When Zoom and Zoomies Collide
Zoom — A cloud based video conferencing tool for virtual meetings.
Zoomies — A frenetic and repetitive activity such as running in circles, often exhibited by younger dogs. In Finnegan’s case it often involves grabbing sticks and pinecones to chew on while playing keep-away.
Yesterday Zoom and Zoomies collided in our world. First of all, let me be completely honest. My familiarity with Zoom is superficial, it is seldom used in our house. Admittedly, you’d think my video production background would give me an edge, however, like most things, it has a comfort/learning curve.
Once you’re in a Zoom meeting, it is not the time to familiarize yourself with the app. For example, during one meeting, the control to the View screen was not available, it turns out the software needed updating. Therefore, I could only see the speaker - and yours truly. Not an ideal setup for a group meeting. It lessened the experience.
Fast forward to this week. Since Bernie had taken Finnegan to the vet (more on that later) and wanted me available to communicate, I planned to attend the AR Zoom meeting without the video camera. After a quick shower, I skipped fixing my hair and makeup and decided to join the meeting a few minutes early. Imagine my shock in entering the meeting to discover my camera was on.
My less than ideal appearance was okay, we’re all human, but the scene behind me was utter chaos. Our packaging and wrapping project from the night before was on full display. A big Zoom no-no is to have an unpleasant and distracting background. Instead of calmly locating the camera control, I reacted and quickly pushed the meeting display screen down, and out-of-sight on my 27” Mac desktop.
Uh oh, it took but a second to remember, while I was only seeing my desktop screen saver, the people in the Zoom meeting were still seeing me - and more importantly the messy room. The little green dot at the top of my computer confirmed it. Fortunately, host Debe Maxwell, CRS , kindly put me out of my misery and turned off the camera at her end. Thank you Debe!
The story underscores how a lack of sleep and worry can quickly turn a normally functioning brain to mush. Not a good recipe for optimal performance. By the way, the meeting was fantastic. If you haven’t attended one of these meetings, you’re missing out on a great chance to network with your peers and learn from some of the best in Active Rain. Thanks Rocky Dickerson I have just one word for you today, YES!
Today's tip, spend some time familiarizing yourself with Zoom prior to attending meetings.
Here is a sample of the Finnegan Zoomies.
As for Finnegan, long after the Zoom meeting, we finally got our answer. They found a nasty ulceration on Finnegan’s lower left gum line and on the inside of his mouth. His stick and pinecone keep away game during the Zoomies are likely culprits. Two prescriptions will take care of things and he’ll be fine in a few days. But oh my, it’s a bit unnerving when Zoom and Zoomies collide.
