I Once Fed a Polar Bear and 29 Other Facts About Me
Turns out, I’m more than just a tech-loving, Squarespace-building, dog-walking, cheese-scone-devouring human. So here’s a little peek behind the curtain - 30 random, ridiculous, and revealing things you probably didn’t know about me.
This is me. Have fun…
1. I am 100% brilliant at being average
Jack of all trades, master of none is absolutely written for me. I do a bit of this, a bit of that, and can usually do a fairly decent job of most things I turn my hand to - but I’m never brilliant... except at being average. This is demonstrated perfectly by my GCSE results: a clean sweep of B’s. No A’s, no C’s - just B’s. What does that tell you?!
2. I’m not a big fan of Christmas
It’s not the concept of Christmas I despise - it’s the materialism, the gluttony, and the anti-climax. If I could have a quiet Christmas that starts on the 24th and ends on the 26th, focused on the reason we celebrate and enjoying quality time together, I might just change my mind. Until then... bah humbug!
3. I love watching films
It’s very rare for me not to enjoy a film. One of my non-negotiables is going to the cinema at least once a week. My all-time favourites:
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Moulin Rouge
Inception
The Lion King
The Matrix
4. I never cry at films
I love watching films, but a film has never - ever - made me cry. Some say my heart is made of ice, but I disagree. Films can move me, make me feel sad, happy, excited... but not once have I shed a tear.
5. I used to be really scared of dogs
But now I wouldn’t be without them. I have two black Labradors called Chase and Skye. Up until I was about 30, I would’ve crossed the road to avoid a dog - I was that petrified. Living with one finally helped me overcome my fear, and now I’m well on my way to becoming a mad dog lady.
6. I always wanted a tortoise as a pet
This was before my dog obsession. I figured tortoises weren’t scary - they don’t need handling, and they definitely can’t chase you. I even set up a special tortoise fund to save for one, but I never quite made it. Now I think I’ve left it too late - it would probably outlive me!
7. I have fed a polar bear
In November, I got to feed a polar bear - and it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. Her name was Hope (how fitting!), and she was so gentle - though I’m sure that wouldn’t be the case if I were in the enclosure with her! These bears were rescued and live an amazing life right here in Suffolk.
8. I hate heights and scary rides
I have been to Alton Towers once and have no intention of ever going again. And Go Ape? Absolutely not.
9. I can sail and windsurf
From May to September, we spent every weekend sailing around the East Coast on our 32ft Westerly Fulmar, Kodiak, right up until my dad passed away when I was 16. Every summer, we crossed the North Sea to Holland and Belgium, exploring the dams and canals. I earned RYA qualifications in dinghy sailing and windsurfing - though I can’t remember the levels now. These days, I prefer to simply paddle board.
10. I can play the piano and the saxophone
I reached Grade 6 in both (plus the recorder!) at school, and I still play the saxophone in the Suffolk Concert Band, Ipswich Community Wind Band, Stacks of Sax, and a scratch band called the Windjammers.
11. But I can't dance
I did try ballroom dancing lessons once - and even did a few grades. But I gave it all up to become a Brownie instead.
12. Or sing
I can sing in tune… as long as the notes stay within my very limited vocal range. I’m also hopeless at remembering song lyrics - even nursery rhymes!
13. I was a child prodigy handbell ringer
I started in the kids’ group of the Stratford St. Mary handbell ringing group and quickly moved up to the adult group. At just 10, I was the only member under 40 and often played the big bass bells with Cyril and Don. I wonder if I still could?
14. I’m a qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor
I trained as a PT just before having children. What started as a hobby became a full business - Hope Fitness - which ran for 13 years, ending in 2021 before I pivoted into the digital space.
15. I’ve run the London Marathon… twice
As part of my 30th and 40th birthdays, I ran the London Marathon. The first time was in sweltering temperatures, in a time of 6 hours and 13 minutes, but I raised nearly £3,000 for St. Elizabeth’s Hospice. The second time was slightly faster (5:57) but far less enjoyable. Will I do it again? Never in a million years.
16. But I actually hate running
Even while running a fitness business and volunteering at Kesgrave parkrun, I hated every second of running. Still do.
17. I always seem to be an oxymoron
A personal trainer who doesn’t love exercise. A tech specialist who believes in digital minimalism. A web designer who hates clutter. Says a lot, doesn’t it?
18. I have a Higher National Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
After A Levels in English Lit, Pure & Applied Maths, and Physics, I had no idea what to do - so I followed in my dad’s footsteps. It wasn’t a great fit. A few years into the industry, I went back to the Open University for a degree in IT & Computing, which suited me much better.
19. My name is Angela, and I am a list-aholic
I love writing lists. I had lists for everything: to-dos, shopping, birthdays, blog posts, films to watch, books to read… it was out of control. Then I discovered Bullet Journalling - and it revolutionised my life.
20. My vices are cheese scones and Revels
Enough said.
21. I love reading
Now my kids are teenagers, I finally have more time to read. I’m currently working my way through the BBC’s Big Read Top 200 from 2003 (because: list). I’m somewhere around #78. Favourites include:
– Lord of the Rings
– The Hobbit
– Harry Potter series
– A Song of Ice and Fire series
– Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
Want to see what I’m reading? Follow me on Goodreads.
22. I’m a big Ipswich Town supporter
My dad was a huge fan, and as the eldest daughter (with no sons in the family), I was ‘chosen’. I embraced it fully - I have held a season ticket for many years, and barely missed an away before I had children. I met my husband in the Sir Bobby Robson Stand, and now our kids have fallen in love with the club too.
23. In retirement, I can’t wait to do jigsaws
Since 2020, jigsaws became cool again - but I still can’t justify the time. One day, though!
24. My favourite flower is a poppy
They don’t make good cut flowers and you’re not supposed to pick the wild ones... so I guess that makes me a cheap date?
25. I’ve met the band Blur
While at Colchester Sixth Form (where Damon Albarn also studied), Blur came back for a gig. I was due to play with them as part of the college wind band and did the rehearsal - but missed the actual gig because Ipswich were playing Wimbledon at home that night. Priorities!
26. My son is named after two TV heroes
While pregnant, I was obsessed with 24 and Lost. Both leading men were named Jack - Jack Bauer and Jack Sheppard. It felt like fate.
27. I have a butterfly tattooed on my right hip
Done during a brief rebellious phase… though it’s small and subtle, so not very rebellious at all. I also have a little heart on my wrist.
28. I proposed to my husband on 29th February 2008...
...and we got married three days later on a beach in Tobago. White sand, crashing waves, sunset - total spontaneity. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
29. The West Indies is my favourite place in the World
That was until I visited Norway solo - wild camping and paddle boarding on the fjords. Norway may have stolen my heart.
30. One of my best Christmases was spent on the beach in Bequia
Ten days later, I was skiing in Méribel, France. Now that was a Christmas to remember.
