I got a job

You can't tell from writing, but there is a definite lack of enthusiasm in the above sentence. Although I'm excited to have a little bit extra money, this job definitely isn't my life's ambition. I have taken a job as a nanny. I am caring for a girl we know from church (her mom also works with Hugo). I thought this would be a snap. I love working with kids. So what if she is a bit older than my specialty (she is 8). I mean, all I have to do is pick her up from school, feed her some meals, help her with her homework, and keep her entertained until her parents pick her up. I can handle this, right? Hmmm...now I'm not so sure.

I convinced Eva (mom) that I should care for Nicole at our house. Eva said that was fine, but I would have to do her laundry. Ok. She's small...how difficult could this be? Well...I didn't realized that the child only had about three shirts and three shorts. When you have so few clothing, there has to be a quick turn around. And, washing clothes that have been washed a million times before is challenging. I feel like the items don't actually come clean anymore.

Also, I have to help Nicole with her homework. I figured a first grader's homework wouldn't be too difficult, right? Wrong. Maybe a first grade assignment in English would be ok. But, a first grade assignment in Spanish is like college trig. Completely ridiculous. Yesterday, I was about in tears.

One of my conditions of having Nicole at our house was she would have to bring toys, games, movies, etc. because I obviously don't have the proper kid stuff. The first day, she came with a movie. The second day, nothing. Today, a coloring book. Not exactly what I had in mind. Oh, wait...she did try to bring something to play with. Her rat. I told her that was NOT an option.

And on top of all this, I spend the entire day feeling completely stupid. There are only so many times I can say "I don't understand," before feeling like an idiot. At first, Nicole would just roll her eyes (very encouraging). Now, she just points at the dictionary. And, she tells me, "pay attention." I am paying attention! I hear you just fine. It's the understanding that's not working.

Did I mention how much all this pain and humiliation, 6 days a week, is earning me? No? Ok...let me tell you. $60 a month. No, that's not a type-o. $60. That will buy two weeks worth of food. Oh well, I guess it's better than nothing!

I'm only on day number 3 of the job. Maybe after a few weeks, things will get better. Or at least my attitude will probably improve. I'll let you know.