Here we are. We’ve made it to Easter, 3 weeks down, and no sign of lockdown let up, which let’s face it, I don’t think anyone was realistically expecting to happen anyway!
The novelty of week 1 quickly wore off and I’ve found the last two weeks hard, only mainly because of looming work deadlines, which were always going to be pressured even without the ‘change of routine’.
The only way around it was to put in extra hours, sacrifice some of my ‘me time/exercise’ and just heads down and get on with it. And that is why I am so grateful for our 4 day weekend topped with some warmth and sunshine.
I’m regularly reminding myself of all the things to be grateful for, and have reflected a lot the last couple of weeks on how privileged I am. Many, like me, are already used to working from home (WFH), and even if not used to WFH, have a nice home in which to find a workspace, and have a garden or outdoor space. But for many others, it’s a lot harder. We have enabled everyone in our customer service centres located in different countries around the world to work from home, and I wonder how many of our agents are coping with the adjustment. Perhaps some in very small homes, with no ‘spare’ space, no outdoor space, with babies or elderly family members to look after, partners also trying to find the space to WFH, whilst trying to still provide a good support service to our customers and partners. And also trying to stay safe and healthy. And of course not forgetting all the key workers who are keeping the lights on for everyone else, and have the opposite of WFH challenges. Like I say I feel privileged on both accounts. I’m with my family, in my home, and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Highlights for me from the last couple of weeks have included:
- Finally braving some road cycling with James! (Not a lot of cars about so perfect time!) James and I ventured out, with Howard staying at home as back up in case of any leg/hip issues. We did a lovely loop, and James did brilliantly. Howard and James even managed the ‘Crazies Hill loop’ which I was super impressed with (yes, a little bit of walking up the steep bit!!) and a very fun downhill home run.
- Wishing a friend happy birthday with a surprise birthday call from all the girls including those in Madrid and Sydney!
- James being our guest star in our monthly virtual all hands at work where he picked five winners out of a hat for a prize draw I was running, and read out their names. He enjoyed it, and others seemed to as well, some even suggesting he join every meeting! Although I discovered afterwards that James thought there were only as many people as he could see on the call, and hadn’t realised there were about another 80 on the call. Perhaps he would have been more shy had we all been physically together. I’m actually really enjoying the more relaxed, informal nature of some of our online calls, as people become increasingly more comfortable with turning their cameras on, and worrying less about appearance, and all the homely, family noises going on in the background.
- Nothing really to do with Covid-19, but I do have some lovely colleagues and friends that I work with, and it makes a huge difference, particularly when everyone is having the odd tough day or just needs a work friend to help lift spirits and help push on through. Amazing how you can build such good relationships with people despite hardly ever meeting them in person. Again, I feel very lucky.
- Huge kudos to Akela who runs James’ cub group. Another two fun virtual sessions that still had cubs and parents and siblings running around the house to win funny challenges (eg, how many hats can you wear on your head), and singing songs around a collection of virtually shared campfires.
- James having his first online piano lesson in place of the lesson he would have had at school. Again there are some upsides. I’ve now met James’ piano teacher, and had some insight as to what happens during his lesson!
Wishing everyone a Happy & Healthy Easter!
Thanks for reading! See all my posts.
The Cookes Take on Perthes 