I Looked like a total washout this morning with the grey skies and the absolute gridlock at Bank station, but honestly? today turned into a proper cracker. landed the portfolio review i've been stressing over for weeks, somehow managed to snag a seat on the 17:42 home (rare victory), and walked through the front door just as the rain actually started. sometimes the logistics just work in your favour and you have to take the win.
commute in was actually decent for once. usually the train into Liverpool Street is standing room only by the time we hit the outer zones, but i got a seat and managed to crush three chapters of my book. peaceful start before the madness. walking out of the station, the city was doing that thing it does—everyone marching in suits, coffees in hand, dodging black cabs. there’s a specific energy in the "square mile" that i hate to admit i love. makes you feel like you’re in the centre of the world.
big meeting was at a client's office near The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe). always get a kick out of that building, no matter how many times i walk past it. the meeting went better than expected. i was worried about the q3 variance numbers, but the client was actually really reasonable. they were chuffed with the long-term projections. shook hands, job done. huge weight off the shoulders.
popped out to Old Spitalfields Market for a quick bite at lunch. it was heaving as usual, but the smells are incredible. grabbed a falafel wrap and just stood for 10 mins watching the mix of city bankers and art students milling about. it’s a weird, brilliant melting pot. even saw the sun try to poke through the clouds for about five minutes. rare sighting.
the real win was the journey home. finished up the paperwork early and legged it to the station. seeing the departure board showing "on time" is the best feeling in the world. staring out the window as the concrete high-rises faded into the green of the home counties is my daily reset button.
got home, tie off immediately. emma had already sorted dinner (roast chicken on a wednesday? legend). sat with the boys while they finished homework—actual civil conversation today, no arguing about maths. having a quiet pint in the kitchen now while the house settles down. good day at the coal face, glad to be home...