Now, if you're new here, you probably don't know what it's like when I prepare for my one-day-a-week office day.
So let me tell you.
Because apparently, I don't just get ready for work.
I turn it into an entire event.
1. Plantain Chips for a Friend
The first thing I'm putting in my work bag tomorrow is a pack of plantain chips.
I was walking around Oakengates recently when I spotted them and immediately thought of my friend.
No hesitation.
No internal debate.
Just, "The friend would absolutely love these."
So into the basket they went.
I don't know if anyone else does this, but I love buying little things for people when they randomly come to mind.
Sometimes it's just nice to see something and think, *This belongs with this person.*
So yes, the first item in tomorrow's work bag is plantain chips.
2. Updating My Desk Mood Board
The second thing I'm taking into work tomorrow is a fresh batch of pictures for my desk mood board.
Honestly, I'm ridiculously excited about this.
The first time I shared a picture of my board on WhatsApp, people loved it.
They loved the little notes.
They loved the photos.
They loved the random memories pinned all over it.
At the moment, it contains photos from my university days in Nigeria (in ridiculously high heels), from my PhD graduation in the UK, and from a trip to Brussels.
But the reason I love the board goes much deeper than decoration.
It reminds me of my dad.
When I was younger, I used to visit his office, and he had a notice board that was supposed to be used for important information.
But that's not really what he used it for.
Alongside important reminders were photographs of me as a little girl, pictures of my brother.
It wasn't really a notice board.
It was a collection of little moments that made him smile.
And that's exactly what I want my own board to be.
A reminder that life isn't just deadlines, meetings, projects and responsibilities.
Life is also memories.
Trips.
People.
Funny moments.
Achievements.
And the little things that make us happy.
I'll be adding more photos, updating some quotes, and making space for new memories.
I'll share an updated picture once it's finished.
3. The Outfit Crisis
The third thing I was working on last night was my outfit.
Now here's the problem.
I had already planned tomorrow's outfit in my head.
The entire thing.
Every detail.
I knew exactly what I was wearing.
And then I checked the weather forecast.
Rain.
Of course.
So now the original plan has been abandoned, and I have to start again.
Anyone who enjoys clothes will understand how annoying this is.
You spend days mentally preparing an outfit, and then the British weather decides otherwise.
So tonight's mission is finding a replacement look that still feels like me while surviving the rain.
You'll see the final result tomorrow.
4. My Cultural Hairstyle
The fourth thing I'm most excited about is my hair.
It's summer.
It's hot.
And I finally decided that I don't want weaves all summer long.
Instead, I've gone back to something much more cultural.
A traditional Yoruba threaded hairstyle.
What's funny is that although I've worn braids and different protective styles over the years, I haven't actually worn a proper traditional threaded hairstyle since college.
Back then, it wasn't exactly a choice.
It was simply what we wore.
As an adult, I've never deliberately chosen to wear one just because I wanted to.
Until now.
And honestly?
I love it.
It makes me feel connected to my culture.
It reminds me of where I come from.
It reminds me that some styles have survived for decades because they are beautiful, practical and meaningful.
I absolutely love Yoruba culture, and I want more of that culture to show up in my content because it's a huge part of who I am.
5. Cooking Tomorrow's Lunch
The final thing I'm doing tonight is making food.
I asked the boys what they wanted.
Their answer?
Spaghetti.
Again.
I genuinely don't know what it is about my spaghetti, but they absolutely love it.
If someone else makes it, they're not nearly as enthusiastic.
But if I make it?
The plates are empty.
Every single time.
Maybe one day I'll do a proper recipe post because apparently I have fans.
That's Me Ready for Work
So that's what preparing for my one day in the office looks like.
A bag full of snacks for friends.
Photos for a mood board.
An outfit crisis.
A cultural hairstyle I'm excited about.
And enough spaghetti to keep the boys happy.
Maybe most people simply get ready for work.
But apparently, I turn it into a full event.
And honestly?
I wouldn't have it any other way.
What does preparing for work look like for you?
Are you a throw-your-laptop-in-a-bag-and-go person, or do you have your own little rituals too?
With Love,
Ayo
⸻
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