The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 25

[lovesdumbo]

Darn. I really like this family. This family that sounded so unreasonable on paper are the most gracious, welcoming people. Their boys are very sweet little guys. There would ALWAYS be people in my work space at this one because it is crazy busy there all the time, but I might kind of like that. There is a BUNCH of staff and business employees around. The house really is big enough that if the boys are tired or overstimulated I could easily move them to a quieter area. There IS TV, they just prefer to limit it. They haven't ever trusted anyone to drive the boys before, but they said I would probably be allowed to drive them or the mom would come along with us to do stuff. Well, if the mom has work to do then I will have to drive the kids, and the parents really do want them to get out and experience things. They do eat very healthy but that's not a bad thing, and shouldn't be too hard to adhere to. I can just pack a lunch if we're going to the zoo or something where I would ordinarily let the kids eat fast food. And money is not an issue in the least. The agent told them a high salary to begin with, and before I left the mom assured me that they can go higher if they need to so I will agree to come work for them.

Now I am completely conflicted. I like all 3 families that I met with, but I think this family knocks the one with the 3 kids out of the race. If I am going to do work-from-home parents I'll go with these guys.

DH and I had a long talk about this. The family I met last night would really be stretching just to get to my low end, and that is after I dropped my low end significantly. Chances are they would end up feeling kind of resentful if they were having to give up things just to pay the nanny. And then next year I don't know what I could expect in terms of an increase. Dadboss does 5% every year, plus a holiday bonus. If they were already paying me as much as they could afford then there wouldn't be much room for increases.

And now the agent just phoned and said this mom says I am THE NANNY for them and they are ready to hire me.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[tink2020]

Oh Elizabeth, isn't that always how it works?! I hope you come to a decision that brings you all peace, quickly!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

lol. you had me laughing when you said creature. a few weeks ago when i went with my dad to see the colt at my dad's bosses ranch they had friends over who had 2 young boys. one of the boys was walking into the pool house and started screaming DAD ITS A CREATURE ITSS A CREATURE! it was hilarious. the mom my dad and i looked at each other and said city kids. lol

It qualifies as a creature because I couldn't easily identify it! Hopefully I would know a colt if i saw one!

Good luck at the interview, Elizabeth!

So I should blame you for it going so well?

Good luck with your decision!

Thanks! We are going to try to figure out a time for the family to meet DS & DH. I want DH to meet them because I want his take on it. From there if everybody gets along we will move into contract negotiations.

 

[lovesdumbo]

After lots of thought I've come to the conclusion that as much as I really, really, really want to join in all the fun of the DDA meet I just can't do it. It would be in the middle of our budget process and I really can't ask for time off then even if just for a long weekend. I don't think I'd be able to enjoy the trip knowing what I had waiting for me on my return. I've got the best boss in the world and I just don't have it in me to tell him I want to take another trip to Disney during the most important task of my job.

SO....I've decided to go in November instead. The big review with the president is 10/29. I've booked a trip for Lizzy & I 11/8 to 11/13. She always has the Friday before Veteran's day off from school so we'll go for 5 nights and she'll only miss 2 days of school. I'll use 3 vacation days. My last trip was 5 nights and I needed 5 vacation days. My friend who has gone on 8 of my last 10 trips will probably join me with her DH (he's gone with us 3 times too). I bought my airfare for $238 [couldn't find anything under $400 for the DDA dates]. She's got $90 in credits from December but hasn't bought her airfare. Hope she doesn't wait too long as I'm sure it will go way up for the holiday weekend.

I want to take Joe for his 7th birthday in January and I just took him in December so I thought this was a good oportunity to take Lizzy. Emma will get her trip when she uses a public restroom-she says that will be when she's a teenager. I'm hoping she'll be ready next May.

I haven't told Lizzy yet but did mention to both her Joe today that want to take Joe for his 7th birthday. She was really great about it. Didn't ask when her next "solo" trip would be. I was really proud of her that she could just be happy for Joe.


AND......I got an extra pay check this week for my retroactive pay raise to Jan 1st and it is enough for the November trip (assuming my friend pays 1/2 of the Pop room).

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

That's great, Bernadette! I am sorry you won't make the DDA meet (I won't either) but your November trip sounds great!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

AP renewal.....

I know others have struggled with this.....

I figured that it would cheaper to purchase Lizzy an AP for August and November. So do I renew her pass that expires today (I've got 30 days to decide) or upgrade the 1 day pass I have to buy her as part of the package in August to an AP.

As of now I don't have any plans for any trips between May 19th and August 20th of 2008. I would save $40 if I renewed her pass but I'd still need to spend the $60 or so to purchase the 1 day pass in August but I could use that in the future.

If I renew the pass now AND again next May I could renew it again in May of 2009 at the child's rate just days before she turns 10.





I'm really leaning toward just upgrading her August pass. I'll aready have an extra 1 day adult and 1 child's pass in August from Joe & I.

 

[MrsHeg]

Hi everyone,

I'm not as far behind as usual as I have been dropping in and reading.

Happy Belated Birthdays to Cassidy, Abi, Tia and Beth. And any others that I have missed.

Robyn - I love the pictures of Lucy, how amazing to be able to see her. The "I Love Lucy" comment brought a shirt idea to mind for Molly and Emma. How about the I Love Lucy logo from the show and underneath it "She's my baby sister!" Just a thought.

Theresa - Cassidy looked gorgeous for prom, but she definitely looked older that 14. Your house looks great. Your story about the cabinet door falling off reminded me of my DD. She was in the bathroom one morning and I heard this loud crash followed by an owww. She had opened the cabinet door and it came off, hitting her in the head and then landing on her toe. She ended up with a goose egg and a broken toe.

Elin - just wanted to say hi as I haven't seen you in the morning in quite some time. Now that I have to get up at 3:30 for work I don't get up early enough to DIS before leaving.

Tammi - Your little Princess made a beautiful little graduate!

Elizabeth - Good luck with your decision, look how much progress you have made recently. You wnet from nothing to having to decide which job to take, Congratulations.

Jennifer - Hope things work out for Kyle's birthday.

Jennifer - Hope the nausea subsides soon, I had a rough time with my first one and was on meds until my 6th month, the second one it was just nausea in the morning.

Beth - Good Luck to Laura on the swim meet.

Anne Marie - I remember recital week very well, wait until they are older, it gets even more hectic.

Bernadette - Your pictures have been amazing, sorry that you will miss the DDA meet but now you will be overlapping with my November trip. We made the decision today to go ahead and go since our plans for a new house look like they will be on hold for an unknown period of time. We will be there the 11th through the 17th, I haven't booked it yet but I would like to stay at POFQ.

Stephanie - Sorry to hear that things have been rough

And being the proud Maw Maw that I am I have to share this picture of our own Pre School Graduate,

 

[UP Disney]

The boards are going down tonight at 10pm for upgrades again.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1458363

 

[PNO4TE]

Darn. I really like this family. This family that sounded so unreasonable on paper are the most gracious, welcoming people. Their boys are very sweet little guys. There would ALWAYS be people in my work space at this one because it is crazy busy there all the time, but I might kind of like that. There is a BUNCH of staff and business employees around. The house really is big enough that if the boys are tired or overstimulated I could easily move them to a quieter area. There IS TV, they just prefer to limit it. They haven't ever trusted anyone to drive the boys before, but they said I would probably be allowed to drive them or the mom would come along with us to do stuff. Well, if the mom has work to do then I will have to drive the kids, and the parents really do want them to get out and experience things. They do eat very healthy but that's not a bad thing, and shouldn't be too hard to adhere to. I can just pack a lunch if we're going to the zoo or something where I would ordinarily let the kids eat fast food. And money is not an issue in the least. The agent told them a high salary to begin with, and before I left the mom assured me that they can go higher if they need to so I will agree to come work for them.

Now I am completely conflicted. I like all 3 families that I met with, but I think this family knocks the one with the 3 kids out of the race. If I am going to do work-from-home parents I'll go with these guys.

DH and I had a long talk about this. The family I met last night would really be stretching just to get to my low end, and that is after I dropped my low end significantly. Chances are they would end up feeling kind of resentful if they were having to give up things just to pay the nanny. And then next year I don't know what I could expect in terms of an increase. Dadboss does 5% every year, plus a holiday bonus. If they were already paying me as much as they could afford then there wouldn't be much room for increases.

And now the agent just phoned and said this mom says I am THE NANNY for them and they are ready to hire me.

Tough decisions all around, Elizabeth. But I know you will eventually realize which family will match you better. How nice to have a choice!

 

[PNO4TE]

Becky - I hope you get some sleep before a day ay Dorney Park with a herd of Girl Scouts!!

Bernadette - I am sorry I won't get to meet you in October, but I can completely understand why you worked out your trips the way you did. I am gld you got decent airfare and can take both kids. Here's hoping Emma soon learns to love public bathrooms.

Debbie - I have missed saying HI to you in the mornings too. Even *I* have a difficult time wrapping my brain around a 3:30 a.m. start to my day. I hope things are better than they had been. Your DGS is just too cute!! I cannot believe he is that big...

 

[Brendita]

Evening all.
Busy busy here.
Today.
Put up a canopy over the front door.
Rearranged the patio.
Took down living room & dining room ceiling fans.
Put up large fan collars painted to match the walls.
Put back up the fans.
Went grocery shopping.
Cut the grass.
Did 2 loads of laundry.
Gave Boo a bath.
Now I'm out on the patio relaxing with you all.
Sunday no chores.
Going to B.G.
Going to see C.C.R in concert.
Can you believe Ramiro is a big fan.
I'm behind so I'll catch up.

 

[Brendita]

Front door before.

 

[PNO4TE]

The Senior Recital was just terrific. All four students played well and the awards handed out were just awe inspiring.

DD Kristin showed up because she wanted to hear my two students play, and one of my other private students and her Dad showed up because she was in class with three of the students who were in recital. It was so very nice to have that kind of support for these four outstanding young people.

The best part of the day for me was reading the letter that my student Jessica wrote to me. I started teaching her when she was 3 years old and I love her almost like a daughter. In fact, Kristin and I took her to WDW one summer as a complete surprise!

It was very emotional for all of us, needless to say. As she presented me with the letter she asked me not to read it until I got home. Good thing... I have been crying ever since.

One very touching thing was when she asked me to please come to her band concert on Wednesday evening. In addition to being a superb pianist she was first chair percussionist in Virginia's All State Band. She has never asked me to come before. When she said, "I know you have to teach, so I understand," I knew there was more to it. I happen to be done at 6:30 on Wednesday and can go, so I told her I will. It seems she is honoring me as the most influential person in her life other than her parents. I was very touched and blessed. I am glad I can go.

 

[MrsHeg]

Becky - I hope you get some sleep before a day ay Dorney Park with a herd of Girl Scouts!!

Bernadette - I am sorry I won't get to meet you in October, but I can completely understand why you worked out your trips the way you did. I am gld you got decent airfare and can take both kids. Here's hoping Emma soon learns to love public bathrooms.

Debbie - I have missed saying HI to you in the mornings too. Even *I* have a difficult time wrapping my brain around a 3:30 a.m. start to my day. I hope things are better than they had been. Your DGS is just too cute!! I cannot believe he is that big...

Thanks Elin, I was just reminising today about how his PawPaw taught him to turn the light off and on in my bedroom when he was barely big enought to reach it.

Evening all.
Busy busy here.
Today.
Put up a canopy over the front door.
Rearranged the patio.
Took down living room & dining room ceiling fans.
Put up large fan collars painted to match the walls.
Put back up the fans.
Went grocery shopping.
Cut the grass.
Did 2 loads of laundry.
Gave Boo a bath.
Now I'm out on the patio relaxing with you all.
Sunday no chores.
Going to B.G.
Going to see C.C.R in concert.
Can you believe Ramiro is a big fan.
I'm behind so I'll catch up.

Great job as always Jo, I would love to be able to do the things you do.

 

[PNO4TE]

Evening all.
Busy busy here.
Today.
Put up a canopy over the front door.
Rearranged the patio.
Took down living room & dining room ceiling fans.
Put up large fan collars painted to match the walls.
Put back up the fans.
Went grocery shopping.
Cut the grass.
Did 2 loads of laundry.
Gave Boo a bath.
Now I'm out on the patio relaxing with you all.
Sunday no chores.
Going to B.G.
Going to see C.C.R in concert.
Can you believe Ramiro is a big fan.
I'm behind so I'll catch up.

Hi, Jo! Looks like another busy, but productive day for you. I am glad you are getting to relax now.

 

[PNO4TE]

Well, I think I have earned a glass of wine, some fruit and cheese and maybe some television time. I will have to see if I remember how to turn it on! I will check in with you all later. Bye for now!

 

[MrsHeg]

The Senior Recital was just terrific. All four students played well and the awards handed out were just awe inspiring.

DD Kristin showed up because she wanted to hear my two students play, and one of my other private students and her Dad showed up because she was in class with three of the students who were in recital. It was so very nice to have that kind of support for these four outstanding young people.

The best part of the day for me was reading the letter that my student Jessica wrote to me. I started teaching her when she was 3 years old and I love her almost like a daughter. In fact, Kristin and I took her to WDW one summer as a complete surprise!

It was very emotional for all of us, needless to say. As she presented me with the letter she asked me not to read it until I got home. Good thing... I have been crying ever since.

One very touching thing was when she asked me to please come to her band concert on Wednesday evening. In addition to being a superb pianist she was first chair percussionist in Virginia's All State Band. She has never asked me to come before. When she said, "I know you have to teach, so I understand," I knew there was more to it. I happen to be done at 6:30 on Wednesday and can go, so I told her I will. It seems she is honoring me as the most influential person in her life other than her parents. I was very touched and blessed. I am glad I can go.

Congratulations Elin, I would also be in tears, good ones though.

 

[Brendita]

Here is thr front door area after.
Finally got my greeting windchime hung by the front door.
A friend of mine gave it to me.
She is Irish.
It says.
May your troubles
be less and your
blessings be more
and nothing but
happiness come
through the door.
We finally have a cover over the door.
Now we have no rain.

 

[Brendita]

Elizabeth-you have to do what's right for you...but I agree with Marci.

I've had a crappy day....we took Wheezy in to get the shocks looked at...turns out we need a new radiator(second in the time we've had the car) and because of where it's leaking....a timing belt(I think that's it).....a costly fix.

I am home alone earlier and I hear a loud crash....one of the shelves in the laundry nook came down.....spreading a whole new bottle of Oxy Clean everywhere...clean that up go back to work....come home after running a long errand (bright spot of the day...went to the Scholastic Warehouse sale) and nothing has been cleaned up from Jim and Abi's supper, laundry not switched over nothing.

Than I am doing some rearranging and laundry and a door from a cabinet in the laundry nook comes clean off....well not clean....the door can not be used again I don't think.

Friday is supposed to be a good day isn't it???

Sorry to hear about your day.
I would send my DS & DD over to help.
Both are in Denver.
It's just that neither 1 knows the difference
between a hammer & a screwdriver.
All will settle done soon.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

The Senior Recital was just terrific. All four students played well and the awards handed out were just awe inspiring.

DD Kristin showed up because she wanted to hear my two students play, and one of my other private students and her Dad showed up because she was in class with three of the students who were in recital. It was so very nice to have that kind of support for these four outstanding young people.

The best part of the day for me was reading the letter that my student Jessica wrote to me. I started teaching her when she was 3 years old and I love her almost like a daughter. In fact, Kristin and I took her to WDW one summer as a complete surprise!

It was very emotional for all of us, needless to say. As she presented me with the letter she asked me not to read it until I got home. Good thing... I have been crying ever since.

One very touching thing was when she asked me to please come to her band concert on Wednesday evening. In addition to being a superb pianist she was first chair percussionist in Virginia's All State Band. She has never asked me to come before. When she said, "I know you have to teach, so I understand," I knew there was more to it. I happen to be done at 6:30 on Wednesday and can go, so I told her I will. It seems she is honoring me as the most influential person in her life other than her parents. I was very touched and blessed. I am glad I can go.

Elin, what an honor! How wonderful to have such a thoughtful student!
My first little charge goes to high school in August. She will do great, I am sure!

Debbie - Your DGS is way too cute!! Congrats to him! My job thing seemed to go from famine to feast in a matter of days, didn't it?

DH, DS & I are going over to visit with the family tomorrow afternoon so we can all get acquainted, then the agency will step in to help with the contract. Because I may be traveling with the family on weekends (DS, too!) we will need to sort out the specifics for that. I also didn't get into any particulars on vacation, holidays, sick days, overtime, etc. so that all has to be worked out. Hopefully it will go quickly so I can let the other families know I have accepted a position. I don't want to tell them anything just yet, because it could still fall through and then I would need to take a second look at those other 2 families.
I would LOVE to call the agency that requires all the ridiculous stuff and tell them ANOTHER agent placed me. And I would love to do that BEFORE Thursday when I am supposed to go to their STUPID (sorry, Brother ) training course where they tell you how to interview. I seem to have made it through 6 interviews by myself (all in the past few months) and all of those families were interested in hiring me so my interviewing skills must not be THAT bad. That doesn't take into account the interviews I went on in the past where I managed to be hired into THREE different nanny jobs. Why the agency doesn't have some sort of opt out is just beyond me.