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Name: Dana

How did you find out about the community?  If it's through an LJ user, please tell us who it is (individual user if possible, not just a community name!):The lovely kittenmittons.

Age 20

Location: Kentucky

Occupation: Returns Processor for Zappos

All About You

1. Describe your ideal house/home.  Please go into as much detail as possible, and be sure to include your ideal geographical location in the description!

Despite its faults, I really love Kentucky. There's just so much natural beauty here that I can't imagine living anywhere else. As for my ideal home, I favor seclusion above anything else. My perfect home would be a two-story loghouse in the middle of the woods. The first floor would consist of a tiny kitchen and a decent-sized living room with a large fireplace to give it a warm, homey feel. The second floor would consist of two bedrooms as well as a personal office. Like most, this office will be my sanctuary. I would have handmade bookshelves lining the walls, a large rug in the center, and a small area with bean-bag chairs. The walls would be red and decorated with my grandmother's paintings.

Of course, I can't just leave it there. I would have a great porch with several rocking chairs, a small wooden table (should I need a different place to read and gather my thoughts) as well as a comfortable welcome mat for my dogs to lay on. Last but not least, it is imperative that there be hot-tub somewhere. Sometimes it's just needed.

2. Imagine you’re given the classic opportunity: a genie granting you three wishes.  What would you wish for?  Please be as elaborate as you can.  Wishing for more wishes is not permitted!

Equal opportunity: As a mixed-race female who was once very, very poor, I know all too well how difficult it is to succeed. Of course, some would say that I haven't quite made it there yet. Frankly, the fact that I even graduated high school was a success to me, given that many of my family members haven't due to personal issues they were having at the time. Personal story aside, not everyone is afforded the same opportunities. Many of us are told we'll never amount to anything, though not blatantly ("are you sure you want to read THAT huge book instead of THIS one with large easy-to-read letters?"). If I had the ability to conjure a genie, nobody would be excluded from any opportunity based on race, skin color, sexual orientation, culture; etc.

Teleportation: No cars or travel expenses. Yearn to find the truth of Nessie or stroll through the city of Rome? Snap your fingers and you're there. Being a broke college student, I don't have the means to travel as much as I would like. This power would not go unused, that's for sure.

Time Travel: I know how incredibly geeky this sounds. However, I am a proud history geek with a penchant for monarchs (especially the corrupt ones). If it were possible, I would like to travel in time and learn what it is like to live during a particular monarch's reign. I would get inside their heads, learn what makes them tick, bond with their children and dance at their court. And if I just happened to find myself accused of any sort of treachery, I'd mount my cleverly disguised time machine (a broom would suffice) and ride off, giving the whole kingdom something to talk about whilst firmly planting myself in their stories.

3. In your life so far, what accomplishment are you the most proud of?  Why? You can list more than one if you have trouble deciding. ;)

Being only twenty, I haven't accomplished much. However, I would say my greatest accomplishment is getting into college. I was encouraged from a very young age to attend but never thought I could due to financial issues. Many people doubted me, but I defied them. I still have a ways to go, but I'm majoring in a field I've always adored and will always be needed. I have no doubt that I will struggle just as much as anyone after I graduate, but at least I can say I made it that far.

4. Which of the following is most important to you: Love, Money, Knowledge, Family, Friendship, Adventure, or Pleasure?  Which is the least important to you?  Please explain why for each choice.

I believe several of these things go hand in hand. Though if I were to pick one that's most important to me, it would be love. Despite everything, I've always been surrounded by love and it has gotten me through some hard times. As I mentioned before, it is not easy to break through the wall I put up, but once you do I will love you with every fiber of my being. My life would be meaningless without love, and I strongly believe the world would be a better place if we had more of it.

Money is least important to me. Money can turn good people greedy. In truth, I would be much happier if we could get rid of it for good. Of course, that will never happen but one can dream. Being surrounded by family and friends is much more fulfilling than money to me.

5. What's one quote (or passage, song lyric, etc.) that effectively describes you and your values?  Explain.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead

I believe it's every generation's dream to change the world in their own way whether it be through protests, music, art as well as any other medium in which one could make a statement. One only has to pick up a history book to see the truth in this quote. Martin Luther King still moves us with his words years after his death, and young voters are finally speaking out. We've come so far, but there's a long road ahead of us. I intend to be one of the thoughtful, committed citizens on that road.

6. How do you manage your money?  On that note, how important is money/financial security to you? Go into as much detail as you can.

Growing up with little, any money I get is usually reserved for bills. I learned at a young age that being irresponsible with your money could lead to devastating consequences. Still, I have days in which I tell myself, "Hey, I worked my ass off for this money; I should be able to use it as I damn well please." Of course, that thought resides in my mind and never shows in my actions. I pay what needs to be paid, set aside a little for things I need and want and save the rest. I've said no to credit cards and try to keep the student loans at a minimum. That being said, financial security is very important to me. I don't want to live the rest of my life sick with worry over this bill and that bill. I would much rather spend it doing things I love with my loved ones.

7. Name (and elaborate on) some of your hobbies.  What are your favorite things to do outside of school/the office?

Before I got a demanding job, I spent my days reading anything I could get my hands on (which is the reason I'm filling out this application). If you were to ask anyone that knows me, they'd tell you I'm rarely seen without a book. Other than reading, I love to write as well. I don't consider myself a talented writer, but I have plenty of ideas. I also enjoy visiting theatres (actual ones, not the cinema though it can be quite enjoyable as well). Last but not least, I enjoy spending time with my puppy. She provides me with hours of entertainment and I am glad to have her at the end of a rough day.

8. Name three things you are afraid of.  Explain.

Losing loved ones: I think this is a common fear for most people. There's a reason they are called "loved ones", after all. This group consists of family members and friends that have supported me despite my terrible, pessimistic attitude. You have to be quite a loving, patient person to deal with my mood swings. As far as I'm concerned, these people are saints. It would kill me to lose any of them. and that's something I fear more than anything else.

Loneliness: I'm socially awkward by nature. While I've always been perfectly content keeping to myself most of the time, I still worry that I will die alone. It's odd because most of my friends are outgoing and bubbly. For the most part, it seems to work for them. They have wonderful lives with wonderful partners, and I'm afraid I will have neither. It's very difficult for me to form relationships with people and I tend to cling to the ones that do because I'm paranoid that they will leave me. Frankly, I'm afraid I'll end up a crazy cat dog lady.

Being infertile/barren: This is silly due to the fact that both sides of my family have zero problems when it comes to reproducing. My whole family could repopulate the Earth if they wanted to yet I still fear that I will never have children. I believe part of this fear stems from the fact that I'm Native American and bear witness to my grandmother's efforts to preserve our culture. I know how archaic it sounds, but I'm afraid I will never pass that knowledge to my own children which in turn would cause me to feel like a failure.

9. Name (and elaborate on) your top three BEST and top three WORST qualities (personality-related, not physical).  Please answer as fully as you can, as this is an important question.

Best
Loyal: It takes some time before I trust someone enough to call them my friend. If you are able to tear down that barrier, you become one of the most precious people to me. I am fiercely loyal when it comes to my loved ones, almost to the point of being overprotective. To put it plainly, I'm a friend for life and will do what's necessary to support loved ones even if they're wrong.

Determined: Once I've set a goal for myself, you can be sure I will do whatever it takes to reach it. If that means working overtime or studying until the sun comes up, so be it. If it means babysitting or doing yard work on my off-days to earn some extra money, fine. As soon as I resign myself to that mindset, there's nothing that can stop me from pursuing my goals.

Compassionate: I have such compassion for my fellow human beings that I tend to be the first to give someone the benefit of the doubt. I'm also the first to apologize if I feel I have hurt someone in any way because I hate seeing people cry. I was always the "problem" child that brought sick strays home and nursed them back to health. All life is precious to me.

Worst:
Tempermental: Most people I know state that they have a bad temper, but it's usually rare. For me, it is quite often. If I am angry, there is nothing in the world that can calm me down, and what exactly makes me angry changes with the seasons. I rant, rave, and lash out at anyone who dares to cross my path. I've lost several friends due to this, and it doesn't help my blood pressure either.

Untrusting: As mentioned before, it takes some time before I can trust anyone. I've been through so much and have suffered enough betrayals to last a lifetime. I suppose it isn't always a terrible trait, but it doesn't fare well in social situations. As a result, I've become a bit of a recluse. I imagine one day I will be an old woman with a booby-trapped house and a Winchester rifle for a bedmate.

Stubborn: Or "hard-headed", as my mother likes to say. It's a family trait, so you can imagine what it's like when an argument erupts. I will stand my ground even if I'm wrong, and you can bet I will never admit it. If you tell me I can't do something, I will do it just to prove you wrong. The issues I've encountered due to this are numerous. Oddly enough, it doesn't help my social life either.

A Song of Ice and Fire Related

1. How many books from the series have you completed?
All five.

2. Who are your favorite three characters in the series?  Why? 
Daenerys: I loved her from the very beginning, and only grew to love her more once she found herself. She has her flaws, but she tries her hardest to overcome them. I love how compassionate she is to the weak and the common people, a trait so few noblemen and women have in this series. She takes her role as Mother seriously and will do whatever's necessary to protect her children. On top of that, she grew from a meek girl to a fierce woman who nursed and raised dragons, which is something those that oppose her could never hope to accomplish.

Tyrion: Let me just say that never before has a fictional character made me laugh out loud as much as the Imp. I think he is one of my favorite characters because I see so much of myself in him. When the world doesn't take you seriously, outsmart them with your intelligence and wit. Despite his size, he is much stronger than those that mock him. How many Westorosi noblemen can leave behind everything they have ever known and loved only to end up in slave's collar and then a sellsword? Not many, I'd wager. 

Sam: This goes back to my compassionate side. So what if he's a coward? We're all afraid of something. Despite his cowardice, he is a loyal friend with a loving personality. He wanted to help Gilly despite her situation, which I found to be quite brave considering Craster's possessive attitude. I believe he will make a wonderful Grand Maester.

3. Who are your least favorite three characters in the series?  Why?
Ramsay Bolton: Do I even need to explain this one? This man is evil incarnate and damned crazy to boot. He has no morals or honor, and I honestly hope someone puts him in his place really soon.

Theon Greyjoy: Like anyone, I felt a degree of sympathy for him in the hands of Bastard Bolton. Still, I've never been one to forgive betrayal. The Starks treated him much more kindly than his own family. They fed him, clothed him, trained him and all-around supported him. Not to mention he had a terrible holier-than-thou attitude that I just couldn't stand.

Melisandre: My family is full of devout Christians. That doesn't bother me so long as they don't preach at me. However, there are always a few who believe their way is the only way and condemn others for having different beliefs. That's just something I cannot abide. I wish she would just go back to Asshai and worship her Red God in solitude.

4.#1 Favorite moment in all of ASOIAF so far?  Why?

This is a tough one. Of course I love the moment that Dany rises from the ashes with her dragons. But my personal favorite would have to be when Jon gives Arya Needle. It's the moment in which the two most misunderstood siblings come together for one last farewell. It's a sweet bonding scene,and one of the few happy Stark moments.

5. In your dream-world, how would you like to see the series end, and why?
I'm not so foolish as to believe any of this will actually occur, but I would love to see Dany sitting the Iron Throne with her dragons by her side. I also hope the remaining Starks will reunite and rebuild Winterfell to its former glory. It would also be great if Tyrion could live the rest of his days at Casterly Rock with Tommen and Myrcella. Last but not least, I would love to see Jaime, Brienne and Cersei retreat somewhere far, far away from Westoros.

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