You Can't Fly If You Don't Jump

 

I have received many requests for an update on Stepping Stone Academy!  I am honored to oblige those requests - thanks for caring!

If you want to catch up on what has already happened...

Jump Into Your Purpose

Baby Steps for Stepping Stone

Making Mountains Out of Stepping Stones


The funny part for me is going back and reading those posts...and shaking my head at myself for being SO naïve.  I had no idea what I was getting into...or how much I would LOVE it.

This journey is, by far, the most exhausting, stressful, and Holy-Wow complicated thing that I have ever taken on.  And yes, that includes having two small children (ask me about this when they are teenagers, and I may change my answer).

I recently posted to the blog's Facebook page that I had 2 weeks to be DONE, and my Social Services application turned in.  Since then I have gotten a lot of "WHAT?!" feedback, so allow me to explain:

Social Services is a state agency.

Understand now? 

In all of their wisdom and beautiful bureaucracy, Social Services needs me to accomplish about 6 months worth of work in about 2 weeks of "real world" time.  Why?  So that they can have their full 60 days of leisure to approve it all.  Otherwise, I risk not being approved before our target opening date of September 2.

My one teeny problem with this:  I have been calling and e-mailing the same Social Services office, talking to the same people, asking questions (stupid ones, if I am to judge by their attitude when answering them) and slaving away through the night, EVERY NIGHT, for two months now on all of the crap that they are demanding of me....and you don't think this could have come up before now?!

The mistake that the licensing agent made was acting incredulous when I told her "No problem," she could expect me to show up to my orientation program on July 8 with my application in hand.

She scoffed at me.  I could hear it.  Right through the phone. 

Challenge accepted.

Any energy, perseverance, or sweat that I had invested over the last 8 weeks looked like a total joke when compared to the aftermath of that conversation. 

I am 100% aware that my reaction to this challenge is unhealthy.  The amount of determination I am suffering from is borderline "Lock her up in the padded room!"  In my defense, however, I shared with a friend that I thought I might be kind of crazy, and we ultimately determined that if I was truly crazy...I probably wouldn't realize it.  Therefore, since I AM aware that my behavior is erratic and abnormal - I am not actually crazy.  Do not argue with this.  It has been decided, and I am not open to disputes.

Sleep has been pretty much eliminated from my routine.  No time for such a waste of precious hours.  My meals, when I do remember to eat, have consisted of whatever I can eat with one hand while typing, holding a phone, or driving with the other.  My children have sought shelter at their grandparents' or babysitter's house during the day, climb all over me and sit on my head while I type or make phone calls during the evening, and sleep soundly while I work through the night.  They are annoyed with me, to say the least, but I have explained to them that Mommy has to be a busy jerk for a few weeks, and we will be back to normal soon. They totally understand (No, they don't) and therefore, behave like angels (No, they don't) and certainly don't do crazy, wild things to try and get my attention (Yes, they do).  My mantra right now?  "We will ALL survive this."

So basically, I suck as a mom right now, but I am kicking this application's ass...kind of...sort of...mostly.

You may be wondering what exactly does "the application" mean - what's so terrible about filling out an application?  People do it all the time.  You apply for jobs, credit cards, whatever - we all do it.

The application for licensing a Child Day Center with the state is not just a form to be filled out, however.  I mean, there is a form that you have to fill out (several pages long, in fact), but it's all of the "required attachments" that get you...

Social Services Required Attachments for Initial Licensure:

VA State Corporation Commission Certificate - This is the certificate that you get when you register your business with the State. Check!


Business License - This one was easy.  I just went to the Town Hall, filled out a form, and wrote a check...after I calculated my "expected" revenue for September-December 2014.

Character Reference Letters from 3 people that are not related to you by blood or marriage - I actually had four AWESOME friends who got these to me within a couple of days of me asking for them.  THANK YOU times a million for y'all's awesomeness!  


Annual Operating Budget - HA!  I am tempted to slap my whole bajillion-paged business plan with 3 YEARS of annual budget and cash flow projections on their desk!  I can take zero credit for the numbers, that was totally the CPA from the business center and the credit analyst from the bank, but still - BOOM!  THANK YOU, totally patient CPA and Credit Analyst!  I promise I'm not as dumb as our conversations while constructing this document made me feel.


Evidence of Insurance - My "insurance lady" is on it!  THANK YOU super nice insurance lady who was willing to put up with me calling and saying "Hey...I need insurance...TODAY."


Credit Reference Letter from a Bank - Because the bank that I am working with on this is THE best bank with THE best people ever....the V.P. whipped this up for me this afternoon.  Another big THANK YOU goes here!

Operating Agreement - In your face Social Services!  I already went on Legal Zoom and got one of these for my loan process.  Next!

Asbestos Statement from an Asbestos Inspector - Nice try Social Services, but I asked my bank pals for this weeks ago and we just got it in the mail yesterday.  

Written statement of organization (who is responsible for what) - Yeah, I'm just going to whip up a flow chart for this one.  It'll say:

Employees' Responsibilities = The kids, DUH. 

M's responsibilities = Everything else...oh, and the kids.  Questions?

Signed Sworn Disclosure Statement - This is a redundant form that you are required to fill out and sign, swearing that you haven't committed any crimes.  You turn it in along with your background check....which is proof that you haven't committed any crimes...wait...what...  Never mind.  Printed it.  Signed it.  Done.

Staff Information Sheet - This is a piece of paper that you list your employees on.  At this point, I feel like they are just making random requests for trivial documentation.  This is uncomfortably familiar from being a classroom teacher in a public school....

Copies of any brochures to be used - Really?  You need to see my marketing materials?  I just....*siiiiiigh*  YeahOKSure.  Why not?

Daily Schedule for each age group - Oh dang, I need a schedule!  I was just going to let all of the kids run around and bounce off of each other all day.  I better get on that.  *eye roll*


Inventory of all indoor and outdoor play equipment - When I read this, I thought that I was misunderstanding it - you are probably thinking the same thing.  "Does that mean an actual list of EVERYTHING in the building that the kids can play with (every toy, how many books for each age group, what games, every DVD, CD, piece of sports equipment...)?"  Yes. Yes. It. Does. 

Criminal History Record Check - This has been sent to the State Police and I'm waiting for it to come back....and sweating every time I check the mailbox and it's not there.

Child Protective Services Central Registry Check - Well, if you can believe it, this is a form that has to be mailed to Social Services...and I have to wait to get it back...so that I can turn it in to THEM with my application.  Yeah...try to figure that out.  Actually, don't.  Don't waste the energy.

Building Inspector’s Report - Building should be ready for inspection any day!  Woo Hoo!

Fire Inspection Report - I have a meeting with the Fire Chief on Friday to schedule an inspection and to go over my Emergency Preparedness Plan.  That's another gem of a document that I'm expected to produce.

Department of Health Inspection Report - I called to schedule this and they were like, "Yeeeaaah, you don't need an appointment.  We'll just come out there whenever you're ready."  Ummm, thank you for making that 5 minutes of my life stress-free, you beautiful people!

Floor Plans/Site Plans - I submitted these to Social Services 3 WEEKS ago for the pre-approval process...and this will shock you...I have still not gotten anything back.  It very clearly said on the paperwork that I would get a response in 10 business days.  When I called (and called...and called) and finally got a hold of the Inspector who has them, I was basically told that they were really busy.  When I questioned the licensing office about that, I was again told that they were really busy and it just wasn't a priority.  Nice.

Copies of all forms to be used - Wait...Every form that I will use at the Academy?  For everything that requires a form?  Yes.  Yes, that is what that means.  And in case you want to know how many forms that is... I don't know.  I haven't counted them all, but they are currently occupying a decent sized chunk of my flash drive.

Copy of Policies & Procedures - This is a work in progress.  I'm about a dozen pages deep on the Stepping Stone Academy Staff Handbook and close to the same with the Parent Handbook.  Not even close to done.  Now you understand the constant typing...and the development of what I am fairly certain is carpal tunnel in my elbows.

List of the Director’s Qualifications - How about "I managed to complete this application...without even being rude to ANY of the super snarky people at the Social Services office.  THAT = Qualified." (I have actually been overly nice, even when they are straight-up nasty to me...because I'm kind of scared that they'll "lose" my files if I retaliate.  I feel like there's potential for that to be a real "deep end" moment for me, and I'm trying to avoid it.)  Or I'll just attach a copy of my VA State Teaching License and the Certificate of Completion from the online Director's course that I'm taking.  Either/or, really.
 

Soooo....not your typical "application" after all.
 

Do not mistake this blog post for a complaint, however!  I have learned a lot about myself in just the short time that I started this journey.  For one, I discovered the gift disorder that I possess suffer from.  I'm a challenge junkie.  (Here we go!  Another thing that needs a support group!  See (Awkward Anonymous) The sense of accomplishment each time I mark something off of the list, and realize that I am one little baby step closer to making things happen...it's amazing. 

I have also learned a lot about the people in my life.  There were some who disappointed me, who were unable to find joy in my new adventure, or who tried to use me for their own benefit.  They are greatly overshadowed, however, by the rest.  I have been touched by the amount of support that I have received, the number of people that are willing to help me, and how much happiness people have displayed for me. 

So maybe I am a little stressed, tired, and overwhelmed. 

No really, "maybe" I am - I have no idea, I don't have time to decide.  All I do know is that I feel filled with a purpose, driven towards accomplishing something that will mean even more to others than it will to me, and surrounded by good people willing to share in my journey.

By the way, I hope all of those super supportive people will show up when I do an "all-call" for volunteers to put together furniture and inventory equipment next week. :))
 

♥M

Baby Steps for Stepping Stone

                                  

I promised readers that I would post regular updates about my new adventure in the world of small business and opening a child care center, and there is much to update you on, so here goes...

First, let me just say that the reaction to my last post, Jump Into Your Purpose, has been INTENSE.  I'm going to push pause right now, so that I may say THANK YOU to everyone who has responded.  There has been ZERO negative feedback, and TOTAL support with enthusiasm for this chapter in my family's life.  (All of the buzz has really cut down on my projected advertising expenses, as well - so to my local readers - keep up the good work! Haha)

Also, I want to acknowledge the INCREDIBLE amount of work that my predecessor put into this particular project before me.  (The building's previous owner completely renovated it with the intentions of opening it as a daycare.) A lot of the battles that I have been prepared to fight - he already did; and I have been able to fit my footsteps neatly into his.  Certain zoning issues, almost all of the building's renovations, and even certain permits/public notices had already been taken care of.  I've never met this person, but every time I discover an item he inadvertently has checked off of MY to-list...  Well, I am beyond grateful for all of his hard work.  At times, it almost makes me feel guilty to benefit from someone else's hard work.  Then, I look at the mountains I have yet to climb...and I go back to just feeling grateful.

I have kept my pace of "full steam ahead" for the most part since my last post, and didn't waste much of the past five days.  I kicked my Friday night off with a visit to the Town Hall, and by the end of the weekend, I had met with the town's Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Treasurer, and a Councilwoman (twice).  I learned a lot about the history of the building, and finagled as much information out of the treasurer as possible.  (She threatened to quit her job at one point... so I only asked for like, three or four more things after that.)  I tracked the county's Building Inspector down at home (luckily, he's someone I've known since I was a child), and I only harassed him about half of a dozen times between Friday and Monday.  I left a message with the county's Director of Planning...and then three or four other people did too - Whoops!  (He probably threw his phone out of the window after he heard my name the fourth time.) 

Monday, I met with the county's Building Official and Building Inspector on-site and discussed any items that still needed to be done in order for the building to meet code (which the bank was already well on top of).  We also talked about the big "mysterious mystery" that plagues me still:  CAN we live in the upstairs and run the business downstairs?  I was told that "zoning is it's own kind of animal" and that we needed to be very sure about the answer to that question before proceeding on an assumption.  Which, I think we all know, means that I will be leaving a lot more messages and making a lot more people sick of my name until we find out.  (I blame the 5-year-old inside of me saying, "Are we there yet?!  Are we there yet?!")

The Loan Portfolio Manager from the bank that was kind enough to make the offer of personally walking me through the business budget and financials, had the pleasure of being tracked down by myself today, as well.  He had e-mailed a financial worksheet and a list of documents that he needed in order to start putting together some pre-qualifications for me, and I did my best to oblige, but... Phew.  I don't consider myself to be a stupid person, but after spending an hour digging through files and scrounging through my tax returns, then squinting at the teeny, ant-sized boxes on the "worksheet," I called it quits.  I stuffed everything that I thought looked important into a pretty envelope (that counts for something, right?), flipped the worksheet over, scrawled out MY version of my finances, and tacked a note at the top that read, "FYI - your worksheet made me feel like an idiot. :) M"  I hand-delivered it to his office and introduced myself as the woman that he would probably wish his wife had never made friends with.  Luckily, he seemed to have both a sense of humor AND the patience of Job, so he may survive working with me after all.

The biggest, most exciting meeting to date, however, was the one I had today at the local Small Business Development Center.  The bank President and Vice-President set up a meeting for me with themselves and the center's Director to get things started with my official business plan.  I was a nervous wreck.  I tried to look the part and wore my big-girl business clothes, grown-up jewelry, and even a pair of heels.  I also spent ten minutes on my hair instead of five.  I'm not entirely sure that any of that was necessary, but I was operating on the belief that if I looked like an adult, it would encourage me to act like one. 

I called my brother-in-law, who's a Certified Public Accountant, before the meeting; and I demanded that he answer 101 annoying questions that I thought knowing the answers to could potentially make me sound smarter when discussing business structure.  I still tapped my feet, drummed my fingers on the steering wheel, and chomped on gum the whole drive there. 

I managed to survive the meeting without saying anything too incredibly stupid.  They were kind enough to act impressed by the meager amount of homework I have done, so that puffed me up a bit.  (I say "meager" because when you put the pile of stuff I HAVE done next to pile of stuff I NEED to do...it makes me cringe a little.)  When asked about a timeline for completing the business plan (a.k.a. 25-page research paper), the Director indicated that it would mostly depend on how quickly I got it written.  The V.P. laughed, and told her not to be surprised if it was in her e-mail by Monday.

I know she was joking, but...

                  don't be too upset, dear readers, if you don't hear from me for a couple of days.  ;)

♥M

 

P.S. Guess what came up during my business meeting?  THE BLOG!  WAY TO GO! readers, on spreading the word!  Y'all rock!

Please Read If You Happen to Work For The Devil

First, let's establish that I am writing this list for no reason whatsoever.  Well, except to warn people that you should not (I repeat - do NOT) say any of these things to your employer. 

So it’s kind of, sort of a totally random public service announcement…

Things that you can’t say to your boss or you will get SUPER fired:

1. "How was Mr./Mrs. Satan this morning, when you left home?"

2. "Did they have career counseling at your college or university?"

3. Frantically run into his/her office in the morning and shout, "I changed my mind! You didn't drink your coffee yet, did you?!"
4. "You probably don't get, 'Be yourself!' a lot, do you?"

5.

6. "Would it upset you to know that I have garlic cloves, a wooden stake, and a hand mirror behind my back?"

7. "How do you fit all of those snakes under your wig!?"

8. "Have you been drinking before work again?"

9. "I thought of you while I was unclogging my toilet the other day."

10.

11. "I'm not sure what's wrong with you, but I'm betting it's hard to pronounce."

12. "Everyone is good at something! I'm sorry you're 'thing' is making people miserable."

13. "I suppose if you just keep talking, eventually something intelligent will come out."

14. "Can I share a thought with you, or would you have any where to put it?"

15.

16. "I've noticed that your reality and mine seem to keep missing each other..."

17. "If  you haven't had the time, I can run to the drugstore for you and pick up refills of any meds that you may have recently stopped taking..."

18. "I hope you enjoyed your business trip!  The rest of us did!"

19. "I'm not sure why I seem to be learning more from your mistakes than you do..."

20.

♥M

Who's in Charge Here?!

Do you know the difference between a good leader and bad leader?

A good leader is admired by those that they lead.  They have integrity and self knowledge and encourage others to do the same.  Good leaders recognize their own strengths and weaknesses and urge others towards realizing their own.  They offer support, hope, and motivation to others.  They listen.  They inspire.  They unify their group based on common goals for the good of the whole.  They seek to promote the interests of their cause regardless of personal image. 

A good leader uses their charisma to make things happen...but not at the expense of those who are loyal to them.

A bad leader is toxic.  They use their superior social skills to quickly gain the trust of followers, but eventually will resort to abusing and undermining them.  A bad leader demands that their needs be served above those of the joint cause.  They use authority and fear to prevent anyone from questioning them. They demand respect rather than earn it.  They dominate.  They demean others for the purpose of distracting from their own shortcomings.

A bad leader will sacrifice the morale, ability, and productivity of the group in order to move themselves forward.

When a bad leader is in charge....are they really leading anyone anywhere?  If people are forced to follow them for fear of punishment or retribution, then no loyalty bonds the members of that group to the person leading it.   The divisions created amongst the followers as a result of the direct manipulation of the leader does nothing to achieve goals or produce results.  Instead you end up with small groups that each think they know how best to progress towards a finish line that may or may not exist.  Disjointed cliques form amongst the previously seduced followers who have begun to resist the tyranny and domination of the bad leader.  The bad leader depends on this chaos and disunity created in the course of their reign in order to hold onto their position.

In anticipation of the dust settling, a bad leader will ensure that they alone are left standing and those they have been charged with navigating are reduced to spasmodic groupings...each pointing the finger at the other in an effort to place the blame for unchecked ambitions.

Do you know who you are following?

♥M