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westerosortingName: Michelle /
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kanehaHow did you find out about the community? If it's through an LJ user, please tell us who it is: I was searching for asoiaf communities through interests
Age: 17
Location: Connecticut, basically
Occupation: 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 easily tire of the constant activity of the city (and I really hate the political posturing that goes on in the more affluent communities of cities like Hong Kong), so I'd prefer to live in a quiet suburb or in the country. I grew up in Seattle, and it has become my ideal view of a city, with close proximity to both water and mountains (snow covered mountains, more importantly, not the pansy things we have out in Connecticut
For the inside, I'd want it to be spacious, but not needlessly so-- I like taller ceilings and bigger rooms, but I don't want to feel lost inside my house. I like efficient use of space and built-ins-- so bookcases would be everywhere. I don't care much about my bedroom (actually, I'd rather just have a futon; it's easier to take care of) or bath, but my study-- I'd love for it to be half-library, with tall windows and bookshelves surrounding generously sized desks. I'm not a generally a pack-rat, I don't get sentimental attachments to things, except for books. I write all over my books, including on their covers, and am loathe to give them away (or worse, throw them away). In general, I'd want a lot of fun nooks and crannies around the house, places where you could just sit and read by the light from big windows.
2. Name three things you are afraid of. Explain.
Falling-- I'm not afraid of heights (I enjoy the adrenaline rush of being up high), but my most common nightmare is to be climbing a ladder or staircase with the feeling that I'm going to fall building with every step I take. I also hate dropping object from heights-- when I'm bouldering it's scarier for me to drop a chalk bag from 15ft up then to jump down the same height. I don't mind jumping from a height, either, it's the accidental slip or slowly losing your grip that scares me.
Someone I'm responsible for getting hurt, by me or someone else-- As I became captain of my sports team and started being in charge of things in theatre, I found myself responsible for people I don't really know. When someone gets injured, it becomes my fault, and feel guilty for letting it happen on my watch. I hate the feeling that, as the experienced one, they trusted me and I let them down.
Losing-- It's not that I'm a sore loser; if I lose a fight because of my opponent's superiority, so be it, I won't hold any grudge. Against him, at least. It frustrates me to no end when I'm unable to beat something and I hate it when I have the physical capacity to achieve something, but there's just that mental block. I've spent days learning a piano piece, practising literally note-by-note because it drove me nuts that I couldn't do what was essentially pressing keys down in a rhythm. I guess it all stems from the hatred of being helpless against something?
3. 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!
My cop-out answer is that I believe the journey is more important than the destination. Yes, I acknowledge that global climate change is a serious problem, and one not easily (if at all possible to) solve. But if I wish it gone, then what? Humans get precedent (as if we needed it) to expect huge issues to work themselves out. So I guess my first wish would be to know of previous times that a genie (or similar) had appeared. Maybe, in fact, all these quantum leaps in our knowledge-- all these scientists we read about in class-- maybe it was the work of magic. In that case, I'd wish for the respective labs working on the issues to be able to (but not immediately) find cures to problems like global warming, AIDS, and the like (and in a way that doesn't, say....modify the molecular make up of the disease or render previous scientific findings inaccurate, because the last thing we need is to solve global warming, only to find that the law of conservation of mass no longer applies). I suppose, especially if the genie is stingy, that's probably my three wishes there.
4. 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. ;)
This past year I got an award from my school that goes "to that student who best reflects the expertise and unselfish devotion...in all aspects of technical theatre" I do theatre because I enjoy it, working backstage isn't glamorous in any way and recognition is rare, so getting the award made me really happy.
5. 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. Ever since I was little, I've been driven to know why, all of my interests stem from this. Science is obviously a desire to know why things are the way they are, why they happen. History/(military strategy/philosophy) are the same, I'm interested in figuring out why something happened. I got into theatre for the same reasons, I wanted to know what happens behind-the-scenes.
Least Important: Pleasure. I'm not one for physical gratification, I'd much rather get no sleep and be constantly working, than live life lying in front of my TV. I work best when under pressure and knowing this, I purposefully put myself in situations where I'll have to struggle to triumph. I don't put much stock in personal comfort either, I sleep just as well (better, actually) on my carpet using a jacket as a pillow as I do in my bed.
6. What's one quote (or passage, song lyric, etc.) that effectively describes you and your values? Explain.
"The best thing for being sad, is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake in the middle of the night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world around you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting."
7. 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.
To preface this: I'm still in high school, so most of my money management is done by my parents.
I hugely dislike spending money, and when I'm left to my own devices I only eat when I'm really hungry and don't spend money of frivolous things-- even at a bookstore, I just write down titles I like, and get them from the library. When I need to buy something, I shop around for different prices like crazy, and try to get things used if at all possible.
I'm the type of person who will always save money for a rainy day, but then not acknowledge that day, even if it's pouring.
8. Name (and elaborate on) some of your hobbies. What are your favorite things to do outside of school/the office?
Theatre is probably the biggest time consumer, if I'm directly involved in a performance I'll spend an average of 6-7 hours in the theatre. Even if I'm not directly involved in a performance, I'm the main person who hangs lights and deals with fly, so I'll be in there doing that. I also tend to be extremely mother-bear-like toward the theatre, so I'll be in there cleaning up after people or doing schoolwork in the green room just to keep an eye on a class using the space.
Ultimate frisbee. Anyone who plays this will know why: the bond between teammates, the cult-like humour and traditions, the satisfaction of sprinting down the field and then executing the perfect layout.... (and, of course, the grim satisfaction of showing off the grass-stains, cuts, and bruises afterwards)
I also read (current favourite book is I, Claudius) and program (currently learning Perl) a lot, and I enjoy baking (rustic breads = win) and knitting (the amount of scarves, hats, and mittens I have...) when I'm home for holidays
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:
analytical: I have an extremely analytical way of thinking that is, I guess, the result of growing up with two scientist parents. The way I see the world is as it is defined by science, in numbers, equations, and models and patterns make me happier than anything else. Give me a set of calculus problems (hell, multiplication tables, too) and I will happily work away at solving them.
When I look out into a lab (where I am right now) I see the counters as a set of lines running to their vanishing point, liquids I view as their chemical components as much as the liquid itself, and without looking up, I can tell you which lights are on from the shadows and noise.
level-headed: This is fairly self-explanatory, I think. It simply takes a lot to startle me, or get me worked up to a point where I'm acting without thinking.
honourable: I have this stupid sense of duty. Seriously, just tell me that someone needs to clean the dishes left over from tonight's rehearsal, and since I'm the only techie left and the actors need to finish their homework, I'll do it, never mind that I've been there for twice as long as they have and I'm not even officially doing anything for the show, or that I have a huge test the next day, or that the dishes don't even need to be watched that night, and the director knows it, I'll do it. I'm also serious when it comes to promises and commitments I've made, and I'll honour those above what I'd rather do. I'll stand up for those who think of me as friends, not necessarily because I disagree with comments being made, but because it's what they'd want me to do as their friend, and it's what I'd hope they'd do in the same situation. I think I've also got a stronger sense of tradition and respect for teachers (and other authority figures) than my friends.
WORST:
perfectionist: It probably manifests itself most prominently when I'm taking notes, I will write and re-write notes until my parabolas are accurate curves and my indentation is perfectly lined up. (I also use rulers to underline in textbooks and in my own books (which I always annotate, because I hate the thought of losing an idea) I'll write notes in the margin and underline in pencil until I get the 'draft' I like, then convert it to pen)
distrustful: I...have serious trust issues. If you're familiar with Shadow Unit, then think of me like Reyes. I don't have a hard time making friends, but there comes an inevitable point where they realise that while they're now comfortable talking through all of their issues with me, I never share any of mine. I guess it's some combination of being naturally solitary, not wanting to be dependent on anybody, and having stupidly paranoid thoughts of betrayal (which is too dramatic of a word. I just don't like things happing concerning me that I don't know about, and that includes gossip).
pride: I'll do absolutely stupid things because I'm too proud to admit that I'm scared. I'm loathe to admit I'm wrong, ask for help, or give a genuine 'please', 'sorry', or 'thanks'
A Song of Ice and Fire Related
1.Who are your favorite three characters in the series? Why?
Sansa: heh, I can't believe I'm putting her here. She's everything I despise in a character, naive, girly, and she betrays her family on more than one occasion. However, at the same time, I pity her (an idealistic 12-year-old stuck in Cersei's politics) and she's one of the characters that I really want a happy ending for
Jon: I have to admit that much of my liking of Jon is because the Nights Watch is easily my favourite part of the series, so I enjoy his POV chapters much more, thus I like Jon more. I liked the change in Jon, I mean, he was already a decent guy to start with (especially considering the other characters in this series), but when he first went to the Wall his shortcomings were exposed, and I liked how he matured as a person and as a leader.
Jaime: He was another character I really didn't like at the beginning-- not only did he kill the king he'd sworn to protect, but he also had an incestuous relationship with his sister, who I flat out despised, but once again I liked how his character has become more and more 3-dimensional as the series went on.
2.Who are your least favorite three characters in the series? Why?
Robert: Simply put, I saw him as a pig, and found his lust for women and bloodshed to be disgusting and completely inappropriate for a ruler.
Gregor: Well, I think you can imagine if I found Robert to be revolting, what I think of Gregor.
Daenerys: it's not so much that I dislike her as a person, I've just found her chapters to be boring. They're epic, yes, but what I like about ASOIAF is all the interconnected stories-- sympathising with people on both side of conflicts, and her chapters are more removed from the other plots of the story.
3.#1 Favorite moment in all of ASOIAF so far? Why?
Bran's dream while in the coma, with the crow.
Bran was one of my early favourite characters, probably because I identified with him. When I was young, I climbed everything. It started with trees and buildings then I got roped (pun most sincerely apologised for) into rock climbing. It was...magical to me, I tripped over my own feet playing basketball, but I was graceful on the wall. Then I fell and hurt my wrist and knee. Obviously, no where near as bad as Bran, but after those injuries, climbing just hasn't been the same, I've gotten back to the same skill level as I was before, but I've lost the sense of grace. I remember the first time that I read Game of Thrones, just feeling absolutely sick at what Bran had lost, knowing what I knew about the series and George RR Martin's fondness for Anyone Can Die, I didn't think that Bran would benefit in any way from his fall, it was just GRRM's cruel humour or something.
So, I guess by the time the dream came around, there was a huge sense of relief. I'm also really fond of dream sequences/prophecys and symbolism when I read books, and this passage fulfilled both of those.
this isn't a moment in the series, but this is endlessly amusing.
4. In your dream-world, how would you like to see the series end, and why?
I want Jon to stay on the wall. I really liked Jon's evolution and how he matured on the wall, and I want him to stay there and lead it. I've entertained the idea of Jon returning to Winterfall or whatever, but I'd much, much rather he stay true to the whole "I shall wear no crowns and win no glory" thing.
I'm not sure who I want on the throne. Daenarys, I suppose, though more because it would complete her destiny or whatever nicely than I think she'd actually be a good ruler.
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Stark!
Date: 2009-09-21 03:05 pm (UTC)Stark
Date: 2009-09-21 03:05 pm (UTC)Stark
Date: 2009-09-21 03:25 pm (UTC)Targaryen
Date: 2009-09-21 03:28 pm (UTC)Targaryen
Date: 2009-09-21 03:37 pm (UTC)Because of those two things, though, Tyrell it is. They have a lot of Stark Elements, but they also seem to be trusting only of their family members and very analytical.
Tyrell
Date: 2009-09-21 03:52 pm (UTC)(And I love your app title!)
Lannister
Date: 2009-09-21 03:52 pm (UTC)Re: Stark
Date: 2009-09-21 07:11 pm (UTC)it teaches you to understand the world:DStark
Date: 2009-09-21 05:05 pm (UTC)Tully
Date: 2009-09-21 06:07 pm (UTC)if a mountain hasn't erupted or isn't covered by snow for a good portion of the year, it's not a mountain
Word word WORD! XD (fellow Washingtonian)
Stark
Date: 2009-09-21 06:38 pm (UTC)Anyway: Honorable? Being more concerned with journey than destination? Responsibility for others? Stark. Go directly to Winterfell, do not pass Go, do not collect $200.
Tyrell
Date: 2009-09-21 07:30 pm (UTC)Tyrell
Date: 2009-09-21 07:38 pm (UTC)Your work ethic really only fits in that house for me. You don't want wishes, or pleasure and love the feeling of working hard. You pay the iron price. You play ultimate frisbe, love a good storm, are distrustful and hate loosing.
Sure, you're probably more knowledge oriented than many of the canon Ironborn...but I see you as a much less angsty combination of Victarion (always does work when asked, after all) and Rodrik the Reader.
Stark
Date: 2009-09-21 08:55 pm (UTC)Stark
Date: 2009-09-21 10:12 pm (UTC)Torn between Greyjoy and Martell. Opting for, umm, Martell.
Re: Stark
Date: 2009-09-21 10:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-22 12:54 am (UTC)Lannister
Date: 2009-09-21 10:33 pm (UTC)Stark
Date: 2009-09-21 10:45 pm (UTC)I would say... Hmm. Divided between Stark and Martell, but because of the responsibility for others, description of self as a mama-bear, honorable and perfectionistic, and my slightly selfishness Stark.
Martell
Date: 2009-09-22 12:17 am (UTC)Targaryen
Date: 2009-09-22 03:57 pm (UTC)Stark
Date: 2009-09-22 06:08 pm (UTC)Martell
Date: 2009-09-22 07:21 pm (UTC)Tyrell
Date: 2009-09-23 04:34 am (UTC)Tyrell
Date: 2009-09-23 07:50 am (UTC)Tully
Date: 2009-09-23 02:32 pm (UTC)OH HAI NED!
To my in-law house you go! Stark like whoa. I can't say you could fit in any other house better. You even write like a Stark. Listing "honorable" as one of your best qualities and pride as one of you weaknesses. If I could stamp you I would give you Ned Stark. Winter is coming so prepare and be ready for it is a vibe I got many times during your application especially in your quote and attitude towards money. :)
Also, welcome to the San/San club :♥
Tyrell
Date: 2009-09-23 02:38 pm (UTC)Lannnister
Date: 2009-09-23 03:50 pm (UTC)2 is a very revealing answer from you, but I still can't quite decide what I should say for it. Thoughts of Martell, Stark, Targaryen and Tully ran through mind, but you're not precisely of any house's vibe. You're on the mature side for whatever house it'll be, which is probably more than I could ever get at twice your age. You could even be what Jaime could grow into, a responsible King's guard figurehead, the endless practising going for that side. You reflect something of Kevan in your service, too, and there is obviously Tyrion in your desire to know why, to have the knowledge. Military strategy and philosophy goes more with a Lannister on some levels than a Stark, and I'm not sure how Targs and Martells would view such things. It is however also true that having read what Cyshobbitlass said, I can see how you'd be very Greyjoy with all that as well. I think you're on the Tully side of Greyjoy, Starks being too trusting or dreamy for your type.
The austerity in 5 is very Greyjoy and if that didn't cut Lannister out of the picture, I'd point out that "why the world wags and what wags it" could be very us. I actually see the quote in its entirety as being beyond what Starks would go for, the approach somehow jarring. It's more Martell or Targ? I hate to vote you a Greyjoy for 7 because it'll be wasting a chance to influence the actual outcome in any way, but you probably are one in the making. 8 could suggest a sensible Tyrell, too, and 9's lack of instant (passionate?) intellectual curiosity as if goes more for that side than Martell. A Targ would seem loftier, and less into teams? Thinking goes for Tyrell, too, same as distrust, but given the duty, pride and perfectionism, that's Tully. As said, you don't seem "dreamy" or something (unrealistic despite preparing for winter?) enough for half the Starks. It's almost a "Lannister pays his debts" except in this case it comes from inside and is you paying debts before they're called in or something, and really, bits of that honourable answer reeeally don't work here.
I'm voting you Tyrell because
ANY house but Starks could use people likely to analyze for essays. No, wait, in that case this is the wrong house to vote a helping hand into for this game, tskit's a closer fit toward Greyjoy (with a twisted logic) and Tully with some bizarre reasoning. Without the honourable stuff I might have used Lannister as a middle ground for some of that.Re: Lannnister
Date: 2009-09-25 02:00 am (UTC)Thanks for the long answer, it's interesting to see how people interpret my answers, so I really appreciate it!
no subject
Date: 2009-09-25 03:46 pm (UTC)Get a notebook (to slip between every book)! Knit! Watch TV and knit while reading! ;P
De nada. Try getting a short answer out of me if I have any time for a proper one.
Tyrell
Date: 2009-09-23 06:11 pm (UTC)Martell- Vengeance is Mine!
Date: 2009-09-24 12:04 am (UTC)Tully
Date: 2009-09-24 02:18 am (UTC)Stark
Date: 2009-09-24 08:47 am (UTC)...Except the distrustful part. That's where I can see an argument for Tyrell since a lot of your other traits could apply there too. But I will go with Stark overall. :)
Stark
Date: 2009-09-24 09:37 pm (UTC)I know what you mean about being like a mama bear to the theatre -- I am very protective of my theatre, although I'm still learning about my theatres here at grad school. XD
SORTED: STARK
Date: 2009-09-26 01:39 am (UTC)You may join
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