On one of my walking routes through my neighborhood I always stop at this spot to gaze in the distance toward the building on the far left (the shortest one with girders that look like they’re in the shape of a W). It’s my office, and I sometimes get wistful about not being able to go there. It’s a beautiful brand new space; my employer served breakfast and lunch, plus provided endless drinks and snacks. Definitely spoiled, though not so good for the waist line. The biggest thing I miss are spontaneous chats with office mates in the kitchen. I’ve forgotten the names of many of my office pals whom I used to eat breakfast or lunch with. These connections were important because nobody on my team works in the same place. We are scattered around the world—lone wolves, we’re called—and meet on video conference. Funny thing, we have more meetings now than we used to when we were all reporting to an office.

I’ve gotten used to working from home these 11 months. One plus is there’s more time to do household chores, like laundry and food prep for supper. Sometimes I do these things do during breaks and sometimes when I’m listening in on a conference call with my Bluetooth headset. No one has to know I’m folding my underwear in the bedroom since I can turn my video off if I want. I do miss the commute. Seriously, it was a 4-mile bike ride along a paved path, part of it through the woods and following a meandering stream. Now I walk that path and reminisce about riding my bike to work. We’re told we won’t be back in the office until at least September, and even then don’t bank on it.

Tonight I did an online book discussion about my 2019 memoir for a church group in Fort Collins, CO. Another positive thing about this pandemic: I don’t have to leave the comfort of my own home to go on a book tour. Thoroughly enjoy doing these and wishing for more opportunities (insert shameless marketing plug here).