December Batch #2

[caesaria]

Application #419
House: Hufflepuff

Best Trait: Hmm... I'd say creativity. I love to write, to dance and to sing. I am currently trying to improve my (unfortunately very poor) drawing skills, which turned out to be more difficult than I thought it was, but I dare to say that I got quite good at Photoshop during the last years. I love any kinds of Art - Literature, Music (my heart beats especially for Music), anything. Really.
Worst Trait: I'm stubborn. Very stubborn. If I think that I am right, I will insist on my opinion for a very long time and I'll try to convince everyone that I am right, sometimes even if I start having this slight feeling that I am not. Although I surely will admit that I was wrong if it's proved. Maybe not always willingly, but I will do it for sure.
Do you like to have people around you, or are you more of a loner? Both. It always depends on the situation to me - I usually like having people around me, but I often try to avoid large crowds of people - that's why I hardly ever go to clubs, though I love going out and being with my friends. But I don't mind being on my own too - it can be very helpful sometimes, but as already stated, it always depends on the situation.
Are you more outgoing or shy? Do you think this would change when you are in your animagus form? Again, both. I'm not as outgoing as some people are, but I am not as shy as most people who don't know me think I am. It takes some time for me to trust people and maybe some minutes to be able to talk to them freely and openly. Although I always love meeting new people and making friends, and it's absolutely no problem to talk to strangers (if they don't scare me) or to begin conversations.
Please give an accurate description of your appearance; pictures are welcome! I am 5’55’’ (169cm), quite curvy, got very pale skin, dark brown and mostly curly hair and green-grey eyes.
01 // 02 // 03 // 04

What kind of environment would you feel most comfortable in: air, water or earth? Hmm... Earth. I'm afraid of height and flying, and I don't really like swimming, surfing or diving, so I'm saying earth. I would definitely feel more comfortable and safe standing on a firm ground than flying somewhere up in the air or diving in the deepest ocean!
What's your favourite kind of weather? People always think I'm crazy when I say that I love snow, and cold, rainy weather. I'm really not into this hot and dry weather everyone seems to love. I like sunshine and warm weather if it's not too hot, but I just love rain and everything that's cold, dark and cloudy - it's really my favourite kind of weather.
Favourite time of day (or night)? Night! I love it when it's dark, cold and when you're able to see the stars and the moon. I've always been a night owl, and I'm always most productive when it's dark and everyone else is sleeping. I don't know why, but the night makes me more creative and I think that I'm even happier at this time of day. I just love the night!
Are there any traits you think you might like your animagus form to have? Not really. Fur would be great, though!
What capabilities is it important that your animagus form have? I've always been a thinker, so I'd love to have a good memory, please!
Are there any traits or capabilities which you absolutely do not want? I wouldn't really want to be a too slow and lazy animal, but neither an extremely fast one. Something in the middle would be really great. And I don't want to be dependend on others or be extremely small or tall. Just nothing extreme.
Are there any animals that you feel drawn to or have a connection with? I love Panda Bears! I don't really have a special connection to them,
Are there any animals you are afraid of or strongly dislike? SPIDERS. Spiders and any other Insects. Anything with more than four legs, actually.

Why would you like to be an animagus? I just love animals and seeing the world in an animal's eyes would be a wonderful experience for me!
______________________________

Application #420
House: Ravenclaw

Best Trait: I am insightful. I can see other sides of arguments and discussions and I can really empathise with people to understand them or things.
Worst Trait: Procrastinator³. Or lazy. God, I am so lazy. I should be doing a bunch of important things that may or may not have an impact on my future and yet I will not do them. It's a bit to do with not wanting to let go of other things, I think, but still. Say, I'd like to do something with Photoshop. I simply won't do it because I'm too lazy to actually open the program and get it done.
Do you like to have people around you, or are you more of a loner? Both? I love being alone and I don't need people around me to keep happy (although, does that count if I am online and talk to people there?) but I also enjoy when I am with friends. We have barbecue parties every now and then and every time I really want to stay as long as possible to get enough time with them.
Are you more outgoing or shy? Do you think this would change when you are in your animagus form? I am shy but I can get pretty playful around friends. I guess that'd stay the same even in animagus form. I'll be wary of contact at first but when I like you I'll tackle you with love and hugs and be pretty outgoing with you.
Please give an accurate description of your appearance; pictures are welcome! Oh well. Here, have some pictures.
Other than what you can see: I am short. Five feet short. I am overweight but nothing that's going to kill me.
What kind of environment would you feel most comfortable in: air, water or earth? Earth. Water is great, don't get me wrong, but being a fish or a whale isn't exactly the most awesome animal anyone could be. You could only ever be in water, and that's sort of... useless. I'm going for earth because I like having ground under my feet (I'm not the biggest fan of flying) and there are so many things you can do, I don't need a permanent water environment that keeps me restrained.
What's your favourite kind of weather? I like rain in summer, when it's warm and the rain just feels so amazing. I like rain, when I'm inside. I prefer warm temperatures to the cold, but I'd rather it wasn't super hot. Like a late summer/early autumn day, when you can go outside and enjoy the warmth on your skin or walk through the rain. Also,I love watching the snow fall, although I could do without the cold. Snow just has something so magical about it and I adore when the world is covered in white.
Favourite time of day (or night)? Anytime between sunset and 3am. I love the night, I love when it gets dark and when I am the only one awake in the house because it sort of makes me feel... free? I can't really put it in words. Also, the night just has something soothing for me and I enjoy those periods of the day.

Are there any traits you think you might like your animagus form to have? I'd like to be fluffly and pretty and huggable. I'd like (cute) ears and a bushy tail, if possible. Or a tail at all. Me and my tail, we'd be bffs. I'd probably chase it all the time. Or I'd chase my friends in a good-natured way.
What capabilities is it important that your animagus form have? My animagus has to be clever. Now I don't know how much of my human personality transfers into the animagus, but I'd be devastated if it had the brain capabilities of toast. I'd like my form to be a quick thinker and resourceful, too. I'd rather have something quick and agile, as well, because what's the use of chasing my tail if I am not speedy or flexible enough for it.
Are there any traits or capabilities which you absolutely do not want? Uhm. Scales? Like, fishscales and on snakes, as well. I don't really like fish and I had to touch both fish and snakes at some point in my life and it just weirds me out that they feel so icky and strange. As I said, I really care about being clever and resourceful, so no stupidity, no utter cluelessness. I don't mind getting dirty, but I don't revel in it and I really don't want to be some animal that rolls around in mud all day. I don't like it when it's too loud, either. I can get pretty loud with people when the situation warrants it but no matter if I'm human or animal, I couldn't stand it all day.
Are there any animals that you feel drawn to or have a connection with? Cats. I love it when they purr and how warm they usually are. Bunnies, too, I suppose. And those adorable fluffy little dogs. ♥ And, uh, sheep, too. They just look so cute.
Are there any animals you are afraid of or strongly dislike? Spiders and bugs. They make me feel icky and I hate them and I really want them to leave me alone. Also, sharks and alligators? Those teeth are really scary. And well, as stated above, loud things. Like, loud or really big dogs for example. I'm not the biggest fan of those either, because they're just so disturbing to the quiet and they can look really menacing when they're super huge.

Why would you like to be an animagus? Because it's so magical and it'd give me a chance to take a short break from humanity every now and then. I could just leave behind my worries for a few moments and really enjoy myself with things that are intuition to animals. You know, instead of having to constantly think about everything you have to do, to achieve, to put in the mail, etc.
______________________________

Application #421
House: Hufflepuff

Best Trait: Loyalty tied with sense of humor. I'll be loyal and faithful to you, but by-golly-betcha I'm gonna make fun of you. It's how I show my affection towards you. You can tell I DON'T like you if I'm uber-polite to you.
Worst Trait: Laziness, lack of motivation. It takes A LOT to get me going on a project that can't be done easily or quickly.
Do you like to have people around you, or are you more of a loner? I like to be in smaller groups, but not alone. Large crowds make me nervous and jittery. (irrational fear of being assassinated in public. no idea why.)
Are you more outgoing or shy? Do you think this would change when you are in your animagus form? I'm very shy in human form, but I imagine the anonymity of being an animagus would let me be a bit more adventurous! Knowing that most people (muggles) wouldn't know who I was, I'd feel free-er to do what I want when I want to, a little less wary of the consequences.
Please give an accurate description of your appearance; pictures are welcome!
Average height and weight (What? post-pregnancy weight? I dunno what you're talking about >.> )I have light brown hair (mostly, a few bad at-home dye jobs are growing out) My eyes are normally a grey-blue, but turn green in the spring/summer.



ahh, pre-pregnancy face. *gazes longingly*



(Me and my mini!)

What kind of environment would you feel most comfortable in: air, water or earth? I feel most comfortable in earth, I love walking around forests/wooded areas and listening to *Nature*. As a kid I would sit on the edge of our stream (but not IN it, cause that would break my mom's rules.) and make fairy houses out of leaves and sticks and such. (I was also the kid who smashed tiny rocks with bigger rocks at recess.)

What's your favourite kind of weather? BLIZZARDS. I love the comfy cozy feeling that my house gets in big snow storms. (like right now omg!) I love how everything outside becomes icy and beautiful. The city always seems to slow down or stop during a snowstorm, everyone just gets to take a break and enjoy the awesomeness that is snow.
Favourite time of day (or night)? I like 11pm-12am. It's not soo late that I start to worry about the next day, but it's late enough where everyone else is sleeping and I can just have an hour or so to myself to do what I want cause I want to, not because I have to.

Are there any traits you think you might like your animagus form to have? I'm interested in having creative markings on my animagus's fur/skin/scales/what-have-you, something that would make a muggle pause and go "huh, THAT'S different" but other that I have no strong desire for any trait over another.
What capabilities is it important that your animagus form have? I am a chronic eavesdropper, it's a sickness really but I KNOW I'd abuse my animagus to spy/sneak and stalk around without being noticed so it'd be best to have an animal capable of that. Something commonplace enough that no muggle or wizard would give a second glance. So the glow-in-the-dark unicorn mermaid creature is out BUT HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE?
Are there any traits or capabilities which you absolutely do not want? There are non that I would say NO WAY to, but I have a fear of heights and flying, so wings and the like wouldn't be very useful to me.
Are there any animals that you feel drawn to or have a connection with? I've always been fascinated with cats, both large and small. I find it very interesting in how determined they can be at times, but so lazy and carefree at others, it's like an internal paradox.
Are there any animals you are afraid of or strongly dislike? I am terrified of birds, I can handle a cute little one if it's in the far off distance, but my town is infested with wild turkeys and vultures and they scare the crap out of me even if I'm in my locked house with the curtains drawn and my blankie over my head!!

Why would you like to be an animagus? People, especially muggles, don't pay attention to animals. They just accept that they are there; and as long as the animal isn't threatening, pretty much leave it to it's own devices. Imagine the things they say or do in front of they what consider an unintelligent animal. The knowledge to be gained is immeasurable. It's also easier, in my humble opinion to travel as an animal, they don't get winded as easily as the out-of-shape human me, and some have capabilities to travel in conditions humans just can't handle.
______________________________

Application #422
House: Slytherin

Best Trait:
I would say that my intense motivation is definitely my strongest trait. It took me a long time to realize that my drive to succeed has always been the force that kept me going, striving, and wanting more. I do have big plans for what I want to do with my future. I want to revolutionize the plastic industry in the world so that our dependence on plastic polymers decreases. Instead, it would be replaced by biodegradable plastic made from completely organic material that degrades in five to ten years (and in water!) compared to the plastic that we utilize now. The current lifespan of these plastic polymers takes eighty years to degrade on their own. I realize that what I want to do takes a long time, and requires knowledge in many fields regarding plastics: politically, economically, sustainability, scientifically, and viability amongst others. Yet, I know exactly what I have to do in order to achieve these goals in a realistic and doable manner. In order for me to understand the realm of plastics from all these angles, I am most likely going to go for a double Masters (or Ph.D?) and possibly an MBA (because I want to run my own company and be CEO). Currently, as an undergraduate, my plans to make the best of my education in preparation for graduate school has fueled my drive. Without a solid foundation, I know that I would never get anywhere. I'm going to be double majoring in Chemistry and in Environmental Sciences with a focus on Civil Engineering. My simultaneous liberal arts education (broad), compounded by my Chemistry and Engineering focus (specific), gives me the foundational basis I need to make the most of my graduate studies I'm focused, determined to work hard, and not lose sight of what the ultimate goal is here. That is, to help keep our Earth livable and sustainable for as many generations to come as possible. I often whine, bitch, and moan about how much work and suffering I am putting myself through. But, when I take a step back and remind myself why I am doing it, my fire ignites once again, and I am back on track. I'm often met with failures and setbacks ie terrible exam scores or a botched experiment in lab, but I'm motivated to keep on going because I know that every little setback only helps me to improve myself, and that everything I am doing currently serves as little stepping stones to pave a path towards my end goal.

Worst Trait:
That being said, knowing what I want to do with my life and how to achieve it reasonably has its set-backs. I've planned out my life step by step of what I need to do. My negative trait here isn't missing out and enjoying life because I have this specific plan of exactly what I want to do. Actually, I'm quite happy, and if something comes up not according to plan, I will welcome it with open arms. No, the negativity I see here is a person who lives too much in the future. I spend so much time planning that I sometimes forget to live in the present and cherish the here and now. And once it's gone, it will never come back. I would have lost my time to a whole bunch of what-ifs and unknowns instead of living in exactly what I know and can control: the present. I do try to catch myself amongst all the school work and extracurricular activities that my life is filled with to stop and smell the roses. Most often, when I'm doing something, I don't enjoy the task at hand in the present--not to say that this is always the case, but it does happen--but constantly attributing to what good it will do for me in the future. Everything is about the future, and I see that it would come back and bite me in the ass someday. What I fear, I guess out of all of this is regret. Regret that I would look back someday asking myself why I didn't enjoy the then-present. And I certainly don't want to regret anything. I don't think it's the best way to approach life, because the only thing that I can control without a doubt is the present.

Do you like to have people around you, or are you more of a loner?
I lean more towards the loner side, but I also like having people around me. However, I don't wish to be immersed with a huge group of random people that I don't know. I want to spend time with the people that I care to spend time with. I appreciate both aspects, and believe that each has their own pros and cons in my life. I also love to be alone, and have time to do whatever it is I want without having people questioning me. I think a balance of the both is the best way to go. Everything in moderation!

Are you more outgoing or shy? Do you think this would change when you are in your animagus form?
I would consider myself an outgoing person. But, I'm not the complete social butterfly that would just talk to any random person. And at the same time, I'm not shy or socially awkward either (at least, I hope not). Going along with the moderation theme, I tend to choose who I want to talk to. And, if I don't end up in a conversation or interacting with someone, I would not mind being "shy" and being by myself whatsoever. I don't think that I would be any different in my animagus form versus being myself.

Please give an accurate description of your appearance; pictures are welcome!
How about a picture instead? It's me at the Lady Gaga concert: click!

What kind of environment would you feel most comfortable in: air, water or earth?
Gosh, I'm pretty convinced that in my past life, I was some sort of water dweller. I'm completely fascinated and in love with marine animals. I remember that I used to get super excited (to the point of screaming in a pillow) when the television show on PBS, Kratts' Creatures, would feature an episode about underwater animals. I don't know what it is I love so much about them, but I just do, and it's definitely not something I can explain. I'm also completely fascinated with prehistoric sea monsters. Again, don't ask me why, but I get really excited at the thought of a Tylosaurus or Stylxosaurus! I've often tried to reason out why I love these sea monsters so much, but I've never been able to come up with a coherent and reasonable answer. So, I'm leaving it at that :)

What's your favourite kind of weather?
I would say a moderate summer day with a night breeze to boot. I don't mind the scorching hot weather at all, but I just can't do humidity. I feel like I'm constantly wet and taking a shower. In the perfect world, it would always be in the mid to upper 70s with a nice cool breeze. I don't like the humidity. I'd rather have it scorching than a mild day with humidity. I think it's due to the environment I was brought up in. I've always lived on the West Coast in the United States, so I feel none of that. And when it does feel muggy…I go insane!

Favourite time of day (or night)?
I love waking up to sun rise. So, I think early morning would be my favorite. Though, thanks to HiH, I've become a night owl as well as an early bird. The best of both worlds I suppose!

Are there any traits you think you might like your animagus form to have?
In all honesty, I don't. I'm open to whatever that members deem the best for me! But, if I had to choose, I guess common sense would be a biggie.

What capabilities is it important that your animagus form have?
I'd like my animagus to be able to get out of trouble or danger that I most likely will encounter. So, I'm thinking of some sort of ability to either escape fast, have some sort of camouflage, or be able to defend myself (or a combination of the three?). I don't like the thought of being a helpless animal regardless of how big or small I am.

Are there any traits or capabilities which you absolutely do not want?
No, I love animals completely, and believe that each trait or capability is unique to the individual. Everything is in the eyes of the beholder.

Are there any animals that you feel drawn to or have a connection with?
Right now, I feel a connection to the octopus without a doubt. I've always loved them, and I think they are such magical creatures. They are adaptable, smart, and resourceful. Did you know that an octopus has both short and long term memory? According to studies, not many marine creatures/animals do. The octopus is capable of both going on the offense and defense in case unsuspecting events happen. They also have this sense of mystery surrounding them that I love so much.

Are there any animals you are afraid of or strongly dislike?
SPIDERS! I absolutely do not like spiders! And, no creepy-crawly insects for bugs please. Obviously, I am no gardener >.>

Why would you like to be an animagus?
I absolutely love animals, and believe that we are equals to them. I believe that every animal big or small has an amazing story to tell. I also believe that every animal has something to contribute to society that we can all learn and benefit from in a harmonious cohabitation amongst different species. It would be amazing to be a part of experiencing both human and non-human worlds. I think life would take on an even richer meaning, and it would allow us to understand animals more because we literally are walking in their shoes.
______________________________

Application #423
House: Gryffindor

Best Trait: Passion. I’m very passionate about what I do. If there’s something that I want to get done and I’m determined to do it and not procrastinate then god help anyone if they get in my way. I’m very, very motivated when I’m passionate about something. For me, that’s politics and law. It’s my calling and that’s what I’m studying in college. It’s my passion, it’s what I want to do.
Worst Trait: Well,…this may be awkward, but my worst trait is my passion. I’m so passionate, to the point of ridiculously stubborn and headstrong. It gets me into many conflicts and it causes to me to not see all sides of something sometimes. Depending on the issue, I don’t care who you are, what you think, or what you say, I am right forever and ever, the end. Period. It can get on peoples nerves very, very quickly.
Do you like to have people around you, or are you more of a loner? It really all depends. I’m probably much more of a loner. I’ve never had a huge group of friends. As it is, I only have a few friends IRL that I care about. But, if I know you and really like you then I like to be around you. However, I wasn’t given the gift of patience, so I’m an extremely impatient person and I’m easily agitated/upset, so having people around is sometimes hard for me.
Are you more outgoing or shy? Do you think this would change when you are in your animagus form? I’m much more shy than outgoing. Definitely. Um, it would be cool if it changed in my animagus form, but I doubt it would. I’m just really shy in nature, until you get to know me and then I’m crazy psycho outgoing. So, it’s like I’m both, but I’m shy and then outgoing. I doubt that it would change.
Please give an accurate description of your appearance; pictures are welcome! I’m 5’7”, dark brown hair that’s naturally wavy but I straighten it, hazel eyes, but most people tell me they’re brown, but they’re not. Here Have Some Pictures
I’m the one with the brown hair hahaha. The third picture I’m the one all the way on the left and in the fourth picture I’m on the right. Overkill? Sorry. hahahaa

What kind of environment would you feel most comfortable in: air, water or earth? Probably earth. I’m much more comfortable walking on land than flying or being in the water. I’d really prefer to stay grounded. I can’t swim at all and I like to fly, but it scares the crap out of me. So earth, please.
What's your favourite kind of weather? Oh gosh Fall/Spring. It’s the perfect weather. High 60’s-Low 70’s. Comfortable, breezy. Jeans and a tshirt kind of weather. It’s so great. I HATE the cold. I hate it. I can handle heat though.
Favourite time of day (or night)? Afternoon/Evening. I am definitely not a morning person. Nor am I a night person. I’m pretty cranky in the early morning and late evening. I’m much more of an in between kind of girl. I get most of my work done in the afternoon and evening, I enjoy the cooler weather that comes with that time of day. It’s my favorite time of day

Are there any traits you think you might like your animagus form to have? Um, not really? A lot of people have specifications for this and I feel like that means that I should, but I don’t. Just as long as you don’t see me as a creepy crawly or like a lizard/snake thing then I’m good.
What capabilities is it important that your animagus form have? um, again. I am what I am and I don’t want to limit your possibilities by telling you what I want/don’t want.
Are there any traits or capabilities which you absolutely do not want? Gah, I just don’t want to be some sort of insect or lizard or snake. That’s about it. Almost all animals have some sort of self defense, so I feel like no matter what, I’ll have the same odds as anyone else.
Are there any animals that you feel drawn to or have a connection with? Um, giraffes, mostly. I don’t know why though. They’ve always been my favorite animal, probably because they’re tall and when I was younger I was always made fun of for being so tall. I just think they’re really amazing, majestic creatures and people don’t notice them as much as they notice, say, lions or tigers or bears (Oh my! =p).
Are there any animals you are afraid of or strongly dislike? Again, creepy crawlies, insects, lizards, snakes. Things of that nature, really.

Why would you like to be an animagus? It’d be so cool to be able to be an animal! A lot of the time, I need a break from the real world, so to be able to use my animal form as a way to get away and relax would be a great thing for me. Stress comes easily. I don’t want to say being an animagus would be an escape, because it wouldn’t. It’d be a new adventure.
______________________________

Applicant #419
Applicant #420
Applicant #421
Applicant #422
Applicant #423

Name/House/Registered Animagus Form

Remember:
- Follow the voting guidelines.
- Especially remember to check that your animal choice has not already been claimed.
- Keep to the deadline! The time will always be given in UTC.
- Elaborate your vote (refer to the point scale in the voting guidelines) for the full 10 points per vote.

Get your votes in before December 30th at 10 PM UTC (5 PM CDT).

PS: Applicants #414-#418, go have a look at your choices here and when you've chosen one form, turn your essays in here! We don't want that to get lost in the Holiday craziness ;-)