What attracted me to The Wooden Horse was the simple fact that I needed a job, and I just happened to see their help wanted sign in the window right before the holiday season of 2005. I honestly thought that they would never consider a young guy like myself, and that it would be all old people working there. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see several other people working there either in my age group or even younger. And like some of my fellow young employees I remember visiting the Wooden Horse when I was a just a young lad tugging at my mom's arm, begging her to take me into the store to look around, and, with a little luck, maybe buy me something special.

When I started working at The Wooden Horse I didn't have a section for a little while. I kind of helped out with storage and helping our go-to guy for all things storage, Ron. During the holidays things tend to get about 100% more crazy around the store, so they needed all the help they could get. After the Christmas chaos died down in January, I believe I started out with having the BRIO/Thomas, safari animals, and music sections. After that I went to the infant/toddler section, and now I am currently undertaking what we call the "islands", where you'll find domestic toys, nature, science, and flight related toys. I also take care of most of the sports related items.

One of my three favorite items in my sections would have to be Doink It Darts - a very popular item that's so simple to use and works really well compared to other magnetic dart boards I've used. I also like Butterfly Garden - an easy to use, collapsible container that you use to hold caterpillars or butterflies that you send away for. It's so neat to see the caterpillars go through metamorphosis and grow into beautiful butterflies. Another favorite is Playful Chef Cook Set - a domestic item that comes with an apron, utensils, and many other things you need to make fun and easy recipes for kids. We used one on one of our play days and the kids absolutely loved it.

I enjoy working with these sections of the store. There are lots of different toys to look at and it keeps me busy. Working at The Wooden Horse has taught me a great deal about keeping focused and putting my energy into something useful. It has also taught me a great deal of patience. Mostly working here has just been lots of fun. Making friends and getting to play with toys is something that not everyone can say they do when they go to work!