It's a very good thing that we took a dry run this morning. Because it didn't work ...
My Youngest starts high school on Tuesday. I won't be able to drive or assist him in any way that involves leaving the house because my official start date for my daycare is the same day. So we decided to try out the bus routes this morning to give him a feel for his new mode of transportation as of next week. And ... we waited at the wrong bus stop. A bus never did arrive.
We came back home and called the bus information line once again and got different instructions. A 'better' route than we were originally given. One bus that will take my son from (almost where) his elementary school was (indirectly) to the front doors of his new high school. It will take him 22 minutes to get from 'A' go 'B'.
Unfortunately, I did not absorb what I was reading when I read his back-to-school information ... so the school was locked and appeared to be (almost) abandoned when we arrived for what we had hoped would be a chance to locate his classrooms and ask a few questions. Whoops.
Upon our arrival back home, my eyes and attention were more focused and we found most of what my son will need to know for his first day at school.
Only the Grade 9's will be registering on Tuesday morning. They will meet in the theatre and there is a half hour presentation before they are on their way. After that, they will meet in their home rooms for 20 minutes (I assume that they will get their schedule, locker assignment and locks at this time). Then they proceed with an abbreviated version of what their day will be when they go back for a full day on Wednesday. They have a '15 minute period' for each one of their classes. Again I assume that this is to give them a chance to find their classrooms, meet their teachers and get a list of required supplies.
I could feel the tension fall from My Son's shoulders as he realized how his first day would unfold. "Only half a day?! And it's not even Thursday! (an early dismissal day)". And only Grade 9's in the school in the morning?! "They are really making this easy for us!" As we discussed what I guessed would be a trial run for them in the safety of their own grade level, we both breathed an audible sigh of relief.
We assembled what we assume he will need to get through his first morning. We got him a binder that zips up and holds all of his stationary items as well as zippered pockets to hold other important things (school I.D. and bus pass perhaps?).
The bus ride will be a breeze "I can use that time to finish up homework if I need to ..." (I hope he isn't cutting it that close but I quietly thought to myself that it would be a good time to review before a test). One bus. No transfers.
His first day will be as stress free as one could hope for. A half day surrounded by students his own age and grade level. A chance to find his way through the halls of his new school along with his peers.
We have done all that we know how to do to prepare for this transition. If today would have been his first day, he would have been late as we waited for the wrong bus at the wrong stop. It was far better to make that mistake and learn from it today. Who needs the added stress that would bring to a brand new school year?
As My Son said, "Every cloud has a silver lining ..." It seemed that I heard him finding that silver lining at every turn today. Our trial run was a good adventure for us to enjoy on My Son's last official day of summer holidays. It was music to my ears to hear him find the positive every step along the way.
I feel calm as My Son takes these brave new steps into his future. He may feel unnerved by all that is new but underneath is all, he has a good solid foundation to build on. He is going to be okay.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Pretty Paws
No stone is being left unturned in preparation for reopening my daycare. As parents voiced their concerns about our cat, I thought that I would take some preventative measures and get some 'soft paws' for Andre (even though he grew up with a house full of kids and I'm quite certain that he will readapt to his old ways).
For a mere $49.12 our cat has a set of fake nails. Feel my dismay as we walked through the mall later on and we spotted an advertisement for a full set of gel nails (for humans) for $30.00. We walked a little further to find a sign advertising a manicure and a pedicure for $55.00!
I could afford no pampering today ... our cat got the spa treatment instead.
For a mere $49.12 our cat has a set of fake nails. Feel my dismay as we walked through the mall later on and we spotted an advertisement for a full set of gel nails (for humans) for $30.00. We walked a little further to find a sign advertising a manicure and a pedicure for $55.00!
I could afford no pampering today ... our cat got the spa treatment instead.
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| Andre was NOT impressed with his new 'soft paws' |
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| We think they are kinda cool (and worth every penny??) |
So Much to Do and What Am I Doing??
This is a glimpse of what our home feels like at the moment...
My Youngest is getting eager to move into his new room ... so I must vacuum the washing soda that I sprinkled all over the carpet when we get home from our cat's appointment (the heat of the dehumidifier running in his room to dry the carpets from our small flood has unearthed an unpleasant odor that I hope the soda will absorb). Then he will be ready for the big move.
And what have I been doing???
- I went to see my sister yesterday. I left shortly after 8 a.m. and did not return until 3 p.m.
- Upon my return home, I delivered flyers
- After supper, I went to a dance lesson
- I came home and scoured the Kijiji ads for items that I could use for my daycare
- Then I slept
Today I woke up and I feel weary. Our cat has a manicure appointment this morning for 'fake nails'. We are going to the vet to have them put 'Soft Paws' on our cat (photos to follow) ...
My Youngest is getting eager to move into his new room ... so I must vacuum the washing soda that I sprinkled all over the carpet when we get home from our cat's appointment (the heat of the dehumidifier running in his room to dry the carpets from our small flood has unearthed an unpleasant odor that I hope the soda will absorb). Then he will be ready for the big move.
I have so many things that I need and want to do. I'm starting to run out of time. I will be getting a phone call about my bookkeeping job (that was postponed from Tuesday & Wednesday). There are two days of work that must be squeezed in some time in the next six days. The playhouse must be emptied, kid proofed and readied for my new daycare family. I will have two sets of flyers to deliver tomorrow. A playroom to get ready upstairs. Then there is the menu planning (aka: groceries!) for the upcoming week.
So much to do. So little time. But wait! I am going to be working from home now!! I will have the ability to putter away at little things throughout the days ahead. Slowly but surely, all will be done.
As I made plans and then drove off to see my sister yesterday when the house was in such chaos, the words, "What was I thinking?!?!?" kept running through my mind.
I'm thinking that maybe a few mixed up priorities is a good thing from time to time. The work will get done. The opportunity to run out and visit my sister comes but once in a blue moon.
Now I must run. My cat has a date with his manicurist ...
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Upheaval
We are slowly but surely going through our home and turning it upside down, inside out and every which way as we turn the upstairs into a daycare zone once again.
Toys now reside where our T.V. used to take up space in our living room. The living room has evolved from a cozy television-watching &/or conversational nook into a wide open space with room to move and play.
My Youngest is moving downstairs. His old room is 80% emptied and he had to remove a lot of the excess out of his new room before he could move down. He put in a lot of productive hours yesterday.
The excess is collecting in (what used to be) the playroom downstairs. I'm certain that my Middle Son could empty that room in no time flat. The overflow mainly consists of things to give away, garbage and in a word ... excess. That which we do not need.
We found one thing that we were not expecting as we moved. Water.
My Youngest found it (first) in his new closet. This is located in the middle of a room, no where near a water source. It was a mysterious find. Until ... I found a puddle in the laundry room adjacent to My Youngest's new room. Luckily my Middle Son was home by this time and he not only found more water, but he found the source of our troubles. The drainage for our air conditioning had a blockage so it found an alternate route for the water to go. Thus our mini-flood.
My Son cleared the blockage, vacuumed up the water and investigated where to go from here as I vacuumed the excessive water in My Youngest's room and set up the dehumidifier. We found more wet carpet in his new room so his move-in-date has been slightly delayed, pending dry carpets.
The amazing thing? This water was located in areas that we would have not stumbled upon for heaven-only-knows-how-long, had we not turned our house upside down and inside out as we prepared for all of the changes around here. We know for a fact that the air conditioner was draining properly a few days ago because both My Son & I noticed the puddle by the drain in the laundry room. So this water problem was new.
I thank my lucky stars for so many things. The excuse to turn this house upside down and locate this problem. My Youngest for finding the problem in the first place. My Middle Son for saving the day and fixing the problem for me! And the fact that this had not been going on for weeks on end.
As we continue to wade through areas that we have not had a reason to touch for the past three years (or more), I wonder what else we will find ...
Sometimes a little upheaval can be a good thing.
Toys now reside where our T.V. used to take up space in our living room. The living room has evolved from a cozy television-watching &/or conversational nook into a wide open space with room to move and play.
My Youngest is moving downstairs. His old room is 80% emptied and he had to remove a lot of the excess out of his new room before he could move down. He put in a lot of productive hours yesterday.
The excess is collecting in (what used to be) the playroom downstairs. I'm certain that my Middle Son could empty that room in no time flat. The overflow mainly consists of things to give away, garbage and in a word ... excess. That which we do not need.
We found one thing that we were not expecting as we moved. Water.
My Youngest found it (first) in his new closet. This is located in the middle of a room, no where near a water source. It was a mysterious find. Until ... I found a puddle in the laundry room adjacent to My Youngest's new room. Luckily my Middle Son was home by this time and he not only found more water, but he found the source of our troubles. The drainage for our air conditioning had a blockage so it found an alternate route for the water to go. Thus our mini-flood.
My Son cleared the blockage, vacuumed up the water and investigated where to go from here as I vacuumed the excessive water in My Youngest's room and set up the dehumidifier. We found more wet carpet in his new room so his move-in-date has been slightly delayed, pending dry carpets.
The amazing thing? This water was located in areas that we would have not stumbled upon for heaven-only-knows-how-long, had we not turned our house upside down and inside out as we prepared for all of the changes around here. We know for a fact that the air conditioner was draining properly a few days ago because both My Son & I noticed the puddle by the drain in the laundry room. So this water problem was new.
I thank my lucky stars for so many things. The excuse to turn this house upside down and locate this problem. My Youngest for finding the problem in the first place. My Middle Son for saving the day and fixing the problem for me! And the fact that this had not been going on for weeks on end.
As we continue to wade through areas that we have not had a reason to touch for the past three years (or more), I wonder what else we will find ...
Sometimes a little upheaval can be a good thing.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
It Never Hurts to Ask
I have approached reopening my daycare from a different angle this time around. I am taking full advantage of all that the Internet has to offer in the way of free advertising and it is serving me well.
I have placed a free ad in our local community. I am advertising in two Internet daycare locater agencies. I have started a website. And ... it is producing results that I could have never predicted!
Number One - People are actually calling and following through and meeting me! I have placed ads on one of these sites before and it often attracts 'window shoppers'. People who are interested in looking but not 'buying'. That has not been the case this time. I have met with most of the people who have contacted me. This feels like success already.
Number Two - A lot of these websites ask you to post your hours of operation and rates. I did this in a manner not unlike a child writing a letter to Santa. I thought to myself as I wrote down what I hoped for but didn't expect "... it doesn't hurt to ask ...". What I have found out instead is - ask and you shall receive! People are not questioning my hours or my rates. I am the one setting the tone and it feels unexpectedly wonderful.
Number Three - I have written up my Daycare Policies on my website. I have actually had one parent call me and started the conversation with something to the effect of "... I found your website and read through it and I think we meet your criteria ..." What!?! I'm the one making the 'rules and guidelines' and I am getting positive feedback? This feels like a good way to run a business!
Number Four - I am interviewing parents as much as they are interviewing me. I recognized that a big part of my downfall (when I ran my daycare the last time) was that I accepted families that did not think/parent in a similar fashion that I did. The days would be a struggle because the children were learning to adapt to two very differing styles of parenting. It was like fighting the current. It is my goal to know when to say "No" this time around. It is not good for the parent, the child or the caregiver when we are not working as a (relatively) cohesive unit. I am very uncomfortable in this role and today I may be in a position where I must choose one family over another. I must remain true to myself and the answers will follow.
I am reopening my doors with a renewed sense of self. I have set the bar higher than I set it before and it appears to be working!
I will make every attempt to learn from the past and bring it forward into my new life. I will go forth with the attitude of Ask and You Shall Receive verses Wait and See What is Offered and You Get What You Get (with no one to blame but yourself).
I may come with a higher price tag this time around ... but I'm actually starting to believe that I am worth it.
I have placed a free ad in our local community. I am advertising in two Internet daycare locater agencies. I have started a website. And ... it is producing results that I could have never predicted!
Number One - People are actually calling and following through and meeting me! I have placed ads on one of these sites before and it often attracts 'window shoppers'. People who are interested in looking but not 'buying'. That has not been the case this time. I have met with most of the people who have contacted me. This feels like success already.
Number Two - A lot of these websites ask you to post your hours of operation and rates. I did this in a manner not unlike a child writing a letter to Santa. I thought to myself as I wrote down what I hoped for but didn't expect "... it doesn't hurt to ask ...". What I have found out instead is - ask and you shall receive! People are not questioning my hours or my rates. I am the one setting the tone and it feels unexpectedly wonderful.
Number Three - I have written up my Daycare Policies on my website. I have actually had one parent call me and started the conversation with something to the effect of "... I found your website and read through it and I think we meet your criteria ..." What!?! I'm the one making the 'rules and guidelines' and I am getting positive feedback? This feels like a good way to run a business!
Number Four - I am interviewing parents as much as they are interviewing me. I recognized that a big part of my downfall (when I ran my daycare the last time) was that I accepted families that did not think/parent in a similar fashion that I did. The days would be a struggle because the children were learning to adapt to two very differing styles of parenting. It was like fighting the current. It is my goal to know when to say "No" this time around. It is not good for the parent, the child or the caregiver when we are not working as a (relatively) cohesive unit. I am very uncomfortable in this role and today I may be in a position where I must choose one family over another. I must remain true to myself and the answers will follow.
I am reopening my doors with a renewed sense of self. I have set the bar higher than I set it before and it appears to be working!
I will make every attempt to learn from the past and bring it forward into my new life. I will go forth with the attitude of Ask and You Shall Receive verses Wait and See What is Offered and You Get What You Get (with no one to blame but yourself).
I may come with a higher price tag this time around ... but I'm actually starting to believe that I am worth it.
'Sunday' ... at Last!
It may be Tuesday to the rest of the world, but to me it is 'Sunday' and I'm ready for this day!
I slept in ... and no one cared. I got up and readied myself for the day at a leisurely pace. Now here I am with my coffee and my blog. Ahhh! Life never felt so good.
I have many things to do today. But for this moment ... I am simply going to have a second cup of coffee. And perhaps write another blog post about some of the (many) thoughts that are going through my mind right now.
It's going to be a wonderful day.
I slept in ... and no one cared. I got up and readied myself for the day at a leisurely pace. Now here I am with my coffee and my blog. Ahhh! Life never felt so good.
I have many things to do today. But for this moment ... I am simply going to have a second cup of coffee. And perhaps write another blog post about some of the (many) thoughts that are going through my mind right now.
It's going to be a wonderful day.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Tired ... So Very Tired
I have the ability to drop off to sleep the moment that I stop moving, talking or eating. I have been known to nod off if I am not actively engaged in a conversation. At one job, I took power snoozes sitting at my desk in lieu of a break.
I can sleep on and off all day and still sleep throughout the night. Then I wake up in the morning and could easily go back to sleep a few hours later.
I have the opposite of insomnia. I have friends who I would love to give this gift of 'sleep' to.
Driving on the highway is something that I do with great caution. If I have someone to talk to, it is not an issue. If I am alone (or with My Son who watches movies or plays games instead of visiting with me), it is another story. Unless my mind is actively engaged in something, I must be singing or eating. Otherwise I have a tendency to feel the waves of exhaustion overtake me.
So I loaded up on caffeine before and during our recent trip. McDonald's vanilla iced coffee (for a mere $1.00!!) has been my saviour. It tastes good and it keeps my eyes open. I have had many extra lucid hours of wakefulness thanks to this (relatively) economic, tasty and caffeinated beverage.
My vacation was delayed because I had a last minute opportunity to speak to someone about this issue. I have been 'moving, eating or talking' ever since. I am so exhausted that I could sleep through the entirety of this day ahead of me.
But I have committed myself to a friend today. A friend who is recuperating from a long hospital stay. And what am I thinking?? I wonder if we can have a nap sometime throughout the day ...
The other thing that I am wondering is ... am I going back into the daycare business so that we can have that blessed hour of 'quiet time' in the afternoon?
Oh! To be a child again and have someone tell you to go and have a rest in the middle of the day ... I'm looking forward to my New Life!
I can sleep on and off all day and still sleep throughout the night. Then I wake up in the morning and could easily go back to sleep a few hours later.
I have the opposite of insomnia. I have friends who I would love to give this gift of 'sleep' to.
Driving on the highway is something that I do with great caution. If I have someone to talk to, it is not an issue. If I am alone (or with My Son who watches movies or plays games instead of visiting with me), it is another story. Unless my mind is actively engaged in something, I must be singing or eating. Otherwise I have a tendency to feel the waves of exhaustion overtake me.
So I loaded up on caffeine before and during our recent trip. McDonald's vanilla iced coffee (for a mere $1.00!!) has been my saviour. It tastes good and it keeps my eyes open. I have had many extra lucid hours of wakefulness thanks to this (relatively) economic, tasty and caffeinated beverage.
My vacation was delayed because I had a last minute opportunity to speak to someone about this issue. I have been 'moving, eating or talking' ever since. I am so exhausted that I could sleep through the entirety of this day ahead of me.
But I have committed myself to a friend today. A friend who is recuperating from a long hospital stay. And what am I thinking?? I wonder if we can have a nap sometime throughout the day ...
The other thing that I am wondering is ... am I going back into the daycare business so that we can have that blessed hour of 'quiet time' in the afternoon?
Oh! To be a child again and have someone tell you to go and have a rest in the middle of the day ... I'm looking forward to my New Life!
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