Just Another Day

Friday morning we have a meeting at the building regarding some structural items for our walls. They have to replace a couple pieces of floor support because of our barn-door designed classroom separation being heavier than normal.

The sprinkler lines have been roughed out. They're almost done with all of the structural work. I think they're pouring the final entrance concrete tomorrow as well.

On a side note, I'm not sure how we're going to get our amazing desk up the stairs without removing walls and/or crashing through a window with a crane. It's 11 something feet long. We might have to build the upstairs around it.

Busy Busy Busy

Has it been that long?

I feel like it's been 2 weeks since my last post. It's amazing how much you can fit into 3 little holiday days...wine country, swimming dogs, movies, faculty handbook...

There's not a whole lot new going on from last time, but my empathy guilt is getting the best of me. I never knew how obligated (not the bad kind) I would feel for blogging Cassidy news. I actually feel a bit connected to you readers.

I went to the building today to check up on a couple of items. They've completely framed up our huge skylights. The old walls in the 2 year old room are now completely gone...it's amazing how that space opened up. We figured out some routing logistics of the air system and sprinklers.

The inspector is due out this week for all of the structural work. We'll then pour the ADA ramp in the front and start roughing all the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing while we wait on the city's plan check.

Tiles and Whatnot

So, a while back Crys and I were given the task (from our architect) of closing our eyes, imagining every surface of the interior, and making a book of our vision. We spent countless hours one weekend in Lowes, Home Depot, Osh, and various other hardware and interior stores. It helped that we'd been collecting magazine clippings for about a year, too.

Today we got some bad news, though. The tile we chose for the bathrooms has been discontinued. We're now thinking orange shag carpet. Thoughts? If I get too many replies about some sort of strange aversion to orange shag, we might just end up choosing a different color tile.

On an up-note, I just found out that one of my decorative surprises is far more feasible than first thought. We're still working on the pier-sized ferris wheel for the parking lot, but zoning is pitching a fit about height...keep your fingers crossed.

Floors, Signs, and Playgrounds

Yesterday we had a meeting about the flooring. We had initially chosen a hardwood-looking laminate flooring, but ran into some issue with use (spills, play-doh, tinkles, etc.). I think we're going to end up with a much more preschool-friendly flooring, but I'll spare you the details of color for the "oh my goodness, I love it" effect.

I found out that our sign now has to go through an architectural review board, so that's been pushed to the back of the on-Jesse's-mind line.

The playground equipment will probably be ordered within the next couple of weeks. Lots of logistics in working around the GC by that time...that's where he's been parking and off-loading.

Crystal will be at the Determined to Succeed lecture tonight at the Luxe Hotel...not speaking this time.

For all of you new parents interested in our preschool, feel free to write or call us from the contact page of our site. Thanks so much.

Plain Yogurt

Today I met with a networking contractor to wire the building for phone, internet, door buzzers, and cameras. They just poured the footings for the new structural work and our new ADA ramp at the front door. They've replaced a lot of the structural beams, too. If you've never seen that done the "hard labor" way, it's pretty amazing...scary, but amazing.

While I type, they're probably putting the finishing touches on our new color for the building. Feel free to drive by (2122 Wilshire, Santa Monica).

Today we decided on 4x8 skylights for two of the rooms. We had reclaimed outdoor areas, so when they frame it up, we'll have some great natural light in the rooms.

Tonight Crystal has a big meet-and-greet with a group of moms interested in joining our little community. Sometimes I feel like I'm married to a rockstar...I like it.

We'll be putting together a meeting for all of you enrolled parents soon.

Two of our friends from Florida are visiting us right now and Crystal broke out the photos you moms and dads have been sending...lots of "awwww" and "oh my goodness" talk going on. These photos are pretty amazing and the kids are shamelessly adorable.

If anything utterly amazing happens tomorrow, I will update...if not, have a great weekend.

My furry kids.

If you didn't know, Cassidy has a mascot... well, two actually. We debated on what would best represent our school. A panther? A bearded dragon? A kangaroo? Various insects? We ended up with what we knew... boxers.

If you don't know the story, Crystal and I postponed having children to get this preschool off the ground and running. If you don't know Crystal, she thinks our dogs are actually small children in furry costumes... so waiting for actual humans as children could wait. Besides, we're about to have 150-ish kids anyway.

That being said, I proudly give you our unofficially selected Cassidy mascots (they're actually dogs, but Crystal would never admit it)... Cassius and Kipi.


























On a news note, some swatches of the "Sweet Georgia Brown" were painted on today for approval. We liked it.

Trying my hand at woodworking.

When I was a kid (5ish), my Papaw (that's what we call grandfather in Tennessee) and I would go in his wood shop and make things. He always gave me a few pieces of wood, some nails, a hammer, and a little utility belt. While he was off making bird houses, furniture, and toys, I'm sure I was designing some beautiful for my mom's collection of priceless kid-art.

All those feelings came rushing back to me about 3 weeks ago at the Cassidy building. Before the last bit of demo, I looked up and saw dozens of planks that I was told were being ripped out to open the ceiling. I was thinking to myself, what could I do with all of that wood? I had them set it aside for me...not knowing how much there would actually be...a lot.

Over the next few weeks I'm going to be making our garden boxes, a small platform for our outdoor painting area, some recycling and compost bins, a shaded area for the playground...and I'm open to suggestions. I could probably build another preschool with all that's left over.

So, in the spirit of my Papaw, I'll be wearing my utility belt and busting thumbs in the name of early education.

Painting Party

Today the General Contractor (we'll just call him GC from now on because the "ctor" part of my typing ability lacks efficiency) was asking about our exterior paint color. No promises, but we might be looking at a "Sweet Georgia Brown" building within a few days.

We'll be doing some landscaping soon, too...it'll start looking like a proper preschool. Our sign has been designed and will go to production soon. The Sprinkler Man (not a super hero) was out there yesterday and we should have a design within a few days to present to the city. Our architect is amazing and is bringing great ideas to the table as we go.

We sent out 9 more acceptance letters yesterday as our Cassidy Family is continuing to grow. Crystal has 2 meet-and-greet meetings coming up this month with some of you parents.

On a side note, I think I might take Crys out to dinner tonight. We've been all business for the past few months and we need it. Maybe a walk on the beach...

Curious?

Hey everyone. I'm Crystal's husband Jesse and I'm kinda the business side of all this Cassidy stuff. I wanted to start this blog because it seems lots of you have questions, but more because in your shoes, I would want to know how things are progressing.

I'll try to keep most of these short and sweet, but I've been known to be excessive at times...so no promises. On that note, a quick thank you to all of you parents, teachers, directors, baby-group leaders, child-care professionals and anyone else who's been talking about us. I would have never imagined the buzz this would create so quickly. I love hearing about how people find out about us. So again, thanks so much.

If you've been by the building and looked in the windows lately, you've seen it pretty ripped up. It used to be a pediatric center on one side and a dentist on the other, so there were lots of little rooms. That's all gone now. We opened it up and found a beautiful arched wooden ceiling. It goes great with our "look"... very excited about that.

We're in the thick of it with Santa Monica City Hall getting all of our plans approved and whatnot. Everything's going as scheduled. Other than the shell, it's all pretty much brand new... plumbing, electrical, walls, kitchen, etc.

Keep coming back for more info. I'll try to update this every few days... maybe more... maybe not.

We've been dreaming about this school for a long time and it's amazing to see people rallying around us. Thanks again for all of your support.