Deep Thoughts and Potential Babysitting Job

When do you have your best thoughts? The kind where you invent something the world would be useless without, or you solve global warming? Some people do it in the shower. I like to do it while I am running. Yesterday I went for a run around 3 pm, which was just dumb because it was 90 degrees. (Yes, I know it is worse in Birmingham.) Regardless, as I was running I realized I wasn't thinking about anything. "Oh no," I thought, "has my life gotten so boring that I don't even have anything to think about while I am by myself?"

I get distracted easily and noticed a guy running ahead of me. I decided to race him (without his knowledge) and as soon as I picked up the pace, the thoughts began to flow. Apparently the speedier I am, the more problems I am able to solve and the more blog ideas I am able to come up with!

I started thinking about an "interview" (if you can even call it that) I attended this weekend in order for me to qualify to babysit these people's kids. They parents are friends with the kids I already babysit, and in most places, I would think that connection would be enough. I get it - you don't want to leave your kids with some stranger, but is it necessary that I come by on a Saturday afternoon so the parents can grill me and observe how I interact with their children? I was late because I got lost (of course) and started apologizing profusely. I just couldn't read this lady. I know she is a business women in event planning and apparently she does not put up with peons being late.

She took me into the den where her three year old daughter was coloring and her 6 month old daughter was just hanging out. They seem to be super nice kids and easy to get along with. The mom then went to get the dad and we all sat around the living room while everyone stared at me. AWKWARD. They began asking about my babysitting history (really?) and how I would handle different situations. I felt compelled to start babbling about all the interactions I have had with kids and almost wished I had brought my resume! I even threw out there that I took a Babysitting Class sponsored by the Red Cross when I was 11. What?? How long until they were done with me?

They asked how much I charged, and seemed to mull over this amount. In the end, it was agreed upon to be a reasonable price. Then they stared at me while I drew on a chalkboard with their three year old. I told my mother I would have preferred for them to get a nanny cam or something instead of watching me like I was going to run off with their child if they left us alone! Finally it was decided that I would be an appropriate person to babysit the children. At first this was supposed to be once a week for several hours, but apparently they found someone else to take that position. So I went on a faux interview just to keep these kids a few nights a month when the parents want to go out. I did not like this, but it will hopefully lead to a little extra money.

I went for a run today but was more focused on making myself finish than pondering the mysteries of life. I will try to think of something more exciting tomorrow! Have a great Tuesday!