Hello world, and welcome to Jennifer’s library!

I am starting my doctorate in English literature, with a focus on Old English and Old Norse philology. Because I’ve also moved across the Atlantic Ocean to Oxford in order to do said doctorate, most of my posts will be about one of two things: a) the ensuing literary and historical adventures in that sceptred isle, or b) about books: books I’m reading, books I like, books I disagree with, books I don’t understand, or simply books that I think are important to talk about.

With that said: I also have a longstanding love of theoretical physics and mathematics, and I spend my spare time working in professional theatre. So this may become a fairly eclectic series of reflections!

~~~

Since that tells you what I do, but not very much about who I am or how I think, let’s start with a few random things that you might not know about me:

1. I am an INTJ or a “Rational Mastermind” (if you believe that Myers-Briggs personality tests convey useful information).

2. I believe in the Oxford comma.

3. When I was younger, I wanted to be a ballet dancer, a spy, a private detective, an astronaut, and a writer.

4. I grew up in New Brunswick, and my favourite flowers are forget-me-nots, purple violets, and lupines.

5. I taught myself how to solve Schrödinger’s equation at age fourteen.

6. My favourite fictional characters include Havelock Vetinari (Discworld), Sherlock Holmes, Hermione Granger, Glorfindel, and Artemis Fowl.

7. I have been an archer since age three.

8. I can be a pretty annoying perfectionist at times … and about the only thing I can say in my defense is that I put far more pressure on myself than I do on anyone else.

9. I usually hide what I’m feeling, especially if I’m hurt by something.

10. My favourite musicals: Notre Dame de Paris and Cats.

11. I am curious about EVERYTHING, especially obscure words. If I don’t know the answer to a question, I have to go and look it up immediately.

12. I love travelling, trying new things, and challenging myself. Bungee jumping and skydiving are on my bucket list. I know how to use a broadsword.

13. Favourite TV shows include Numb3rs, Sherlock, Doctor Who, Star Trek, QI, Torchwood, The Big Bang Theory, and So You Think You Can Dance.

14. My idea of a great conversation usually involves one or more of the following: Tolkien, quantum mechanics, Shakespeare, astrophysics, medieval poetry, Norse mythology … or basically anything related to literature, science, mathematics, linguistics, theatre, music, or dance.

15. When I’m upset, stressed, happy, or really excited about something, I put on some good music and dance my heart out.