Fifty-Eight Words from Everyone but Adam
Look at how close everyone is!
When we started this blog (almost four years ago to the day), I imagined that everyone would write stories. But that never really happened, and I just kind of took it over. (Imagine that.) That’s the cool thing about trying something new: It never really ends up how you thought it would. And, speaking of trying something new, here’s something new right now: 58 words from everyone but me on the current state of things. I asked everyone in the company to give 58 words of hope, 58 words of frustration, 58 words of reflection, or just 58 words about something that happened during all this. It's only 58 words, which is easy and hard.
“If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.”
Without further pontificating from yours truly, here are 58 words from everyone but me. At the time this was posted, we had not received 58 words from Jeff. This is likely due to the fact that the request came from me.
During my somewhat solitary Covid time, I've resisted the urge to play Animal Crossing, though I've watched way more TikTok videos than I'd like to admit. I can laugh when I'm alone, hugs are underrated, to-do lists are overrated, I've learned to like running (!), and God is present when you look for him—isn't that wonderful? 58 words!
-Katy
It's totally okay to not be okay. With everything seemingly normal and no imminent threat, it sounds silly to admit, "Hey, I'm not doing so hot." For me, realizing I was having trouble was a huge step toward gaining back my productivity. Also, WFH allows me and Chris to understand each other's workflows, which we've never shared before.
-Linda
I finally have time. Loooots of it. I should be productive with it and learn a new language as I’ve always wanted to learn Spanish, Korean, or French. Or master a type of headstand in yoga and get biceps to offset the calories I’ll be gaining from trying new recipes like bread. Because I love bread. And butter.
-Sharon
This whole quarantine has really made me realize: Damn, I'm so lucky to have my job. And I don't just mean I'm lucky to have a job given what's going on right now—even though I totally am—but I'm lucky I have a job where I get to do what I love all day with people I love. It's truly made this whole situation way more bearable.
-Sarah
Home. The definition has changed for me, as it has also become office, school, restaurant, theater, gym, and—above else—sanctuary. This time has shown me what we can accomplish by working remotely as well as the strength and resilience of the team. Problem solving has never been more key for us and our clients.
-David
Through the time we've been stuck at home, I've realized how much I take for granted without being aware of it. But I believe that this situation is helping me to grow and mature in the personal and professional aspects of my life. And one thing I can start doing better is showing more gratitude in my life.
-Ade
As the sun sets on my daughter’s last days of being an only child, she’s been able to experience the gift of having her parents all to herself. I feel guilty, but it has been a huge silver lining for my family during a virus outbreak that has negatively impacted so many people. I really miss playing soccer.
-Gabe
Besides being home all the time, I’m glad to say how I spend my day hasn’t changed all that much. I feel pretty lucky that I still have a routine and stability when everything else seems to have gone off the rails. Plus I’ve gotten pretty good at building houses out of cards. I’m ready for beach day.
-Adrian
There you have it. Everyone's okay and not okay. Happy and a little sad. They're trying some stuff, and they’re still not getting as much done as they’d like. Ironically, that's a lot like our pre-pandemic lives.
I always thought I hated small talk, but I miss the small interactions. The check-ins. The dumb jokes. The office debates on what to get for lunch. Asking Sarah to hang back and work late as she’s walking out the door—just to see her face. I miss that stuff.
I couldn't help but add my 58.
