So working from home has been fun… Over the past month or so, I’ve had to re-learn my working situation at home. At the office, I’ve got a nice setup, where I’m very comfortable. Two monitors, keyboard/mouse, office chair, drawers, etc. A lot of equipment that make the day as efficient as possible. Here at home, it’s a much different situation. I don’t have a home office that mimics what I have at the actual office, so I’ve had to make the best of it.
I’ve found that the key is what I’m calling ‘mobile organization’. I have a pile of ‘stuff’ that I carry around with me to a few different places around the house. I’ve found that moving around has been mentally helpful, in that I’m not staring at the same walls day after day. In addition, keeping all of my gear organized has become important. Otherwise, things get scattered and then chaos ensues. After learning all this, I think I have it dialed in. Here’s what I’m doing:
From top left:
1 Colonel Littleton No. 3 Bison Mousepad: I really don’t like trackpads on laptops. They are really slow and sensitive, especially when working in Excel or Powerpoint. I always have a mouse and a mousepad with me.
2. Wireless Mouse: Following up on #1, I’ve been using this mouse for quite some time. Very inexpensive and easy. Mrs. RCS turned me on to it.
3. Yeti 24 Oz. Mug: A good mug with a lid. I drink two cups of coffee every day, then wash it out and switch to either water or sparkling water. Since there are a lot of moving parts, I like to keep the lid in case it gets bumped.
4. Bodon French Press Coffee Pot: Why not? Get a little barista action happening. Nothing wrong with some great coffee when Starbucks isn’t the immediate option like it used to be.
5. Caran d’Ache Ballpoint Pen: I keep a bunch of pens in #11, but keep going back to these.
6. Anker 24W USB Charger: Apple has been selling 24W chargers with iPhone 11s, and I’m completely sold. I pack one of these and keep my phone charged all the time. It takes about 30 minutes to fully charge my iPhone. One less stress.
7. Practice Putting Mat: Gotta have something to do during all these conference calls.
8. Colonel Littleton No. 9 Writing Board: I’ve just started using this, and absolutely love it. It’s a modern version of a clipboard, and very helpful when working on the couch. Colonel Littleton really knocked it out of the park with this one. I’ll do a deeper review on Instagram shortly.
9. Jabra Wireless Bluetooth Speaker: This is the same speaker I use at the office for conference calls, and can’t recommend it enough. Getting one of the house was a no-brainer. I just have to keep Mrs. RCS from stealing it…
10. Topo Designs Zip Pouch: Back to the organization theme, I use this to pack all my ‘stuff’. Cords, chargers, the Jabra, etc.
11. Mission Mercantile Campaign Waxed Canvas Accessory Bag: I use this to keep all my pens, Bic Flairs, and pencils. It’s a great keeper at a really nice price.
12. Wren & Ivy Generations Field Tote: And there has to be somewhere to keep it all. At the end of the day, I pack it all away and store it in the dining room chair. This way, I know where everything is. Out of sight, out of mind…until the next morning.
What tricks have you found for working from home successfully?
Love my Colonel Littleton mousepad that my wife got me a few Christmases ago. I agree on trackpads and the bison adds a touch of elegance to the desk. My other must have are my Bose QC35 to block out the noise of three children particularly on rainy days like today. Cheers.
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I like the headphone option…that’s pretty smart.
The french press has been my savior these past few weeks. I’m ready to toss the Keurig for more counter space now haha.
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It’s great, right? A nice little break from the normal…
I am in a small temporary apartment with my wife who is also working from home FT. I cede the man living space to her and orbit around the periphery.
Luckily, my 3-4 calls a day are short and sweet.
We drink about 4 French press coffees between the two of us each am, as there is not much else to do. By noon, we are amped!
She is in her robe till the pm while I try to dress each day, not always successfully.
Our lives have fallen into a routine with each day difficult to distinguish from another. Thank God our kids are grown, or I would lose my mind.
I have also found that laying off the booze has been a big help. I haven’t had a drink since this insanity started (March 4) and I feel healthier than I have in some time. I have also lost about 5 lbs while everyone on social media complains about getting fat at home. Day drinking and Coronavirus stress don’t seem a good combo, but it appears that all the kids are doing it?
Cheers,
BSR
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We’ve really watched what we’ve eaten as well. I’m down 7 lbs, and my wife is down as well. We’ve limited our drinking, which has been good.
I’m a teacher and WFH looks a little different probably. We aren’t doing any zoom lessons or anything like that. The district rolled out an online curriculum, and we monitor and assist. The hardest part i’m having with WFH is deciding when to take a shower/dressed. I’ve ben taking my kayak out fishing way more, and doing way more lawn care. I’d like to go ahead and shower and get dressed each morning, but I know I am planning on mowing or something I don’t want to take get ready to just get dirty. I don’t know, just ranting about something i’ve noticed in this time.
I have the old school Starbucks Verismo which produces a great cup of coffee or espresso. However, they stopped selling the pods online a few years ago so there’s no way to get them now since Starbucks is closed, and the stores are always hit or miss on having them in stock anyway. They sell the machine then make it difficult to buy the pods which isn’t a good strategy. After the machine kicks the bucket I may make the switch to the Nespresso as they have more variety and seem easier to purchase.
Regarding pens: like Don Draper I prefer my Parker Jotters.
Lastly, I’m praying this all goes away soon so we can still see Dead and Company in Atlanta this summer.
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My fingers are crossed that they don’t cancel Dead & Company…that would be heartbreaking…I have enjoyed the Saturday shows during the break.
It looks like you can buy those Verismo pods on Amazon.
I have known BC Rogers with Wren & Ivy for 10-15. We have lost contact but he is a great guy. This blog post finally made me pull the trigger on a bag that I have been looking at for over a year. Even save a buck on shipping by texting an old friend for a local product drop off tomorrow! Keep up the good work!
Great list. I would add an electric kettle. It makes boiling water that much easier. I have also traded the French press for a pour over set up. With my birthday coming up I am hoping for a new kettle with temperature control.