By now, six weeks into working remotely full time, ASI staffers are old hands at leading videoconferences and juggling “homeschool” demands with work obligations. Interacting through a computer screen and learning new skills at home have become the new norm. This week, we share some of the cool virtual events we’ve attended recently and something new we’ve learned or tried. (Catch up with last week’s installment of our work-from-home adventures here.)

Joe Haley, Product Editor, Editorial & Education Director, Human Resources

The Air Force Academy graduation ceremony was livestreamed on YouTube so family and friends could watch.

Best Virtual Event: We watched our friend’s son graduate from the Air Force Academy on Saturday. It was livestreamed on YouTube, and we were able to see him in the crowd, twice. It was awesome, sad and emotional all at the same time. No parents, no friends. Just cadets and guest speakers.

Something I’ve Learned: I make a respectable fried chicken. I never did it well in the past, but I found a good recipe (finally) and used a cast-iron skillet.

Rebecca Young, Senior Web Designer

The before and after of Rebecca’s home haircut.

Best Virtual Event: My highlight this week was a virtual happy hour with the Creative Labs Department, with a surprise appearance by ASI CEO and President Tim Andrews.

Something I’ve Learned: I couldn’t take it any longer and I gave myself a DIY haircut! I took about 2 to 3 inches off. It’s probably not the straightest haircut I’ve ever had, but I figured nobody’s around to see me anyway.

Dawn Shurmaitis, Public Relations & Corporate Communications Director

Dawn learns about goofy video filters during a virtual family game night.

Best Virtual Event: The small Zoom cocktail party ASI’s editorial department held was my favorite. It was great to learn about everyone’s experiences with quarantine insanity OUTSIDE work. It was fun, funny and often touching. Hearing about Nate Kucsma having to “celebrate” his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary from afar instead of the big family party they’d planned, how Andy Cohen got to finally see his mom – but only from a safe distance – and Chris Ruvo talking about how wonderful it’s been to spend so much time with his family, instead of always running from job to job. So sweet I cried. It might’ve been the wine, but either way, it was great.

Something I’ve Learned: When it comes to Zoom or GoToMeetings, less is more. We held a family GoTo, and it was hard to hear, people talked over each other, and I didn’t really learn very much. Two weeks later, my sister and I did a game night with just my nieces, and we ended up talking for nearly two hours – without even playing the game. Plus, we were treated to their goofy filters.

Elizabeth Italia, Executive Director, Marketing Content

Best Virtual Event: By far, it’s been my virtual “night out” with friends on Zoom. We’ve started doing them every Saturday.

Something I’ve Learned: I figured out how to completely take apart a bed frame and carry everything, including a queen-size mattress, down two floors. It wasn’t pretty, but I got it done.

C.J. Mittica, Editor-in-Chief, Counselor and Advantages

Best Virtual Event: The Thursday Zoom workout class held by J. Smith, who owns the gym at ASI’s building. (J. and his trainers offer free online gym classes throughout the week for anyone to try.) Surely it can’t be hard when there’s no equipment and someone is directing you through a computer screen? You would be wrong. So wrong.

Something I’ve Learned: My wife thinks the Keurig shuts off automatically after an hour. She didn’t realize I turn it off every time she leaves it on. Spend enough time together ….

Nathaniel Kucsma, Executive Director, Research & Corporate Marketing

Best Virtual Event: Last week’s happy hour for the editorial department, organized by ASI Social Media Manager Melissa Newman.

Something I’ve Learned: How to present over Microsoft Teams. Yeah, I know you’re jealous.