The New Normal

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Here we are, nearing five months into self-quarantine, and my apartment has never felt so small!

Living and working in the one-bedroom apartment that I share with my partner, Brian, and our two cats, Rosie and Milo, has definitely meant making some adjustments. Now more than ever, defining a work/life balance is key. Keeping focused work hours, minimizing distractions, and constant communication with the Lages team are all factors that have kept me on track and sane during this time.

The Adventure Begins

At the beginning of this work from home adventure, I was worried I would fall behind on some of my routines. Thankfully, I have two furry alarm clocks who help me keep on schedule! Rosie and Milo make sure that, even though my commute has gone from a one-hour drive to a mere 15 steps, I’m still maintaining their 6:00 a.m. feeding schedule as if it were business as usual.

The thing my cats love to do best is trying to keep me from working. They will climb on my desk and sit on my arms as I type. Rosie and Milo are almost honorary Lages team members, with how often they sneak into my video calls!

It’s The Little Things

Despite some uncertainty, most things remain the same. I still change out the color of the sticky notes I use every month, I still get to chat with my coworkers while sipping my coffee (thanks Microsoft Teams!), and my office plants are now bringing me joy at home. Lunch breaks have become simpler with easy access to my kitchen, and I’ve found myself cooking more meals and experimenting with ingredients I’ve never used before. Did anyone else try to keep a sourdough starter at the beginning of quarantine? Mine is now sadly sitting in the back of my fridge … baking bread in an apartment with no A/C in the kitchen is a no go in the summer. My new normal also includes Brian becoming my “new co-worker”, so to speak. In a small space like ours, we’re both sharing what we like to call our office… even though it’s just a small corner in our living room. Trying to coordinate staff meetings, various work calls, and different starting schedules has been a unique challenge. Thankfully, we can now call ourselves #WFH Pros. Brian has even made some cameo’s in the background of our Monday afternoon Lages staff meetings (as I have in his!).

The New Normal

Having been well over 4 months into self-quarantine, I’ve gone through the more difficult parts of transitioning to #WFH. I remind myself of these silver linings – I’m so grateful to have the privilege to work from home, that my Lages family is supportive and caring, and that my family and friends are safe and healthy. Most of all, I’m thankful for and so proud of my dad, who works in healthcare, and is on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, let’s take a moment to relax, to thank our essential workers, to wash our hands and wear our masks, and to count our blessings. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that we will come out of this pandemic stronger and more resilient from working together.

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