[HPFGU-OTChatter] Tink-Tink-Tink!

[Sherry Gomes]

Dearest Sirs and Misses, 
 
Please join your friendly neighborhood List Elves in raising 
a tankard of butterbeer for a toast in honor of the fifth 
anniversary of the HPforGrownups Yahoo list, which was opened 
for business five years ago:
 
"HERE'S to FIVE more YEARS!"
 
Cheers!  Toasting to strong black coffee this morning, but this evening with
a nice Merlot! 
 
 
 
 
* Name(s).
 Sherry

* Provide the etymology of your signature/handle/moniker/email 
address. In other words, how and why did you choose the name 
you use on the HPfGU lists.
Well, briefly, one of the last things my dad was trying to do for me before
his death eight years ago was to find computer training for me that would
train me in the use of access technology used by blind computer users and in
the common programs used in office settings, to allow me to be able to find
more responsible employment.  After his death, I was told how he had always
worried about me and how I'd survive, even though I'd lived on my own for
years.  when I finally got my training, in honor of his memory and all he
tried to teach me of confidence and independence, I chose one of his
nicknames as my email name.  I use it for everything because it's easier
than coming up with new things.  and nobody else has it anywhere i ever sign
up for something!
 
* Whose signature/handle/moniker/email address at HPfGU 
(a)  do you wish you had come up with first?
(b)  intrigues you?
Well, I'm happy with my own, but the ones I like are Dumbledad, Siriusly
Snapey Susan, phoenixgod2000, Kneasy, and a few I've never checked the
spelling so not sure how to write!  It's always interesting to me why people
choose the names they use on the internet.
 
* If you lived in the Potterverse, who would you be, and what 
would you do for a living?
There must be disabled people in the WW, for instance, Harry's vision
doesn't seem to be healable with magic, so I'd like to work in either
teaching or advocacy for disabled witches and wizards.
 
* What would you see in the Mirror of Erised?
My novel actually getting published and celebrating with the person I love
most in the world, but who cannot be with me.
 
* What shape would a boggart take, if you chance upon one?
If it can be something besides a creature, it would either be fire, or being
old and alone in the hospital or a nursing home.  I seem to have inherited
my dad's fear of ending up ultimately alone.
 
* What happy memory will you rely upon, if you are to conjure 
up a Patronus?
the realization that I was a teacher, the first time I taught a group of
blind adults how to write a resume and how to use a computer.  The first
time that person mentioned above held me and showed that he cared as I did.
Sitting on my dad's lap, even in my late 38's.  The first walk I took with
my first guide dog.
 
* What form might your Patronus take?
Probably, if it can be a person, my dad in his fireman uniform from my
childhood, or my special friend who also has a saving people thing, like
Harry.
 
* What might your animagus form be?
Either a dog or a cat.  I am fiercely loyal but I also like to be cozy and
warm and spoiled a little, like a cat. Love the rain if I don't have to be
out in it!
 
* What gifts would you register for in Diagon Alley?  Or would 
it be Knockturn Alley?  How about at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes?
I'd love a wand, tons of books, an owl, robes and maybe even a broomstick,
if there's a way for b blind people to fly one.
 
* Times being what they are...what is your favorite flavor of 
jam?  What is your dearest ambition?
Raspberry, blackberry or apricot
 
* Which of the HP books is your favorite?
POA with HBP a close second and SS/PS in its own category because it was the
first.
 
* Who is your favorite character?
Harry, Sirius, Dumbledore, Dobby, Hagrid
 
* What do you hope will happen in Book 7?
Harry will defeat Voldemort without having to commit murder to do it.  Harry
will survive and live happily after with Ginny as his wife and those 12 kids
predicted by trelawney! Lupin will get some back bone but also be proved to
be good.  we will find out the reason why JKR said the death of Sirius was
so important plot wise and learn what happened at Godric's Hollow.  Harry
will have his faith in his father restored, not forever tarnished by the
Pensieve memory.
 
* What do you think will happen in Book 7?
Harry will defeat Voldemort and we will learn about Godric's Hollow.  I
think he'll survive.
 
* Given all the books whose titles are canon (see 
http://www.hp-lexicon.org/wizworld/books.html ) which would you 
read cover to cover *first*?
I am dying to read Hogwarts a History!
 
* What's in your Scrapbook for JKRowling.com ?
( http://www.hp-lexicon.org/about/sources/jkr.com/jkr-com-scrapbook.html )
Can't access that part of the site and those tings aren't on the text only
site.
 
* What's your personal best for Expert Level Minesweeper?
Never found an accessible version of the game, but I'm very good at some
accessible computer games played all by sound alone.
 
* When did you join HPfGU?  How did you find us?
I joined sometime after OOTP was released, enough after that the furor had
died down.  I searched for a site for adult fans, because the one list I'd
been on had lots of kids and had a lot of petty arguing without much depth
of discussion.  oh boy was I ever surprised by the quality of this group and
the amazing theories and debates that go on here!
 
* Point us to your delurking post...how was that maiden voyage?
I have no idea how to find it.  i was terrified for my first few posts, and
if you could research it, you'd see I didn't post much for a long time.  Had
to develop confidence.  The strict posting guidelines about snipping and all
were a little tricky at first with screen reading software and I was so
worried about doing it wrong and getting howlers from the elves.  I'm also
fiercely independent, so i didn't want help writing them, I wanted to do it
correctly myself!  LOL.
 
* Point us to your favorite posts, your own or otherwise.
not sure how to do that, but a few I remember are:  Kneasy's post about
Hermione, a wonderful defense of Ron, just Carol's initial post about the
DAD Jinx, Pippin's ESE Lupin post even though I disagree and ... oh too
many!  i always think, I'm going to save that, and then my HP folder gets
huge and I start deleting.  Let's just say that so many posts have really
made me think and wonder, even when I've disagreed with the ideas.
 
* Have you been around since August 2000?  What were the hot 
topics for you personally five years ago, post-GoF?
No, but I sure wish I'd been here.  I'd love to be able to read what people
were saying then and see what has been resolved or still is not.
 
* What things about you often come as a surprise to others?
I am very shy but I've learned not to show it. i hate talking on the phone
after years of doing it in professional situations.
 
* Things you do when not staring at the computer:
 well, I don't stare at the computer, but I read, shop, listen to music.  I
also write a lot, but of course that's on the computer.

 
 
 
More HP fun (share your results please!):
 
* Ever wonder into which Hogwarts House the Sorting Hat would 
put you? If you're not sure, get sorted at
I've been sorted into Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, which I think is rather
apt, since I'm loyal but I'm kinda brave too. different tests have sorted me
differently.

P.S. The last Mixer started with