Today has been a big day. I dropped off Monkey and Squirrel for their first day of high school in the Freshman Center. Squirrel was anxious yesterday because they realized that their classes at the high school are the ones associated with student lunch times. On A days they have lunch before their class at the HS, and on B days they have lunch right after their HS class. Riding the shuttle was already intimidating enough, but Squirrel had no idea where they were supposed to eat lunch or when to ride the shuttle. I posted a question on FB in our parent group and got several replies, which helped us feel a little bit more prepared, but still not completely sure.
Then last night I got an email from the school principal. She had seen my post on FB and rather than reply there, she took the time to look up my child’s schedule, find my email, and email me directly about what Squirrel will do for lunch and shuttles each day. Talk about excellent service! I was absolutely shocked and Squirrel felt SO much better hearing it straight from the principal instead of a lot of “Well, we think…” from various parents.
Between that and both kids already getting to know classmates through band and color guard camps, I am feeling extremely confident that this is going to be a good year. It’s easy for kids to get lost in a school as large as ours, so I’m relieved to know that they will be seen.
As for me, I spent a chunk of today touring office space. My aunt is ready to turn the reins over to me and has encouraged me to look for a space to rent. I had absolutely no idea where to even start or what to expect, but wow there’s a whole world out there that I never even considered! I toured two facilities today and have a third to look at on Friday. I almost wish I could move into an office today! Not only will I be using the space for the work that I do, but I will also get to use it for my writing. Which is great because I no longer have the option of my local library because it is closed for renovation. I’ve been scrambling for places to go to work and all of the ones I’d come up with meant I’d need to buy something to use the wifi.
I finally decided that I could drive to the next town over and use one of their libraries, which is where I am now. I’m glad I have options, but it sure will be nice to have a designated space that I can use to get work and writing done.
I just wish I knew a bit more about what I should expect to be the norm. Both of the places I went to had a common kitchen area, conference rooms, various sized private offices, wifi/ethernet, on site management, included utilities, and a designated mailbox. The first one had larger spaces, two of which had windows to outside (one looked out onto trees). These were more expensive, of course, but I definitely would not feel cramped. The second place had one office that was 55 square feet, which was definitely not enough, and an 88 square foot space that would probably work okay. The price was half of the first place and it’s month-to-month rather than a 12 month lease. It will be interesting to see where the third place falls in comparison.
I’m proud of myself for setting up these tours. Honestly, it was sort of by accident. When I was looking online for places I filled out a form for more information and within seconds I received a phone call. I took a deep breath and answered. It was the manager at the building I will be visiting on Friday. We spoke for a few minutes and scheduled the tour. With one tour scheduled, I figured I should probably have something to compare it to and found two others to look at. Thankfully, I was able to book those tours online and didn’t have to call anyone. I did have to talk to people in person on the tour, of course, but for some reason that tends to be easier for me. When I was on the phone with the first company I walked in circles in my living room. I don’t know why, but pacing or walking while I’m on the phone seems to make it a bit easier.
I will say that these tours are nerve wracking because I don’t know what I don’t know, so I have no idea what questions to ask! Both of the people that gave me the tours were extremely welcoming and kind (probably why they have the job!), so it wasn’t too bad. I did share up front that I am looking at all of my options before making a decision, so at least no one tried to pressure me into signing anything today.
I know that the decision will ultimately be up to me, as I’ll be the one using the space, but I don’t feel adult enough to make a decision. On the one hand, I’ve always been kind of a cheapskate, so the lower price is appealing. However, the bigger space and treetop view are appealing from a space perspective. As for amenities, I like the cafe like kitchen area in the second place and the fact that I would be able to use their social work spaces if I felt the need. Ugh! I just don’t know. I’ll wait until Friday when I see the next office. Maybe it will be the best of both worlds.
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