About Me
I'm something of an oddity when it comes to my interests - they're rather varied! I'll give you a little bit of info about me, and then explain some of the things I do.
Born and raised in Suffolk, I'm now doing a joint-honours degree in Classical Studies and Computing at the University of Kent at Canterbury. Yes, it's a mix, but I find it works quite well. In what I affectionately call my "spare" time I have a wide range of interests including hiking, cross-stitch and writing.
Computing
I've been interested in computers since I was very young and used to write programs in BASIC. My main area of interest is webdesign (more information on this can be found in my portfolio), however I really enjoy working with Java and Prolog. Hopefully my project next year is going involve those two languages (it has yet to be approved).
Classical Studies
While I do find the political history of various periods interesting, what I find more useful is that it provides a good backdrop to look at what I find more engaging - the study of literature and society. So far, I've mostly concentrated on Rome under Augustus, however I look forward to learning more about Celtic Britain. Another area I find myself rather curious about is ancient Egypt, a culture so remarkably different from our own, but one which left us so many reminders of who they were.
I may publish some of my better (and more interesting) essays here for the curious public.
Hiking
Whenever I can get away, I love going walking, even if it's just an hours venture out of the house. I've been on many camping and hiking trips around the UK, and one to Holland. I occasionally do geocaching if there's one in the area I'm walking in.
Writing
I've had a passion for writing probably only slightly longer than I've had my love of computers. Most of what I write is fantasy fiction, though I delve into other areas, writing short pieces and sketches when they come to me. I sometimes draw on my detailed knowledge in certain areas (such as Roman mythology) to give my work an "authentic" and accurate touch. I do have hopes of having something published not too far into the future.
Cross-stitch
This is something that very few people expect me to be interested in. It is an area that is slowly losing it's "granny" image, and becoming accessible to a much wider age range. I prefer to design and stitch more unusual pieces, mostly in fantasy and gothic styles.
Roleplaying
I enjoy doing tabletop roleplaying games with a group of friends one evening a week. It's social, and it's a lot of fun. I'm currently only doing one game (Hunter: the Reckoning), but have played some Vampire (old and new) in the past, and definitely enjoyed it.