Five things make a post, March 2022 edition
I remembered to get some Hugo nominations in yesterday before the deadline, yay! I definitely forgot last year, and I think I might have missed it the year before, too, so I feel relatively proud of myself (even if I left a whole lot of categories blank).
Speaking of SFF convention-adjacent topics, I also booked a plane ticket to Wiscon. This is perhaps overly optimistic, but I decided it was worth it. (The flight isn't refundable, but I can change it without penalty.) I entirely understand if folks are unable or unwilling to attend in person, but maybe I will see some of you there? Very curious as to how the hybrid model they're running will work out.
In other news of things happening in person, I have jury duty at the end of the month. Originally they wanted me in January, but that was a big fat no. So I pushed it forward two months, on the theory that the Omicron wave would have passed and whatever might come next wouldn't be here yet. So far, so good.
More optimistically, I also let my workplace know that I'll be going back in person starting April 11th. After several attempts to pick a reopening date, my employer finally threw up its hands and said "Come back if you want, but if you want to stay remote some or all of the time, that's fine too, just let us know." So I want to give it a try. It's good to know that I can always bail back to being remote, either temporarily or for good, if it becomes necessary. I'll have an enclosed office, and my employer still requires vaccination (we're a government contractor) and masks in common areas, all of which makes me feel better.
We're what feels like about halfway through Horizon Forbidden West. My intentions to gameblog it have utterly failed, in part because I'd rather play the game than write about it, and in part because it's so hard to know what to flag in terms of spoilers in an open world game. I will say more though. We are both enjoying it, more or less. It's not quite the revelation HZD was, but that's a high bar. I do enjoy many of the new characters.
no subject
E and I are planning a hike up Mt. Dana for Memorial Day weekend, so no Wiscon for us.
I also got a jury summons, pushed it to the week between Christmas and New Year's.
I'm glad you are excited about going into the office. I think your commute is reverse. That might make me feel very differently. I do not want to commute at rush hour ever again. I am OK with going into the office for a half day once every week or two, which I am now doing, but I wish I had more choice in the matter as you do. My employer has thrown all COVID caution to the wind, does not require vaccination, and has stopped all mask requirements, even for the two unvaccinated people. I wanted an environment that was less bureaucratic, structured, and regimented, and this is what I get!
no subject
T did that one year. It worked out okay, but I'd have been too stressed about actually getting called in.
There are definitely downsides to working in an office with less structure! The commute will be reverse (SF to downtown Oakland, all easily done via walking and/or transit), which makes the decision easier.