Bribery

When my sister found out that I had taken this nanny position, she had a few tips for me. Tips that I have learned are very useful.

1. Pick your battles. Every issue is not life-altering. Some things can slide, others cannot. Know the difference.
2. Stay busy. Plan crafts, play dates, and parks! You know, the whole "Idle hands are the devil's playground" (She didn't use that phrase, for the record).
3. Bribery works.

Let me tell you: that last one is gold. Take it to the bank! When I started this job, I was anticipating saying things like "if you eat all your chicken, you can have a cupcake later!" and "if you finish your chores, you can watch a tv show!" Here's something I didn't anticipate: "If you go potty right now, I'll let you leave those pants on your head. If you stand here and argue with me, I'm going to make you take those pants off your head and you will still go potty!" He went potty immediately.

Whatever works, right?

The Purse Game

I've heard before that the contents of a woman's purse can tell you a lot about her life... So let's talk for a second about my purse. Brace yourselves.

-- Fossil wallet. Very cute and functional. Good start.
-- Day planner. If you know me at all, this doesn't surprise you. I LIVE by my day planner.
-- Lotion that smells like a grandma. I hate the smell, but it's travel size, and it was free. I'll stink for soft hands.
-- Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. If I'm ever stuck in a line at the DMV, I'm ready. I have no plans to go to the DMV, but I'm prepared.
-- 2 chapsticks. Same brand. I'm not really sure what happened. I might have stolen one of them accidentally. If you're missing chapstick, it was me. I'm sorry. And thanks.
-- A dozen coupons, some of which I have no intention of using. I've started couponing, and it may be getting out of hand. "A dollar off men's shampoo?? I'll take it!"
-- 4 different kinds of medicine. My entire family has an allergy problem. I'm prepared for any sort of symptom. The Benedryl is particularly important.
-- Baby socks. No, I don't have any kids of my own.
-- Headphones... And nothing to plug them into. Why not?
And last:
-- Toothpaste. No toothbrush, just the paste.

Now I'm wondering what this says about my life... Anyone else want to play and make me feel better about myself?