Toy Shopping

Buddy has not been happy about everyone going back to work. We had his crate down in the unfinished part of the basement so he wouldn't set off the motion detector, but he really didn't seem to be handling it well. Since we obviously don't want him to spend his day in a state of total anxiety (and we don't want to have to wash his bedding everyday) we moved his crate up to the living room yesterday. It's working really well so far - which makes everyone happy!

Now we just have to get a slightly smaller crate, this one takes up half the living room. And as you can see, he doesn't really use most of it.

I spent the morning at work picking out some books for my room, which hopefully won't be ripped to shreds instantly (they're not board books). Hopefully I'll get to order some more durable books soon. I also got to pick out a bunch more toys for the room as well as some paint smocks and bulletin board borders.

It was really fun to go through the catalogs and find things I know the kids will like and also have educational elements to them (letters! numbers! fine motor skill development!). I tried not to go too crazy, and the director gave my list the ok so it's getting ordered.

I also went around and took pictures of all the toys because everything still has to get labeled with words and pictures. Here are some of the fun things in my room.

Peg boards:

Dinosaurs!

Blocks (I also just ordered some of the big heavy duty cardboard blocks that look like bricks):

Cars:

Trains:

Cute but creepy baby dolls:

Some of the adorable dress up clothes:

And the bulletin boards are up!

A parent chatted with me a bit at pick up to express her concerns about where she thinks her daughter should be in different areas. Nothing like trying to talk about your curriculum plans before you actually have any official ones! I think it went well though and now I know what things I need to be aware of (all were totally reasonable for her age) in my class.

I've totally failed at running this week, getting back in the swing of things with work is really tiring me out. Plus it's totally dark when I get off work. Maybe I'll make up some miles this weekend.

Decals - harder than you might think

Most of today was spent rearranging my classroom, unpacking toys and putting decals up on the wall. I think I made my boss nervous with my room organizing face, but she seemed pretty happy with the setup and my mad decal-putting-up skills.

 

That's the train table in the center, it's full of knock off Brio trains and tracks. One of my references told my boss how much I like wooden toys over plastic ones so that is reflected in a lot of the toys she ordered for my room. We also have cars, super cool dinosaurs, other animals and people in this center.

This is going to be the "cozy corner" - book and circle time area. My gigantic (and the envy of my coworkers) supply closet is off to the right and we have the kitchen and dramatic play area just in front of the closet. One of the other teachers helped me set up the furniture and was an invaluable second opinion as we went along.

I also figured out how to work the laminator.

Now I have to work on putting labels on all the shelves and toy baskets (words and pictures) and start thinking about what I should put on my first bulletin board. Boards, actually, I think I have 3. They haven't gotten here yet, but hopefully they'll make it soon enough I have time to work on them before the room opens.

The director brought a parent through on a tour while we still had boxes all over the room and furniture everywhere. I think she's a little concerned about everything being ready on time. Luckily all the other teachers are super supportive and ready to help out when I have questions.

Work! For real this time.

I had a hard time getting to sleep last night, a little anxious about heading to work this morning.

The plan was for me to be an extra teacher in the room so I could observe and learn the lay of the land. Instead, three teachers and assistants called in sick so it was just me and the lead teacher with 11 two year olds. The day went remarkably well though.

A few highlights, because I'm REALLY tired.

• So. many. toddler. hugs. :)
• Three of the kiddos fell asleep at the lunch table.
• Boxes and boxes of shiny new toys in my classroom just waiting for me to open them up.
• The catalog of bulletin board/room decorations I get to pick things out from.
• Super nice coworkers

 

Hopefully I will have some time to work in my classroom tomorrow. There are a lot of things I need to get done in there before December, and it sounds like it's going to be a full room!

Lazy Sunday

We had a good lazy Sunday today. Coffee and tv in the morning and then we took Buddy to the dog park in the afternoon so he could run around and get some energy out. He's now passed out on the couch.

Tomorrow is my first official day of work. I'm going to be spending time in another one of the toddler rooms so I can get to know some of the kids (and their parents) who are going to be moving to my class in a couple weeks.

The beginning of any new job always makes me a little anxious. I know everything will be fine after a few days, but trying to get the hang of things (and everyone's names!) the first day or so is always a little stressful.

Wish me luck!

Just so you don't feel deprived of Buddy pictures:

Fun Ruiner

This morning I was up bright and early so I could drive down to Scarsdale for my CPR class. Thankfully Tom has an extra GPS that I have abducted for use in my car or I would never go anywhere (or would just be lost ALL the time). I've never used one before I moved here and I have to say it's a whole lot easier than trying to read a google maps printout.

We had a fun ruiner in class. The instructor brought doughnut holes for everyone and begged us all to eat them so she didn't have to take them home. The fun ruiner said "I would, but I know the nutritional information."

Now, it's wonderful that she's a healthy eater, but that doesn't mean that she should judge everyone else or make them feel bad about eating a doughnut hole or two. I try (for the most part) to eat healthy, but I also don't deprive myself. It's a matter of moderation. And really, it's fine that she feels that way, but maybe keep it to yourself.

I ate an extra doughnut hole in her honor. Fun ruiner.

I tried to get a picture of one of the creepy cpr baby mannequins with its face removed, but it didn't work out, so here's a picture of how Buddy was sleeping on the couch last night.

I'm an idiot and my RoadID

Some days I'm kind of an idiot. We got this nice hands-free leash which has been great, but I really wished it was a few inches longer for when Buddy feels the need to zig zag in front of me (every two feet) and today I had the brilliant realization that I'm actually an idiot. I had it adjusted wrong and now it's plenty long enough.

Today I got my RoadID in the mail. It's not something we generally like to think about, but if something were to happen, especially as a runner who doesn't usually have more than my house key (and sometimes my phone) on me, a RoadID makes so much sense.

You can personalize them with your name, emergency contacts, allergies and anything else you can think of. They sell different sizes and styles so you can find one that won't bug you when you run (they are great for bike riders too!).

Mine has my name, birth year, the town I live in, Tom's number, my mom's number and even my blood type. All good information to have at the ready.

Now I just have to remember to wear it! :)

In other news, I bought a Kong for Buddy at Target today (because he keeps chewing his nylabone so violently that he makes himself bleed). I put a treat in there and he worked at getting it out for about ten minutes.

Disclaimer: RoadID has no idea who I am, I just wanted to share their cool product with you.

Finally!

I think I'm finally done with all the address changes, new accounts and registrations! This morning I switched out my license plates and took my car down the street for its inspection. The place was super busy so I left the car and walked home. Buddy and I were going to drive over to the park for our run but since we didn't have the car we just went for a run around the neighborhood.

The hills around here kill me. I keep thinking they have to get easier at some point, but for now they are kicking my butt. I'm working away at my goal for Pile on the Miles, we'll see how I hold up once I start work next week.

There was a brush fire across the river this morning, so the whole area is a little smokey and smells like campfire.

Brush fire haze

 To reward my productivity I drove to Target and spent too much money. Is it possible to leave Target without spending way more than you mean to?

Essential snacks

And this shirt.

For some reason I couldn't leave without this

Please ignore my claw hand and the clothes all over the bed.

I don't really know when I'll wear it, but I really like it

I also got another shirt that will be good for work, it was my one good sale purchase. And I managed to not buy more running clothes that I don't technically need.

Buddy has been trying to catch a fly all day

 

And this is the look he gives you after you trip over him eight times and tell him to go lay down.