Revealing... I dislike small-mindedness and megalomania

Anne Kermode is a teacher at St George’s Preparatory school. Anne is a lover the arts and spent two years learning Fine Art at the Bermuda College under the tutelage of Diana Amos and Dr Charles Zuill.  

She also likes to run ridiculous distances before dawn with very good friends. Anne’s first solo art show, Down Under, opens at Bermuda Society of Arts at City Hall from today and will be on display until January 28.  

She is married and has three children. 

Interview by Mikaela Ian Pearman.

Your earliest memory?

My brother pulling faces at me for a family picture.  I was less than a year old, but I vividly remember it and the feel of the dress I was wearing. No-one believes me!

What were you like in school?

I loathed school. I vowed never to become a teacher and I avoided sports at all costs. 

Who is your hero/heroine?

I admire endurance athletes like Dean Karnases and Hal Koener. Locally, I admire Helle Patterson who taught me that I could do pretty much anything I set my mind to.

Which human trait do you dislike the most?

Small-mindedness and megalomania.

Which human trait do you value most in others?

Kindness and humility.

When did you last laugh out loud? And why?

I constantly laugh.  Teaching is the funniest job in the world. My colleagues are brilliant and we laugh an awful lot. My husband makes me laugh, which is why we are still married!

Your greatest fear?

Not really a fear, but I hate talking on the phone to people I don’t know well.

Property aside, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?

My car, closely followed by plane tickets for my family of five to go to the UK. 

Your ultimate ambition?  

Earn enough as an artist to have that as my main income and run ultra marathons all over the world in my spare time.

Your most unappealing habit?

Blurting. I try really hard to listen to people’s entire conversation, but sometimes I find it impossible not to interject or make wisecracks. So annoying!

Anyone you’d like to say sorry to?

My parents for my 15th year. Really sorry.

Worst job you’ve ever done? 

Teaching, but also the absolute best job! You can have a day full of conflict, unkindness and overwhelming demands, but then the next day can be filled with spectacular moments. It’s magic!

Biggest regret?

I haven’t been to enough rock concerts, live theatre or countries. Yet…

What do you do if you can’t sleep?

Read and drink valerian tea.

If you had a time machine, where would you go?  

I’d go back to 1989 and tell myself to stop chasing boys.

Best advice you have ever taken?

“Trot on!” from my friend Nic. Her words were said to encourage us through marathons, but it’s really a metaphor for life: keep moving forward through challenging times.

What’s your attitude to money?

I wish I could live more simply, but there’s always another bill.

Nicest thing that anyone has ever said to you?

That I motivated people to do things they didn’t know they could do. I kept the note and I cry every time I read it.

Most treasured possession?

I don’t really value “stuff”. My children — they are not really possessions, but I am inordinately proud of them.

Guilty pleasure? 

Long runs on Saturday mornings, followed by bacon.

Favourites: 

TV show: Space 1999, House

Movies: When Harry Met Sally

Books: Middlemarch, Tess of the Durbeyvilles, The Lord of the Rings

Dishes: Cauliflower cheese

Your attitude to exercise?

Give me more! I love exercise, especially running. Being able to adapt my body to conquer physical extremes is a real thrill.

Your proudest achievement?

My first marathon was an enormous high. I battled every step from the moment I started training.  I had to fight for the time to run — no-one allowed me to do it, so I had to insist and often would run 20 miles before anyone else was awake.  

Now, it’s normal for me to train and no-one bats an eyelid. I, however, value every footfall.

Pet peeve?

Moaning. But I am also guilty!

Most daring thing you have ever done? 

Come to Bermuda when I was just 18. Best thing I ever did!

What would you most like to be remembered for?

Getting the most out of life.

Most important lesson life has taught you?

Stand up for yourself. If you have even a small desire to do something, fight for it because only you will preserve your identity. n