win or die
Aug. 13th, 2012 12:34 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
wintergreen126.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
westerosortingName: Wintergreen
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!): Via scouring LJ for things related to Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire.
Age: 26
Location: Massachusetts
Occupation: Law Student
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!.
I've lived my entire life in the Northeast, and I plan on keeping it that way. I love everything about it: the seasons, the trees, the landscape, the cranky people.
Architecturally, though, I have a penchant for traditional meets contemporary. Like a contemporary farmhouse or a updated shingle side. I love clean lines and well-appointed spaces that are functional and environmentally friendly, with an exterior that is evocative of classic New England. My taste in furniture is simple and utilitarian. I like displaying artwork and black and white or sepia photographs; I have a strong preference for blues, greys, white and black.
Basically, I love clean and serene. But since a home is a personal reflection of a person, I'm willing for it to be a continuous work in progress as far as finishing. I'm always working on myself, so why not the same for my living space.
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!
I've always had a strong humanitarian bent. So wishes are informed by that.
1. To conquer preventable diseases, like TB and malaria, in the world's sickest and most impoverished areas. Paul Farmer is a hero of mine, and I think the work that he and others like him do is incredible and deserve all the help it can get.
2. A revamping of the American educational system. Education and knowledge have the power to transform, and I hate how politics and other things have affected the public schools. Public schools are how most American receive their education. An educated society is a dynamic society.
3. For my law school debt to be paid-off. That would be an incredible personal boon.
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. ;)
Law school and everything related therein. I've been fortunate with many things in my life, but parts were related to or the result of family and other connections; I'm very grateful for everything the people in my life have helped me with and done for me. But with law school and its incidentals, I have done most (if not all) of it on my own, so far, and that has provided me with a tremendous sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
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.
Most important: knowledge. I was raised to believe in the importance of learning and education. The more you know, the more you can do, not only for yourself, but for the world around you. Knowledge is paramount.
Least important: love, at least in the romantic sense. Love is fine and dandy, but I think it can cause people to be foolish where they otherwise would not be. It is an exercise in caution.
5. What's one quote (or passage, song lyric, etc.) that effectively describes you and your values? Explain.
"I don't spend a lot of time dwelling on the negative. I believe that having a good, peaceful mind is the basic premise to a good life." Wilma Pearl Mankiller
I think there is something to do the notion that having peace of mind is pertinent to cultivating as much harmony as possible in life. For instance, I strongly prescribe to the idea that a person should not go to bed angry; anger is not conducive to restful sleep, which is very important. If your mind is calm, you can think clearly and rationally and move forward confidently.
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.
Prior to law school, I wasn't exceptionally cautious. I maintained adequate savings, but I donated generously and spent freely because I was in a position to do so. Law school is horrendously expensive, and it has forced me to be more circumspect about my finances, so I'm learning to how to keep better track of my money.
That said, I'm still willing to spend more for good quality. Well crafted, lasting goods are worth the investment. Ditto for services. Whether it's electrical work or a haircut, if it is done well, with care and precision, then I don't mind spending a little more than I would like. It simply means I need to cut back in other places, like going out to eat.
7. Name (and elaborate on) some of your hobbies. What are your favorite things to do outside of school/the office?
My favorites are the usual suspects: reading, sleeping, sports, TV. Sleep is an especially beautiful thing.
I love reading both fiction and non-fiction. As far as the latter, I enjoy books that thoughtfully discuss or are related to politics and/or science. Visiting art and science museums is another thing I enjoy. My educational and professional background is a science one, so I like to keep science in my life in anyway I can.
Sports make me happy. I love baseball and football (professional and college). In regards to TV, I like quirky, and the smarter, the better. My favorites, past and present, include (but not limited to) The Wire, Arrested Development, and Mad Men.
I also love food (eating, not cooking) and spirits. So going out with a few close friends to try some neat new restaurant with a great wine and craft beer list is a treat. I'm particularly a fan of brunch! I'm careful not to indulge too often though, due to financial reasons, as explained above.
I tend to be a homebody, but I do enjoy traveling when a good opportunity arises. And I love everything about it. The airports, the plane, the trip itself. I'm a good little traveler.
8. Name three things you are afraid of. Explain.
1. The stage. Or more precisely, I have stage fright/fear of public speaking in general. I danced for quite a long time, but I never completely conquered the unease that comes with being in the spotlight (figuratively and literally). I'm quite shy, and I loathe being the center of attention. Speaking up in a large class is something I really dislike because I often end up uncomfortable and blushing bright red, even if I know I have the correct answer or something thoughtful to contribute.
2. Being unprepared. I like to know all the facts about whatever it is I'm going to do. I can be a little uptight; I'm all about structure and plans and knowing what I'm doing, and not being ready undermines all of that. I have stage fright as it is, so being as confident as I possibly can be is for the best. I have decent improvisational skills, thanks to dancing, but I don't like having to wing it.
3. Repeating past mistakes. It means I haven't learned my lesson, and I find that embarrassing.
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
1. Dependable. I do what needs to be done, and I make sure it gets done as correctly as possible. I do my very best to do what I promised-- I'm stickler for follow through. If I'm committed to something, I see it through to the end.
2. Practical. I avoid things that are fussy and unnecessary; I prefer function over form. I try to timely do what is most sensible. I am a very decisive decision maker--but this cuts both ways. As a matter of practicality, I think kindness is important. In the long run, there is value (personally and professionally) in being courteous.
3. Self-deprecating. I'm usually the first to laugh at myself. I often make myself an easy target with the way I have everything just so, so I don't mind making jokes at my own expense. Why not? I try not to take myself too seriously.
Worst
1. Stubborn. At my worst, I'm obstinate to a fault, and this is where being decisive becomes a liability. I insist on doing things my way even if it's the hard way and makes life more difficult. I'm very rigid when it comes to my plans. I get irrationally bothered and frustrated if things don't go my way or someone tries to force some kind of change.
2. Cold. I'm not a very warm and fuzzy person. I'm a private person; I think feelings are for the birds, or at least best kept to yourself. Add in the fact that I'm introverted, and I can inadvertently come off as aloof and detached. While I try not to present as standoffish, I'm not always successful. I'm more open and relaxed with those I know best.
3. Insensitive. This sort of ties in with the previous bad trait and the aforementioned peace of mind concept. When I get angry or upset, I just get it all out as quickly as I can and then I'm over it. I prefer not to keep thinking about the negative--unless you're channeling your fury into some constructive purpose, it just takes its toll on you. So I work it out promptly and move on. But I tend to expect others to have moved on, also. I tend to forget that not everyone works this way. Where I'm ready to consider bygones to be bygones, others need longer to process and forgive (and possibly forget). I'm not always sensitive to this, and it often makes the other person(s) even more irritated with me.
A Song of Ice and Fire Related
1.How many books from the series have you completed?
All of them.
2.Who are your favorite three characters in the series? Why?
1. Jaime Lannister. He is definitely my favorite. Jamie has committed numerous of sins, many out of selfishness, but some for good reason. I love that he's now attempting to redeem himself. For all that I am fond of his sarcasm and jocularity, I've been delighted with the insight that he has developed as a result of losing what was essentially his identifying feature. I love the way Jamie has had to redefine himself, which isn't easy, especially in middle of a war. I also respect how Jaime does his own dirty work, and he sees his actions through to the end, good or bad. He was one of the few people who has always respected and cared for Tyrion. Where he was a cavalier, reckless warrior, he's become a loyal friend to Brienne, he's learning to reevaluate life, and he's trying to move forward. I am loving Jamie's arc; I'm enjoying seeing his personal growth.
2. Tyrion Lannister. Tyrion gets a lot of flack based merely on physical appearance. But he is sharp, knowledgeable, and witty. He can be insensitive and mean, but he is capable of showing great kindness to those who need it most, e.g., Sansa. He is intelligent and funny, and I hope that he eventually gets the validation he deserves.
3. Sansa Stark. Sansa is one of the characters that really grew on me; her evolution and development has been very interesting. She has grown from an innocent, and at times exasperating, little romantic into such a strong young woman, one learning to adjust to her circumstances. With all the confusion and violence around her, Sansa was essentially left to her own devices in a hostile situation; she's a survivor, and I find it incredibly admirable. Sansa's learned to be cautious and mindful of what is happening around her. Yet, she manages to retain--and learns the power of-- her courtesies. She also preserves her kindness; Sansa is quite generous and patient with Tommen and later Robert Arryn. I've enjoyed watching her become politically aware and learning the power of subtlety from Littlefinger.
3.Who are your least favorite three characters in the series? Why?
1. Catelyn Tully. Catelyn is a very capable woman with a strong sense of agency, but I'm simply not a big fan. She is a little too rash and unpredictable for my liking, e.g. her decisions regarding Tyrion and Jaime. I understand what prompted Tyrion's abduction, and I commend her quick thinking, but her immediate interests, I think, overrode her consideration of immediate (and long-term) consequences. This directly instigated a whole lot of trouble, to put it mildly. With Jaime, again, I am sympathetic to her motivations, but he wasn't her prisoner from whom to extract promises and to ultimately release. Also, I thought that Catelyn's coldness towards Jon Snow was unnecessary.
2. Margaery Tyrell. She's lusciously manipulative. Margaery is ambitious, but she cloaks it in rose petals. She thinks she's very cunning, but she's still fairly young. I know Cersei is also manipulative and cruel, but I feel as though she is more transparent with her ambition. Margaery's warmth and kindness doesn't always stem from a refined place. She was kind to Tommen, but while she was teaching him to be more assertive and stand up for himself, it wasn't truly for his benefit as much as it was a means to an end--a crown for her. If you're going to be shrewd and ambitious, at least own up to it. Don't try to disguise it under flowers.
3. Daenerys Targaryen. While I applaud her determination to be a judicious leader, I'm not a fan of her determination to reclaim Westeros. I realize a lot of that has to do with the ideas that Viserys impressed upon her, but putative birthright is a dubious mandate by which to reclaim a land that she does not truly know or understand. She also tends to display willful ignorance, which is a pet peeve of mine. For example, she doesn't want to hear about the less than stellar deeds Targaryens, e.g.., her father, have done. Dragons are rare and dangerous creatures; I'm not sure that potentially using them as weapons of mass destruction is the best idea. I didn't like her treatment of poor Quentin. He may have been on a fool's errand, but there was no need to laugh at him. Finally, the "blood of the dragon" refrain is tedious.
4.#1 Favorite moment in all of ASOIAF so far? Why?
The Red Wedding. I know, I know, it's such an terrible, awful event, but an important one. It was carefully orchestrated, and it's consequences were far-reaching. It put some things into turmoil while illuminating others--like just what Tywin Lannister meant by the significance of letters, a battle waged with words. It was surprising and crazy and characters are still dealing with the fall out.
5. In your dream-world, how would you like to see the series end, and why?
If it's possible to actually translate it to the literary medium, I'd love to see a Sopranos-style ending. Even if it suddenly stops with some giant showdown at the Wall against the Others and the wights. I love an ambiguous closing. As the Sopranos showed, there is always something around the corner, and life doesn't always wrap-up neatly. With a story as complicated and ambitious as ASOIAF, I don't see why it should, either.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[GREYJOY]
Date: 2012-08-13 07:16 am (UTC)[TARGARYEN]
Date: 2012-08-13 10:25 am (UTC)[STARK]
Date: 2012-08-13 03:02 pm (UTC)[TYRELL]
Date: 2012-08-13 03:42 pm (UTC)Tully
Date: 2012-08-13 03:58 pm (UTC)[LANNISTER]
Date: 2012-08-13 04:23 pm (UTC)[TYRELL]
Date: 2012-08-13 04:55 pm (UTC)[Targaryen]
Date: 2012-08-13 05:32 pm (UTC)I still think you've got a lot of Tully in you!
(And I'm starting law school a week from today, I know that debt feel.)
Re: [Targaryen]
Date: 2012-08-13 08:41 pm (UTC)[TULLY]
Date: 2012-08-13 06:49 pm (UTC)[TYRELL]
Date: 2012-08-13 06:56 pm (UTC)[TARGARYEN]
Date: 2012-08-13 06:56 pm (UTC)[MARTELL]
Date: 2012-08-13 08:48 pm (UTC)Since this comment has already gone awry from explaining my vote, I might as well throw this out there as well: YOU HAVE EXCELLENT TASTE IN TV SHOWS. <3
Re: [MARTELL]
Date: 2012-08-17 05:13 pm (UTC)JIMMY MCNULTY!! I loved him.
[TULLY]
Date: 2012-08-13 09:06 pm (UTC)[STARK]
Date: 2012-08-13 11:15 pm (UTC)[STARK]
Date: 2012-08-13 11:26 pm (UTC)[TARGARYEN]
Date: 2012-08-14 09:03 am (UTC)[TYRELL]
Date: 2012-08-14 01:17 pm (UTC)[MARTELL]
Date: 2012-08-14 02:54 pm (UTC)[TULLY]
Date: 2012-08-14 07:21 pm (UTC)Your best traits sound very Stark/Tully, but your worst traits are more Lannister/Greyjoy. Being willing to pay for quality sounds like Lannister/Tyrell, but your utilitarian nature fights their opulence and leans more towards Stark/Greyjoy. Your concern for society leans towards Tully or Targaryen, which I also associate with the love of travel for some reason. The love of knowledge brings up Martell/Tyrell vibes, but I really don't think a Martell or a Tyrell (or a Lannister) would suffer from stage fright. You list love as least important, which makes me think Greyjoy, but your reasoning that it's foolish and makes you do stupid things actually sounds like a Lannister's dismissal of it. The desire for balance and serenity makes me think of a weird Stark/Martell mixture. And you're obviously intelligent and ambitious to have made it as far as you have into law school, which makes me lean towards Lannister and Tyrell... and maybe Martell. But your feelings about Margaery and her manipulations just make mre shy away from placing you in House Tyrell.
So overall, I just don't know WHAT to do with you!
I guess if I have to choose one, I'll go with Lannister, but I'm still feeling wishywashy about it! :)
[TULLY]
Date: 2012-08-15 03:51 pm (UTC)[MARTELL]
Date: 2012-08-15 07:56 pm (UTC)[TARGARYEN]
Date: 2012-08-15 11:48 pm (UTC)I see everything except Tully in you, but I think I'm going to have to side with Lannister, of the Tywin variety. You seem prepared and thorough, someone who would think through an action's repercussions, independent and yet dependable, calculating, brutally honest, measured, and truly in control of your emotions.
But seriously, friends? We can hit up breweries for brunch/Sox day games/asoiaf discussions!
Re: [TARGARYEN]
Date: 2012-08-17 05:19 pm (UTC)I'll friend you here on LJ and we'll go from there!
[STARK]
Date: 2012-08-16 09:33 am (UTC)[Tully]
Date: 2012-08-16 11:22 am (UTC)[TULLY]
Date: 2012-08-16 02:46 pm (UTC)[TULLY]
Date: 2012-08-16 07:50 pm (UTC)[LANNISTER]
Date: 2012-08-16 11:24 pm (UTC)[MARTELL]
Date: 2012-08-17 12:10 am (UTC)[TARGARYEN]
Date: 2012-08-17 06:29 am (UTC)SORTED: STARK
Date: 2012-08-17 12:14 pm (UTC)You may join
Please don't forget to join the following subcommunities:
We are pleased to have you here and we look forward to your participation!