As the world remains cautious and the Summer season is coming to pass, the Ablesoft team is continuing to invade each other's homes with our daily Microsoft Teams check-ins. Fortunately, the call hiccups including setup woes, spotty internet connections, and abrupt pauses to avoid talking over each other have subsided with time, but the surprises have not. Below is a glimpse of some of those surprises, and observations, over the past few months.
New Avatars
Facing the turmoil of a working mom with two children at home, Lisa, our head of design, is continually in a balancing act. Team meetings may feature her kids’ eager requests to say hello, wrestling matches, or simply using her as a chair to gaze into the camera. Recently, it was discovered that these meetings were having another impact on them as well. Below, Lisa is introducing a new companion of their household who is also named "Noel" (the President of Ablesoft), courtesy of her two sons. The team all agreed that the Noels shared many similar characteristics.
Noel, visibly excited to be recognized by Lisa's children in gnome form. Eric disappointed with the lack of a yard decor avatar.
Workspace Envy
Remote meetings have enabled a variety of 'office setups'. Attended from bedrooms, kitchens, garages, and even outdoors, the key to the home office is being comfortable, mildly isolated, and if possible, having a decent view. Michelle, our head of Marketing, created the optimal work environment which includes all the major elements. Nestled in her basement, Michelle's home office features a beautiful view of Oregon forestry featuring visits by her occasional wildlife friends.
Deer, wild turkeys, and friendly squirrels are known to stop by to say ‘hello’ in Michelle's working environment.
New Skill Development
What started as an excuse to cook outside, blossomed into the realization of a new calling when Alan took up the art of smoking. From coals, to wood chips, to a full smoker upgrade, the team of Ablesoft has witnessed Alan's ascension to that of a grill master. Ribs, pork hunks, and even bacon wrapped pineapple have all found a role in Alan's play of smoked foods. Unbeknownst to him, he has earned himself a new role as Ablesoft's 'head of catering’ for our future office cookouts.
The art of smoking is embraced by all in the Arian’s family. The reasons as to why are depicted above.
Recent office space adjustments have brought the ASI team back together once again. Which means for now, the daily check-in theater will have to be postponed. Despite the entertainment value they may bring, the team remains quite alright with the new setup.