Preschool is almost over for the year, meaning that my work hours are about to be sharply curtailed unless I find a new babysitter.
Our current sitter is about to graduate, so yesterday I placed my twice-yearly add on the job board at the Huge Midwestern University. I asked for Mary Poppins, tongue only halfway in my cheek. The children are so … enthusiastic that they really need a steady hand.
I can’t even prevent them from injuring themselves. Case in point: yesterday, Shaggy bruised his cheek bone and The Poo tried to break her tail bone. I was within inches of both of them when the accidents occurred.
I hate looking for a new sitter. I hate breaking them in to the routines, and I especially hate having to hire a girl for the summer. Last summer was a breeze—well, not this stuff, but in terms of childcare it was—with our former (and very capable) girl taking over after I had to fire someone.
We were home-bound all summer, and so I was able to offer steady income to our sitter. This year is totally up in the air. Are we selling our house? Are we traveling to visit family? Are we taking a few short trips or one long one? Will I need someone to water the garden? Should I even plant a garden?
In a word, blerg.
There are much worse problems to have, I know. But here’s the rub. I need to keep working through all of this, if we want to eat next year. Writing takes at least some concentration, and with the amount of reporting I do, the composing part is the least of my concerns. I need time to find and interview sources and experts.
Time that is in big chunks, not a few minutes stolen here and there while the baby naps. And in between doctor appointments. This week I had the orthopedist. Next week: the GI guy. Week after that: bloodwork and probably a colonoscopy. Hurrah!
One of my editors told me this week that she admires how I handle my time so well. HA! I’m glad it looks like that from the outside. Because on the inside, it’s a big fucking mess, complete with hot, aching joints (not that kind, you perverts) and crushed Cheerios of unknown vintage.
So I’m on the hunt, for a babysitter with the patience of Job, the creativity of Martha Stewart and the capabilities of Super Nanny.
Know anyone like that? No?
Me, either.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Ah…yes. Thanks so much for bringing home what I’m about to go through come August. I hardly have time for myself with Hubby around. Do you think I could hide under the covers? Would they find me there?
Jennifer’s last blog post..Extras Girls
If you find her, can we share her? The only way I get anything accomplished is by not sleeping. Which isn’t good for my sanity or my looks. No market for me tomorrow by the way, the rain is not a good look. Hopefully next Sat though, fingers crossed.
just ship the kids off to Auntie flutter
flutter’s last blog post..On being realistic
I love “blerg.” I am adding that to my vocabulary for sure. Totally sums it up!
Nan’s last blog post..A Load Of Manure
I find that Mary Poppins is often just the family dog in disguise. Good luck finding someone like that…I’ll take her when you’re done.
Mad Woman’s last blog post..FFAF: Let’s talk about INK baby, Let’s talk about you and me….
Good luck we are searching too!
Exactly why I stopped freelancing. Sure, you can write while the baby naps and at night, but when are you going to do the interviews? Good luck!
Kerrie’s last blog post..Puttin’ on a Show
good luck! I’m not looking for a sitter, but the thought of an unstructured summer looming before me scares the crap out of me. On the hunt for summer activities…
LifeAsIKnowIt’s last blog post..Finding My Spirit In The Night
I know of an excellent sitter, but, um…you’d have to move to Ohio in a western ‘burb of Cleveland.
Heather from Domestic Extraordinaire’s last blog post..My goals for May
Try calling your local Camp Fire or Girl Scout council. Some of them have trained sitter lists and most of them can give you the names of kids who know what responsibility is and have mastered the art of safely having fun with younger kids.
When I was a freshman in high school, I babysat for a lady. She was very good to me and I didn’t understand why…til I had kids. Unfortunately, we moved the next year to BUM FUCK EGYPT and I never saw her again, but she was awesome to work for. She had 2 boys, ages 7 and 18 months.
kristi crazy’s last blog post..Some days
Many thanks in advance for your speedy response !. Pretty good post.