in. You can succeed without stepping on everyone, though really, sometimes people do need stepped on. But you have to be able to decide when it's ok. That's a bit justice and a bit loyalty. You don't step on your friends. And you don't step on people who don't deserve it. But if someone tries to step on you...step harder. I think the Ravenclaw quality I admire most is wit. Life would be boring with sheer intellect and no wit. Aristotle said that wit is educated insolence, and I love insolence! It's such a hedonistic indulgence, and what's better than hedonism? I haven't forgotten my lovely Gryffindors. I know it's often said, but I do so admire the brave. As one who was once painfully shy, it's taken me quite some time to master bravery, and I still have moments of doubt, though you'd never know it if you met me. Honestly, how many occassions have you wished you had the guts to do something? Gryffindors do. You have to respect that. All in all though, I don't think you could survive with just the qualities of any one house. They all compliment one another and work to make a well-rounded person. Someone who could master a bit of each of the houses would indeed go far in life, especially in any type of career that put them in the limelight (ie politicians, actors, etc).
5. What are your pet peeves?
Oh, what a list. I shall list them as Mary's levels of hell.
- Purgatory will be those who talk on their cell phones loudly while in my store (yes, I work retail) asking for help. I do not want to know who dumped who or, even worse, about your most recent doctor's appointment. Some things should be kept in private; not to mention, you should have enough respect for someone who is trying to help you to give them your undivided attention. Shame on you!
- Level 1 of Mary's Levels of Hell goes to people who come into my store, where I sell CD's, without knowing the name of the artist, the song, or anything about it. Then expect me to know because such and such channel plays it all the time. Or who want to buy a movie that they don't know with that girl in it who was on an episode of that show once with the doctors and why don't I know this? Seriously, if you don't know, how am I going to?
- Level 2 of Mary's Levels of Hell goes to people who give you slow service at fast food restaurants. Seriously, it's FAST food. If there's a line, I understand. But if I'm the only person there and I'm waiting twenty minutes for something common, you aren't doing your job. Stop flirting and start cooking.
- Level 3 of Mary's Levels of Hell goes to people at bars who think it's fun to mosh to music that is NOT moshable and bump into you, thus spilling your drink. Warning: I will stomp back.
- Level 4 of Mary's Levels of Hell goes to people who render incompetent service. I don't. You shouldn't. If you aren't well trained enough to know your job, you should still be a trainee and not on your own.
- Level 5 of Mary's Levels of Hell goes to anyone who sits next to me on an airplane and talks to me after I've visibly put my headphones on, pulled my blanket up, put an eye mask on, or any combination of the three. Seriously, I sleep on long flights. Let me.
- Level 6 of Mary's Levels of Hell goes to people who post an answer to an RP thread of mine then never answer again! We all have lives and often have to go in the middle of threads, but even if it takes a week, you pick it back up. Yes, long threads do sometimes peter off, but when you commit to starting a thread and ditch it barely into it, it also prevents others from answering many times. So not cool.
- Level 7 of Mary's Levels of Hell goes to anyone who repeatedly asks me to repeat myself. I HATE to repeat things and if you didn't pay enough attention the first time, why should I pay enough attention to you to repeat it? If you're a friend, I may repeat once, but if anyone requests anything over that, be prepared for wrath.
- Level 8 of Mary's Levels of Hell goes to College Financial Aid officers. Enough said. >.<
- Level 9 of Mary's Levels of Hell goes to people who drive slow in the fast lane. It's called the fast lane for a reason! Get over!
- Mary's Special Level of Hell...movie talkers. You should be tortured. I'm not talking about an occassional whisper (and I mean whisper) to your friend if they don't mind. But if I can hear you over the LOUD volume of the theater, you're not whispering! And if you have your cell phone on, answer, and hold a conversation, you deserve more torture than even I can give.
6. Based from your personality, what kind of Animagus would you be? (The animal chooses you, you don’t choose it.)
Oh that's hard to say. I'm often compared with a cat do to my rather fickle temperment. When I'm sweet, I'm often called a pussy cat. When I'm mean, I'm often called a hellcat. My favorite shirt even says "kitten with a mean streak". However, as an animagus, I don't think I'd be something along the housecat line of felines. Nothing domesticated. I'm barely domesticated so my animagus wouldn't be. I would probably be something along the lines of a sand cat. They're solitary creatures, nocturnal by nature, and have acute hearing and ultra sonic sensitivity so they can stalk prey both above and below ground. They're survivors, able to survive without water in the desert living only off the fluids of their prey. They stalk even the most venemous of desert snakes without fear and prey far larger than themselves, even burying their larger prey to come back at later dates. They mature early, depending on only themselves. And they're darn cute too! So yeah, I think that's probably the closest I could come to figuring out my animagus myself.
7. What shape would your Boggart take? (Remember: Your Boggart takes the shape of the thing that you fear the most.)
That would probably be me, alone and old, in a state of disrepair synonymous with failure at life. That's probably my biggest fear - not succeeding. It's not a matter of not succeeding at this one task, but life overall. Every failure is like a tick on the permanent record of life and, I swear, after so many you lose! So failing at anything is kind of the same as failing at everything to me. And I don't think there's anything worse to be perceived as incapable of success. I think, over time, the Boggart could take many forms, but they would all come back to failure. It would probably be whatever task was looming over my head the most at the time. Totally screwing up a job interview. Failing school. Being fired. I could see the Boggart being any of those. So as to what exact shape it would take, that's difficult. It'd depend on the events. But I've told you what the Boggart would represent, so hopefully that's enough. It's such a difficult question. I think what you fear the most changes over time. If you'd asked me when I was a child, I had no concept of failure. It probably would have been a snake. If you ask me in a few more years, it may not be failure. I may have learned to deal with the fear of failure and it may be something else. I think your twenties are a time when you're expected to prove yourself, and everyone around you is so focused on the task that you're pulled into the fray. If you don't prove yourself now, it's like you run out of time. But after you prove yourself? Who's to say. I guess I'll know when I get there.
8. What do you worry about the most and why? (Note: This is not the same thing that your Boggart becomes. Your biggest fear and your biggest worry are two different things.)
I have generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder which, let me tell you, are good combinations. What I worry about the most is literally worrying. I can worry myself into a frenzy over nothing and the more I worry, the more extreme things get. I start out worry about something mundane, like laundry, and next thing you know, I think no one likes me, I suck at my job, I'm a failure at life, and there's no point doing anything other than sitting on my couch eating chocolate and crying. Luckily I'm spunky enough that I can talk myself out of that most of the time before things get that extreme, and there's always medication if I worry until I get a panic attack. But I worry about worrying and the consequences. I don't know how many of you have ever had a real panic attack, but it's scary. And when you know what triggers it, you try not to do that. In my case, it's anxiety. Only when you're anxious about being anxious it's a vicious cycle!
The only other thing I can say I honestly worry about are my friends. I'm an Army brat and have quite a few friends in Iraq. My stepdad has been twice now. My best friend is there now. And I've lost quite a few friends in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's not as bad here as it is in Europe. When I'm visiting my mum or when I was in school over the summer in Paris, I could read Stars and Stripes. They put a list in every day of soldiers who've died. It's a daunting task to read the list knowing you've seen the names of people you care about on there more than once. You always turn there first and hold your breath while you scan the names and hope. When my stepdad and Foster aren't there, it's not quite so bad. You lose people you've cared for and it hurts. But when it's someone you know will take a large piece of you with them if anything should happen, it's scary. So yeah...I worry about that. Alot.
9. Would you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?
Yes, yes, yes! I would probably do it without even thinking because I couldn't stand not to at least compete. After I put my name in the Goblet, I'd worry about the consequences and I wouldn't be sorely disappointed if I wasn't chosen. However to not put my name in would be like admitting that everyone else was better than I am, and that wouldn't happen. However, if I was chosen, then it'd just mean that I had new people to compete with, so I'd definitely rise to the challenge. I like to be in control, and I'd tackle the tournament the same way.
10. What do you believe is the greatest weapon you possess? How, why, and when would you use it?
I would have to say highly refined wit combined with biting sarcasm. I have a dry sense of humour which I can temper to charm people, or let loose should someone insult me or those whom I care for in any way. I've rarely in my life had to resort to any sort of physical violence, as I've found that the right combination of words can usually cause more pain. Whoever said sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me was obviously never around the right kind of people. I'm an emotional person, though I compartmentalize well, and I take words more seriously than anything else. I think when you respect words, it gives you more power over the language as a whole. Anyone who's ever seen me mad can tell you what a scary sight it is. On the flip side, I obviously read in abundance. I'm well-versed and can be quite the charmer when I wish to be. And I've got a particular gift to turn anything into a dirty joke.
11. Would you ever want to be a prefect?
Definitely. As I said, I like to have a leadership role. I think I've been that way all my life. I was a peer helper in high school. I organized study groups for hard classes. I'm forever organizing and reordering things. I've always found it a more plausible way to harness my nature. If you're in a leadership position and make an honest effort to be fair it works better than being the disgruntled bossy girl.
12. What quality do you admire above all others? Do you feel that it is a quality you or the people you surround yourself with possess?
I amdire people who really enjoy life. People who aren't just along for the ride, but direct the way. I admire people who aren't afraid to take chances. There's a lyric by The Postal Service: I want so badly to believe that "there is truth, that love is real". And I want life in every word to the extent that it's absurd. That's always appealed to me. To have life in every word is a dream. It's living your life with meaning. I don't want to drift through life. I want to see things. I want to do things. I want to create things that will be remembered. As for being surrounded with people like that, to a large extent, yes. Many of my friends are more laid back than I. I mean, anyone just like me WITH me would be a little scary. But I go to art school and I'm immersed in a very creative cross-section of people. And to be paying like $27,000 a year to go to art school, we obviously take risks! Because you know everyone wants to hire someone with a degree from art school as soon as we graduate, right?
13. What are the worst qualities that you believe a person can possess? Why do you feel this way?
I detest liars and people who cheat in relationships. I think the lieing part because I'm an extremely blunt person. I always figure people are going to either like me or not, and I'm not changing who I am so they at least get the honest look at me. But I hate it when people tell you what you want to hear rather than what they really think. As for cheating, I think you should have the balls to leave if you aren't happy. Cheating is just weak. If you commit to something, you follow through. It's giving your word. And if you give your word to be exclusively with a person, you're with that person. If you can't handle that, then you tell them, openly and honestly, and move on. It's healthier for all parties involved. Hmm...I guess it goes back to lieing really. So be good...don't lie! Not that there aren't times when little white lies are necessary, mind you. I needed to add that as a personal disclaimer. Because if my mom says "do I look fat in this?", unless she totally shouldn't be leaving the house in it (and really, you have to save your mom and your best friend...it's required), I'm probably going to say "no, you look fine." Because there is a line between being blunt and being rude.
14. If you were to look into the Mirror of Erised, what would you see?
I would see myself in the future, having graduated from school and worked on a few really good pictures, hopefully with an Oscar for visual effects on a film (you know...the part of the Oscars most of you don't watch and you wish those people would get off the stage? that's me!). I'd be settled in Europe, teaching somewhere like SCAD Lacoste. Some sort of laid back art school either in France or England...maybe Italy. I'd have a husband and children. No white picket fence, but a place near the beach would be nice! I'd have a garden and a place to write a book and paint. A darkroom wouldn't hurt either.
15. How many people do you consider true friends? What qualities do they have that are important to you? Why are they your friends?
I have very very few true friends. I have an amazingly large set of aquaintances, but true friends I could count on my fingers and still have some left. My friends are really varied, but I can say two things that are common among all of them. The first being that they're funny. When we're together, we're that group of people in restaurants that drive people insane. We all have the dirtiest minds you could possibly encounter and it's constant laughs. Several of us usually end up in tears. And if there's alcohol involved, watch out! We made some of the people at dragoncon look boring this year! The second characteristic they all have is the fact that they're loyal. I know my friends would do anything for me and I'd do anything for them. If I got a flat tire at 4 in the morning hours from home, one of my friends would show up to help. They may grumble, but they'd be there. And if I have to leave work to go to Donut Connection to get one of my friends because her truck died, I'll go. All of the people I consider "true friends" are spectacular people who I love with all my heart. We're all different, but we click to form this perfect symbiote. We have the most fun together. But if anything's wrong, we're right there for eachother.
16. What are your thoughts on Voldemort?
Oh how to sum up Voldemort. He's the superhero to some and the ultimate villain to others. Just like most major political figures, he is (or at least once was) enigmatic enough to draw a strong support base by compelling to the strong emotions held by one particular group of people. He's obviously extremely intelligent. He achieved things that no one has ever done before. He was an orphan but even when Dumbledore found him with no formal magical training and no actual concept of what magic really was, he was able to control his powers, and already using them to gain what he wanted from everyone. He was handsome and charming when he was young, yet he was never attached to anyone. He's always out for his own motives. I've heard people say they pity Voldemort, but I don't at all. He was his own creation. From a very young age, he'd determined what he wanted to be. Not necessarily "I want to grow up to be Lord Voldemort and commit genocide on mass levels", but that he wanted to be someone of singular power, in a position to do as he pleased and to have people see him as something great. I think Dumbledore made it clear to Harry that, to beat him, he must understand him. And understanding Voldemort will be a tricky task. And he's going to have to outsmart Voldemort as well.
17. What do you think are your main 3 characteristics?
Artistic - I'm a visual effects major, but I was torn between that, graphic design, and photography. I'm minoring in interactive game design. The good thing about art school is that you get to take classes that cover such a wide variety of interests. I helped run a graphic design community on LJ for a very long period of time (amazing designs if anyone remembers it!). I also maintain several websites. I'm a web DJ on Night Right Radio and have a great time with that! I love photography, especially medium format, and I like developing my own negatives and making my own prints. I also like to paint and photo-journal. I write, though I rarely share most of my writing. Most of my art revolves around art in some degree. And don't even get me started on music. This summer I went to Live 8 in Paris, V Fest, Glouchestershire, Rock-am-Ring, and a few other music fests through the summer in Europe. And yes, I loved it.
Funny - I know quite a few people in sorting hat who can back me up on this one. I can be quite amusing, and usually am. I like to be around people (though I do require solo time as well) and I love a good joke. My mind is in the gutter 99.9% of the time, and you'll be suprised at how fast I can turn anything you say into something funny. Life's meant to be lived and enjoyed, and I enjoy mine!
Ambitious - I went from pre-law in school to visual effects in art school. Both are high demanding fields. I've always taken a leadership role both at school and work. I always feel more comfortable when I can at least have some say in what's going on. I've never been a follower. I've always made my own path and I don't see that changing any time soon.
18. What house do you feel you belong in?
I think I could belong to just about any house. I have qualities that match several houses and could be an asset to any. I'm often told by people what house I belong in, and it's never the same house! So I honestly don't know where I belong. I'm leaving myself in your capable hands and hoping you can decide where I fit.
19. "Blood or water" - Which is more important; friends or family?
My true friends are like my family, especially since my mom moved to Europe. When it comes down to casual friends, I'd definitely pick family. But my "family type friends" are who I've spent the holidays with the last year. They're the ones who have actually been there for my birthday. They're the ones I have weekly meals with. They're the first people I call when something happens, good or bad. So I'm sure you can see my dilemma. I love them both, but at this stage in my life, my friends are my support network.
20. How did you find out about us? (House points are given to users who refer you here.)
Everyone at several RPs including Nichole, Jackie, Ariel, Lauren, Lacey, and Rosie. I've heard about what a fun place this is, so here I am!