Au Pair Update

So here's the news that's fit to print:

Au Pair (A/P) is here until January 5th. Apparently we have to house her for two weeks after the exit interview. We are not letting her drive since (a) she dinged our car and (b) never got us the paperwork that we need to insure her. So the kids will be spending a lot of time at home over the next two weeks.

We'll start getting applications tomorrow. One thing that we've made very clear -- the new A/P must bring driving record WITH HER!

So for now, we are looking for someone to do the pick-ups two afternoon a week until the new A/P arrives (which, God-willing, will be in February). My parents are being awesome and will do the schlepping the other two days. And, of course, I'll do it on my day off. Quite a change from the nice consistency we've had the past two months. But this is temporary. Just hoping that we'll be able to find someone who is willing to do the driving -- and is only looking for a temporary job.

We're not prepared to write off the entire au pair process yet. It has been discouraging, to be sure. However, I've known many families who have had a wonderful experience. Hopefully we'll be one of those families.

In the meantime, we just soldier on. It's a little awkward having someone live in your home who doesn't really want to be there anymore. But, as the story goes, it could always be worse! (Pooh-pooh-pooh)

Au Pairadise??

Things are nisht gut in au pairadise! Our au pair has given notice. Apparently she doesn't care for being an au pair. Too stressful. Too much work. Making her sick. And what she really wants to do is go to college. She's been unhappy, it turns out, for about four weeks. Never mentioned a thing because "there was no point in saying anything until I made up my mind." One way to approach a problem, I suppose. She has been accepted to a community college in a different part of the county and arranged to move in with two friends -- classes begin on January 8th!

As for us? We go back into the system and begin again. We are a little gun-shy, but feel better prepared this time. And though in any situation both sides are responsible, it is clear to us and to the agency that at least 95% of the blame lies with the au pair and not with us. 8% of au pairs are just not suitable and somehow get through the whole process before anyone figures that out. We'll start looking at candidates and hopefully will find a good match in the next couple of weeks. It will then take about 6 weeks for the new one to arrive in our home.

It's a darn good thing that I'm a calm person by nature or else I'd be totally freaking out right now ;)

All Jewish All the Time

at least during the 8 days of Chanukah. That's right. XM Satellite Radio has a channel devoted entirely to Jewish music. And for those who do not subscribe to XM, it is available online for free this entire week. Much of the music has absolutely nothing to do with the Festival of Lights. It is just Jewish in nature -- and sometimes the only thing Jewish has been the artist. But it has been fun to hear such a wide variety of Jewish tunes coming from my computer speakers as well as being introduced to new composers and artists. It will continue through the end of Chanukah so go ahead and take a listen.

A lichtegeh and freilichin Chanukah!

Hello World!

Frume Sarah is back in the saddle. As some of you know, it's been a crazy few months with the anticipated arrival of "Peach" sometime after Pesach. The morning sickness was just unbelievable this time 'round. It was never just in the morning -- and it lasted about 21 weeks!! I still get a bit queasy in the morning and late at night as well. But very little throwing up now (sorry for the graphics here) and that is a very good thing. I've finally gained a little weight -- which is also a very good thing.

And it isn't as if I haven't had opinions and musings that I longed to share with you. I just lacked the koyach (strength) to type.

However, I am committed to push aside the exhaustion in order to share my innermost thoughts and rants with you.

Happy reading!!