This week one year ago I got up Wednesday morning and logged on to trial home working, a day later working from home was compulsory and I’ve never been back.

While I may feel used to my new work routine, I can’t believe a year has passed. I would like to say that I have a great workstation, and while I have a great work environment, it is at the detriment of my dining room. With the dining room table in use, we have been living 80s TV dinner style for over a year now. We even purchased new lap trays – His Lordship and Her Ladyship, a great online purchase – but not like a table. So, when people say what they miss most about their pre-Covid life I will be saying – eating at a table. Although I have to admit for ease we did, before Covid, often eat off lap trays, as the table was often utilised for other stuff. At least it’s not a dumping area now!

Yet some things never change. When I wake to an empty wash basket, I feel like I am winning at life. This used to be the norm as weekends were when washing was scheduled in. These days blursday is washing day. I sometimes find myself questioning when I last washed the bed sheets, the towels, the dogs things and so the list goes on. Even on a weekend I struggle to place the days. But an empty wash basket is a definite bonus.

Then I even manage to get my first wash of the year on the line. I can’t get enough of watching washing blowing in the wind. I also like to think a wash line is a clear sign that better weather is on its way.  Weekly wins just keep coming as the sun shines and I end up in my summer jacket even if it is just for the day.

But if working from home has taught me anything it is to treasure the small gains. And this week, I feel nervous excitement as I submit an extract from my play to the finale session of my ‘Introduction to playwriting’ ran by The Assembly Rooms Theatre Durham. Hearing and seeing my work performed by actors along with my fellow playwrights makes my nerves subside, I feel pride, success, achievement – I feel like a playwright. If the course has taught me anything it is that opportunity is all around and we should never let go of our dreams – I’ll be a recognised writer one day.