5 Things the Pandemic Has Made Me Grateful For

I've recently been co-hosting some gratitude sessions at my work, and it's opened my eyes to the things I'm grateful for, even as a bit of a pessimist! 

P.S I don't want this to come across as boastful or ignorant, I'm aware a lot of people have had difficult experiences of the pandemic. As I mentioned, I'm just trying to look at the positives as that seems to help me.

Saving Money - Even though I was part time furloughed, the charity I work for topped up the furlough to 100% so I didn't have any gap in income. Although I struggled to find one, a positive of having to put my social life on pause, was saving money from not being out and about.

Chris - I'm grateful for the time Chris and I had over lockdown, it was great to have someone bringing me drinks and snacks while I was working ;) and also being able to watch things together at lunchtime. We also did a lot of walks with takeaway coffees, which we used to do when we first started dating. Plus, we got engaged over lockdown so Chris can't have found all the extra time with me too bad!

Family - My extended family are spread out quite a bit, so we usually would only get to see them once or twice a year. However, like many people over lockdown, we had weekly quizzes. It was something to look forward to and resulted in many laughs! I did a round recreating iconic film scenes, and my cousin did a round where we had to dress as our assigned nativity characters, under a time limit with items around the house, then we had to guess who was what!

Technology - I'm grateful that I have technology know how, and that I've been able to still catch up with friends and family and attend church virtually without too many problems.

My House (with a garden!) - I've always loved my house, having been in a variety of places since moving out of my parents' house about 10 years ago! We've got plenty of space, and a good size garden. 'Staying Home' is so much easier when you like where you live and have plenty of space! Even though I was a bit jealous of my family for the variety of countryside walks they had access to, the amount of time I've had to spend at home over the last year has certainly made me grateful for where I live.

What has the pandemic made you grateful for? Perhaps you changed something for the better in lockdown, and you've stuck with it?

Photo by Sandie Clarke on Unsplash

My Experience of Furlough

'Furlough' - a word many of us wouldn't be familiar with if you asked this time last year. But now, we've become very familiar with it.

I was part time furloughed in November and December. I worked in the mornings, so I was lucky to have some structure, and something to get me up in the morning. I was also very lucky that the Charity I work for topped up the furlough, so I didn't lose out on any money.

It was quite a mixed experience and it certainly brought on a wide range of emotions (but hey, that's pandemic life for you right?!). Although we were told that the furlough wasn't personal, I did worry that I would be forgotten about, and not needed. My charity also has redundancies coming up, so I did worry that if I could be managed without on furlough, that my job could be more at risk.

I also felt guilty that I had time off, when others were managing childcare and their full working hours. I felt pressure to be making the most of the time, and it felt like a weird situation to be in, and that I wouldn't be in it again, having this much paid time off, but with little going on to be able to do in it...but that was the reason why you were off in the first place!

I do feel it made sense for my workplace to make use of furlough, as a charity who is already trying to save money. People's reactions were interesting, I had a few 'oh I'd love to have some time off' but it's not all it's cracked up to be. It's difficult sometimes to have so much time alone with your thoughts, with few distractions. I also thought, 'Well I'd like to be indispensable' but I had to keep reminding myself it wasn't personal.

What I did with my time

I tried to get out of the house when I could, and I got my steps up most days. This was also before lockdown so I could still meet a friend for a walk. I also tried to focus on my freelance work, and did a few bits for my church, and some friends' businesses. I also tried to have a good sort out of my stuff so I didn't get overwhelmed when I was busier. Due to the time I was furloughed, I was also able to get organised for Christmas. And of course there was plenty of baking and making!

Overall...

Overall, my experience of furlough was ok. As I've said, I realise I'm lucky that I still worked half my hours, that I didn't lose out on any money and I wasn't on furlough for long. It also took away the guilt of sometimes not being as productive at work, I only had a few hours a day to work with, so I got accustomed to being realistic about what I could get done in the time. I also got stricter with my work routine, as I had to finish at a certain time, so I couldn't work any longer.

What do you think about furlough? Have you been on furlough? How did you find it?

Google Nest Review

I have to admit I'd originally turned my nose up at those who kitted their homes out with assisted technology, (why not just turn the lights off yourself?!) but when Spotify decided to offer its premium customers a free google nest, I couldn't resist (after all I do love a good freebie!).

I wouldn't say I have a particular loyalty to Google or Apple, I have an iPad and an iPhone, but I also have a Chromecast and would consider a google laptop. 

I'm not sure I'm using the Nest to it's full advantage, but the main things I've been using it for are a speaker and an alarm. It's been helpful to set an alarm so easily, so I've waking up to the radio.

I really like the speaker, and I've been told it's a 'decent' speaker by a source very close to me ;) It's easy to stream Spotify from the Nest, and of course everything can be done through the voice activation. It's also handy to set a timer in the kitchen when you've already got your hands full.

Chris also made use of the Spotify offer, so we've taken great joy in broadcasting messages to each other from wherever we are in the house. This is what constitutes as fun in lockdown! ;)

One of the few downsides with the Nest is that I can't play podcasts from it. I suppose that's one of the issues of having a mix of Apple and Android devices. For this reason I would give it a 4/5.

The Nest Mini comes in a range of colours, including Chalk, Charcoal, Sky and Coral. Unlike a lot of other speakers, it's not garish and it's compact design makes it fit in to most interiors.

The Nest is certainly on the cheaper side of the assistive technology, so if like me, you're not much of a techy, and just want a decent speaker with some added benefits, definitely consider a Nest.

Top of the Telly

As much as I feel guilty about it, and as much as I should make a dent in the many books I own and haven’t read, I do love telly. This year has been a time when we’ve probably watched more TV than usual, but I’m pleased to see the standards haven’t dropped.

Here’s what I have been enjoying recently: 

1. Des, ITV

David Tennant starred in this drama based on the true story of serial killer, Dennis Nielson. Although I’m not a Doctor Who fan, I do love David Tennant, and his ability to play a multitude of different characters. The drama itself was very clever, yet quite chilling. You’re captured by Des’ psyche, and just how blunt he is about the crimes he has committed. I almost wish there were more episodes than the three.

                                                                                                    Image via The Sun EUSTON FILMS.ITV

2. Crime and Punishment, Channel 4 

      If you know me well, you’ll know that I love a police/emergency documentary, (please come back ‘24 Hours in Police Custody’!). So when Chris mentioned that this series was filmed in Southampton, we had to watch! It was a bit strange knowing all the areas that the incidents they cover took place, and that we could’ve been in the same place, at the same time, completely oblivious to what was going on. The episode around rape includes a recording from an interview with a rape victim in the 1980s, which is particular harrowing, and makes me grateful for how far we have come in terms of justice for victims.

                                                                                                Image via Inews 72 Films/Channel 4

3. Gogglebox, Channel 4

Gogglebox is my absolute favourite. I’m a long term fan! When you think about it, it is a weird concept, watching people watch TV, but it just works! I also find it a good way of seeking out what would be good to watch yourself. I’ve been watching old episodes on Amazon Prime, as well as the current series, I’m even watching one as I write this! And before the new series started I was watching all the different versions; Gogglebox Australia, Celebrity Gogglebox and Celebrity Gogglebox USA. I said I’d had a lot of time on my hands!

                                                                                                                             Image via Channel 4

4. Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, Channel 4 

Unpopular opinion, but I actually prefer Extra Slice to the Bake Off. It’s much more light hearted and fun. Jo Brand is the perfect host, and Tom Allen is an excellent fit, with his sarcastic comments to the audience. And I never get tired of seeing the expectations vs. reality of the viewers’ bakes - the hedgehog cake attempts still crack me up!

                                                                                                                    Image via Channel 4.    

 5. Ambulance, BBC

      I’m really pleased the BBC didn’t keep us waiting too long for the next series of Ambulance. As I mentioned, I love emergency programmes, and this is one of the best. It certainly reminds me of my privilege, and that I am reasonably healthy with a roof over my head. I have huge respect for the emergency services staff, and the things they have to deal with day to day, not to mention the abuse they can get. The cases will certainly stay with you, and remind you what a blessing life is, as well as the blessing of the NHS.

                                                                                                                            Image via BBC 

What have you been watching? Let me know what you'd recommend!

April Favourites

Image credits Zoey IMDB, Steamer AO, Vicar of Dibley The Sun - otherwise all my own

I’m trying to look at the positives at the moment, and making the most of being stuck at home (something that rarely happens normally!) so here’s a few things I enjoyed in April.

Electric Steamer – I feel a bit boring having a kitchen appliance as a favourite, but hey I’m enjoying it! I’m a big fan of a ‘chuck it all in and forget about it’ appliance which is exactly what this Russell Hobbs Steamer is. I’d been thinking of getting an electric steamer for a while as I’ve heard it keeps the nutrients in the food and is healthier than boiling or frying. My favourite thing to do is put salmon, veg and potatoes in there as you have a whole meal in 15-20 minutes!

Make Your Bed, William H. McRaven – This book had been on my Amazon Wish List for a while, and I was lucky enough to get it from my lovely sister (thanks Zo!) for Christmas. The book is written by ex Navy SEAL, who explains the life lessons he learnt in his experience. I love the way it is written, it’s not a cringey self help book, and there’s certainly humour throughout. I also enjoyed the short chapters as it made me feel more accomplished and motivated me to read more often.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist – Ah I love this show so much! Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist ticks many of my boxes. People bursting into song at random moments? A strong independent female lead? Actual diversity? The show explores so many themes, and as mentioned the characters are so diverse. There’s a gender fluid character, plenty of female leaders as well as one of the characters having a debilitating disease and how this effects the family.

Madlug Bag – I was very blessed to finally get a Madlug Rucksack for my birthday. I love this Teal colour so much! I took it out for a spin (on an essentials trip of course!) this week and I'm very pleased with it, the thick straps are great for my shoulders and there’s plenty of room inside. I also love brands with a conscience, so I was pleased to hear Madlug had a similar approach to Toms, with the buy one give one initiative, by giving a bag to a child in care for every bag bought.

Vicar of Dibley – I was so pleased to see Vicar of Dibley was on Netflix. I thought it was perfect timing for the lockdown period. For me it’s one of those ‘cosy’ programmes, like ‘Call the Midwife’, you can just snuggle up and enjoy, and they’re pretty failsafe, I always know they will make me laugh or cheer me up. I can also relate to Geraldine and her love of Chocolate, and the Lord of course ;) I also live for the Alice and Geraldine jokes after the credits. It’s a no, no, no, no, yes from me!

Zoom Quizzes – As a big fan of quizzes, this is certainly one of the few positives for me. I’ve loved doing quizzes over Skype with family and friends. My family have been doing one every Saturday and it’s definitely a highlight of my week. I don’t see myself getting sick of them anytime soon!

My Freelance New Year's Resolutions

This year I got a new job which enabled me to work slightly less hours, and therefore get started on my freelance career. I’ll be honest and say that although it was my intention to channel my creativity into doing what I love – writing, it had felt for a while that maybe this was a bit of unrealistic dream. As I said in my Reflections on my First 6 Months of Freelancing post, I didn’t think I would have much work for a while! I feel very blessed to have this time and I’ve loved the opportunities I’ve had this year.

1.       Next year I’d like to expand the kind of work I do. Obviously writing is my ‘first love’ and that’s the work I enjoy doing most, but expanding what I can do will hopefully also expand my list of clients. As I mentioned in my previous post, I’ve always wanted to try and have many strings to my bow!

2.       Speaking of expanding my client list, next year I’m going to start doing more self-promotion. It actually makes me feel a bit nauseous thinking about this, and I always felt like it was a bit self-indulgent to share what I was working on or keep talking about what I do, but I’m going to have to get over myself if I want to do more work!

3.       I want to get myself branded up! At the moment I feel like I am plodding on as a lone wolf occasionally saying ‘I’m a part time Freelance Writer’ when people ask what I do. But I want it to be clear what I do and for my business (surreal!) to be recognisable.

4.       I’d like to meet more people. I love and really thrive from meeting people and being around people, so I want to see what I can do for them! I went to my first networking session this week and it was great. I’ve always been passionate about small businesses so I hope I can promote more of them through my work in 2020.

See you in 2020!

Reflections on my first 6 months of freelancing

It’s been six months since I first started freelancing part time. I’m really enjoying it and feel very blessed to be in this position. Here are my reflections on the last six months…

• People’s reactions – Freelancing seems to have this weird perception of being a phantom job.  ‘Have a nice long weekend! ‘You don’t work Fridays do you?’ Actually yes, sometimes I work many hours on a Friday! I’m also my own Accounts department, Marketing team and boss!

• Having said that I love the flexibility I have, particularly at the moment. I can move things around so I don’t have to fit appointments in around my Monday-Thursday job and plans on the weekend. I also love a breakfast or lunch date to remind me to actually take a break.

• I love working exactly how I like to work. Usually this is with the radio blaring or from the garden in the summer!

• Negotiating rates for your work is difficult when you have little self-worth – it can be tempting to be like ‘I’m shit! Don’t worry I’ll do it for free!'

• Quantity and Quality - I’ve actually had more work than I thought I would at this stage and I’m loving it. I love the variety too – I’ve written about everything from garages to self-care!

• Adding another string to my bow - I’m really interested in people that have many strings to their bow, and always wanted to be one of them. So I love being able to say ‘I do this Monday-Thursday and Freelance on Fridays’. Emma Gannon (a real inspiration to me!) writes about this in her book The Multi Hyphen Method – which is on my Christmas list!

• It’s all down to me, which is a pretty scary concept in some respects, but in others, if I don’t get what I need to done, the only person it will effect is me. This weirdly motivates and calms me! Having worked in really toxic environments before, it’s great to have complete control. I’ve also got the security of my Monday-Thursday job so there’s not too much pressure at the moment, although of course I’d love to do more freelance days in the future.

Do you have any advice for me on my freelance journey? Let me know!

Or maybe you even want to work with me! Contact me here.

Look out for my blog post in January to find out my Freelance New Year’s Resolutions!