Nanny Knowledge

Never in a million years did I think I would be spending my summer (or ANY amount of time, for that matter!) babysitting/nannying.  My opinion of parenting/kids has never been stellar - there is nothing that makes my blood boil faster than a screaming/misbehaving child and an ignorant parent!  But that has alllllllmost changed entirely thanks to Ryan, Kate, Paige, and CJ, and their parents Scott and Heather.  All of them have opened my eyes and have taught me many, many things, especially the type of parent I aim to be one day.  Below is just a sampling of all of the lessons I have learned throughout my experience this summer and I'm sure I have more to come.  It may seem like a lot of them are negative, but I think they're just honest, truthful tidbits!

• Kids move at their own pace.  And it is often not the pace that will get you to where you need to be going on time.
• Video games are the most confusing, heinous, pointless things ever invented... I have thoroughly decided to outlaw video games in my future house.  No kid of mine will be caught dead wasting away in front of the TV or computer when it is a beautiful day outside!  I can see the value of a Wii since the games require physical activity and can be a fun opportunity for family bonding on rainy days, but otherwise there will be NO video games.
• Public pools are GROSS.  I could write a book about all the gag-worthy things I've seen at public pools.  From kids spitting/snotting/coughing/peeing in the water to walking around in the shower/bathroom area without shoes on. I've always seen public pools as giant toilets... but, then again, I love going to Water Country USA.  Hmm, I should think twice about that...
• They never agree on anything. While one wants to do one thing, the other is vehemently opposed to that idea.  A fight then ensues and I resist running to hide in the pantry or iron my ears while they argue and whine.
• They can be quite manipulative. If you tell them you are running into the store for ONE thing (i.e. sunburn relief gel), be prepared to hear a well-rehearsed speech about why they need and should be allowed to buy a Slip-and-Slide and a remote control speed boat.  Oh, and can't forget how they promise they can "pay you back" with their report card money.  Another one of my favorite lines: "Our Mom/Dad lets us do that."  Oh, really?  Your Mom/Dad allows you to jump off of the roof into the bushes for fun?  Nice try.
• Apparently sneezing does not require you to cover your mouth anymore... just like using the bathroom doesn't mean you have to wash your hands either.  Ew.  Hand sanitizer has become my best friend.
• The volume of the TV has to be as loud as possible.  And so does the volume of their voices. I'm getting used to screaming, "OKAY, KIDS, I'M GOING TO START MAKING YOU LUNCH.  WHAT WOULD YOU GUYS LIKE TODAY? NO, WE AREN'T GOING TO MCDONALD'S OR SHEETZ. ONE PLATE OF CHICKEN NUGGETS AND ONE SANDWICH? ALRIGHT, BE RIGHT BACK..."
• I can't be in two places at once! Trust me, I've tried!  I can't watch you play a video game in the basement (shoot me in the foot instead, please!) while spotting the other for back handsprings outside in the yard.
• No one seems to lock their doors anymore. This bugs me to no end!  I am such a stickler for keeping doors and windows locked, yet it doesn't seem like a big deal to leave the garage door wide open and the house door unlocked while we are away.
• Horses are scared of umbrellas being opened.  The very first day of watching Ryan and Kate, I had to take Kate to her horseback riding lessons.  Of course, it was pouring down rain, I was wearing flip-flops, and she wanted me to walk with her to the stable - down a dirt (now entirely muddy) road.  After returning to the main barn with mud splashed up my entire backside, I re-opened my umbrella walking out behind Kate and her house to make the short sprint to my car.  This spooked the horse (I should have known better...) and embarrassed Kate.  Oops!
• Never underestimate the power of temptation with food/candy/toys. Always a way to come to a unanimous decision or compromise.
• A 12 year old can break into his own house if need be. Ryan proved to be quite the criminal mastermind when we discovered we were locked out of the house one day.  While Kate and I waited for Scott to come home to deliver the extra key, Ryan proceeded to pry, thus bending, an expensive screen off of a front window to slip inside.  THAT was fun trying to explain to Scott how we had magically appeared in a locked house.
• Their feelings only stay hurt for, like, .056 seconds.
• Just when you think you couldn't POSSIBLY be more annoyed... they go and do or say something sweet.  Darn it!  I was so convinced you were an evil little brat!
  
• A lunch of boogers and chips is perfectly acceptable. I'm not sure the nutritional value is in either, but the kids haven't died of malnourishment yet...
• Cats are better than people. And I silently cheer the cat on when they bite the kids after the have been picked on for the past 15 minutes straight.
• Some kids will talk your ear off while others won't speak at all unless spoken to.  I slightly prefer the ones who don't speak unless spoken to... Sounds horrible of me to admit, I know.
• Nutella is like crack to them. Give them a spoonful and they're pacified for the next 15 minutes.  Ahh, peace and quiet.
• Saying "no" the first 5 times won't work.  It only works if you gradually raise your voice each time, begin turning a shade a purpley-red not found in nature, and after you've reached the 12th attempt.
• Just to be safe, always wear shoes (or flip-flops, at least) in the house. You never know when you're going to step on a small toy, guinea pig droppings, or a dried booger.  Jesus take the wheel...
• Kids put their hands EVERYWHERE.  Down their pants, up their nose, and then right into the bag of pretzels we were all just sharing.
• They may all be potty-trained now, but it often smells like they crapped their pants. Seriously?!  STOP. FARTING!
• You don't have to know a person's first or last name to be in a relationship with them. Ryan informed me one day as I picked him up from school that he had a girlfriend.  Considering he was being bullied for being "gay," I thought this was a step in the right direction!  When I asked him what her name was, he didn't know.  All he knew was that he was planning on breaking up with her already so "people wouldn't know."  Ahh, young love...
• They don't care that that gummy bear was on the floor just a second ago... because now it is in their mouth along with the fuzz, dead bug, and piece of hair that it fell onto. Yum.

Well, there you have it.  It has been a weird and humorous ride thus far and we still have another week or so to go, but I am so appreciative of the opportunity to get to know these kids and their parents.

If You Have Nothing Better To Do...

The weather today is gray and rainy (similar to my mood), so I felt the need to spend my downtime filling out another pointless survey that will probably have you guys wanting to throw a book at my head.  I feel as if I am reverting back to my old MySpace days...

Are you young at heart, or an old soul?

Hmm… I’m going to take the easy way out and say I am an appropriate mixture of both.

 

What makes someone a best friend?

 I have to feel comfortable with the person and be able to trust them completely.

Not having feelings of judgment or being judged is important as well.

It helps to have common beliefs and interests, but not always necessary.

Unconditional support is essential.

What Christmas present do you remember the most?

 I'm starting to forget what I even got at last year's Christmas!

I guess we will go with my Tim Tebow jersey or Tim Tebow FatHead...

Tell me about a movie/song/tv show/play/book that has changed your life.

 the Book of Mormon

Click above to learn more about it.

I honestly cannot put into a concise amount of words how true the BoM is or how it has changed my life... I would be typing for days!

Name one physical feature that you like about yourself and one you dislike.

Like - teeth

Dislike - definitely da boobs...

Would you like to reconnect with any friends you’ve lost contact with?

 There are a select few, maybe two or three?  

All of the others, I hate to say it but... I can do without.

What’s more important in a relationship: physical attraction or emotional connection?

 Obviously both are uber important in a romantic relationship!

But for simple friendship, I'd say an emotional connection.

Name a movie that you knew would be terrible just from reading the title.

 Nothing is coming to me off the top of my head, but most Will Ferrel movies are awful.

(ex: Semi-Pro, Anchorman, Talladega Nights)

They have some classic quotes, but are horrible movies.

What holiday do you most look forward to?

 A given is always Christmas, but Halloween is just spectacular, in my opinion.

How is the relationship between you and your parents?

 I think I answered this same question or a similar one a few posts ago...

You’ve got the TV on, but you’re not really watching. What channel is the TV on?

 I almost always have TLC on as background noise.

I'll occasionally jump in and watch a show.

Name a song that never fails to make you happy.

 Hey, Soul Sister by Train is pretty happy.

You know at least one person named Michael. Tell me about him.

 Wow, what a chump...

just kidding.

Have you ever read the “missed connections” on Craigslist? Have you ever posted one, or wanted to?

 I've never posted one or wanted to, but I have seem them.

Some of them are creepy and embarrassing, but others seem sincere.

If you could pick anywhere to live the rest of your life, where would it be?

 Somewhere on the beach

I think I answered that in a previous post too...

Can money buy happiness?

 No, but it can buy candy... and that's kind of the same thing.

Haha just kidding!

I don't think money should be the source of your happiness, but it is nice to have and provide with.

Do you drink? Smoke? Do drugs? Why, or why not?

 Absolutely not.

There was a period when I thought those things were acceptable, whether I did them or not, but now I have a very strong conviction and testimony of the importance of NOT partaking in drinking, smoking, or drugs.

Is there anyone close to you that you know you can’t trust? You don’t have to give names.

 Sadly enough, there are members of my extended family who I don't consider trustworthy.

Where was your favorite place to go when you were a little kid?

 Probably to an amusement or theme park, such as Knobels or Sesame Place.

Or to my grandparents' houses.

Have you ever spent a night in the hospital?

 Yes.  Most recently the night before Matt and I's first date.

Do you enjoy being with only one or two friends, or with a large group of people?

 Only one or two, preferably just one.

Do you like the type of music your parents listen to?

Do your parents like the type of music you listen to?

 Yes and yes.

I mostly listen to country and pop, and so do they.

Have you ever been bullied?

Have you ever bullied anyone else?

 I'm sure the answer is "yes" to both questions, but no explicit examples are coming to my mind.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

 Oh my gosh, don't make me choose...

If your partner wanted to wait until marriage before having sex, would you stay in that relationship?

 Absolutely.

Do you believe in God?

Absolutely.

Of all the social networks in the world, why use Facebook?

 I'm not really sure anymore.

I've considered deleting it many times.

I guess it has it's purpose in allowing me to stay in contact with those who I want to stay in contact with.

What’s your favorite Pinterest category to browse?

 "Wedding and Events" or "DIY"

Would you call yourself/your family “middle class?”

 Sure

Name a TV series you didn’t enjoy until after it ended.

 Will and Grace

It wasn't that I didn't enjoy it while it was on the air, I just didn't watch it that often

Have you ever bought a product from an infomercial?

 Not directly off the infomercial itself, but I have tried "As Seen on TV" items.

If you could give up your car and never have to drive again, would you?

Um... no.

If you go back to one point in time to give advice to yourself, when would you go and what would you say?

 I'd probably go back to my freshman year of college and reassure myself everything will be alright and just keep breathing.

What’s your “quirkiest” habit?

 I HAVE to wear earplugs when I sleep?

Is that quirky enough?

What is “normal?” Are you normal?

 "Normal" is relative, but according to MY interpretation, yes I am.

Someone close to you is dying. You have the choice to let this person live for 10 more years, but if you do, you cause the death of 10 strangers. You don’t have to see them die. Do you take the offer?

 Iiiiiiiiiii'm going to be a bit of a jerk here and save my loved one.

Oops.

What is one thing you could never forgive?

 Infidelity

Would you rather be in a relationship after the "honeymoon" period ends, or be single?

 In a relationship after the "honeymoon" period

Is it possible for guys and girls to be just friends?

 Sure

Where do you and your friends go to hang out?

 Somewhere with food.

Always with food.

Write the first paragraph of your obituary.

 No. No, thank you.

What is the best TV theme song ever?

 The Golden Girls - so catchy!

When you were young, what would you dream you would be when you grew up?

 Veterinarian

When you’re alone in your own home, do you walk around naked?

 No. I'm usually in yoga pants/leggings and a sports bra

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

 Nothing short of a natural disaster...

or chocolate.

Do you want to have more friends than you have right now?

 I guess?

I mean, I feel pretty content.

What part of the past year sticks out in your mind?

 Matt.
I think that pretty much sums it up haha

You win a scratch-off lottery game that gives you $2000 a week (after taxes) for the rest of your life.

Do you keep your job?

 Probably not

Well, maybe.

I would continue working part-time at VS, for sure.

Could you be in a long-distance relationship?

 Well, I guess you could say Matt and I are in one right now...

it. STINKS.

What’s the best route to your heart?

 Accept me

Open up to me

Trust me

Have you ever met someone through the internet, then met them in real life?

 Yes! Melissa! She is awesome!

What is your favorite sport?

Wrestling

What has been troubling you lately?

 Matt being so far away

Did you enjoy your high school prom? 

I'm pretty sure I enjoyed them all?

What do you use more often: your intuition or logical reasoning?

 I'm not a very logical person, but can employ that quality when need arises.

I'd go with intuition

Do you know what makes you happy?

 Yes

Tell me about the last book you read.

 I'm currently reading The Time-Traveler's Wife.

It is kind of confusing, but a decent read.

Like I said in my previous post, I am a critical reader...

What is the nicest compliment you’ve ever been given?

 I've received many nice compliments.

My brain is mush right now and I cannot think of any, sorry.

Who was your first crush?

His name was Blaze

(I kid you not. Awesome name, huh?)

and it was in kindergarten.

Do you believe that there is life on other planets?

 I don't think there are the green guys with big heads floating around out there, but I know is life in the form of bacteria or plant life.

Predict what your life will look like a year from now.

 These questions are exhausting...

Often, people will ask how your last relationship ended. I want to know how it began.

 It doesn't matter.

The only one that matters is the one I am in now.

Where is your favorite place to go out and eat?

 Olive Garden or Chili's

What is something you want to change about your current situation?

 The distance between Matt and myself

Early bird or night owl?

 Night owl

If you have had the pleasure of seeing me early in the morning, bless your heart...

Are there any childhood possessions you still hold on to?

 Hope

Give me an unpopular opinion you have.

 Lady Gaga is weird.

Not an "artist", not an "icon"... just WEIRD.

What was the last song that was stuck in your head?

 Great... now its a Lady Gaga song...

Where do you live? Be as general or specific as you want.

 On Earth

In North America

In the United States

In Pennsylvania

In the middle of it

Between a corn field and cow pasture.

Do you believe in giving kids medals and trophies for participation?

 Sure do.

I also believe in giving them medals and trophies for winning, not losing.

Never hurt me or my brother as a kid, but now everyone is so sensitive...

I'm sorry, but when my kids play youth wrestling, baseball, football whatever... I am keeping score whether the other "socially correct" moms like it or not!

What was the longest car ride you’ve ever taken?

 The 12-hour trek to St. Louis in March of this year

Have you ever taken part in a protest?

 No

Would you ever use an online dating service?

 Nope. No need to now anyway!

What is your ethnic heritage?

 I'm 100% mutt - mostly German and Greek.

Describe a person that inspires you.

 I'm losing focus on answering these questions...

If you earn minimum wage doing what you love, would you?

 Whaddup, Victoria's Secret?!

Do you believe in luck?

 Not particularly.

I do refer to myself as "lucky" or having "bad luck," but I really know that luck has nothing to do with it.

Describe the last time you were very angry at someone.

 No thank you

Do you want to live until you’re 100?

 As long as I have Matt with me the entire step of the way

Do people change?

 Yes, people "change," but I see it more as a maturation process rather than a complete 180.

Have you ever risked a friendship by telling someone you liked them?

 Why do guys use the bathroom, turn the bathroom fan on, and then leave it on for 4 days afterward?!

Would you rather be alone doing something you enjoy, or doing something you don’t like with your best friends?

 I'm sure the company with friends would help, but I'd rather be alone doing something I enjoy.

Do you practice what you preach?

 I try to

If you take precautions to stay safe, do you ultimately act more recklessly?

 Stay safe, for sure.

What do you value more in a significant other: Attractiveness or intelligence?

 Intelligence since very few people are intelligent these days...

Are you hard-headed?

VERY.

Have you ever laughed uncontrollably when it was socially inappropriate?

Yes. All the time.

It seems 90% of my laughing occurs at socially inappropriate times.

When have you felt most alive?

 After my baptism

Would you prefer to live in a city? The suburbs? The countryside? The mountains?

 Countryside.

Middle of nowhere.

Do you often skip breakfast?

 Yes, or have something entirely unhealthy

a.k.a. Subway cookies...

How do you know what true love is?

 I see it and feel it when I look at or think of Matt.

Would you want to know the exact date and time you were going to die?

 No. Way.

Where is “home” for you?

Where Matt is...

and my cats...

and my parents/brother...

So, currently? Pennsylvania and Portugal.

What song best describes your life right now?

 "The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars

Do you want to be perfect?

 Nah

What have you never tried but would really like to someday?

What’s holding you back?

 Skydiving

I don't have the money...

How do you express your creativity?

 Making things I found on Pinterest

Describe your neighborhood.

 You know what the worst thing is...

when you're craving a type of food and realize you have that same type of food up at your apartment at school, but not where you currently are.

Name something you only liked because it was popular.

 I went through a PETA phase.

I thought they had the right idea protecting animals and whatnot, but those people are CRAZY!

Give me the story of your life in six words.

No. One. Is. Still. Reading. This.