It’s been about three weeks since ASI employees transitioned to working from home, as part of social distancing efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus. In many ways, it’s just been business as usual, except with a different view.

In this edition of our work-from-home dispatches, we’re sharing both our biggest challenges and the best thing that’s happened in the last week. (Be sure to catch up on week one and week two, if you haven’t already.)

Holly Singletary, Digital Content Strategist

Holly’s coffee game is on point.

Biggest Challenge: I’m accustomed to working from home, so I don’t really have any challenges. However, I did notice this week, with the entire state home, my Verizon Fios has been acting funky. Internet is slower AND my On Demand skips when playing shows. Definitely nothing I will complain about, but just throwing it out there.

Best Thing: I’m becoming a world-class barista while we stay at home. I created a delicious lavender white chocolate latte that I first had at the beach last Labor Day. That brought me pure joy.

Dawn Shurmaitis, Public Relations and Corporate Communications Director

The stress of being at home may have finally caused Dawn to crack.

Biggest Challenge: Getting used to the lack of control when helping with remote presentations like webinars. Instead of being in a room with colleagues, handling potential issues in real time, you’re texting or emailing to crowdsource solutions to things like funky audio. It always works out in the end — thanks to uber-smart colleagues who always know what to do.

Best Thing: Not gonna lie. This week was hard. The best thing was finally making it to Friday, knowing the only way to get through this is to keep moving forward, do your best, understand there’s only so much you can control – in your own little world and in the wider one – give thanks to the best darn co-workers on the planet and look for whatever bright spots you can find – like being a goofball once in a while. Sometimes, you just need to close the computer, turn off CNN, put on your crazy pants and dance in your living room.

John Corrigan, Senior Writer

Biggest Challenge: I thought the biggest challenge was going to be conducting some lengthy interviews, but my family deserves credit for not interrupting, distracting or screaming while I was on the phone. 

Best Thing: Everyone on my street came out to celebrate our 6-year-old neighbor Mia’s birthday. We’ve actually never met her, but her mom was very appreciative and just wanted to do something for her little girl while social distancing. It was cool to see everybody come together.

The street coming out strong for 6-year-old Mia’s bday. #SocialDistancing pic.twitter.com/1RKNsp7eJX

— John Corrigan (@Notready4Radio) April 2, 2020

Elizabeth Italia, Executive Director, Marketing Content

Elizabeth at one of her many workstations with cat Wonton.

Biggest Challenge: My furnace died. R.I.P.

Best Thing: My friend had a Zoom happy hour for her 40th birthday. I was surprised how much fun it was, and we all laughed for hours. Really a special moment, and so nice to see so many of my friends.

Vincent Driscoll, Director of ASICentral

Best Thing: I scared the hell out of my wife!!

Day 23

Just, you know, keeping the family on their toes! 😱#QuarantineLife #MichaelMeyers pic.twitter.com/jNaUaUPF4I

— ASICentral (@asicentral) April 3, 2020

Jake Krolick, Executive Creative Director, Marketing

Jake holds a video meeting with his staff, the leaders of Brand Fuel (asi/145025) and Jake’s father, who gave a talk on living off the grid.

Biggest Challenge: Handling the news about more than 6 million people filing for unemployment in one week.

Best Thing: Having a strong team to talk and lean on when it gets hard.

Joe Haley, Product Editor and Education Director

Joe basks in the morning sun as he works at his newly rebuilt flip-top desk.

Biggest Challenge: Converting all our ASI University employee trainings from a classroom format to a remote platform. It’s not as easy as a cut-and-paste. I have to rethink activities, add live polls, reformat videos and update presentations and handouts. It’s kept me busy, and I’m learning more every day.

Best Thing: I rediscovered an antique flip-top desk which was dismantled in my son’s room (he lives in Baltimore now). It’s not big, but I reassembled it, cleaned it up and put it right in front of a window. I get morning sun, and I get to see the neighborhood come alive. It helps get me into a state of positivity. I see people!