Since the shelter-in-place order took effect in March, Stanford Live staff have been adjusting work routines to the home. For some, this involves balancing work with childcare and homeschooling. For all, adapting to the routine requires seeking new ways to stay connected as a team. Whether it’s through sharing playlists and live streamed concerts, recipes, or the latest streaming shows, we’re bringing the connection found in hallway banter to the work-from-home space.

Zoom meetings and team happy hours have introduced many to colleagues’ pets. Director of Operations and Production Kim Pross witnessed the molting process of her parrot, which, many of us learned, is symmetrical—when a feather sheds on one side, the other side loses one too. Assistant Director of Development Bryan Alderman adopted a second dog, Porter. Other Zoom cameos include many small dogs, a not-so-small bulldog, and cats.

During weekly Zoom happy hours, we’ve played virtual games, shared embarrassing childhood photos, and listened to a private performance by Brooklyn-based cellist Helen Newby. While it’s tough to replace the spontaneous, in-person conversations of a bar happy hour, we enjoy carrying a piece of our old way of socializing through this uncertain moment.
 


 

Bryan Alderman's new puppy Porter (right) with Gracie (left). Gracie and Porter met at a local dog park and the two dogs hit it off. At the time, Porter was being fostered by a woman in Bryan's neighborhood. A few weeks after contacting the SPCA, Bryan adopted Porter. 


 

Cellist Helen Newby performed live during a happy hour in April. She has performed with the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, JACK Quartet, and more. Learn about her projects and collaborations on her website


 

A drawing from Stanford Live’s competitive Drawful match during game happy hour.