I do as I'm told

[fredericks]

orpheus78 put this up in his journal and I completely didn't follow the directions. D'oh. Here I go:

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me".
2. I will respond by asking you five questions.
3. You will update your LJ with the answers to the questions.


1.What made you want to study psychology?
My two close friends at the time suffered from depression. I really wanted to help them and I figured the best way to do it would be to go about learning about what made people tick on a cognitive/behavioral/psychological level. When I started learning I found that I really enjoyed it, so I continued. Now I can't really imagine myself engaging in anything else.

2.What do you think are the best and worst things about living in New York?
The best thing is the ease of transportation. I don't drive and if I continued living here I don't think I'd ever have to. Most everything of importance is a bus or train ride away. Closely following in the heels of that is the sense of anonymity you get from being a face in a crowd of 10 million. I like being able to go about my business unseen.

The worst? that living in NYC spoils me for living anywhere else. I don't think I could make it in a small town or anywhere without a great public transportation system.

3.Is there an album, book, anything from someone who you are a fan of which you dislike with a passion?
There might be, but as I can't make my way through something I'm not enjoying I'm not really sure. The latter Wheel of Time books might fit in the category. I really liked the first 4 or so and after that it was like pulling teeth.

4.What was the first comic book that convinced you that comics are not just for children?
The X-men comics I found in my uncle's room. Up to that point I simply collected Archie comics (you know, the ones you found at the check-out areas). I didn't realize older people read comics until I found my uncle's stash. I also found my first D&D-like fantasy books in my uncle's room. Thank God I snooped around that night. :)

5.What surprises people the most about you?
Probably my sense of humor. I've been told that I either look physically imposing or chronically cheerful, and both those things along with my usual silence factor into people thinking I'm somewhat of an idiot. When I start making intelligent comments or jokes I can see people being thrown for a loop. I don't mind it; I like to surprise people and I like to make people laugh so it's win-win.

Comments

[xioley.livejournal.com]

Interview me. I have a question for you, though, as well. What do you look like? I'm wondering about this because of the other post, and well, beyond you looking 'female' and being dark-skinned/black, I have no idea. No, I'm not necessarily asking for an actual picture.

It's funny, though, with some of these 'ask me questions' things. The last time I invited that, I found out how clueless and creepy someone on friends list was. He asked me very...sexual questions. Ewwww.

[fredericks.livejournal.com]

Ah, the mysterious "other post". *grin* ::has no idea what the other post is::

I don't post pictures in my LJ because I'm afraid of the sketch. Even under a friend's lock I know things have a way of seeping out and before you know it my head's plastered on top of some random chick at a pay site and all the adolescent males in my family are looking at me funny at the next holiday gathering (me: "What is it?!?!", them: ::nonstop giggles and nudges::)

As re: your inquiry - I'm female, I'm black (objectively I'm more of a burnt sienna color), I'm overweight (although I much prefer the term "pleasantly plump" when my ta-tas are on display), I'm 5'6", my hair's about shoulder-length and black although it's usually curled up in a bun at the back of my head, I have cute cheeks and a toothy-yet-oft-hidden smile (inherited from my father) and eyebrows that constantly run the risk of entering Frida Kahlo-homage territory (http://www.fantasyarts.net/Kahlo/frida_kahlo_small.jpg). If left to my own devices I wander around looking like the South Park icon. I do smell rather good, though - don't let the scruff deceive you. Does that work?

My questions para tu:
1. Why did you start keeping a LJ?
2. Have you been involved in your community (in the broader sense) your entire life? Was there a "moment of revelation" when you realized you wanted to get up and do something? or was it a gradual growth?
3. Seriously, what's up with Chicago?
4. Where can you see yourself five years from now?
5. Describe what you'd consider to be an ideal Thursday night.

It's funny, though, with some of these 'ask me questions' things. The last time I invited that, I found out how clueless and creepy someone on friends list was. He asked me very...sexual questions. Ewwww.
Hee! I mean, "ewwwww"! *grin* The problem with letting people into your private web space is that sometimes they have absolutely no idea where the lines are. And sometimes the people, they be ODD. Defriend and FL are your weapons. :)

[xioley.livejournal.com]

The other post? See March 29.

1. Why did you start keeping a LJ? I needed an outlet for what was going on in my life at the time (a lot of changes). I was looking for a job, finishing grad school, and having to say 'goodbye' or at least 'see you later' to many friends. Oh, and I think I was also starting to mentally prepare myself for breaking up with my then boyfriend. I was depressed then, actually. I've (obviously) gone through many changes since then, and I've become a happier person.
2. Have you been involved in your community (in the broader sense) your entire life? Was there a "moment of revelation" when you realized you wanted to get up and do something? or was it a gradual growth? I'd say it was a gradual growth. I'd say I first took an initiative in high school when I hosted a poetry reading at a coffee shop. It didn't go terribly well, but it did feel like something of an accomplishment. I also wrote my suburban mayor about getting a teen center in the village, but then I discovered the depth of the suburban red tape. I wanted to find out more about how it worked. I asked myself the question: do I have to wait until someone else does something about it? I haven't been as active as I'd like to be recently, but I do still volunteer, at least.
3. Seriously, what's up with Chicago? I'll take this as you asking 'Tell me more about what you think about Chicago and your experiences with it.' I like it because the living is (relatively) inexpensive. And I like how every place has its own identity. I can learn a lot just by walking outside, if I try. I don't want to live in Chicago forever, though. Because a.) I want to learn more about other places and just have that experience of living somewhere else, and b.) I'm a little SAD (seasonal-affected disordered). I'm kinda sad in the winters, especially if you compare it to my summer self. But I like how everything comes alive in the city when the weather's nice.
4. Where can you see yourself five years from now? So, yes, in five years I would like to live somewhere else. I'd like to be doing more 'good' with my career. I'd like to be in a permanent relationship. I'd like to be pursuing other interests. Beyond that, I'm not sure at the moment.
5. Describe what you'd consider to be an ideal Thursday night. Recently, I've been sleepy on Thursdays and have done very little. I'd like to go for a run or do some yoga and feel very refreshed, make a lovely meal to eat with my boyfriend or other friends. And then I'd like to go out to a show or a bar (and walk there) or hunker down a bit and knit or play a game and spend further time with people. End the night by reading in bed. Not terribly exciting, but not a Friday or Saturday either.

[fredericks.livejournal.com]

I know everyone goes through dips and troughs emotionally, but even though I've read of some of your tough times or down days I can't imagine you as anything but upbeat. I think the icon might have something to do with that. And your pictures where you always have smile on your face.

I didn't know Chi-town was dark in the winters. Don't ask me how I didn't pick up on that. I'm slow on off-days. :p