Working from home blog #6

Brought to you by Fran Kiernan

Making the most of it

It’s been weeks since I’ve been called “Miss” – occasionally “Sir” or “Mum”.

I miss Briggo, Lambert, Hitch. I miss my daily natter with Claire and Sue. I miss my tutor group coming to talk to me about their daily dramas, believing I can fix it all just with a chocolate bar and a chat.

But rather than reliving all that I miss, I thought I’d look on the bright side, like I so often tell my students to do, and share with you some things I’ve been able to do while locked inside.

I’ve started writing again. I used to write all the time; poems, stories, I even started a novel when I was at university. I never got around to finishing it though. With the gift of time, I’ve written another fifty-two pages. Not all of it is very good, but I’m enjoying it all the same.

I’m making Tik-Toks. It wasn’t too long ago that the girls in my tutor group were laughing at me as I attempted to copy their moves, but now I think I could probably challenge them to a dance-off; I wouldn’t win, but I’d definitely get the moves right.

I have attempted baking. I realised how little my kitchen is equipped for these things, so cookies had to suffice. They were good actually.

I’ve spoken to people more than I ever would have done. I’ve spoken to friends I didn’t even know I had. I’ve called my little sister almost every day and have never felt closer to her, despite being so far apart.

I am reading. Always reading. When reading is such a vital part of your job, the idea of coming home to begin reading your fifth book of the day can sometimes seem more of a chore than a pleasure – I often succumb to watching The Real Housewives of Somewhere instead. In the space of three weeks I’ve lived so many characters’ lives and I have never loved it more.

So, yes, I miss KC. I miss my friends. I miss my students. But mostly, I just hope that no matter what you’re missing, you’re gaining so much too.