Dear Nannies:

Dear Nannies:

I am writing this blog to beg you/remind you to please be professional. I know that's what we all strive for. I mean, who actually wants to be known as an unprofessional nanny? Umm, no one...because you're not likely to find a job, at least not one that pays well with that reputation. Anyhow, this just really came to light today because of someone else's experience with being fired from a job due to her employer seeing her blog. I'm not going to specifically call this person out, but I will say she's young (not that I'm old!). I started nannying when I was her age (19) and I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't know anything about contracts or how to be professional. I'm not going to say I'm perfect. I still make mistakes. I'm just saying when online, whether posting anonymously or not, we have to be extremely careful what we're saying. When you work for a private family, whether you sign a contract or not, you're agreeing to be confidential. That means if the parent asks you not to post pictures (I'm guilty of this one), identify where they work, give their names out, etc., you don't do it. And what you post online can and will be searched. A parent has every right to see what you're posting and fire you because of it. Before posting any pictures or kids' names, you need to talk to the parents and ask if they're okay with this. Think before you post. Would you be embarrassed if your boss or potential employer later read what you wrote? Don't post it. Could it get you fired? Don't post it. Would you say it in front of your boss/friends/family members? If not, then don't post it. Go ahead and vent. Just be careful what you're saying/what information you're giving out before you post it. If it's something that can't be posted and you still need to vent, confide in a close friend or family member, with them having the understanding that it's not to be repeated. I highly recommend having private accounts for nanny related posts, as long as you're still following your boss's wishes regarding what they don't want posted. That way, your bosses are less likely to see what you've posted. I just made one today for this very reason.

Also, before you post, just try to put yourself in your employer's shoes and think about how you would feel if you were the parent reading what your nanny was posting about you and your children. I personally know that if I was the parent, I'd be highly protective of my children. If I went online and found a blog my nanny posted stating that my children were brats, the nanny hated working for my family, I was a terrible parent, the nanny was looking for another position, etc., I'd fire my nanny. And I'd worry about my children's safety and well-being and how that nanny was taking care of and treating my children.

Okay, end of my rant. Just think twice before you post. :)

My Bucket List

This is my bucket list. It's still a work in progress, I will add more things if I think about them. Many of them do involve meeting people I look up to, but if you know me, this should come as no surprise.

1. Visit Alabama.
2. Visit Florida.
3. Go to Disneyworld.
4. Visit the Like-Me Lighthouse in Kansas City.
5. Visit Louisiana.
6. Visit Mississippi.
7. Visit New Jersey.
8. Visit New York.
9. Go sledding.
10. Swim with dolphins.
11. Visit Pennsylvania.
12. Meet Chely Wright.
13. Fall in love.
14. Get married.
15. Have a baby.
16. Meet Jake Owen.
17. Meet Eric Church.
18. See Mallary Hope in concert.
19. Meet Mallary Hope.
20. Meet Carrie Underwood.
21. Meet Sugarland.
22. Meet Luke Bryan.
23. Spend a week in Nashville.
24. Go to a Broadway show.
25. Meet Tracy and Stamie from The Real L Word.
26. Meet Cori and Kacy from The Real L Word.
27. Meet Whitney Mixter from The Real L Word.
28. Meet Nikki and Jill from The Real L Word.
29. Go rock wall climbing.
30. Meet Martina McBride.
31. Visit Niagara Falls.
32. Visit Toronto.
33. Visit Australia.
34. Take horseback riding lessons.
35. Go horseback riding along the beach.
36. Go ice skating on a frozen pond.
37. Take a self defense class.
38. Ride in a hot air balloon.
39. Go on a helicopter ride.
40. Ride a mechanical bull.
41. Drive down Route 66.
42. Feed a koala bear.
43. Feed a kangaroo.
44. Adopt a pet from the animal shelter.
45. Visit the Grand Canyon.
46. See the Northern Lights.
47. Meet Sara Evans.
48. Visit a wax museum.
49. Go to the Caribbean.
50. Become a St. Jude Partner In Hope.
51. Sponsor a child.
52. Climb up the Statue of Liberty.
53. Go to Universal Studios.
54. Visit the Hershey Chocolate Factory.
55. See the Golden Gate Bridge.
56. Visit the Four Corners.
57. Go to the Pike Place Market in Seattle.
58. Donate blood.
59. Become a better baker.
60. Learn how to cook.
61. Go night swimming.
62. Throw a surprise party.
63. Pass out random notes to strangers reminding them they are loved.
64. Leave a tip that's bigger than the tab.
65. Pay for the person behind me at Starbucks.
66. Go to CMA Fest.
67. Go to Hoedown.
68. Go to a Pride Festival.
69. Participate in a NOH8 photo shoot.
70. Volunteer with an LGBT organization.

I'm Moving To Michigan...

Hi everyone,

So it's finally time to give you an update on my life.

My boss, Jen, got laid off a month ago and is now staying home with Hugh. That leaves me looking for a job (don't worry, they love me and took care of me so I could get by for a while :) ). However, I haven't been able to find a job here. So after alot of thinking and figuring things out, I have decided to move with my mom in Grand Rapids, MI. I'm very excited about this decision and getting to spend time with my mom and stepdad and his family there. There are surprisingly alot of nanny jobs there, so I'm sure I'll be able to find something. I'll be leaving April 24th and should get there by the 25th or 26th. My Aunt Judy is flying down and driving with me.

So that's the latest on what's going on with me. Wish me luck. :) PS...I'm going to really miss my friends that I've made here, but I'm sure I'll be back to visit.