Hi everyone,

It seems like surreal weeks are going to be sticking around for a while. This week we’ve basked in Mediterranean weather (and given the Budgie Smugglers their first airing of 2020), all - in the UK at least - been extras in a bad parody of 1984 / Animal Farm / Brave New World (delete as appropriate) and had a Bank Holiday (who knew?!?).

Apart from struggling to come to terms with the actions (or inactions) of the UK’s senior politicians, here’s what I’ve been up to…

1. Laughing at…

Sometimes laughter is the only medicine and this beauty from Paddy McGuinness in response to Dominic Cummings is perfect. All together now: “Is this the way to Barnard Castle…” 

2. Writing about…

The new normal - which is what, it seems, everyone is desperate to get back to. If you’re interested, there’s a couple of articles I’ve written - one on demand forecasting and another on the challenges facing retailers - which paint a picture of what normal currently looks like for different businesses.  

3. Looking forward to…

My favourite cafe opening for takeaway. The amazing Bango Kitchen is offering takeaway next week for the first time since lockdown began. I’m so addicted to their teriyaki bao buns that I messaged them for the recipe a few weeks back (which they kindly sent over). This was the result (excited to dig into the real thing though).

4. Listening to…

Set My Heart On Fire Immediately by Perfume Genius. The most eclectic album I’ve listened to in a while. Highlight is a Springsteen-inspired Nothing at All. It won’t be an album for everyone but it definitely warrants your time if you want to try something a little different.

5. Singing…

This Is My Cornwall - for the last time, on a Thursday night, in my street, with my neighbours. This has followed the Clap for Carers since the second week of lockdown. Becoming closer to our neighbours has been one of lockdown’s silver linings and a throwback to my youth, where everything, inevitably, seemed far simpler. When the storm rages around us, it’s often the quiet, calmer moments that have the biggest impact.

6. Doing...

Murph. A CrossFit workout in honour of US Navy Seal Michael Patrick "Murph" Murphy. CrossFitters around the world do this over Memorial Weekend. It’s a mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 press ups, 300 squats, and a mile run to finish. It was my first time doing it and - while I may have destroyed my hands - I loved it. 

See you next week and thanks again for the messages - it’s so nice getting replies to this!

Tommy