(no subject)
Name: Cyndy
Age: 38
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I'd make people better able to cope with uncertainty, the idea that there are no guarantees. I think much of the big problems today stem from people's desire to absolute certainty, absolute safety. If you must be right about x, y, or z in order to feel All Is Right with the World, eventually anyone who questions you becomes a threat. And after all, people don't respond well to threats....
Who is your favorite Hogwarts teacher?
When I grow up, I want to be McGonagall. She reminds me of the kind of teachers I really liked and respected; tought but fair, and she likes teaching. Plus, she turns into a cat, which is utterly cool.
Who is your favorite character in Harry Potter?
Harry. The story is about him, after all, and we see the wizarding world through his eyes. If I can't care about the main character, I don't keep up with a series -- no matter how I feel about the other characters.
Who is your least favorite character in Harry Potter?
Umbridge. She knows what's going on, but in order to keep Fudge in power, she cracks down on anything in Hogwarts that could support what Harry said, and decides the ends justify the means.
What makes a person respectable?
Can they keep their word? Are they trustworthy? Do they see other people as "real" or are they simply looking out for Number One?
What is your take on religion?
I don't believe any religion has the right to attempt to mold society to fits it liturgy and doctrine. By nature I'm skeptical about anyone trying to tell me some disembodied entity I've never met knows what best for me.
What do you think about house elves?
Personally? I'd love someone who'd pick up after me. Seriously, they're a fine ethical quandrary in the world JKR set up. On the one hand, the initial response is, "Of course they should be free!" But from what we've seen, Dobby's desire for freedom seems to be a fluke. The house elves go out of their way not to pick up the clothes Hermione knits for them. So house elves should be free -- but how can you force someone to take a freedom they don't want, without betraying the idea of freedom?
What do you look for in a friend?
Common interests; we don't have to have everything in common, but at least something. Intelligence, and the ability to "get" things -- metaphors, analogies, etc. -- without them being spelled out. Willingness to be each other's sounding board, whether it's problems or ideas or just the need to vent. And, a willingness to tell me when I'm being an ass.
Would you rather have friends and family or money and success?
This is tough. I've been pretty damn poor; money does matter in this world. I have to say, though, I'd rather have friends and family. Money's great, but Andrew Jackson and Benjamin Franklin don't care if the Boss from Hell chewed you a new one in front of God and everybody.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd be more optimistic. I'm a horrible pessimist -- the glass is always half-empty. I've set myself up for failure because of my pessimism too many times to count.
What do you feel is your best quality?
Generosity. I'm an easy touch for favors. I've helped friends financially even when my own situation hasn't been the best. I like to share with people; on some level, I still operate on the "it's more fun when everyone has fun" attitude I got in kindergarten.
What are your hobbies?
Reading. Writing (though I've hit a wall since I lost my job last summer). Computer games. Researching odd bits of folklore and the like. I used to muck around with MS Publisher and make little newsletters, flyers, etc.,but I haven't done that in ages. I'm trying to learn to draw, and to knit, but my desire to be perfect right now is getting in the way.
Do you want to have children?
No. I know myself well enough to know I'd be a lousy parent.
Have or would you give time and money to a charity?
I used to donate to the United Way pretty regularly...until the head of the county embezzled money. Twice. Now, I stick with small donations to the Red Cross.
If your friend was attacked (by a person, animal, or (in the magic world) beast), what would you do?
Stand there dumbstruck for a few seconds, then either rush to their aid, or rush to get help.
What is the one thing you would most like to accomplish?
Write the novel equivalent of a great summer movie.
Who is your role model?
My older sister. She's very determined -- put herself thorugh college, got through a bunch of health problems and has a study ethic I wish was genetic. She just passed the second cardiovascular exam for her job, and had her house wallpapered in study notes for the last several months.
What trait most annoys you about other people?
Taking themselves too seriously. We all like to pretend we're the center of the universe sometimes, but the operative word here is pretend.
What do you want to do for a living?
I'm still trying to figure that one out; Plans, A, B, and C fell by the wayside years ago. Right now, I'd settle for something with a minimum of face-to-face contact that was still somewhat mentally stimulating. Not factory work. Never again!
Would you ever use an Unforgivable Curse for any reason?
I know there's situations where I would want to. Whether or not I'd be able to is another question. Hate and willingness to hurt seem to be the requirements for the Unforgivables to work; I'm not sure I could maintain them long enough or hot enough to pull off an Unforgivable.
What house do you think DOESN'T fit you?
Slytherin. I have ambitions, but I'm not ambitious, if that makes any sense.
What do you think are your top five abilities or qualities?
Sense of humor; I can poke gentle (usually) at just about anything. Creativity. I'm loyal, sometimes even when I shouldn't be. A willingness to stick out my neck for other people. Blunt honesty.
Where did you find out about us?
fandom_wankThe Community That Dare Not Speak Its Name