ASTHMA AND CARPET

I travel a lot, and often get asked about how Marna and I manage the distance. To be honest, I'd say that at first it was a bit of a challenge. We had our share of arguments. Eventually however we learned to communicate better when apart, and that has made all the difference. Also, when I'm home, I work from home, and try to use that to my advantage. Late starts, long lunches, finishing work early, and mid-day excursions to the great outdoors with Paige in tow are pretty common.

I work for a great company with some amazing technologies at my disposal. As Paige has gotten more capable at using the computer (she takes classes), we've introduced web conferencing as a means of communicating. The other day en route back to Denver, CO from San Diego, CA my flight was delayed by four hours. This meant that Paige and mom weren't going to be able to pick me up at the airport - an activity Paige greatly enjoys. I headed to the United Red Carpet Club, sat down at a desk, and started up Adobe Brio.

I won't bore you with the details of Brio and about what makes it so great from a technical perspective, but you can generally think of it as web conferencing software.

After a couple of minutes of struggling with connectivity, Paige and Daddy were having some collaborative fun. I setup the view so my video feed filled half the screen, and the other half was an interactive whiteboard. For a little while I entertained Paige with just funny faces and by playing with the web camera's line of sight. Eventually I enabled the feature for her to draw on the whiteboard. After a little coaching, she was doodling away.

At some point, Paige decided she wanted to take a picture of me on the computer, so she picked up mom's iPhone and captured the above image.

Movable seating, tables and screens offer complete flexibility for users on this floor of the library. These small screens offer some privacy and sound proofing for users without isolating them from the larger room. This group of students are engaged in group discussion and were able to move the furniture to their liking. Bright pastel shades have been used to cover the walls, the area is carpeted, there are stools on wheels, and chairs, tables and sofas on wheels. A contrasting colour is used on the skirting board assisting visitors with low vision levels. Signs and posters provide information for the user/visitor. This is a multiple purpose area as can be seen with the PCs in the background. Window blinds offer some shading from strong sunlight but can also be closed for use during the evening.
This area is flooded with wireless technology allowing more flexibility of working.

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