I am a 24-year old medical student, and loving it despite (because of?) the workload. I self-describe as a pretty big geek, but aren't we all, in some way? We all have things we love and know more about than any other person we know, be it science, sports, art, music, how to fix things, cars, trees, ostriches...I could go on. I mean, what is fantasy football but Dungeons and Dragons for jocks?

My natural state is one of introversion and introspection, and this at times makes me seem aloof or cold, but the truth of the matter is that I'm just a little shy, and don't feel any particular need to fill the air with chatter when I don't have anything important to say. But if I DO have something important to say? It's getting said. I like to think of myself as loyal, laid-back, and easy to get along with, and I certainly hope those things are true!

First year medical student! I love it. I really do. It's almost a Sisyphean task, and it's tiring, and it's only going to get more difficult and exhausting, but it's what I want to do, and I can't see myself doing anything else with my life. I complain about it, we all do, but through medicine I'll be able to help make the world a better place. It's like saving the world with science!

See, now this question is just DARING me to let my ego run wild.

I tend to think I'm good at adaptation, at rolling with the punches. I tend not to dwell on problems or complications, preferring instead to focus on solutions and moving forward. I also tend to notice the little things and assemble them into a coherent picture. I like to think I'm a good listener, too.

...and not to toot my own horn, but I'm a pretty damn good scientist, writer, novice fencer, swimmer, pancake chef, driver, Guitar Hero player, and friend. And I have a fantastic vocabulary and a fairly impressive reservoir of useless trivia.

That I am not on fire.

But, no, probably my rather wild hair. I'd like to think that they notice my eyes, but what girl doesn't, eh? Usually my nose is stuck in a book, so maybe they'll notice what I'm reading?

Ok, now we're getting into an easy question!

Books! My favorite authors are Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, and William Gibson, but I'll read almost anything I can get my hands on. I love science and speculative fiction, but am equally likely to pick up a biology textbook for fun, or a treatise on Cold War history. I also love Latin American magic realism, especially the father of the genre, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Some other authors I like include Carl Sagan, Douglas Adams, Margaret Atwood, George Orwell, Ray Bradbury, Christopher Moore, John Donne, good ol' Bill the Bard, Katherine Vaz, and Warren Ellis.

That said, I like comics, too. I tend to like more serious, alternative, or independent stuff rather than mainstream Marvel and DC, but there are exceptions. Favored authors include Warren Ellis, Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Ben Templesmith, and Matt Fraction.

Movies! Let's see. Star Wars, The Princess Bride, Bladerunner, Indiana Jones trilogy, Iron Man, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mel Brooks movies, Kevin Smith movies, most movies by Tarentino or Guillermo del Toro, The Fifth Element, Hayao Miyazaki movies, Caddyshack, most science fiction, good and laughably bad I despise most romantic comedies, but there are exceptions. I also love The X-Files, Fringe, Heroes, The Office, 30 Rock, and Mythbusters.

Music! I like music from almost every genre. Classic rock, alt rock, punk, oldies, some rap, some country, soul, blues, jazz, folk, celtic, Japanese pop, new age, new wave, 80's, classical, electronic...I'll listen to all of it.

Food! I love seafood, Japanese food, and chocolate. Not all at once, though.

1) My family. And when I say family, I don't just mean the people I share genes with, but the people I love and choose to surround myself with. No one functions in a vacuum, and if I didn't have them, I don't know what I'd do.
2) Books. Any and all. I love to read. A book I can read over and over and still get the same enjoyment from is a great friend.
3) My music collection. I'd go mad without it.
4) Hot water. The incredible thermodynamic properties of water may as well be proof that there is a loving god and he wants us to be happy.
5) Caffeine. Hey, I'm a future doctor.
6) A fresh pencil and blank paper. If I'm idle for too long, my hands gravitate to sketching or writing.

The elegant anatomy of the forearm. Just where the heck I left my keys. Fencing. My family and friends. How to be a good doctor. How to find a good parking spot in the French Quarter. Why we park in driveways and drive on parkways. Cosmology. Daniel Craig. The elegant anatomy of Daniel Craig.

You know, normal stuff.

Hopefully out doing something around town, if I'm not studying. I love New Orleans, and I'm pretty sure I could live here my entire life and not explore every corner of it. I intend to try. I do greatly enjoy a night in, though, just watching movies or playing board games or video games.

I may seem standoffish sometimes, but I'm really just shy and quiet around people I don't know especially well. I love being around people, and generally get along with just about anyone, but rarely will I just walk up to a stranger or even a vague acquaintance and strike up conversation. I know, it's a paradox, but it's true.

You should message me if you're interested in talking to a classic INTP with a soft side. Or if you're annoyed for whatever reason, as I'm never one to turn down an argument. Or if you're bored.