1. What have you done differently compared to the first lockdown?
   This one is very different for me. I was made redundant fairly quickly in lockdown 1 and had to find a routine away from work that didn’t drive me stir crazy. I exercised/walked/did online training/caught up on jobs at home to keep busy. This time round I’m having to learn to do all those things around a working day again and getting used to working from home.
2. Did you keep up the hobbies you picked up in lockdown 1? E.g. walking every day, instruments etc.
   I walked more than I ever have. Around 2 hours each day. The benefits were my fitness levels and I’ve discovered parts of my neighbourhood I never knew existed. I also started colouring to make me put my phone down. I haven’t done that since I was a kid and I’m amazed how it helps you switch your mind off. Very relaxing!
3. How has lockdown changed the way you look at your life?
   It has made me appreciate the simple things in life I took for granted – the freedom to travel, to socialise, the family I don’t live with, social events. There are so many things you can do and experience in life and it’s easy to keep putting things off. That will change.
4. If you weren’t in lockdown right now, where would you like to be?
   Round a table with those closest to me with good food, conversation and plenty of wine flowing then a beach for a fortnight!!
5. If you were to arrange an online dinner party who would you add to your guest list? (This could include people you know or people you don’t know).
   It would be my closest circle of friends. All of them. I miss our nights out in normal life and it’s rare despite everything that we all get to video call together. They’re the people I bounce off best and they make me laugh
6. What is your favourite self-care routine you do when you need a pick me up in lockdown?
   A long soak in a bubbly bath with soft music, a good book and a glass of wine
7. What is your most memorable work moment during lockdown?
   Joining Parliament Hill of course. Having gone through a full interview process, on boarding and starting in the job totally virtually I can’t wait to meet you all face to face, raise a glass with you and hug. I love hugs
8. Who or what has an inspired you over the past 11 months?
   I think there are a lot of silent heroes out there. People selflessly helping others, communities working together in tough times. I think the majority are inspirational for just keeping going. I love the phrase I heard a while back that ‘we are all sailing the same ocean, we are just in different boats’ and it is so true.
9. What is your top TV watch recommendation?
   Anything bingeworthy. Latest one for me was Bridgerton
10. If you could be an animal, which animal would it be and why?
    A doggy because it’s a dog’s life apparently...

Series editor Ellen Waters. Avatars are sourced from Bitmoji (bitmoji.com).