Real job, eh?

When I talk about my "real" job and doing a "program overhaul" I'm not talking about computers, I'm talking kids. During the day, and to pay the bills until this thing gets off the ground, I run an after school and summer camp-- sure, that sounds like it's a blast, but it's a whole lot of organizing and has given me some great skills for event planning and coordinating!

During school breaks, we take field trips just about everywhere-- SkyZone, Stone Mountain, assorted state parks, Six Flags, Andretti Karting, Movie Tavern, and about a thousand other places. We do full day field trips, not just little outings, so it involves a lot of working with venue staff to sign contracts, place deposits, arrange catering menus to meet our needs fiscally and nutritionally, and ensure everything goes smoothly day of.

When we're on field trips, I bounce from group to group, ensuring that everyone gets where they need to go when they need to be there. Troubleshooting on the go is an absolute must, and on several occasions I've had to deal with sick staff, low staffing, and venue staff that doesn't have the correct information.

On a day to day basis, I coordinate transportation, paperwork and contracts, oversee staffing and enrollment, and deal with families who range from pleasant to stressed to upset to (on a rare occasion) belligerent.

Before I did my own wedding, I'm not sure I would have connected the two professions but the more I work at both the more I see that they are incredibly alike. In both, I am responsible for making a day fun and unforgettable for a loved family member and handling the strange mixture of business and emotion.