an introduction of sorts

I spend so much time writing about myself at things she said that I never give much thought to what readers of this blog know about me, other than the quick factoids I provide in the About section. The curious thing is that I like knowing a bit about the bloggers I follow, so it should follow that I would provide some insight into my own background and interests.

So, first things first… Yes, my name really is Gricel. Two syllables: Gri•cel. A hard Gr (as in Great), a short I (as in igloo), soft c (as in Cell) and a short el sound (as in elevator). My name is mispronounced constantly. I have experience trying to teach people how to say it. Yep, it’s a pet peeve.

Speaking of teaching, I used to teach and tutor writing, despite vehement declarations that I would never become a teacher. Sometimes, you don’t really know what you’ll end up doing. When I started college, I had no idea what I wanted to study and ended up taking the classes that I most enjoyed, which led me to decide to get a dual degree in English and Women’s Studies (I almost went for a third one in Religious Studies, but settled for the Minor instead), before earning my Masters in English. I wanted to go for a position as an editor. That was a pipe-dream. But I love the knowledge that I acquired, and don’t regret my choice so much as the current economy. I’m a library student at the moment (4 more classes to go!), trying to combine what I loved most about being a student and instructor–the one-on-one exchange of information and research–with my techie geek side.

When I say that I love all things Victorian (and Edwardian), I really really mean it. It’s something that goes back to my reading classic novels when I was a kid. There was just something about the Victorians that I loved and I continue to find the history and writings absolutely fascinating. I also tend to have a thing for parasols and corsetry… Taking several classes on Victorian lit did not help matters

And now for some inconsequential little details…

• It’s hard for me to claim a favorite book, so I generally cite the ones that I re-read the most. These include: Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion, Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle, the Harry Potter books,  George Eliot’s The Mill on the Floss, Robin McKinley’s Beauty, and Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones books.
• My favorite color is PURPLE, though I am also quite fond of pink.
• As indicated by my teacup icon, I like tea. My favorites include Earl Grey, Chai, Rooibos, and Orange Spice flavors. I also make a soothing blend of chamomile, linden, and peppermint.
• Some of my friends have said that strawberries and Hello Kitty remind them of me.
• When not reading, writing, or studying, I like to cook and bake, go for walks, and visit new places.
• I also draw and snap away with my camera.
• I don’t own an e-reader but if I did, it would be a NOOK.
• I collect Japanese Lucky Cats and fairy-themed art things but have had to stop for lack of space

But now I’m running out of things to add… What else would you like to know?

Tags: about, blog related, gricel, things she read