It’s now been five weeks since ASI staffers began working from home. (Care packages of sweets and alcohol would be welcome!) Since that time, we’ve found plenty of ways to stay connected with each other, from regular video chats to meme-heavy email chains. And, of course, by sharing our triumphs and trials with all of you lovely readers. This week, we talk about the tools that have been indispensable for 24/7 homesteading and reveal the most exciting things we’ve done in the past week. (If you haven’t been following our work-from-home adventures, you can catch up with last week’s installment here.)

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

When the invitation calls for “Zoom Formal,” C.J. takes them at their word.

Best Tool: It’s an obvious answer, but videoconferencing is an amazing tool. Whether it’s our department meetings, my daughter’s school and dance classes, chats with my college friends or family “get-togethers,” I find it remarkable how powerful this technology is and the ability it has to keep people connected.

Most Exciting Moment: Dressing up for the virtual Neal Awards, the Pulitzers of business journalism. (This year’s awards were revealed online.) I thought clothing for the event was “Zoom Formal”! And so glad to see our team get rewarded with a victory for Best Art Direction.

ASI’s editorial excellence once again recognized during #Neals2020, the Pulitzer Prize of biz journalism, with big win for editorial creative director Hillary Glen, digital content exec editor @TheresaHegel & photog Ryan Geraghty for Wearables Fashion Issue, + 5 finalists. pic.twitter.com/GEGWGsGzbX

— Timothy M. Andrews (@Tim_Andrews_ASI) April 17, 2020

Jake Krolick, Executive Creative Director, Marketing

Best Tool: MS Teams/Zoom – they’ve kept the world connected.

Most Exciting Moment: Group livestream concert hopping for two hours and three concerts.

Sara Lavenduski, Senior Editor, Advantages

Mookie does his best to get a lap nap in, while Sara works.

Best Tool: I’m newly obsessed with my blender. I rarely used it before, but now every night I prep a delicious breakfast smoothie for the next morning. My newest addition: semi-sweet chocolate chips!

Most Exciting Moment: On Easter, I spent time outside in the nice weather with a few extended family members (with proper social distancing measures and masks in place) whom I usually see at least once a week but haven’t seen in a month. They’re hilarious and really lifted my spirits.

John Corrigan, Senior Writer, Editorial

John does his best Bob the Builder impression.

Best Tool: A power drill. I’m quickly becoming Bob the Builder because ...

Most Exciting Moment: I bought a house! Of course, my girlfriend has lots of grandiose projects to keep us busy.

Christopher Ruvo, Executive Editor, Counselor

Best Tool: High-speed internet that’s able to accommodate two #WFH adults and two online school students at the same time. If you’re from a city or suburb, this might seem standard. But I live in a rural area, and it’s not something that’s available to everyone here – at least in a cost-effective way. We got lucky.

Most Exciting Moment: We had a pretty rollicking game of wiffle ball on Easter Sunday afternoon and rode the quad a bit, which almost made life feel normal. Still, 12-plus-hour workdays and serving as de facto teachers has kind of minimized time for much else other than a little sleeping.

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

The Joe-shaped pinata keeps things interesting during social isolation.

Best Tool: GoToWebinar. It’s allowed ASI training and development to continue employee education with an interactive experience. I’ve also been in love with MS Teams, as it allows me to see the faces of all the co-workers I miss.

Most Exciting Moment: I’ve hung a pinata on a tree alerting people that I’m working inside, helps with that whole “isolation” thingy. The young kids get a kick out of it and wave to me, but it freaks out some of the UPS and FedEx drivers.