It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
Linda Sherman Is Hosting Tonight
The Topic Is
Does Your View At Work Enhance Your Life?
We’ll be exploring the view we see with our view of work and life. As Linda said this week, ” I believe that a gloomy room saps energy from your head and heart.”
So what is the view beyond your computer?
- How do you feel about it?
- What might you do to improve it?
- What might the perfect working view be?
- and what’s been the best view in your life?
Of course, we’ll get off topic, we always do …
Bring a photo of your view and jump into the conversation!
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?
Hey there. Your view point makes a huge difference on your experience at work. More folks need to get this into their heads.
Hey Todd!
How are you?!!
Great to have you in MY view!!
Doing well today. Relaxed and received good news today. Promotion came through at work.
I thought I saw something about a promotion on Twitter. Details!!
Whoops! Here I am! I’ll go post this link on the Facebook event!
Good evening Linda and Liz.
We are going to be passing out champagne to celebrate your promotion Todd – just waiting for a few more folks to show up.
Hey Linda!
Sorry, that extra post was just a promo for you!
Using Apple laptop computers for business allows me to have great views from the many places I find myself working… sometimes outside, occasionally from a hotel window… the mobile office can certainly take advantage of views to make the work experience great!
Yes Todd Please tell us about your promotion
This is close to how my work space looks still today – http://www.flickr.com/photos/tojosan/112206588/
Hey Linda and Liz
I’d been expecting and hoping for this promotion for a year now. The short story is that the paperwork finally ‘happened’. It took someone in HR to get speed things along though.
I’m quite happy about it. Comes with a bit of a raise, which I can’t disclose, though it’s not six figures that’s for sure.
Hey Sylvia!
Todd – is there a window in your office?
Love my view out a green side lawn, over trees from home office window. Yes, must have windows!
Hiya Sylvia.
The promotion changes my view on the work place. I’ll be looking at it as more rewarding than it was up until this point. It’s warming to feel appreciated.
#9 Ray – you have a good point that with a laptop, your view is everywhere you take it!
Good that you have that wall in front of you Todd. A window there would be too tempting!
Linda – now there is a window, actually several, behind me.
If you look at the cube from the entrance, over off to the right are some windows. Not line of sight. 🙁
Hi Ray!
Hi Sylvia!
Welcome! Welcome!
#15 Susan
Yes windows is so important. I’d love to get a photo of your view when this is over.
Natural light is a huge factor for me and I think human beings in general?
Ray – good to hear you have flexibility with that laptop.
Liz – One reason that I work in the kitchen when I’m on laptop is for the view/screen door to porch.
@Todd – that’s cool. As long as there are windows in the room. I don’t think they have to be in front of your face.
Linda – I believe having natural light is a significant mood enhancer. In spite of having windows close by, I don’t get much natural light. Only during a small portion of the day does some light spill over the cube wall.
what about “artificial views” like a huge wall mural of your favorite vacation spot?
Hey Todd,
They make tubes to fit light fixtures that have natural light spectrums. I used to have them in my office. They’re not much $$
Todd: When you work in a company office, it certainly is hard to control. But I’ll bet you do work from a home office too, no?
Susan Reynolds,
So good to see you!
@linda One of my views is of these art supplies on an industrial shelving unit. There’s one window to the right . . but LOL, how old is that TV?
Ray – you’re the architect can you say something about natural light spectrum tube lights?
Liz, Hi 🙂 It’s nice to see you and Linda at the same time. Double blonde power!
Susan – it’s going to fun to see a photo of your work space
@linda – when at home, work often on laptop, and up in kitchen, so I can get some natural light and background noise.
Other times I work downstairs in my home office. No windows etc there.
Sometimes I bring toys though – http://www.flickr.com/photos/tojosan/119537940/
Susan – double blonde power – I love it!
I worked for a top lighting designer who was very adamant about the “quality of light” in workspaces as well as in the home… the right “color temperature” can make all the difference… AND there are ways to “wash” a wall (or mural) from the front side (via recessed lamps) to simulate daylight…
@Ray – those natural lights sound like a win for a place we can control it.
Your idea for a mural is great. I have a cool calendar to help a bit though I could hang some low risk art if I wanted.
It would have been good to include the link, right? http://www.flickr.com/photos/ephemeria/1459606785/
Ray – what about the tubes Liz mentioned in #26
#37 I see the pic in your office now. The containers are nicely labeled. Look forward to a view of the greenery when you can. The TV does look um – does it operate?
@Linda @Liz TV in office?
Here’s the view from my home office http://www.flickr.com/photos/32313502@N02/?saved=1.
I travel extensively so I didn’t give any thought to having to see this typical LA city view when I moved here.
What’s more important to me is to be comfortable and be able to see outside.
@Ray – in your chosen work spaces, do you favor facing the TV or no?
@Sylvia what about you?
I am interested in the topic of where you work and your view, but I don’t think the view is just a visual aspect of your work. It is your view of your work and your desire to make that work have meaning for yourself and for the good it does others. Is this a 60’s pipe dream?
@Sylvia nice view. So you do get some natural light and are able to see both far and near.
Hi Liz,
Here’s the view from here… http://bit.ly/K6urB
I like using computer wallpaper to make my view good no matter where I am working.
Here is the ViewAtWork Flickr set I have been collecting from readers
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindashermangordon/sets/72157616288303774/
to go with this blog post about “View at Work”
http://itsdifferent4girls.com/blog/2009/04/03/does-your-view-at-work-enhance-your-life/
I am working towards a compilation article
@Todd Smith – cool view, and good idea to set a pleasing background.
I have ducks, lots of ducks, on my background at the moment, but usually have windows obscuring them.
@Linda wonderful views!
The quality of light depends heavily on the “color temperature” of the lamp creating the visible light. It is a continuous scale based on the temperature measured in “degrees Kelvin.” Incandescent bulbs are about 2000K, tungsten/halogen a around 3200K, fluorescent tubes are in the 4000K range, daylight is about 5000K… so lamps that emit light in the 5000K range “feel” like daylight – and also render colors rather accurately as a bonus.
@Sylvia #41 thanks for pic. I agree with Todd Jordan – the important thing is that you have natural light and some sky
Hey Larry!
I agree. I think what you see has a lot to do with what you look for. 🙂
@Ray – good to know. Maybe I’ll check out some ‘natural light’ products while I’m off. One or two for my home office.
@Larry – Agree! How we approach our work environment is as much in our heads as outside.
The nicer I am to myself, the nicer my view seems to get. 🙂
@Larry since our viewpoint is as important as our physical view, what are some ways we can improve that while we are at work?
#49 #26 does anyone have a link to a natural light spectrum bulb (5000K+) they recommend at reasonable $$
@Liz – I so forget that at times. 🙂
On very clear days I can see the ocean.
I get too much natural light in the afternoons with the sunsets
Sylvia,
Sounds like you have a great place to work.
@Liz @Todd @Larry: I completely agree that our view of work and life colors everything we do. But all else being equal, natural light and a view is a big positive.
@Sylvia I have view envy. Of course, I might be tempted not to work at all with that view. I’d be caught just staring out to the ocean. 🙂
#58 @Sylvia Too much light with the sunsets? Oh you mean the sun shines in your eyes?
Ray – I’m with you on the quality of the light. I lived in the southern Colorado high desert for about 15months and the light was amazing!
Linda – it’s scary that that ancient tv does work. But Bill puts the old ones in random rooms when he finds a new flatscreen. Well, that’s another way to change views I guess.
@Todd – one or two of my workspaces do have TVs either in front or off to the side… however, for work requiring a lot of concentration, I try NOT to use those spaces, since anything with movement will eventually attract the attention of your visual processors (eyes AND brain) and away from the “all-powerful computer screen.”
@Linda So right! Now all this chat is making me want to visit Lowes. 🙂
A woman I hired once actually talked about bringing in small curtains for her windows in a corporate-like office. She never did, but it got me thinking.
The next job I actually went to Pier One and bought things to decorate it. It was like a home for me. I felt better there than anywhere I ever worked.
I used to work in offices with no windows. It was just horrible.
Being reminded that I have to pay the bills, it isn’t that hard to ignore the views.
@Liz I get the darndest looks when I draw on my white board, or have creatures out to liven up the place. 🙂
@Todd @Ray I agree with keeping the TV off when I work unless I’m doing something absolutely brainless.
Ok, I was able to find a photo of my view and desk. http://www.flickr.com/photos/larrylawfer/3422006009/
Larry
@Sylvia my downstairs office has no windows, but I actually don’t mind like I’d think. I’m free to move at any time, and no windows = no distractions.
@Linda, the sun shines in my eyes and it gets so warm even on cool days that I have to close the blinds to keep from using the A/C
@Todd #68 Well I can certainly get that. They would love you in a place like TBWAchiat day
They go to the extreme of putting a basketball court in the center of their office in LA
Sylvia, ditto. Being able to see outside seems inordinately important to me. And I may be the only one in my family who finds it uncomfortable to have windows in the room corner, but none along the middle of the wall. I say it interferes with both light and view.
And there you go – it’s another point of view.
@Todd, I think not having windows is different when you have a choice of moving. Being in a corporate environment where you are stuck can get old after a while
One of the ways that I improve my view is that the things I have on my wall are all dated. Anything up there for too long has to be dealt with. I have vacation pics, dreams, client work and wishful thinking. It keeps me tuned to my work and my dreams.
@Linda #73 – so giving me an idea for a fun thing to break up the seriousness. 🙂
One of the ways that I improve my view is that the things I have on my wall are all dated. Anything up there for too long has to be dealt with. I have vacation pics, dreams, client work and wishful thinking. It keeps me tuned to my work and my dreams.
So cool! Love that idea. I’ve never put up vacation pics.
Larry, I think your office is cozy, with a very warm ambiance. Lovely sunlight too.
One thing I just can’t do and it bothers people who work here, or collaborate with me. I can’t work with any music on in the background. It distracts me and changes my mood. Not exactly like the sound of the ice cream truck coming down a steamy summer street, but enough to get me off my game. I am so weak.
Larry,
I love the idea of planning change on your walls. I had teddy bears and blue glasses to catch the light. I could looked at them forever, but the pictures — only real art can keep attention for year after year. 🙂
@Larry #70 Thanks for the office view pic. Natural light and greenery. Looks good to me!
@Larry I’m the other way about music. Often times a bit of background music acts alternately as white noise and a pick me up.
@Larry #80 What about classical music. I find that is the one kind of music that supports working.
But when I am working in Kauai I like the sound of the breeze.
@Larry, I like the idea of changing the office pictures. I have a 4 legged family member and have to keep my desk clean or he destroys it
@Liz @Larry Good points on updating inspirational pictures in your view
Good evening all.
I work at home – so I look out at our backyard – see the birds on the railing – trees etc.
I love the view.
@Brooke – good evening! Sounds wonderful.
Thanks, I do love my office and if I took a picture right now you would see new disarray. I think we need places for our eyes to rest that are both comfortable and invigorating. We need to be reminded of what inspires us each day. Change it up, remind yourself why you sit in this desk everyday.
@Todd, editing video is why it is so difficult to have anything else going on at the same time.
#72 @Sylvia Good point that when we choose a place to work we should think about if the sun will blare too strongly, directly in on us when it sets. That can certainly be uncomfortable and hot in the summer.
@Larry
I think we need places for our eyes to rest that are both comfortable and invigorating. We need to be reminded of what inspires us each day. Change it up, remind yourself why you sit in this desk everyday.
Awesome thoughts. I under decorate. Have to fix that when I get back to the office.
@Larry – Editing video – well that would likely preclude having music on.
I am sure many of you have read Studs Terkel’s book about working. He coined the word schmooze as one of the primary reasons people go to work. We like talking to our friends and fellow workers. I think social media does that for all of us even if we don’t share the same view. Leave it to Liz and Linda to bring us together in this way. Thank you.
@Linda #91 so right about not staring or becoming fixated.
I love to look outside – but being at home can be a downer. Looking all day at the mess…argh!
@Larry – there is a certain element of camaraderie there but I’d argue that’s a side effect of our humanness not the reason we go there.
I’d say #1 distraction for me at work IS people. Likewise at home.
#89 #92 @Larry @Todd Nice. There is so much we can do to enhance our “View at Work” I’m looking forward to the seeing the changes you’ll be making Todd.
@Brooke good point about the mess. I’d say it’s best to move the mess away or move away from the mess while you work.
The temptation to work on that mess though is high I hear for work at home folks.
One of the things I do miss about working at home is being able to talk with co-workers. Social media is OK but there are considerations about who is listening
@Todd – it can be hard. I try to ignore it!
I’m so enjoying just listening to the conversation roll along.
HI everyone, popping in, in between duties. I’m enjoying the sun pouring in my office window. Actually, two windows, corner office.
@ Sylvia – I agree. I am a part of alot of networking groups and that really helps. But SM is great too!
Hey everyone. I have to leave for another meeting.
Thanks Liz and Linda for hosting this. I have some good ideas about how to improve my office
I use twitter to reach out. I use email to stay in touch. I read blogs in the AM, I do this kind of thing in the PM. I am never lonely or looking for what is going on. I have all of you to keep me informed. That is my view and I am comfortable with it.
#96 #99 @Brooke @Todd I think that we all know that working in a uncluttered environment is energizing. Clearing away clutter is energizing. But it clutter certainly creeps in.
Anybody: How often do you clean up the surface of your desk?
Thanks Linda and Liz, you are two wonderful professionals I am pleased to call my friends.
Brooke & Sylvia bring up good points. The view at home is different considering the lack of coworkers th interact with.
For example, even though I talked about breast cancer on twitter, there are things that just aren’t the same – like not having someone in the next office over to grab lunch with and share heart to heart views.
@linda # 107 – every morning before I start to work. I have to!
@Sylvia thanks so much for coming. I think this was your first time @LizStrauss, I’m glad I put up the Facebook event.
@Glenda welcome
@Linda #107 – not often at home, fairly often at work I organize, dust, etc.
I love cleaning off my desk. I have a rule that if I haven’t touched something in 3 months then it wasn’t important. Everything is dated. My job is to stay current, stop looking back. Embrace the opportunities as they come to us, immediately.
#108 @Larry aawwwww Thanks!
@Larry – I don’t ‘love’ cleaning my desk. For me it’s a matter of accessibility.
linda, desk is need of clearing off, again. How does clutter happen so fast?
Larry,
I’ve learned the same thing. In 2002, I lost my entire Outlook database … never missed it once. 🙂
#103 @Glenda. Corner office, you lucky person. What part of town? You must be on the west coast if the sun is still shining.
#109 @Susan – yup! It is so difffernt to have coworkers. But I get stuff done so much faster now!
There are good things and bad things!
#116
Glenda,
You’re in the corner office — must be your personal assistant making that clutter. heh heh
Well, I’m going to cut this evening short. Go back to helping my wife clean and organize.
Been lots of fun and got my head around some positive ideas.
Thanks @liz and @linda and the bunch.
Sorry to have to leave my current view (on the sofa, with this kind of thing http://www.flickr.com/photos/ephemeria/1699159680/in/photostream/ in front of me)and head upstairs to the bedroom where I’ll perch on the bed to take a break.
Good to see you all again, and come across some new faces.
Congratulations, Todd!
Happy promotion!
#113 @Larry – gooooood point! Thanks!
#94 @Larry I agree that those of us who work at home really need to create that schmooze factor in our lives. The GOOD part of that. For the most part, we can CHOOSE who we schmooze with.
Good night, Susan!
Glad to have you here again!
Linda, I work from home, in the dining room. One window faces south, one west.
#122 @Susan Thanks so much for joining us tonight. Thanks for leaving another Flickr pic.
Liz, my CFO is sprawled out on my desk!
#110 @Brooke You clean the clutter from your desk every morning before you start work? Wow! I’m inspired.
#121 Thanks so much for coming Todd. Wait are you still there? We were going to do a toast for your promotion!
#127 #129 @Glenda. Oh haha. Dining room is your home office. And the CFO sprawled on your desk is?
#129
Now there’s a picture!!
@Glenda I must have a ViewAtWork photo from you!
@Linda – I really have to. It drives me crazy to have piles of stuff. AND I cannot keep organized with my thoughts and projects if things are not in some kind of order.
BUT – organized piles I do believe in – so don’t be too inspired! 🙂
@Brooke #135 Aha! Organized piles! I know about those
I actually try to file things. But there are still piles.
Where I spend way too much time http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684493@N02/sets/72157609021621405/
@Larry #113 What is this about dating everything?
Please tell me what you do with business cards?
Some who works for me once said that she could tell my level of stress by the amount of paper on my desk. hmmmm
Linda, my CFO is Faith, Chief Feline Officer, of course!
#137 This one has boards hanging in the air – is that a color you are considering for a make-over?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684493@N02/3028744682/in/set-72157609021621405/
Has anyone found an home office blog? I’d love to see how others are organizing, decorating etc.
Hi, folks!
@Glenda Chief Feline Officer LOL. #141 is directed at you.
Linda, those lines are wished -for floating shelves. Maybe one day. And paint!
Here’s what my spot looks like:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chappysmom/3388652364/
@Deb Hi, Welcome!
It’s been a few weeks since I made it, glad I could make it!
Linda, with business cards I put them into my database inside 30 days. If I hold a card it is because there is something I need to do, or something that they will get back to me on. When 3 months are up, so is the card. I used to keep everything, what was I thinking. Good executives make a decision and live with it.
Some really beautiful cards I keep. Not too many of them.
@Deb thanks for the pic! So you work on the floor? That would be Japanese home office style.
#139
Liz, how high is your pile at the moment?
Deb
Do you think of your knitting room as your workplace?
Larry, you’re most welcome to come visit – for a month or so!
Well, I don’t have a desk at home, so the lap desk on the floor is about the only option (grin). (Okay, yes, technically there’s a cute, little Queen Anne writing desk there, but there’s really not enough room to work there, and, besides, when I sit on the floor, I can pet my dog.)
And, Liz, I don’t actually have a knitting room. Just a bedroom! (grin)
Larry,
I look forward to the day I get to hand you a business card. 🙂
It took me a long time to get here but I live in two places. I go back and forth between a rural environment and an urban environment. I work mostly out on the lanai in the rural one. I recently changed the urban one to get a place with more natural light coming in. I love working from home.
#155 @Liz I bet you are already in Larry’s database.
That was helpful to hear Larry. I should certainly manage to get cards I want in my database in there in 3 months then what am I keeping them from.
It is probably a hang-over from 20 years in Japan where business cards are sacred.
Just looking at Linda’s http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindashermangordon/sets/72157616288303774/. I’m jealous!
#154
Deb
I didn’t know what to call the space where you knit. 🙂
#142 @Glenda Home Office Blog. Interesting one. Since I’m doing this View At Work article, I’ll follow up on that and be sure to let you know.
I do hope you’ll let me include some of your Flickr pics.
http://itsdifferent4girls.com/blog/2009/04/03/does-your-view-at-work-enhance-your-life/
#158 @Glenda You understand only the first 2 are mine, right? But that is where I am right now – on my lanai. I can see the ocean. Life is pretty darn good.
@Liz–I call it a chair (grin).
I usually knit when I’m watching television, or when I’m out somewhere, like getting coffee, or going to the movies. I do almost all my computer stuff while sitting on the floor–except when I’m at my day job, of course!
Which isn’t to say I wouldn’t LIKE a desk…
@Larry You wanted to talk about the consciousness side of “View at Work”
Deb
… a chair … huh!
Linda, I’ll tidy up and take some more pics for you. There’s one more at http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/2009/7-ways-to-help-neighbours-shut-in-during-worst-canadian-winter-in-years/
@Liz Are we going to get to see a photo of your View at Work?
I put them up all last summer. This is one of my favorites.
https://www.successful-blog.com/1/smiling-harbor-sunday/
@Glenda Thanks so much! You don’t have to clean up. If you look at my Flickr set, Marsha Collier purposely took hers without moving anything, cat litter and all.
Well have a good night! Great conversation!
#161
Linda, yes, but I’m still jealous. I overlook rooftops.
@Liz WOW! nice view! #167
@Brooke Thank you so much for stopping by. Do you have a Twitter address?
Mine is @lindasherman
@Liz, I know, it’s a shock, huh? Couches work for knitting, too (grin)
Linda,
It looks slightly different in the dead of December. heh heh
@Glenda #165 That’s a beautiful winter shot. Looks like you get nice natural light in.
@Linda – squishythefish
Hey guys – wanna read my point of view…http://workingathomeinternet.com/WP/
every Wed!
@Liz #174 I can get that your view is different in December.
Will there be a view at SOBcon09?
Oh yeah, let’s if I can find you one of SOBCon09 … There are so many good ones.
Hey Liz, Linda, everybody!
I don’t have any cool view pictures. Just wanted to stop in and say hello.
Todd, congrats!!!!!
Yes, my desk is in corner, beside the two window. Nice when its sunny.
Hi Amy.
@Brooke – Took at look at http://workingathomeinternet.com/WP/
You should have a category link for Wednesdays?
Hi Glenda. 🙂
@Linda – I do WAHM Wisdom – link at the top!
Out the window of Hotel 71
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bjmccray/2460800421/
Hi Amy! Uncool View at Work pics are also welcome. In any case YOU are welcome!
@Liz #185 Wow! spectacular view of Chicago!
Chicago is beautiful!
Hey Amy!
Been missing your smiling face!
@Amy I’m glad you linked to your Twitter account here. Following you now from @lindasherman
Thanks Linda! Thought we were already following one another. Glad we are now. Are you going to SOBCon?
Liz, that’s an awesome photo. I’ve never seen Chicago look quite that good. Maybe I’ve been looking out the wrong windows. 🙂
Thanks Linda, this has been wonderful. Time for wifely duties and make supper.
Have a good night everyone. 🙂
I really appreciate everyone bringing their View of Work. This has been fabulous for me because I am in the process of writing about this.
I hope you had a good time!
If you’re on Twitter, I’ll be bringing it up with #ViewAtWork
Amy,
You make me smile and make Chicago prettier, whenever you’re around. I hope you know that.
Thank you Amy! Thank you Glenda!
I keep getting distracted, rewatching last night’s episode of Chuck … it’s an addiction.
No worries, everyone.
Linda, I think you’ve been fabulous. I feel a breeze coming across my desk as I type this.
You’ve made the view here lovely.
Thank you so much.
Cheers Linda!
Thanks for the invite!
I have a view of the bay from my work window at home.
It reminds me that the possibilities are limitless for myself and my work.
The boats sailing by also provide a stimulating diversion from time to time. Brainstorming boosts!
Since I’m working by myself having a point of view that changes ever so often is important to keeping me from feeling stuck.
My “outlook” definitely inspires a postivie outlook on my life and work!
jerusha
Aw, everybody here is so darn NICE!
I’m so happy to have done this. Thank you very much Liz!
And thank you Deb. Deb – what is your twitter address?
Whoops – of course – THAT Deb! already gotcha on twitter.
Wow Jerusha! #199 Love it!. Thanks so much for stopping by.
It was a sunny day today, but this was my view only a month ago
http://twitpic.com/1pdwh I have the bird feeders to keep me entertained all 4 seasons and flowers amongst the trees 3 seasons.
I also have someone that shares my view. He reminds me to rest and play. There is more than just work!
http://twitpic.com/27zxw
Gee, Linda, now I feel like I should be famous or something. (“THAT Deb”) (grin)