Hello and a happy Friday to you,
I went into an office for the first time in 20 months this week, as I took on my first in-person shifts since going freelance in May.
Although the two-hour-round commute was long, public transport wasn’t as busy as what I was used to pre-Covid, which was nice. A Circle Line delay on the first morning did mean I was a few minutes late, even though I set off more than an hour before I was due in, so that was fun.
Being a newbie, I also experienced the joys of sorting a visitor pass (I was not photo-ready), having to wait in reception to be collected, and it took me the best past of an hour to get logged into all the software. So, I probably know the IT guy best out of the colleagues at this job.
My faux-pas included sending an editor an email intended for a PR and asking them to send over pics - I copied the email address wrong. They were very gracious about it. I also made the rookie error of too much coffee in the morning - offices seem to have that effect - on my second day in (Thursday) felt extremely wired. When I made myself coffees and teas I made sure I used the plainest mug I could find in the cupboard as didn’t want to rub anyone up the wrong way by using their mug.
I have to be honest. I did feel a bit anxious about going into an office after so much time away but it was so nice to be in a buzzy newsroom, to be around people, to actually sit at a proper desk and explore an area of London I don’t know so well (Kensington). Also, I have nearly finished a book in a handful of days thanks to a long old stint on the Piccadilly Line each way, so to be honest I feel quite grateful. Here’s a quick snap from High Street Kensington on my lunch break.
In lockdowns, I found working-from-home pretty intense and limiting so I can see how hybrid working is a good balance for me and so many others. I can’t believe we used to spend so much time commuting! I hope the legacy of the pandemic is working patterns that work for us.
This week, I had the opportunity to go to a press event as I wrote a bumper feature on Christmas wreaths (will share the link when it’s up). Going to Lavender Green Flowers wreath-making workshop at their Kings Road store in Chelsea sparked a lot of joy. My wreath was so extra and oversized that it was a bit of a challenge getting it home. But thankfully, the tube was quiet enough for it to have its own seat once I’d bussed it to Knightsbridge. (Yes, I did rock a Christmassy dress for the occasion.)
Just to let you know, I am now OBSESSED with Christmas wreaths. I’m going to be embracing the festive period fully this year. My flat now smells very delicious with all these dried oranges knocking around.
Uplifting News Stories
Dr Radha Modgil, who was a guest on my podcast, has written a book. Congrats Radha 👏
Emma Thompson’s dancing wildly to Adele makes everyone’s year | i100
Thanksgiving grandma and accidental dinner invitee spend sixth holiday together | Mashable
Woman Offers Free End-of-life Photo Sessions for Dying Pets | Newsweek
Features Worth Sharing
Rescuing the Afghanistan girls' football team | BBC News
‘Why I chose to freeze my eggs’ | The Flock (this one’s by me!)
London’s best Christmas sandwiches 2021 | Time Out
Tweet of the week
Have a restful weekend and stay warm!
BB x
This is The Uplift, a weekly newsletter by me, journalist Becky Barnes. If you enjoyed it, feel free to buy me a coffee.
The Uplift will arrive in your inbox every Friday, featuring good news and self care. I also have a podcast about life advice.
A bit about me: I’m a journalist living in London. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.