The quest for a new babysitter
My American Title entry is in the mail. 
All right! 
It’s so nice to have a new opportunity in the hands of the U.S. Postal Service. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Still no word from the agent. I’m not worrying about it. I’ll let you know when and if she calls back. It reminds me of that book–He’s Just Not That Into You. Only in this case, it’s a different gender. I need to find someone who is excited and enthusiastic about my writing, because that will translate into the right fit for me and for my work. There is always the possibility that she was hit by a bus, but more likely it’s the case above. 
In the meantime, last night I ventured into terrifying new territory. The babysitter I normally use for my children is going to be a senior next year, off to college, and I will lose her then. 
So I decided, since she was unavailable, to try someone else. :confused2: Scary!
It’s funny how all the baby books talk about how to find an appropriate caregiver, how to make sure they have no criminal record, etc. etc. and then when push comes to shove, parents will take a 13-year-old they don’t even know and leave their two precious babies alone with her. You really do get that desperate for a night out alone.
Fortunately for me, I’m a middle school teacher, and I do know most of the neighborhood kids. I know which ones are conscientious and will actually change a diaper, and which ones could not be trusted to feed a cat. If they turned in their homework on time, they’re in. 
Thankfully my three-year-old is old enough to start telling me what’s going on. Of course, he also tells me, “A bug ate Kenny at school today!” so you have to take his dialogue with a grain of salt.
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
You are right to wait for an agent who loves your work and is enthusiastic about it Michelle
Although LOL on the “he’s just not that into you” comment 
Yay to you for getting your American Title submission in the mail. I’m so hoping that you final so I can go ahead and vote for you 
Suzanne Says:
What I would do back when I hired teenagers (before I had my own teenager who can function as free slave labor babysitting) is check with the babysitter’s mom–will she be home? Can the babysitter call her to come over asap (especially if I’m far away from home during the babysitting time) to advise or help out if there’s a crisis. That would make me feel better, knowing there was adult backup.
Rene Says:
I’m lucky I have all my family near by to watch my kids and haven’t had to find a sitter yet. Its nice because I really don’t have to interview them and they are free. The downside is I feel bad if I call on them too much.
Good luck on the American Title contest. I will definitely be on the look out for you.:cheer:
And, because it is May 19….:starwars: May the Force Be With You
kacey Says:
Man, I am SO glad I’m passed that stage. Had this really responsible girl sitting one night. (good student, recommended by a close friend of her family’s) Her mom was going to be home…etc, etc. We were out with friends and decided to come home early and have an afterdinner drink at my house. We get there and boys were running out our back door. You could smell cigarette smoke. Someone had been up in our bed. And our oldest (about 5? then) was upstairs in bed and had been ALL NIGHT since we left. I was so pissed! And I called her mother who would NOT return my phone calls.
Like I said, I’m so glad I’m passed that stage!
Jill Says:
Michelle, that book He’s Not That Into You cracked me up. You absolutely need an agent who is INTO you.
Tori Says:
Good luck on the American Title contest
and the babysitter search!
Mary Says:
Congrats on the entry. Yippee. Good luck.:wave:
Amy K. Says:
I’m in the same boat as Rene…my mom is my babysitter. I know she’ll take care of the boys even if she does use the TV more than she should. (Hey, she’s free!)
Good luck on AT! And as for the agent… Yes, you need someone into you, but the bus thing could be true too. Keep us posted!
Steph T. Says:
*fingers crossed for both contest entry and getting an ‘into you’ agent*:cheer: Oh - and the babysitter thing too…:wink:
Larissa Says:
I have my fingers crossed for you!!!!
And I’m sure the agent is on vacation. But the wait must be killing you!
Michelle Says:
Bonnie–thank you so much for the encouraging words!
Suzanne–Oh, I want some of that free teenager labor.
Rene–Nearby relatives can be good…and bad, depending!
Can’t wait to see Star Wars (when the crowds die down a little).
Kacey–oh, that’s horrible!:confused: Wow. Now you’re scaring me.
Jill–Amen to that. I want agents who are excited to have me!
Michelle Says:
Tori and Mary–thanks for the good wishes!
Amy–does your mom spoil the kids rotten? Mine would feed them ice cream at every possible moment.
Steph and Larisa–thanks! I’ll keep you posted.
Gee, wish Dorchester would let people vote you IN to the finals.
Speaking of, wonder if Carrie and Bo will make it to the American Idol finals next week? Hope so!
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
I’m with you about Carrie and Bo
Being Canadian, I have to wait for the new season of Canadian Idol to start before I can vote. 
Kristen Says:
Yeah Michelle! I’m so happy to hear you entered the American Title! I can’t wait to see your picture in RT. Go get ‘em!
Crystal* Says:
I LOVE your smilies. And I think you’re fairly fond of the Star War smilies, aren’t you? LMAO
That and machine-gun smiley. heh
The babysitting thing can be TERRIFYING! I lucked out when I was working because there were four daughters in a family I was close to and knew. I worked my way through three of them before I quit. Best of luck!
Grins*
Olga Says:
Best of luck on your American Title entry!