This reminds me of one of those “what’s your mother’s maiden name, what’s the farthest you’ve ever traveled, what’s your favorite color” things that goes around Facebook every once in a while. Except, about work.
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Current gig: 911 dispatcher, Praxis participant
Current mobile device: iPhone 6S. Yes, I realize the iPhone 11 is about to launch. Maybe I’ll upgrade.
Current computer: 13” MacBook Pro Retina, early 2015
What’s one word that best describes how you work? Connected. Not in the tech-savvy, Silicon Valley kind of way. Rather, I like to make connections between things. Whenever I learn something new or am working on a project, I’m always thinking of other concepts, ideas, and resources that are related to the task at hand.
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without? I dump my brain on the native Notes app. I use Pocket Casts (only one of two apps I’ve ever paid for) for podcasts and Spotify for music. If I could only keep one game app, it would be I Love Hue.
What’s your workspace like? At my 9-5 (actually, 7a-7p), it’s a dispatch console w/ 4-5 screens. Otherwise, Starbucks—a table, coffee, my computer, a notebook and pen, and probably a book I’m reading, in case I need a change of pace for a couple minutes.
What’s your best time-saving trick? If it can be done immediately, do it immediately.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager? I love the Bullet Journal concept and am working on incorporating it into my workflow. Otherwise, I have a pretty good memory (knock on wood).
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without? I’m old-school. I like paper and pen. These blank pads are awesome (and cheap). I also like a good knock-off dot grid Moleskine. I gravitate toward Sharpie pens, but if I need color I reach for a Papermate Inkjoy gel pen. I’d prefer a good fountain pen, but it’s hard to find reasonably-priced paper that doesn’t cause the ink to bleed.
What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else? I’m punctual. It stresses me out if I’m less than five minutes early.
What are you currently reading? Non-fiction: Atomic Habits, by James Clear. Fiction: East of Eden, by John Steinbeck. And Watchmen, by Alan Moore.
What do you listen to while you work? I put on headphones, but I rarely listen to anything. Send me your favorite Spotify playlists!
Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert? Definitely an introvert! I work well with people, but I recharge alone.
What’s your sleep routine like? Sleep. Wake up. Nothing fancy. I fall asleep pretty quickly and can operate on six hours of sleep (less if needed), though I like to get a little more when possible.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Get out of your head and into your space.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? The Price Is Right should have ended after Bob Barker retired.