Then again, the rest of my year is pretty fantastic (at least until this fall, when I start my new job...whomp whomp), so I still definitely get the better deal :D
And A's adorable rogue curls:
Showing posts with label Working. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Working. Show all posts
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Summer is Here!
If there is any time of the year I wish I was a teacher instead of a nanny, it's RIGHT. NOW. School is officially out for summer in sunny Austin, Texas, and while I don't work a rigorous schedule by anyone's standards, I still work during the summer, and wish I didn't ;)
Then again, the rest of my year is pretty fantastic (at least until this fall, when I start my new job...whomp whomp), so I still definitely get the better deal :D
And A's adorable rogue curls:
Then again, the rest of my year is pretty fantastic (at least until this fall, when I start my new job...whomp whomp), so I still definitely get the better deal :D
And A's adorable rogue curls:
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Why Today is Awesome.
I love when I'm able to write a post like this. When good, relieving and/or just generally overwhelmingly positive news inspires me to the point where I can't come up with one particular thing to focus on, so I get to list them all. Much, much better than the days when I have to write posts entitled, "Why Life Sucks," or, "The Twenty Things That Went Wrong Today...Before 9AM."
So, without further adieu, here they are (and in no particular order):
1. I have a solution to a problem that's been really, really eating away at me, and it's one that - long story short - I don't hate. I hadn't realized how much the fact that I would be more or less losing my job (cutting back to ten hours due to the girl's school schedules and the family's changing needs) was nagging at my every thought, every day until I found a solution. I'm going to be taking a new job come August, working as a nanny for one of David's co-workers. I was initially skeptical of the arrangement, seeing as how working for a family can be a bit...sensitive...and will be more so given that it's one of David's co-workers, but the more I talked to the woman about it, the more I felt certain it was a good solution. I'll be working a TON more hours, but also making more money than I not only do now, but more than I have since I started, because I'll still be keeping my job with the D's, working two late afternoons per week. I'll be working over fifty hours, which makes me a bit nervous, but it's a.) not like I haven't done it before, and b.) will get to be with Ava, so basically will just be a full-time mom, with a few more kids sprinkled in :) How many kids you ask? I'll be working with two boys, who are turning 3 & 5 over the summer, as well as a baby being born in June. AHHH! That's right - I'll be spending my days with a 5-year-old, 3-year-old, my 20-month-old and a 2-month-old. Jealous? Hahaha. While it may sound overwhelming, the boys have varying school schedules, so it won't be all four all the time. And I know it's right, since the feeling I felt most when I accepted the job? Relief. Relief that I can stay with the D's, relief that I'll have enough money, and - most of all - relief that I'll get to continue to be home with Ava. That's the most important thing to me!
OK, now that my novel is concluded, here are the other reasons:
-My writing job has brought new writing opportunities, and I've been hired on not only by Pampers, but now Triscuit and McCormick, doing various projects for them. I welcome the extra work - and income!
-NEIGHBOR UPDATE! I went for a long walk with Ava this morning, and was able to finally stop in and actually see my neighbor, who - I'm very happy to report - thanked me profusely!!! I was more than expecting anger, but had come to terms with the fact that I 100% did the right thing (thank you all SO much for your input!), and instead, was greeted with tears and gratitude. Turns out, he had a seizure, and thanks to EMS, he was able to get the care he needed. Thank you, God!
-I'm not pregnant. Never suggest that again! Hahaha ;P
-Ava's said "shoes", "thanks" ("tanks") and "mooo" (the only animal sound she previously wouldn't say) today! Yay!
-It's my Friday!
It's not all good news, unfortunately. My mom called a couple hours ago to tell me my grandpa has had a stroke, so please do keep him in your prayers.
Have a lovely rest of your day!!!
So, without further adieu, here they are (and in no particular order):
1. I have a solution to a problem that's been really, really eating away at me, and it's one that - long story short - I don't hate. I hadn't realized how much the fact that I would be more or less losing my job (cutting back to ten hours due to the girl's school schedules and the family's changing needs) was nagging at my every thought, every day until I found a solution. I'm going to be taking a new job come August, working as a nanny for one of David's co-workers. I was initially skeptical of the arrangement, seeing as how working for a family can be a bit...sensitive...and will be more so given that it's one of David's co-workers, but the more I talked to the woman about it, the more I felt certain it was a good solution. I'll be working a TON more hours, but also making more money than I not only do now, but more than I have since I started, because I'll still be keeping my job with the D's, working two late afternoons per week. I'll be working over fifty hours, which makes me a bit nervous, but it's a.) not like I haven't done it before, and b.) will get to be with Ava, so basically will just be a full-time mom, with a few more kids sprinkled in :) How many kids you ask? I'll be working with two boys, who are turning 3 & 5 over the summer, as well as a baby being born in June. AHHH! That's right - I'll be spending my days with a 5-year-old, 3-year-old, my 20-month-old and a 2-month-old. Jealous? Hahaha. While it may sound overwhelming, the boys have varying school schedules, so it won't be all four all the time. And I know it's right, since the feeling I felt most when I accepted the job? Relief. Relief that I can stay with the D's, relief that I'll have enough money, and - most of all - relief that I'll get to continue to be home with Ava. That's the most important thing to me!
OK, now that my novel is concluded, here are the other reasons:
-My writing job has brought new writing opportunities, and I've been hired on not only by Pampers, but now Triscuit and McCormick, doing various projects for them. I welcome the extra work - and income!
-NEIGHBOR UPDATE! I went for a long walk with Ava this morning, and was able to finally stop in and actually see my neighbor, who - I'm very happy to report - thanked me profusely!!! I was more than expecting anger, but had come to terms with the fact that I 100% did the right thing (thank you all SO much for your input!), and instead, was greeted with tears and gratitude. Turns out, he had a seizure, and thanks to EMS, he was able to get the care he needed. Thank you, God!
-I'm not pregnant. Never suggest that again! Hahaha ;P
-Ava's said "shoes", "thanks" ("tanks") and "mooo" (the only animal sound she previously wouldn't say) today! Yay!
-It's my Friday!
It's not all good news, unfortunately. My mom called a couple hours ago to tell me my grandpa has had a stroke, so please do keep him in your prayers.
Have a lovely rest of your day!!!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
All Good Things Come to an End.
Let's see if I can get through this post without entering a state of complete mental collapse.
My job. You all should know by now how much I love it. How I consider the D's my very own family. How very, very much they - and of course the girls - mean to not only me, but to David and Ava. I secretly pray they'll end up accidentally having another baby so I can stay on forever.
That was the news I was secretly praying for, but here's the news I actually got: With S in school 3/4 time, and P in actual school full-time, my hours will be getting cut from the forty they were prior to this school year and the thirty they are now to roughly 10-20 as of the fall. Whereas we've found a way to rework our budget with the previous cut and I've been able to supplement with babysitting and my writing gigs, there is no way I'll be able to get by on those things alone if I'm only working ten hours or so per week. Not only that, but I'll only work a couple of days per week as opposed to a few hours a day, which - while great for the ol' gas mileage - makes me insanely sad. I'm not entirely convinced Ava doesn't think that the girls are actually a part of our immediate family, and while it's heartbreaking for me, I feel like it will be hard for her also.
Aside from the emotional stress of this change, I'll also have to find a second job, one that will pay well enough and coordinate with my new, reduced schedule. Oh, and that will allow me to bring A, because adding the expense of daycare is just not going to compute.
Any ideas? Suggestions? Know anyone in Austin looking for a kick ass nanny and will allow me to bring my super sweet and charming - despite her food-throwing haha - toddler with me?
I'm all ears.
My job. You all should know by now how much I love it. How I consider the D's my very own family. How very, very much they - and of course the girls - mean to not only me, but to David and Ava. I secretly pray they'll end up accidentally having another baby so I can stay on forever.
That was the news I was secretly praying for, but here's the news I actually got: With S in school 3/4 time, and P in actual school full-time, my hours will be getting cut from the forty they were prior to this school year and the thirty they are now to roughly 10-20 as of the fall. Whereas we've found a way to rework our budget with the previous cut and I've been able to supplement with babysitting and my writing gigs, there is no way I'll be able to get by on those things alone if I'm only working ten hours or so per week. Not only that, but I'll only work a couple of days per week as opposed to a few hours a day, which - while great for the ol' gas mileage - makes me insanely sad. I'm not entirely convinced Ava doesn't think that the girls are actually a part of our immediate family, and while it's heartbreaking for me, I feel like it will be hard for her also.
Aside from the emotional stress of this change, I'll also have to find a second job, one that will pay well enough and coordinate with my new, reduced schedule. Oh, and that will allow me to bring A, because adding the expense of daycare is just not going to compute.
Any ideas? Suggestions? Know anyone in Austin looking for a kick ass nanny and will allow me to bring my super sweet and charming - despite her food-throwing haha - toddler with me?
I'm all ears.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Work or Play?
Tonight, seeing as how I'm now concerned about finances with me being part time, marks my first night of babysitting since little A graced us with her presence. While I'll freely admit that I was dreading having to revert back to babysitting nights and weekends, I must say that I'm finding this experience to be as rejuvenating as a spa day!
One of the two little ones is with her daddy for the weekend, so it's just me and the littlest one, a beautiful dark haired little cherub of a fifteen month old. Miracle of miracles she is already in bed, so I'm sitting in peace and quiet, reading, writing and playing with their iPad (hence the typos as I learn to work the keyboard). One could safely say this is one of the more relaxing money making experiences ever. Ahhh.
Perhaps this whole part time endeavor is not the end of the world?
After yesterday, I need a bit of a break as well. While in theory the day should have been fantastic, with me meeting up with a friend and her little one at the Alamo Drafthouse for Eat, Pray, Love and lunch, A was In rare form and drove me absolutely nuts the entire time. I'm talking a biting my shoulder, throwing herself backwards, head-butting little handful. I may have cried in frustration at one point - it was that bad. On top of that, Ava is crawling full speed ahead, and we need a quality baby gate like whoa, so I thankfully picked one up while we were out, one that we promptly returned today because it wouldn't fit with our crown moldings. Oh, life. Despite yesterday being my first day as a part-time SAHM, I ended up being out and about for over 7.5 hours. Yeesh!
Today was nice though, with D's parents coming into town for lunch at The Salt Lick and s quick bit of shopping at Hobby Lobby & Target. and now my "spa day"!
Hope everyone else is having a nice weekend so far!!
One of the two little ones is with her daddy for the weekend, so it's just me and the littlest one, a beautiful dark haired little cherub of a fifteen month old. Miracle of miracles she is already in bed, so I'm sitting in peace and quiet, reading, writing and playing with their iPad (hence the typos as I learn to work the keyboard). One could safely say this is one of the more relaxing money making experiences ever. Ahhh.
Perhaps this whole part time endeavor is not the end of the world?
After yesterday, I need a bit of a break as well. While in theory the day should have been fantastic, with me meeting up with a friend and her little one at the Alamo Drafthouse for Eat, Pray, Love and lunch, A was In rare form and drove me absolutely nuts the entire time. I'm talking a biting my shoulder, throwing herself backwards, head-butting little handful. I may have cried in frustration at one point - it was that bad. On top of that, Ava is crawling full speed ahead, and we need a quality baby gate like whoa, so I thankfully picked one up while we were out, one that we promptly returned today because it wouldn't fit with our crown moldings. Oh, life. Despite yesterday being my first day as a part-time SAHM, I ended up being out and about for over 7.5 hours. Yeesh!
Today was nice though, with D's parents coming into town for lunch at The Salt Lick and s quick bit of shopping at Hobby Lobby & Target. and now my "spa day"!
Hope everyone else is having a nice weekend so far!!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
In Homage To...
Today, bittersweet as it may be, is my last day of full-time work. Why I'm suddenly fighting tears, well, I'll let you see why for yourself:
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Summer!
Summer is officially here in Austin, Texas. Not only is it projected to be 97 here today, with highs in the low-to-mid 100 range this weekend, but the one thing I dread about my job is upon us: the end of the school year. Son of a....!
Now I KNOW that I have the world's most kick ass job. I'm able to bring little A so that we never have to be apart, I get to spend time with two other little girls I absolutely adore, and my employers are the two most badass people ever. I mean, really, I have nothing to complain about..overall. But I would be lying if I said that being at work everyday at 7:30am and trying to adjust both mine and Ava's schedules accordingly doesn't suck just a little bit.
Part of it is my extreme hatred of early rising. I slept until 11:30AM Saturday morning (Biiiiiiiiiiig shout out to D for being a total rock star and allowing me to sleep the morning away!)!!! And I've been so grateful that I have a baby that also enjoys the art of sleeping in, frequently rising around 9AM. Now, however, I'm going to have to get her in the habit of waking up by 6:45 at the latest. Lame. Super lame. That means I'll have to get up that early on weekends, also. Bleh. Plus, Princess Fussypants doesn't like to nap except in her swing. Her huge, take-up-a-bunch-of-room, needed-at-home swing. Crap.
It's going to be a long, hot summer.
Now I KNOW that I have the world's most kick ass job. I'm able to bring little A so that we never have to be apart, I get to spend time with two other little girls I absolutely adore, and my employers are the two most badass people ever. I mean, really, I have nothing to complain about..overall. But I would be lying if I said that being at work everyday at 7:30am and trying to adjust both mine and Ava's schedules accordingly doesn't suck just a little bit.
Part of it is my extreme hatred of early rising. I slept until 11:30AM Saturday morning (Biiiiiiiiiiig shout out to D for being a total rock star and allowing me to sleep the morning away!)!!! And I've been so grateful that I have a baby that also enjoys the art of sleeping in, frequently rising around 9AM. Now, however, I'm going to have to get her in the habit of waking up by 6:45 at the latest. Lame. Super lame. That means I'll have to get up that early on weekends, also. Bleh. Plus, Princess Fussypants doesn't like to nap except in her swing. Her huge, take-up-a-bunch-of-room, needed-at-home swing. Crap.
It's going to be a long, hot summer.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Valentine's/7 Weeks!
First things first: Happy 7 weeks, Ava!
Yesterday was A's first Valentine's day (obviously!), and she got the cutest little hoodie from her great-grandma, and books and an outfit from mom & dad. We love our littlest Valentine SO much, and are so blessed to have her in our lives!
At seven weeks, Ava has become such a little doll. Her personality is coming out more and more, and she seems happier than ever! Whereas she smiled mainly upon waking up in the morning before, she's now doling out smiles to the two of us all day long, and making some cute little coos and squeals to go with them. I absolutely love hearing her little baby voice and the adorable sounds it makes, and love that she's starting to interact a little bit and make happy noises. Happy Ava = happy mommy! Ava is almost 23" long!!!!!!!! Geeeeeeeez, kid. You'll be taller than I am by the time you're four at this rate! She's also roughly 10.5lbs, judging by the super official weigh-me-then-weigh-her method. That sounds pretty big to me, but I've been assured it's not, and she can still squeeze her cutie patooty into the occasional newborn outfit and all of her newborn onesies, so I guess she may actually be on the smaller side (or at least it's distributed that way due to her height?).
Seven week pictures to come later on tonight, when I'm not at work on this beautiful sunny day with both girls and their respective playdates here. That's right. I have in my care today FIVE LITTLE GIRLS. Nothing like starting Monday off with a bang!
On a related note, for those of you yet to go back to work, or who stay at home and are wondering what being a working mom is like, let me fill you in:
You know you're a working mom when...
...your first meal consists of a three-year-olds lunch leftovers because it's your only chance to eat so far.
...you don't realize your shirt is on inside out until after lunch.
...forgetting to put your breast pads in and having to borrow one of your boss's shirts while you throw yours in with the kids' laundry.
...taking a three-year-old to the potty ten times before you find time to go yourself. My previously teensy tiny bladder can now go four to five hours without emptying thanks to the demands of three children and managing the D's household and errands, amongst my own personal life.
...doing two loads of laundry and running the dishwasher five times...at the D's. Having my own laundry and dishes neglected because it's the last thing I want to do at the end of the day.
...never having a single complaint just the same, because I know how amazingly fortunate it is that I can have the freedom of my own job and income while still spending my every waking moment with my baby girl and getting to nurse her from the breast round the clock!
For those of you still reading, thank you. I know this is a long-winded post, but before I sign off for the day (until I post pics later!), I'd just like to take a second to say thank you to all my fellow mommy bloggers. I have been fortunate enough to have "met" many other mommies with babies all around the same ages (some only a day or so apart from A!) through our blogs, and have really come to rely on them for many things, from advice to comedic relief to just the support that comes from knowing that they're going/have gone through the same thing, and that yes, this too shall pass. I value your input through the comments you leave, and enjoy reading all of your posts! Thank you ladies for all you do, and congratulations on your beautiful families :)
Yesterday was A's first Valentine's day (obviously!), and she got the cutest little hoodie from her great-grandma, and books and an outfit from mom & dad. We love our littlest Valentine SO much, and are so blessed to have her in our lives!
At seven weeks, Ava has become such a little doll. Her personality is coming out more and more, and she seems happier than ever! Whereas she smiled mainly upon waking up in the morning before, she's now doling out smiles to the two of us all day long, and making some cute little coos and squeals to go with them. I absolutely love hearing her little baby voice and the adorable sounds it makes, and love that she's starting to interact a little bit and make happy noises. Happy Ava = happy mommy! Ava is almost 23" long!!!!!!!! Geeeeeeeez, kid. You'll be taller than I am by the time you're four at this rate! She's also roughly 10.5lbs, judging by the super official weigh-me-then-weigh-her method. That sounds pretty big to me, but I've been assured it's not, and she can still squeeze her cutie patooty into the occasional newborn outfit and all of her newborn onesies, so I guess she may actually be on the smaller side (or at least it's distributed that way due to her height?).
Seven week pictures to come later on tonight, when I'm not at work on this beautiful sunny day with both girls and their respective playdates here. That's right. I have in my care today FIVE LITTLE GIRLS. Nothing like starting Monday off with a bang!
On a related note, for those of you yet to go back to work, or who stay at home and are wondering what being a working mom is like, let me fill you in:
You know you're a working mom when...
...your first meal consists of a three-year-olds lunch leftovers because it's your only chance to eat so far.
...you don't realize your shirt is on inside out until after lunch.
...forgetting to put your breast pads in and having to borrow one of your boss's shirts while you throw yours in with the kids' laundry.
...taking a three-year-old to the potty ten times before you find time to go yourself. My previously teensy tiny bladder can now go four to five hours without emptying thanks to the demands of three children and managing the D's household and errands, amongst my own personal life.
...doing two loads of laundry and running the dishwasher five times...at the D's. Having my own laundry and dishes neglected because it's the last thing I want to do at the end of the day.
...never having a single complaint just the same, because I know how amazingly fortunate it is that I can have the freedom of my own job and income while still spending my every waking moment with my baby girl and getting to nurse her from the breast round the clock!
For those of you still reading, thank you. I know this is a long-winded post, but before I sign off for the day (until I post pics later!), I'd just like to take a second to say thank you to all my fellow mommy bloggers. I have been fortunate enough to have "met" many other mommies with babies all around the same ages (some only a day or so apart from A!) through our blogs, and have really come to rely on them for many things, from advice to comedic relief to just the support that comes from knowing that they're going/have gone through the same thing, and that yes, this too shall pass. I value your input through the comments you leave, and enjoy reading all of your posts! Thank you ladies for all you do, and congratulations on your beautiful families :)
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A Day At Work (In Photos).
Sleeping in!
Rocking out..
Happy baby (after a wardrobe change thanks to a poo explosion!)
S, the little babysmoocher:
Rest Time...
Brownie Batter!
The finished Valentine's brownies for the D's:
Such a good napper!
My little helper!
Painting Valentine's pictures...
Long day...happy to be home!
Rocking out..
Happy baby (after a wardrobe change thanks to a poo explosion!)
S, the little babysmoocher:
Rest Time...
Brownie Batter!
The finished Valentine's brownies for the D's:
Such a good napper!
My little helper!
Painting Valentine's pictures...
Long day...happy to be home!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Bad News.
This morning started out decently enough. Ava was up for a bit from 4-5 due to some explosive diapers, but otherwise slept well. I was able to get some extra sleep also, and had the motivation to get out of bed before she woke up to grab a few minutes to myself. Not a bad way to start the day! Then, I got an email.
As it turns out, the littlest of the two girls I watch is going to be in school full-time M-Th in the fall (until 2:30 each day), and my schedule only has me working until 4:30 each day, which, if you do the math, leaves me with a full day Friday and 8 hours between the other four. Even with the one to two mornings I make myself available to run errands such as grocery shopping, ill end up with 25 hours per week, max. While the D's had mentioned the possibility of this in the future, I didn't expect it to come so soon, and am deeply saddened both by the prospect of not getting to spend as much time with S & P, and by what this means for me with regards to work. I have every intention of staying on with them as long as I can find something to supplement a couple mornings where I can take Ava. Luckily I have been given a lot of advance notice to start scouting my options and have seven months before anything changes, but I am definitely worried about what will happen if I cannot find supplemental work :(
It seems as though little A has picked up on my sad mood, though, and has been smiling nonstop this morning to cheer me up!
Plus, Lost premieres tonight, and how can anyone be sad about that?!
As it turns out, the littlest of the two girls I watch is going to be in school full-time M-Th in the fall (until 2:30 each day), and my schedule only has me working until 4:30 each day, which, if you do the math, leaves me with a full day Friday and 8 hours between the other four. Even with the one to two mornings I make myself available to run errands such as grocery shopping, ill end up with 25 hours per week, max. While the D's had mentioned the possibility of this in the future, I didn't expect it to come so soon, and am deeply saddened both by the prospect of not getting to spend as much time with S & P, and by what this means for me with regards to work. I have every intention of staying on with them as long as I can find something to supplement a couple mornings where I can take Ava. Luckily I have been given a lot of advance notice to start scouting my options and have seven months before anything changes, but I am definitely worried about what will happen if I cannot find supplemental work :(
It seems as though little A has picked up on my sad mood, though, and has been smiling nonstop this morning to cheer me up!
Plus, Lost premieres tonight, and how can anyone be sad about that?!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Starting The Countdown Over...
Decision made. I think I shall go back to work next week instead. Bills schmills.
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