Yup. I pet an ostrich today. I didn’t

Yup.  I pet an ostrich today.  I didn’t even have to go to the zoo! 

This adventure began when I went to Hemet today for work.  Now, Hemet is a…. nice….little town.  Population around 66K, nestled up near the mountains, with very… affordable living.

Anyways, so I had a session there, and somewhere in that little town, someone has like, 3 ostriches in their yard (or so it seems).  I first saw them a few months ago while driving around the neighborhood.  It kind of took me by surprise and I thought “Wow.  That’s…. interesting.”  So today, the kids wanted to go see the ostriches.  So we did. 

Now, I’ve never had a fear of birds, but when they are twice as big as you, you have to feel a little intimidated.  And all that separated us was a simple, chest-high chain-link fence.  I guess these ostriches were used to having visitors and being fed, because they came right up to us.  Bravely, I reached over and pet its wing.  Then I kind of freaked out and backed away a little bit.  Then one of the kids that was with me was like “pick me up so I can pet it!!”  And all I could think was Umm…. How about NOT.  I swore that one of these birds was going to bite someone’s nose off…  I did NOT want to be responsible for that!  But he asked again very nicely, so I quickly lifted him up a bit so he could reach.  But as soon as he touched the feathers, I put him back down. 

It was kind of cool, but a fairly terrifying experience.  I was nervous, and I KNEW those birds could tell…. I could see it in their eyes…. Those huge eyes, and that long beak, and their face….  *shivers*  It was exciting, but I was very happy when we walked away.

 

My Last Day at Build-a-Bear!

Yesterday, I “celebearated” (haha, get it??) my last day at Build-a-Bear.  Well, celebrated seems a little too happy.  I am very sad to be leaving.  I have worked with some really awesome people, and I am going to miss them immensely!!  They have made working there SO much fun!!

Build-a-Bear is one of those awesome jobs where you can totally goof around, and it’s okay.  Not only is it okay, but it’s encouraged!  I mean, as long as you still pay attention to the guests and you don’t get too out of control!  But in between guests, we’d dance (well, a few of us would, anyways), we’d tell silly stories, we’d joke around with the kids in the store… it was awesome!  Making a fun experience for the guests can become an even FUNNER (I am MAKING that a word) experience for you!  

So, for those of you unaware of the Build-a-Bear experience, I will quickly explain it:  

Step 1) Pick out your bear.  There are several different options of bears, kitties, monkeys, dogs, cartoon characters, etc.  So you pick the one you like the most, and you grab an unstuffed one.

Step 2) Pick out a sound.  Sounds were my favorite thing to sell, and I have no idea why.  But I was really good at it (if I do so say myself) 😛

Step 3) Stuff your bear.  One of the employees helps you stuff your animal, adding more things inside if you want, like a sound, heartbeat, or a scent.  AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF ALL:  A heart.  The heart is SO important, there’s a whole ceremony that goes with it!

Step 4) Wash your bear

Step 5) Pick out clothes/accessories and dress your bear.

Step 6) Make a birth certificate and take it home!  (after you pay, of course)

It’s a really fun process, and the Bear-Builders like to make it as awesome as possible.  And one of the ways this is accomplished is by performing a super cool heart ceremony.  Each employee has their own version, and sometimes we’ll change it up depending on the situation or the guest.  But here is my standard one:

“Okay, so take your heart, hold it tight, and make a BIG wish!  Now hold it up to your head so that wish you’re thinking of goes straight from your brain into the heart!  Now rub it on your head so your animal is SUPER smart.  Rub it on your face, so she is so beautiful, just like you!  Rub it on your nose so she knows you love her!  And jump up and down to get the heart beating!  Now hold it close to your heart so it fills up with love….. and give it a great big kiss!  Yay!  Now put it inside your bear!”  

Of course, this gets changed around… I doubt a little boy would be very interested in his bear being “beautiful.”  😛

And the kids can be so freaking adorable and say the funniest things.  Here are some of the highlights:

(2 brothers ages 4 and 6 are talking about Star Wars)

Me: Darth Vader’s kind of scary, though!

4-year-old:  He’s not scary to me! Be-because, if-if he was gonna hit me with his lightsaber, I’d just run up and kick him in the penis!!!

 

(5-year old girl approaches me to get her bear stuffed)

Me: Hi!  What’s your name?

Girl: Ava.

Mom: No, you’re name’s not Ava.

Girl: Sarah.

Mom: Ava is her zombie-fighting name she uses when she plays with her brothers.

 

(Little girl, about 10-years old, explaining all about her Christianity)

Girl:  I’m a missionary, you know!!

Me: Really? Wow! That’s awesome!!

Girl!  YEAH!  I tell EVERYONE about Jesus!  I’ve converted SO many people!  Like HUNDR—.. Or like… like 1 or 2.

 

So those are just a few of the cute things that have stood out in my memory!  

It has been such a fun job!  And I’m going to miss everyone I’ve gotten the pleasure of working with!  Both in Texas and California!  You all are amazing, and thank you all so much for making it one of the most awesome jobs on the planet!!!  It wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun without such cool people!  

“My bear is special. I brought it to life, I chose it, I stuffed stuffed it, now I’m taking it home.  Best friends are forever! So I promise right now to make my bear my #1 pal!” –The Bear Promise