=Win or Die=

[cowshed.livejournal.com]

Name: Cowshed. Hello everyone!
How did you find out about the community? If it's through an LJ user, please tell us who it is: I’ve always known about this community since it started; I’ve just been too afraid to join. I’ve been out of the fandom for a bit and I’d like to rejoin. This seemed the best way. (Also, very glad the “vote for three people first” rule is no longer in effect)
Age: Twenty-something.
Location: Not Home, Georgia, United States :<
Occupation: Professional Student, haha




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!.
This question is easier answered by telling you were I would NOT wish to live: Do not put me in a large industrial, urban city. I cannot stand big cities. They’re messy and noisy and dangerous. Give me a bustling town where the people are relaxed but business and pleasure still get done, preferably in a location with a temperate/cooler climate. House, apartment, condo; it doesn’t matter to me. As long as it has the essentials and I’m comfortable, I’m not terrible picky. I’ll be damn picky about the decorations INSIDE where I live, I can tell you that much. I hate clutter and knickknacks and kitschy little things strewn over doilies. There’s no place for that in Imaginary Dream Home. Simple furnishing of the best quality I can afford (no Ikea nonsense) and tasteful use of color is priority. Maybe some fresh flowers every other week, just to keep things fun. Also: no pools. I aint taking care of that.


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!
To be perfectly honest, I’d give the wishes to my best friends. I’d be selfish keeping them all to myself. The good karma would come back to me one day. IF THAT’S NOT ALLOWED (but it totally should be), then
1. I would wish number one for financial security for myself without my having to hold a day job (unless I wanted to, of course),
2. I’d wish for an answer to solving overpopulation in the world, and
3. I’d wish for the crisper drawers in the bottom of my refrigerator to hold whatever vegetable or fruit I wanted to eat that day as soon as I opened it. There it would be, waiting for me, fresh from the field or the orchard, no matter what season. Strawberries in winter? Bam, done. Broccoli in spring? No problem. It would never run out, and it would never go bad.

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. ;)
That I’ve stayed alive this long, hah! No no…I actually put this one off to the last, because it’s difficult for me to brag about myself or to admit things that I’ve done well. I’ll simple say that my greatest accomplishment is that I managed to get accepted into a very difficult graduate program at a very very prestigious medical college...and had the nerve to turn them down because that wasn’t the best choice for my education, my well being, and my circumstances.

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 is pleasure, which I equate with being happy: Everything else in that list leads to it. If I have money to spend, I’m happy. If I have friends and loved ones, I’m happy. If I’m well informed of a situation, I’m happy. And etc etc. The least important is family, but in a very specific and personal sense. THIS DOES NOT MEAN I HATE MY FAMILY no sir. It’s just that…I… come from a very divided extended family, and wouldn’t consider most of my relatives to be “friends”; we don’t communicate and we don’t visit. This is hard to explain without sounding like a coldhearted frigid monster, which isn’t true, please. They’re still FAMILY, but not friends. I’m concerned about them, naturally, in a vague and distant sort of way. They’re still blood, but I can’t waste my time on them. Your family should be your friends, and those that I am on familiar terms with I’m very happy to have around. There aren’t many. Thus, friends are very much a top priority, and the necessary portion of my Family is included in that category. <3

5. What's one quote (or passage, song lyric, etc.) that effectively describes you and your values? Explain.
There’s a line where Sansa turns to Tyrion and tells him that “Septa Mordane says a lady’s armor is her courtesy”. That hit home like a brick to the face. I admire manners and courtesy and kindess in conversations and social interactions above everything else, and strive every day to be a more pleasant person than the day before. I want to be the perfect model of Southern Hospitality, like my grandmother (just to clarify: I mean US SOUTH, ice tea and magnolias and all that; NOT asoiaf south). Sometimes I fail, and then I feel bad. I will go out of my way to make you comfortable and to smooth your ruffled feathers, even if I don’t like you- maybe even especially if I don’t like you. Then it becomes a fun challenge, because it’s so rare for me to genuinely dislike someone. I’ve been accused of being a bit of a pushover because of this, I fear, but forget it. I don’t care what you do or say to me, you can’t make me hate you. I’m just going to keep on being nice, because nice people get to hear oh-so-many secrets from oh-so-many people, and I must confess I love hearing secrets.

…Wait, did that question mean a line from the series or just anything in general?

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.
Oh whoops I already answered this with my wishes...oh well!
I splurge on food; that’s where most of my (tiny student) paycheck goes. I hate that the best sorts of foods are so expensive…anyway….other than that I’m a bit of a penny pincher. I don’t go impulse shopping, and I love finding bargains. I generally never buy clothes unless they’re on sale, but I’m still terribly picky. I used to go thrifting, and to find a deal I would just run my hand along the fabrics until I felt a good solid one. I picked up a full cashmere coat for 10$ once! That’s probably my best find- and I’m digressing. My parents taught me how to manage money well, and I like to keep a close eye on things. I know if I’m ever in trouble I’ve got people who can help me out, but I trust I’ll never be in that situation. I want a good nine-five job with a steady paycheck and full benefits when I finally get out of this school.

7. Name (and elaborate on) some of your hobbies. What are your favorite things to do outside of school/the office?
I love drawing; that’s number one (Whoever gets me in their House is getting a overenthusiastic fanartist. Just saying. ) None of that fine art: I prefer illustrating things (like books hah). I find it more rewarding to accurately visualize someone else’s world than to make up my own and expect people to accept it. I love sewing and knitting and making things; idle hands are the devil’s tools, they say. I’m the worst to watch a movie with, because I feel like I’m just sitting there wasting time. But give me a pile of pants to hem and I’ll sit and watch the entire extended edition version of Return of the King all night. I love to cook and bake; please let me make you cookies, because I can’t eat them all myself. I enjoy reading occasionally, and I like to visit the gym once or twice a week to keep my ~*~girlish figure~*~.

8. Name three things you are afraid of. Explain.
1. Tornados/storms/lightning. Those weren’t fun where I grew up; it’s just a childhood fear that’s lingered.
2. Disappointment, either disappointing myself or disappointing other people. I hate to screw up and let people down because I failed at my responsibility somehow. Likewise, I never want to give you an opportunity to see my faults and to make fun of me. I work hard to maintain a façade of perfection. Don’t point at my cracks. I’ll get prickly and embarrassed, neither of which become me.
3. Dying before my loved ones do. I wouldn’t want them to mourn for me.

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.
Worst Qualities:
1. I’m judgmental. I will have you categorized and classified and pigeonholed within two minutes of talking to you and looking at you, so I hope you made a good first impression. I go by sight first and foremost and OH! Oh I’m so petty. SO PETTY. But I recognize this and do try not to act on my judgment, so everyone always gets at least two chances. Or three. Or half a dozen. I’m such a pushover.
2. I’m paranoid. I don't trust you; sometimes I don't even trust my friends. I’m on the lookout for imaginary knives behind my back at all times. I’m forever turning words over in my head trying to wrestle with all the double meanings someone could have been hiding in them. I’m worried I’m not good enough, that the email I sent an hour ago had the wrong attachment, that someone won’t like my headband, that I’ll make the wrong first impression and someone ELSE will judge ME; you name it, I worry about it. And yet I won’t do anything about it. If something does happen, I won’t try to stop it. Then I’ll play the “oh woe is me” martyr card.
3. I’m overly critical. Nothing I can do is ever good enough. Never. If I thought something was perfect the first time, where’s the room for improvement?
4. 4, 5, 6, 7, I could go on and on and on and on and on please let me tell you how I’m failing. It’s therapeutic.
5.
Best Qualities:
1. Having me as a friend. Gosh darn it, I will brag about this. Once we are friends, I am a great friend. I will remember what your favorite color is, and I will send you that card on your birthday. I will get you a thoughtful yet reasonable gift for Christmas, and I will send you an email every so often just to let you know I’m thinking of you. I’m fun without being clingy, and I’ve got enough dry wit and sense of timing to have something of a reputation as a very funny person to talk to. I’m compassionate without invading your personal space. I like having friends, and I like it when people return the same kindnesses to me.
2. I’m pragmatic. I don’t go flying off after every little whimsy or bargain or deal. If it’s too good to be true, it’s not true. It’s hard for people to talk me into harebrained ideas. Usually I’m the voice of reason talking them out of some fools’ plan. Likewise, if I need something, I’ll find a way to get it. If I don’t, I won’t get it. “Down to Earth” I suppose is another way you could say it. But this also means I’m not going to be the Hero anytime soon. That sounds risky and dangerous. No thank you I’ll just call the police instead and let them worry about it.
3. Oh dear, oh gosh another one??? Er. I’m smart? Top marks and all that. Got my first B my senior year at university only because I had already been accepted to my current school, haha. SCHOOL FIRST, and THEN fun. I don’t hit the clubs or parties much.






A Song of Ice and Fire Related

1.Who are your favorite three characters in the series? Why?
Okay, not fair. I’ve had Five favorites since I first finished this series too many years ago, and that didn’t change when AFFC was released. So I can’t change everything for this form, and I’m giving you five:
1. Roose Bolton- My absolute favorite. Everytime I reread these books I remember why I love him the most. The Lord of the Dreadfort is going to bloody well be on the winning side of it all if he has to kill every man, lie to every priest, and molest every woman from the Wall to the Reach. He’s efficient, he’s keeps his mouth shut, he listens well, he doesn’t care what you think, he’s ruthless, but GD if he still wont throw you a tiny dinner party after “rescuing” you from the castle he just won without a battle. Somehow he’s managed to stay just out of trouble and just ahead of the Game, and that makes him a winner in my book. Sure there was that nasty bit of business at the wedding, but pfft. Bolton knew a sinking ship when he saw it, and jumped to the winning side. I can’t fault him for having ambition and getting away with it. And look! Now we have zombie Catelyn, and a curse on the entire House of Frey for being the worst sorts of hosts (I do admit I was upset that all the amazing minor characters had to be sacrificed :<).His bastard looks like just a terrible brute, ugh, but I can’t wait to see what the Boltons are up to in Dance. Also, leeches? Pale eyes? Oh God! that’s so not right. I love how unapologetically creepy this man is.
2. Brienne- Oh she makes me want to give her a hug. I appreciate her first for being an unattractive female character who actually can even give the Kingslayer a good run for his money (something I’d never seen in a fantasy book until ASOIAF), yet she’s still just so innocent and naïve and hurt. She’s not cool or pretty or anything, and yet she’s the underdog I cheer for and most want to have a happily ever after.
3. Sandor Clegane- (Is this a requirement for all the ladies or what) He’s here to kick ass and chew gun, and seven bloody hells if he isn’t all out of gum. Oh my gosh he’s just this hulking bitter deformity of a man, which is always fun, but then GRRM had to go and give him a tragic backstory and a legitimate reason why he’s as cynical as he is. Sandor Clegane, keep on killing folks and being angry in the afterlife (if he really is dead of course).
4 and 5. Oberyn Martell and Jaqen H’ghar must also be mentioned, as they are in my Top Five Favorite Characters, but more on the basis of looking good and being god-mode amazing than anything else. Really; they might have only been around for a little bit, but No One forgets the Viper or the Faceless Man.

2.Who are your least favorite three characters in the series? Why?
1. Cersei Baratheon/Lannister- Barf. Dumb. Throws her body around like it’s going to be pretty forever. Shoulda listened to daddy a little more, babe. There was a smart man. I’d want to play a game of Risk with Tywin….maybe I’ll go back and change my Three Wishes…hmmm
2. Arianne Martell- BARF BARF barf barf. Way to screw everyone and then screw up the plan entirely, princess.
3. Gregor Clegane- WHAT A BIG MEANIE.

3.#1 Favorite moment in all of ASOIAF so far? Why?
Red Wedding. See “favorite characters” Gosh, what a dick move, but I have to give GRRM the biggest highfive for completely catching me with my pants down on that one.

4. In your dream-world, how would you like to see the series end, and why?
At this point, I just want to see it end, am I right? No no, sigggghhhhhhh, really I’m not one for crazy theories or thinking ahead. Uhhhhh I want to see the Children of the Forest before it’s all said and done. I want some sort of ultimate showdown with the Others. Oh yeah and Dany is doing something with dragons and Tyrion...I don't know. You all fill in the ending for me, go on. I’m content to sit and wait it out. C: Honestly I’m more excited about the HBO premiere next year, as we’re like to get that before another book.

And that’s all! Thank you for taking the time to read this! I’m sorry I type so casually; I type like I talk, which is not terrible formal for the most part.

ANYWAY, judge away. I can take your criticism! You know this application just SCREAMS Greyjoy. :T

Comments

Tully

[skyclearblue.livejournal.com]

Wow, your votes are all over the place, and I'm not surprised -- you're multifaceted! But I'm gonna have to agree with those who voted Tully. A devoted friend, pragmatic and opinionated, not wanting to make the ones you love mourn your death...that's Tully all over.