Saturday, April 5, 2014

What is that thing you say when you can't think of anything to say?

First, the good news:

I got the job!

Now the weird news:
I {probably} got exposed to chickenpox.

No one in our family or extended family has ever had a case of the chickenpox. Until the first day of my first job is nigh. "Irony, Mr. Collins." I was scheduled to start nannyness this Monday (Yay!) but my sweet little wards haven't had vaccinations and I don't know whether their mother will be fond of the idea of me possibly bringing a batch of chickenpox to their doorstep. What a ridiculous sort of Mary Poppins trick that'd be:

"Is that a carpet bag?"
"Yes, and I've brought you a pock. How would you like another five-hundred?"

Somehow I can't see that endearing me to the little sweethearts. There are two options open now: A.) hope the person who exposed me is actually just stricken with chiggers or an allergic reaction, not pox or B.) email Sharon and cordially invite her to a plague-party hosted by moi. Can a vaccinated person be a carrier? I don't even know. This has thoroughly befuddled me but I know it came as no surprise to God. Therefore, I can only assume He actually knows what He's doing and proceed per usual. I am so excited to begin work with the Downey family. My interview last Tuesday went quite well and I was informed the following day that after prayer and deliberation, I was chosen out of the proposed candidates as the next nanny/lass-of-all-trades to join in their family! I will be working Tuesdays and Thursday with Monday as a swing-day (And the occasional Friday). I am quite excited despite perplexity about our car situation and now this whole chickenpox ordeal. Good heavens. It never rains but it pours, does it? Anyway, striking out on faith that I will be going to work on Monday (or will still have a job if she doesn't want a pox party and needs me to quarantine myself till the case is over), I have compiled a list of advice from famous nannies that I must keep in mind:


When in doubt, put on a puppet show or have a picnic.
And sing. Always sing. Also, cut up your employer's curtains.


It's a good idea to always check your employer's attic for insane wives before accepting a position. 


Never give references, teach your charges long words their parents don't understand...and win horse-races. It encourages affection. Also, like the graphic says, never explain anything. In addition, flying kites and jumping into chalk pictures is always an acceptable outing.


Have a nose like two potatoes and a large black stick to bang. Makes an impression.
 

Dosing medicine and giving baths is very important for the growth of healthy charges.
 

Making friends with your charges and being careful to heed their parents' {sometimes ridiculous} concerns is a grand way to form a life-long relationship. Also, if you are still unmarried by the time they are all grown up, they might turn out excellent matchmakers.


Multiples can be handled and told apart one from another. Even when there are ninety-nine, all with spots.


Say everything three times so it will stick, stick, stick!

Well, wish me luck! I'll be keeping all this advice in mind. If you have any more, leave it in a comment!

6 comments:

  1. I think the Emma one is the most similar to what I've found to be true! Although, my "charges" haven't found me a husband yet. ;)

    Oh, and you may find yourself repeating things more than three times! XD

    You'll do great! I've had that same sort of job for about a year now, and it's fun to see you embark on the same adventure. :)

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  2. Now you're going to have me humming "The Perfect Nanny" all night. "If you want this choice position, have a cheery disposition..."

    Via Nine Coaches Waiting—if you know more than one language, keep one of 'em under your hat, at least for a while. It'll come in handy should any cloak-and-dagger work arise.

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    1. I so BADLY want to read 'Nine Coaches Waiting' now that you AND Jenny recommend it. Shribbly. I don't know when I'll be able to pick up a copy. Can't wait for your Mrs. Meade books!

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  3. Your humor never fails to put a smile on my face, dear nanny friend of mine <3

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  4. this post humored me, since I was also exposed to chicken pox while nannying!
    my whole family got it (excluding me, and my two eldest brothers and our parents. Mum and dad had already gotten it, and us older three were vaccinated as babies and 18 years later it was still hding despite no boosters. remarkable, really). But, I never got sick, and the bairns I was nannying were up to date on their vaccinations.

    Good luck! Nannying is a lot of fun, as well as a lot of work. I learned quite a lot (and gained new talents) during my time as nanny. :)

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  5. Congratulations on the job! Though I am sorry to hear you might have chicken pox! Hopefully it is something different and you will be fine. But the job sounds like a lot of fun. Little kids are SUCH fun to be around!! And you've got a good start on tips on how to be a Nanny! So you're all set!

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