Simple Joys of Working at Home

Spending a cozy afternoon working at home today (with our new puppy, Beatrix, on my lap) has made me think about how fortunate I am to get to spend so much time at our apartment, especially during the workday. I took a pic or two and decided to start a list of what I enjoy about my work-at-home life...

Seeing the living room during the sunniest time of the day.

Knocking laundry off the to-do list in-between posts and emails.

Knowing that, in a pinch, pjs can be acceptable business attire.

Being able to be neighborly - so easy when you are the one who can (almost) always accept a package delivery.

Working while surrounded by all the books, magazines and belongings that inspire me and make me feel comfortable.

Making and eating fresh lunches.

NOT having to brave chilly early morning Chicago commutes in the winter.

Helping out with homework during the afternoons (5th grade math is so much fun this time around).

Having the added incentive to keep things organized and tidy in my workspace (it works most of the time) because it is in my livingroom.

...and, as of this weekend, having Beatrix to keep me company!

Comments (58)

OMG! Too cute!

posted by mattab on October 27th 2008 at 4:28pm
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What. Is. That. Adorable. THING?!

posted by madsarah on October 27th 2008 at 4:47pm
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Lucky you! Beatrix is so amazingly adorable. Those other perks are nice too, esp. your work attire.

posted by wig3000 on October 27th 2008 at 4:52pm
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I love alien looking pups (and I mean this in the most positive way!)

posted by Hollie on October 27th 2008 at 4:57pm
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Beatrix looks like an anime (sp?) creature in the first pic, in a very good very cute way.

I think the lunches would be my fav. perk. I shouldn't complain too much I'm in SF at Union Square so there are lots of choices but eventually it starts to get a little repetitive. Of course I'm not a talented cook and I hate to do dishes. Your picture just looks so inviting.

posted by Slim on October 27th 2008 at 5:03pm
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What a sweet face!

posted by KWorld on October 27th 2008 at 5:03pm
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that. is. the. cutest. puppy. i. have. ever. seen.

posted by mistabelle on October 27th 2008 at 5:05pm
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I'm constantly reminding myself how blessed I am to be working at home. I started my own business back in April, only because my husband does well enough with his income, and doesn't make me feel guilty for staying home. It works out well, actually. He stinks at housework, so I'm part time housewife - at least until the business really kicks in. I love having the place in order and clean, and I can do those tasks between work-related tasks. Being in good company helps (two of cutest cats you'd ever meet), and - yes - making lunch at home rocks!

posted by lilithslair on October 27th 2008 at 5:17pm
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oh jeez..beatrix rocks..

and it was very nippy today, so be extra grateful for not having to be out in it..

posted by Goody on October 27th 2008 at 5:17pm
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She is the cutest puppy! Love the face.

I work at home too, makes it easier with kids. I'm sick myself at the moment and it makes it easier to handle that too.
Cheaper to work at home, don't have a huge petrol bill, clothing bill etc etc.

posted by HereOrOverThere on October 27th 2008 at 5:31pm
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Ok, that little dog is the cutest thing I've ever seen!!! I just want to scoop her up and carry her around in my pocket!

posted by anabelle on October 27th 2008 at 5:34pm
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get that dog an agent!

posted by dennisd on October 27th 2008 at 5:39pm
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What breed of dog is Beatrix?

posted by ehy2k on October 27th 2008 at 5:43pm
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Beatrix is too dang cute. And yes she can be an anime character!!!

posted by umeboshi on October 27th 2008 at 6:01pm
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Beatrix is like one of those little anime soot balls!

posted by laurenwinslow on October 27th 2008 at 6:05pm
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I love that this post used words like "I" and "me" instead of the royal "we".

Also, cute puppy :)

posted by Katie S. on October 27th 2008 at 6:09pm
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OMG Beatrix is so freakin adorable!!!!! hehhehe
aww geeeez like Muppets!!!

ok i'll go back and read the post now hehehe

posted by little flower on October 27th 2008 at 6:17pm
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That is the cutest dog I have ever seen! What breed is she?

posted by etbethers on October 27th 2008 at 6:20pm
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Beatrix is too adorable. Just too adorable.

posted by avianmission on October 27th 2008 at 6:41pm
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Beatrix.

O_O

There are no words.

posted by rosenatti on October 27th 2008 at 7:01pm
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Working at/from home is my dream job requirement. I didn't think it would be challenging to come up with a list of things to like about it. Cute dog.

posted by K T G on October 27th 2008 at 7:09pm
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That puppy looks like a killer.

posted by elvedon on October 27th 2008 at 7:54pm
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Brussels Griffin?

posted by monarda on October 27th 2008 at 8:24pm
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oh my goodness.
that face kills with cuteness

posted by jmbylin on October 27th 2008 at 9:48pm
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Oh, thanks Janel, I really needed to read something like this. Not too long ago I blogged about how hard it is for me to keep up with things while working from home... and I guess I needed to be reminded of the good things about it. And for me, seeing the house at the sunniest time of the day is a big one! Although not today with the rain pouring..

posted by xieta on October 27th 2008 at 10:32pm
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Envy, envy, and more envy!
That little fella could even turn me into a dog person, which I always swore would never happen -- cats rule this home...

posted by JoJenks on October 28th 2008 at 12:34am
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I 'retired' at 47 my husband was 53. We certainly consider ourselves fortunate. Of course we've been creative financially but as long as you don't expect to travel first class and get rid of the credit cards its great. I agree with Janel except about the pjs... not my style.

posted by hrhprincessfiona on October 28th 2008 at 1:33am
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I love that dog! (Second cutest dog ever, mine being the first).

posted by Carder on October 28th 2008 at 3:19am
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What i sweet little doggy !

posted by Jany on October 28th 2008 at 3:40am
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Omg Beatrix!!!! HOW adorable is she? :D

posted by gryt on October 28th 2008 at 3:41am
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That is the cutest dog ever. What breed is she? I want one!

posted by kelev1 on October 28th 2008 at 4:09am
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affenpinscher? she is outrageously adorable!

posted by brandy on October 28th 2008 at 4:24am
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Thanks for this post! Due to an unfortunate situation, my boyfriend just became unemployed, so we're moving forward on starting the home business we've always wanted, based on our skills. It's very exciting, but also challenging. We've got 6 months to get it off the ground before I can become full partner, but we think it will happen.

And I've been WANTING a little teeny pup - what kind is she??! In my new home based business, a pup like that would complete my staff!!!!!

posted by blueroses1 on October 28th 2008 at 4:38am
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Please. Please. Please. Tell us what kind of dog she is!

posted by pugfreak on October 28th 2008 at 4:40am
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Thanks, on Beatrix's behalf, for all the compliments!
For those who asked, she is a Brussels Griffon.

posted by janel on October 28th 2008 at 4:40am
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she has slayed me with the cute! Beatrix is darling, and looks like she came right out of My Neighbor Tortoro

posted by jenna on October 28th 2008 at 4:54am
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Beatrix is ADORABLE!!!

posted by LaurieLu on October 28th 2008 at 4:58am
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wow, i am definitely jealous. i hope to someday be able to work from home.

posted by snowinla on October 28th 2008 at 5:02am
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seeing beatrix face just put a big smile on mine!

it's an adorable photo. but it 's funny too..she looks like a head with two legs.

posted by dM on October 28th 2008 at 5:03am
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Seriously? I could totally eat her up. Such a little munchkin!!!

posted by megant on October 28th 2008 at 5:52am
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Oh Janel, what a cutie!!!!!!!

posted by katie on October 28th 2008 at 6:04am
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Amen! Not having to brave messy weather is one of my favorite (among many) things about working at home. Though I feel like I too may need a Beatrix...

posted by jHill Design on October 28th 2008 at 6:29am
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Working from home right now! One of my favorite parts of it is being able to sneak peeks at Apartment Therapy throughout the day without having to worry about being caught.

posted by sarahisaghost on October 28th 2008 at 6:36am
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Ok i know there are tons of comments on it but seriously that is the cutest dog in the world!

posted by marlamischief1 on October 28th 2008 at 6:57am
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cutest dog of ALL TIME

posted by hanako66 on October 28th 2008 at 7:52am
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that lil pup is killing me. I cannot handle the cuteness!

posted by twenty twenty-one on October 28th 2008 at 8:43am
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That is one strange looking dog but how could you not love it.
I think you should get a second dog so BEATRIX has someone to play with.

WD is Mr. Dangerous

posted by Weasel Dearest on October 28th 2008 at 8:59am
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Holy crap, Janel! Beatrix is seriously darling.

posted by Alex on October 28th 2008 at 9:32am
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Must. dognap. and. snuggle.

posted by jenniejenjen on October 28th 2008 at 10:11am
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I knew it wa a brussels griffon, TOO CUTE, always loved them. :)
I have a lil pomerania with LOTs of personality, Beatrix looks like she's got lots of faces and lots of personality too.

posted by nickel525 on October 28th 2008 at 10:34am
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okay, this seems to be a thread about the puppy :-D

but yes, a lot of the list i can agree to wholeheartedly. i just spent the summer working in an office, and it is so good to be back to working from home. even without a puppy. :-P

(and thank you for dropping the Royal We.)

posted by maike on November 2nd 2008 at 1:33pm
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Ciao I feel very happy to work from my home, to stay in my Atelier and paint while my son is doing homework or cooking a pasta that is my home, and plus share my place with my guest (I have a bed and breakfast in Rome), drink together a glass of good wine or a coffe ...so sometime I don't reconize if i'm woking or I'm just enjoy my living ...I know i'm lucky
Ciao Barbara

posted by GirasolerealeBBRome on November 2nd 2008 at 2:44pm
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I love Brussels Griffons. She's adorable!

posted by repressd on January 14th 2009 at 1:59pm
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I want your puppy! Beatrix is an adorable name and I love the red sweater she's rockin'. Great post!

posted by bookgirl on January 14th 2009 at 2:43pm
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FYI, Beatrix, you've made cuteoverload.com - http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2009/01/dust-ball.html

posted by sillahee on January 26th 2009 at 6:56pm
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Oh man, I have two rescue dogs already, but in the future? Hm, perhaps a brussels griffon from a rescue.

Where did you get that gorgeous table in the last image?

posted by lisbet on January 26th 2009 at 10:29pm
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FYI, you're on i has a hotdog! http://ihasahotdog.com/2009/03/11/cute-puppy-pictures-koosh-ball/#comment-34113

posted by mally313 on March 11th 2009 at 3:49pm
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Have been working from home (lost the out of home job) the last couple of weeks and your post is a welcome, vibrant reminder to enjoy the details of daily life. What is also remarkable is that for the last year my husband and I have been looking for a reliable breeder for a Brussels Griffin. If you are happy with yours or it is a rescue, we would be most thankful to find out. Little varmint.
Thank you!

Redlou

posted by Redlou on April 20th 2009 at 12:18am
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