The backstory. Part of what draws me to Computer Science research is my general love of thinking about optimal solutions given a set of constraints, and testing out (and measuring the success of) new ideas. I like playing strategy board games, planning routes to minimize travel time and distance, and packing exactly without excess. Unrelated: I’m also sensitive to visual overcrowding and cannot concentrate when my surroundings are messy or disorganized.
The catalyst. Enter two baby boys across three rough pregnancies during my postdoc and a worldwide pandemic imprisoning our family of 4 in a tiny urban apartment with no childcare options or any outside help for more than half a year. You get it. Maybe.
The outcome. Planning, executing, and iteratively refactoring organization solutions to enable everyone in the family to independently find and use their stuff safely and put it away themselves was essential for life but also, turns out, an essential form of selfcare for me. Our friends have been so delighted by some of my systems that they’ve encouraged me to share my ideas with you all. Hope you enjoy!
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Our storage unit in the shared, unfinished basement of our 1890 condo had turned into a dark, scary dumping ground for stuff we didn’t need (but didn’t want to deal with) and a whole bunch of stuff we did need but couldn’t access! Time for a fix! [Read More]
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I built a fireplace!
TL;DR it's awesome
Is there anything cozier than a warm fire crackling in a brick-surround fireplace in your own home to get you through the long, dark, cold Boston winter? No way! So I needed to find a way to get one! [Read More] -
Making (and getting rid of) kids artwork
sans tears from Amma or babies
Enabling kids’ independent “art” and then shamelessly getting rid of the results without triggering any tantrums is most definitely an art in and of itself. [Read More] -
1 bathroom ↔ 4 people
half of whom can't reach the sink
Ah, the joys and horrors of POTTY TRAINING !!! Let me tell you what is NOT going to work: A bathroom where the kids can’t… access the toilet, turn the light on/off, and wash/dry their hands. (Plus anyway this bathroom was gross and weird.) [Read More] -
Multipurpose 3'x3'...
entryway, pantry, coat closet, drop zone...
Our (third floor walkup) condo has no entryway, no pantry, and a single hallway closet. This tiny 3’8”x3’3” closet is the most utilized square footage in our home and has an enormous number of functions to fulfill. [Read More]