the new normal (plus a few weeks...)

It's been four weeks now since my new normal started at work.  Three weeks at my usual hours (we were closed the first week.)

I'm feeling more comfortable in my new role.  At first, it was hard to get used to so many phone conversations and other noises surrounding me.  I am in a cubby-type area of four workspaces.  Not all of us are there all the time, but usually there's at least one other person.  I've picked up some good phone mannerisms by osmosis, though I haven't had much opportunity to use them yet.  I'm keeping up on my regular responsibilities, and am gradually having new responsibilities given to me.

At first, I was running out of work by the end of the week.  This week, I have work waiting for me when we return on Tuesday.  (We have Monday off for Labor Day.)  And there's enough of a variety that the days/evenings go by quickly.  I'm definitely not bored!

Noogieland was out of commission for two weeks after the closed week.  That was two weeks of finding space whereever we could, not to mention getting used to the Thursday group under different circumstances than normal.  This week, we finally have the front half back to use.  That was quite crowded on grief night (Wed.) with 14 kids in half the usual space.  That was 19 at the beginning of the night before "graduation" when five first graders left us for the kids group.  Tonight, the cancer night kids numbered only 4, with one first grader leaving us for a grand total of 3 kids.  With two volunteers, we had a 1:1 ratio.  If you look at my new FB cover photo, that is most of my Wednesday group at the graduation.

Some fun stuff coming up:  On Wednesday, I get to play "Sparkle," the Gilda's dog, at school assemblies in Lowell.  I used to sub at every school that we will be at.  And of course most of my Sunday School kids, both present and past, go to Lowell Schools.  But nobody will know it's me (unless I tell them) as I'll be in full costume, complete with head, and in a non-talking role.  Still, it'd be fun to call my Sunday School kids by name and let them wonder why Sparkle knows them personally...