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A few highlights from Summer 2021

A few highlights from Summer 2021
Happy 1 September! Call it a hangover from my days at school, or thanks to the fact that I still work in an education environment, but this time of year always makes me think of fresh beginnings. In some ways it feels more like a time for new year, new starts than the beginning of January and I think that’s partly helped by the fact it’s not dark by mid-afternoon. However, it’s also sad to be waving goodbye to the summer months and knowing that before too long it will be cold and dark again. The summer always goes by in a bit of a blur; partly because it’s the time of year when I can be most busy at work, but also because there tend to be a lot of plans. One minute it’s May and then the next it’s September. It doesn’t help that the seasons tend to… View Post

Freedom is on the horizon: a few thoughts on the end of lockdown

Freedom is on the horizon: a few thoughts on the end of lockdown
What does ‘freedom’ look like to you? At some point, possibly in May, I optimistically told myself that I wouldn’t be writing about lockdowns and coronavirus anymore. I would actually be able to get back to blogging about day trips and possibly even travel (she whispers cautiously). Yet here we are with ‘Freedom Day’ almost upon us and I couldn’t be less excited. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the taste of freedom that I’ve had so far. Getting to go on holiday for a week in Scotland was wonderful. Being able to see family and have friends to stay have brought moments full of joy. But there’s something about the rising case numbers and the thought of all restrictions disappearing that makes me feel tense. Let’s face it, I wouldn’t be heading off to a nightclub any time soon anyway, but the thought of anything going and it being… View Post

Reflections on a Year of Living in Lockdown

Reflections on a Year of Living in Lockdown

For approximately half of the last year I’ve been living in lockdown. As we pass the anniversary of the first UK lockdown I reflect on what it’s meant for me, my relationships and my work.

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Lessons Learned from a Year of Working from Home

Lessons Learned from a Year of Working from Home

I’ve been working from home for a year now. It’s something I’ve got used to, but am still acting as if it’s a temporary measure. Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned in that time.

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The Long and Winding Road out of Lockdown

The Long and Winding Road out of Lockdown
So the road out of lockdown has now been paved and for many of us the reassurance of a ‘normal’ summer will be enough to see off the remainder of the winter. Pubs will be open! Sports venues will be open! Weddings are allowed! It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for and feels like the country has let out a sigh of collective relief that the current lockdown isn’t forever. But there’s still a long way to go.  View Post