Friday, July 17, 2009

Mega-pixel

Buckle up. You're in for a lengthy post. These are some pictures I took on The Great Minnesota Vacation. It was so much fun to be here again! I pretty much grew up at this cabin.


This was at Itasca State Park, on the way to Minnesota. This is where the Mississippi River is shallow enough to walk across. Some of us elected to cross. Others (such as myself) didn't. It was freezing, after all.


I'm a little proud of these pictures. I know they're of plants, but they turned out so well.



So, at The Cabin, there is a hummingbird feeder. It's been there for as long as I can remember. I attempted to get some cool shots of the hummingbirds, but (being hummingbirds) they're awful fast.

Almost there...

Not quite...

Bingo.



And of course, we went fishing.







The Cabin is pretty much the definition of fun. And it's so beautiful. My dad took some of the following pictures. They really capture the beauty of this place.





And one of my favorite pictures of the vacation:


Right before this picture was taken, my Grandpa actually took my hand and we skipped down the hill. I felt like I was about 5 again. Totally awesome. So then, the five year old gals wanted a turn.

The Cabin = great joy.

Carlie out.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

blah (noun):

1. nonsense; rubbish: What they say is blah.
2. the blahs, a feeling of physical uneasiness, general discomfort, or mild depression; malaise: After the long weekend many workers had the Monday-morning blahs.

–adjective 3. insipid; dull; uninteresting.


Pretty much sums up my day. It wasn't all bad. It certainly doesn't deserve an "ARRRRGGGGGH" or even a "GAAAAHHHH". Just, "blah". I'm not frustrated, I'm just bored-with/tired-of being frustrated. Hence my whiney post about my case of the blahs. I will say this, however. Singing/screaming Pat Benatar's "Love Is A Battlefield" at top volume in the car with a best friend at 11:00 PM really helps discourage the blahs. It doesn't destroy them completely, but certainly helps keep them at a managable quantity. But then I remember that I still haven't seen Harry Potter yet, and the blahs start to multiply. Blah.

Harry, Harry, Harry...

how I've missed you. And unfortunately for us both, that isn't changing for a little while. Yes, I missed the midnight showing of the sixth movie, no need to remind me of that little quirk-in-the-plan. Trust me, Harry, I would've come, but I just couldn't. The time investment, the planning, the money...it just wasn't meant to be. We'll have to have some special time together, just you and me, okay? Movie marathon, all six of them. Quality Harry time. Who needs the crowd anyways? I'll see the movie soon. I hope.

Love,
Ginny (but not really.)

Monday, July 13, 2009

When babysitting...

please don't sit on the baby. It's generally frowned upon by most parents, at least in our society. Luckily, I have more sense than a loaf of bread, and kinda know what I'm doing. Being the oldest of five kids really helps bring out the sitter in you. I've been tending other people's children for...about 4 years now, since I was around twelve. (It doesn't sound very long when I type it out, but boy-howdy does it feel like a long time ago.) Anyways, while babysitting, there are certain things one...picks up. Things that benefit you, and get you jobs, and things that absolutely...do not. And now, without furthur ado, I present...

A Babysitter's Dos and Don'ts

When babysitting...

...straighten up after the kids. It doesn't do any good to play with them for hours, and then leave the mess for the parents. You'd probably be labeled, "bad news". Even if you don't clean up after yourself at home, it's always much more exciting when you have a different house to clean. Just don't poke around their personal belongings...too much.

...wear something casual, but not too casual. A first impression is very important when tending, and let's just say that certain outfits do nothing to help you. At least with the babysitting gig.

...bring movies with you, or treats/toys from home. This is fun for the kids, since they're used to whatever they always have. It mixes it up for them, a bit of novelty. It's also good for you, the sitter, because you can bring your favorite treats. No-brainer.

...do the dishes. It's a brilliant little tool to get extra dough, especially if you get the dishwasher running, or finish up right when the parents walk in the door. "Oh, hi! Just finishing up the dishes from dinner, the kids were in bed hours ago..." *snaps rubber glove*.

...ask the parents when they'll be home, but don't sound anxious for them to get home early. You are there to help, not to rush. Knowing when they'll be home gives you a good idea of how much time you have to get jobs done, like the dishes. It also helps you calculate your cash...ca-CHING.

...remember that you are the adult-figure for the evening. The parents are trusting you with their precious kidlets, and that's a little intimidating. As big as it might seem, it's really quite simple, as long as you follow...

...THE LIST OF BABYSITTER DON'TS.

When babysitting...

...don't sit on the baby. (See earlier in this post.)

...don't eat food that isn't open already. It doesn't look very good if you open the hidden bag of chocolate in the pantry, and leave it almost empty. If it's an open bag of potato chips, hey, that's fair game. But also keep in mind that this is their food. Don't empty the cupboard, Hubbard.

...don't fall asleep. I'm guilty of this one...it's slightly embarrassing to be sound asleep on their couch when they walk in the door, especially if the baby's crying upstairs. Hey, it was late! Doesn't matter the hour: stay awake. Wash dishes if you're bored! (See earlier in this post.)

...don't text. It's rude. Play with the kiddies! You are getting paid for spending time with the chidren, not for sitting on your behind texting Suzy about Johnny. Same goes for the computer.

...don't stress! If the kids are acting crazy, be firm with them. Don't disipline them harshly, but let them know you mean business. But don't forget to be fun, too! You're not a parent, you're the cool babysitter.


Ladies and gents, there ya have it. VeryUsefulTips from the Babysittin' Babe herself. *applause*

Carlie out.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Meh...

Babysitting is a good way to earn money, right? Right. I got 25 bucks tonight. It felt pretty good, especially considering I haven't earned any money in the past...long time. I may even be in negative numbers, but who's counting backwards? Not me! It's onward and upward, 25 dollars and beyond! In other words, I finally have a somewhat steady nannying job. This is...good? Yes.