The Friday Five
How and when did you learn to swim?
I learnt to swim quite young, such is the fate of a child born to generations of pool attendants! A mixture of Dad teaching me and proper lessons, although I still have all the technique of a one-finned trout.
How and when did you learn to drive?
I finally passed my test when I was 22, after learning for about a year (bar interruptions because of Mum’s illness). I hated learning to drive, I hated that hour ever Sunday morning. It was painful, both physically and mentally, but ironically, once I passed my test I loved being in the car.
How and when did you learn to tie your shoelaces?
I honestly couldn’t tell you! All I know is that I was much younger than I am now!
How and when did you learn to cook?
Most of my cookery is random and self taught, or involves taking a recipe and modifying it to the extent that it becomes unrecognisable. I learnt out of necessity when I was on a very limited diet where I had to eat fresh meals every night. It’s still not something I love, but I don’t hate it (unless it’s at the end of a long day and all I want to do is phone for a pizza delivery).
How and when did you learn to type?
This in’t what you would call typing, really. I had typing lessons (on typewriters!) at school, and spent some time with Mavis Beacon, but I’m still faster when using my own personal typing style. Small hands make traditional typing slow!