As we all may know, the Coronavirus has created a lot of obstacles throughout our daily routines. At O'Brien, we've had to minimize our staff count at the office as well. Throughout this past month it's been hard to keep our team engaged with one another because of the separation. Recently, I got curious and asked our team how they've been doing!
Melissa – Brand life Administrator
Anything funny happened while you’re trying to work? My dog has been at my feet the entire time I’ve been home. I think he’s trying to kill me as I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve tripped over him. He’s lucky he’s so cute!
What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic? Hmm, I learned I’m quite capable of being a homebody. Ha-ha! My husband on the other hand is a first responder and has been going non-stop (poor guy).
What's keeping you going throughout this pandemic? My dog, my two cats, and of course my husband (when I see him). I bought a water rower so that’s fun as far as workouts go and going for walks with my dog Buddy.
What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone? This is easy, I would drive to Michigan to see my family. I miss them!
Julie – Print Service Coordinator
Anything funny happened while you’re trying to work? Nothing really comes to mind that was really funny other than my goofy dog running around in circles like a crazy person.
What's keeping you going throughout this pandemic? Facetiming with my kids and grandkids has really helped. If ever I get down or crabby, I call them. Also, my house is getting quite organized and cleaned out.
What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone? First thing I will do is go to my mom’s house who is on oxygen and give her a hug. She has not been out of the house since February.
Sheila – Brand Life Coordinator
Anything funny happened while you’re trying to work? My little guy Jake would pop up his head from the kitchen to ask if he could come sit with me. Like any mother you say, “In a minute honey.” 2 minutes later you get the same question. I picture him saying…”Momma….can I come sit with you NOW…??” #HappyLife
What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic? I have learned that a work life balance is really important. Working from home has helped me to juggle my daily routine.
What's keeping you going throughout this pandemic? I have allowed myself to stop and take a few breaks during the workday. I take my furry babies for walks. It helps me to decompress and lets them stretch their legs at the same time. It’s a win win.
What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone? I’m going to bake my dad a pan of Apple Slices (he loves these), hand deliver them and give him the BIGGEST hug ever!
Keri - Partner
What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic? My husband is an amazing multi-tasker and homeschooler and perhaps the most patient person I know!
What's keeping you going throughout this pandemic? Facetime with family and friends, yoga, motivational books + quotes, family dinners and game nights, cultivating our vegetables for our Summer garden, snuggles with my dog.
What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone? Hug my parents.
Devin - Partner
Anything funny happened while you’re trying to work? My cat keeps trying to walk on my keyboard (but I don’t mind because he’s awesome). My wife and I found out how to coexist at home / work together (and who actually does the chores around the house) lol. And of course, every day is take your dog to work day = )
What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic? That I chose the right wife! She’s been amazing through all this. I’m also a little more introverted than I thought I was. Moreover, an ergonomic workspace is much more important than I ever knew (my poor back) = )
What's keeping you going throughout this pandemic? Philosophy! It’s ointment for the soul in times like these. I’m also running frequent video calls with family and friends, running, journaling, eating as healthy as I can, reducing drinking, and meditating often.
What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone? Honestly, I kind of like being at home = ). But, I would love to get out and play some music again = )
Tracy - Executive Director
Anything funny happened while you’re trying to work? Some basic things that aren’t so great about working from home include construction noise going on in our neighborhood… Today my husband was cutting down a tree in the backyard – try staring at a monstrosity of an Excel file with a chainsaw next to your ear 😉
What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic? Things that I love about working from home include no commute, not packing a lunch at 5am, no one disagreeing about what music to play today, my furry four-legged coworker Cooper (who will occasionally sneak into my office to chase his tail!), that my office window actually opens, and that I get to wear comfy slippers!
What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic? What I’ve learned through this pandemic is that most of the unenjoyable tasks around our house that don’t get done on weekends are not for a lack of time 😉 I’ve also found that puzzles are a great way to shut down my anxiety. My 16 year old daughter has adjusted well to e-learning, but continues to struggle with being an only child during the pandemic and terribly missing physically being with her friends. She has, however, discovered a love of painting – I can’t order canvases fast enough!
What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone? While we are very fortunate in the scheme of things, my 74-year old mom is home alone recovering from a major hand surgery (and we can’t visit her) while my sister is nearing the end of week 2 of fighting COVID-19, but is finally turning a corner toward health! The first thing I hope to be able to do after all of this is to see (and hug!) both of them as it has been really difficult to be separated.
As you can see, your O’Brien team cannot wait to get back to the swing of things! Just know, that our team is still available to help you with all of your promotional and print product needs. Including, your organizations personal protective equipment (PPE). Stay safe everyone!