There are no urges? *shockhorror*
Name/Nickname: Raisa; my mates call me 'Rays'.
Age: 18.
Likes: reading, writing, photography, art, music, guitars, books, poetry, the ocean, "good" and international journalism, vodka, hot men [preferrably actors], laughter, friends, family, the UK, and I have to admit: studying, including writing assignments and researching [the library's awesome].
Dislikes: excessive bitchiness, back-stabbing, disloyal friends, racism, stereotyping, the current image of "perfection".
Strong points: I'm nice and, once you get to know me, have a rather twisted sense of humour. I'm friendly and caring, also quite generous with my friends. I'm loyal - I'd never ever betray a friend, I think it's because I know how that feels and since I care for my friends, I don't want them to feel that. I know how to make people laugh, which sort of becomes my next strong point: I'm quite perceptive. I know where people's boundaries stop so I hardly ever cross the line. I'm quite creative given that I write, do some photography here and there, paint once in a while, and play the guitar [albeit cruddily].
Weaker points: I get affected by negative things that my friends say about me. I'm sensitive and sometimes take some things too seriously, but my excuse for that is i'm only ever really hurt when the people saying such mean things to me are my friends. Once a friend loses my trust/respect, I make it a point not to associate with them as much. I don't know if this means that I have less friends but at least I have friends who respect me and actually like me.
What is something you'd change about yourself?: I like who I am. I'd really want to reach my "healthy" weight though, it's not an image things - it's more the fact that I don't really want to die young.
Hobbies & Talents: writing, art, photography, playing guitar, others [see Likes].
Favorite colors: Black [because I find it such a mysterious colour, it's comforting in a way], pale orange, red, grey.
Favorite foods: sushi, sashimi, mushroom/pepper steak, tuna mornay, any type of chicken dish [mmm, chicken-y].
Mature or Immature?: A weird mixture of both. I like running around acting like an idiot on campus but at the same time, you can find me in the library looking through stacks of books. I'm a weirdo you can take seriously.
Leader or Follower?: This depends on the situation: when i'm in a group of people who cannot decide on what to do, I'd take the reigns just so we can move forward but if I see that the group is in capable hands, i'm more than willing to step down and follow, while giving a few bits of advice here and there of course.
Optimistic or Pessimistic?: Optimistic. I get into my emotional ruts every once in a while but I usually have the sense to slap myself out of it and move on.
Day or Night Person? Night. I find it easier to study and get around at nighttime.
Social or more aloof? Probably aloof until you get to know me. If you're an acquaintance, i'm a quiet person who rarely says anything. If you're a good friend [or at least been in contact with me for more than a week], then i'm the crazy one who's always cracking the bad puns and using references from the Harry Potter fandom.
Favorite quote & why?: Currently it's "Please, it's not a silence. It's an echo." I found it in Sean Lennon's MySpace page and it just stuck. I suppose it's because I value silence, that small amount of time you spend with your thoughts, and some other people just feel the need to fill in every single pause. This quote means, to me at least, that a pause is not a pause, it's the brief reprieve from all the noise to gather the thought and meaning from the words. But that's just me. ;)
What is the last book you've read?: On Beauty by Zadie Smith.
What are your goals and ambitions: I want to work as a journalist in an international agency, preferably in London. And now these are my more farfetched ambitions: becoming a published author by my 22nd birthday, selling a decent amount of copies, writing a couple more books, getting recognised for literary accomplishments, and having a bestseller or two. Oh, and the happy marriage, kids, house with white picket fence package.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?: Working in an international news agency in the UK, writing my second novel, dating a hot British man [with good teeth!].
What are your closest friends like?: They're all slightly eccentric in their individual ways. The one thing we all have in common is the fact that we're all quite mad, we enjoy laughing, really bad jokes and sexual innuendoes. On a more serious note, whenever one of us go through a bad patch, we're always there for that person. They have that ability to pool together their advice and make you feel that you're going to get through the problems.
How do your friends decribe you?: Smart [flatterers]. Organised. Funny/Crazy/Mad. "Cute". Band Groupie [gosh, no].
When you’re in a group, what's your part in the group dynamic?: The Adviser/Pseudo-Leader Type. I may not necessarily be the head honcho but I get my say in the issue and the group takes it on when they think it's a good idea.
What was the stupidest thing you and your friends have ever done?: Getting drunk then deciding to head to the beach but never really reach the destination because we got distracted by a playground... so we played on the swings, see saws, etc - we thought it was hysterical at the time. Also, singing Pop! Goes my Heart complete with cheesy dance moves around univeristy.
What are your feelings towards each of the four houses?: Gryffindor - It's quite a passionate house but sometimes I fear that passion override logic and they often make decisions in the heat of the moment. I do adore their courage and sense of righteousness. Ravenclaw - This is probably the complete opposite of Gryffindor. They let logic impair their sense of judgement. Hufflepuff - I like the fact that they're hardworking and loyal but they sometimes let themselves get trodden on. Sometimes they need to stick up for themselves and prove that Hufflepuff isn't just the House where the leftovers are sent. Slytherin - They're a tad bit too coniving for my taste but I do understand their tendency to be sly, it's a self-preservation method but then again, it's just saving your skin. What's the glory in that?
Describe the house qualities that you feel accurately reflect you. Please try to include traits from each of the four houses.: I like to think that i'm courageous or at least, I know how to stick up for what I believe in... i'm willing to stick up for my principles. I have a good sense of what is right and wrong, my conscience is in the right place. However, I also like to think things through before making a decision - it always saves the times later on regretting something. I'm loyal and willing to work hard for something that I want. I'm cunning when needed, especially when I want to know the truth.
Given the choice, which house would you NOT want to be in?: Slytherin. The self-preservation thing doesn't appeal to me. I care about others too, not just myself.
Anything else?: Yarrr. It's 'Talk like a Pirate' day, everyday!
How did you find this community?: I can't remember. I joined the community about a year ago but never got around to posting something.
Pictures.
[I'm on the left.]