Yesterday I did go to church, and I did exchange the Terry's Oranges for the correct flavor, but I did not go to the animal shelter. I didn't go today either. I have however kept myself pretty busy.
I spent a great deal of time yesterday evening copying 5 audiobooks onto my computer, and then transferring them to my iPhone. I had to delete a few I already had on there (and had listened to already).
Today I got up kind of late (because I was up till past midnight loading the audiobooks!) I first went to the dollar theater for the early showing of Ice Age 3. It was really cute - well worth the dollar. 
Then I went to the library and dropped off the audiobooks from Saturday night, and picked up 4 more. I would've picked up 5, but several of the ones I was looking for were checked out.
When I got home, I started cleaning and sorting through everything, and then finally got my big suitcase out.
I had to empty that also - I'd stored most of my out of season clothing and some clothes which I'd not been able to fit into when I moved in here in September. But ... two pairs of jeans which were in that category, now fit again! Yahoo! (Thanks No-S!!)
While I was doing all this packing and cleaning and sorting, I was also working on loading up my next 4 audiobooks. I wonder if I'll really have time to listen to 7 books (8 if I get the one off the website). No matter how many I actually get to, it will make for a great head start for next semester! I just have to be sure to jot down notes about the various books.
My suitcase and laundry basket are both out in the car now. (I didn't think it would be much fun to try to drag them outside at 6 in the morning tomorrow!) So, I am pretty much all ready to go!
I've been keeping an eye on the weather in Denver, and am a tad bit nervous. My layover will be there on Tuesday afternoon. They are supposed to get hit with snow by Wednesday sometime.
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Tomorrow I'm heading over to my mom's straight after work. I'm supposed to help her finish up her baking. She's making a bunch of cookies, etc. for my brother's Christmas present. She's already spent at least one full day on this ... I really hope she hasn't made a lot. There's only so much room in my bag!
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I have a business idea in my head. I don't know if it would work or not .. or if anyone would be willing to pay me as much as I'd need for it to work.
I'm also not sure what the best title would be ...
My idea is to offer my services from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday; and from 2 - 5 p.m. on Friday's. (I may be willing to do an occasional Sunday as well, depending on schoolwork load.)
My services would include: grocery shopping; folding laundry; picking up dry cleaning; picking up a max of two kids from school; tutoring/supervising homework/music practice, fixing after school snack/cleanup, maybe fixing supper or starting it, etc; chauffeuring kids to after school activities; etc. During the summer, I would offer enrichment activities and taking kids to the park, museums, playdates, etc. Other tasks could be negotiated.
Pricing would start at $25/hour for the first 20 hours per week. Hours 21 - 30 would be priced at $15/hour.
If I could get even 20 hours a week doing this, I would be able to quit the gym. I would still have the morning hours, plus most of Friday and Sunday to do schoolwork.
My mom charges (and gets) $50/hour for tutoring. Of course she already has her Master's ...
I'd have to up my car insurance for carrying kids. I'd also need to put together a contract spelling out everything parents and I agree to. Probably would also need some kind of medical release and accident waiver, etc.
What do you think of something like -- Mom's Assistant? or Mom's Third Hand???
Do you think my rate may be too much?
Anyway, just kind of mulling the idea in my head. I really would like to get out of the gym, and it would be nice to make more money than I am now (wouldn't take much!)
Oh yeah, my selling points: Texas state certified teacher with 8 years of experience, in grad school working on Master's; excellent driving record; love to play games (board games, catch, swings, etc.) believe strongly in interactive learning; may be able to save money on groceries (clipping coupons for items frequently on their list - maybe sign up for grocery game for their favorite store, and make suggestions as to what they might want to stock up on ...)
Packing and Cleaning - Business Idea??
December 21st, 2009 at 01:07 am
December 21st, 2009 at 02:55 am 1261364101
I think the mother's helper idea could work. I'm not sure if the price is right or not though - it might be ok for your area. Do some research online. See if you can find forums or CL ads or anything like that in any area for people offering similar services. That might give you some ideas.
December 21st, 2009 at 03:13 am 1261365197
December 21st, 2009 at 03:26 am 1261365967
December 21st, 2009 at 03:26 am 1261366011
December 21st, 2009 at 03:44 am 1261367051
As far as marketing it, you could pursue different streams. The parent set for tutoring, kid pickup, enrichment activities (advertise in preschools, library kids programs, elementary schools), and the harried parent/elderly set for grocery shopping, pick up dry cleaning, etc. (advertise at train stations, bus stops, local community papers).
Love "The Wife's Wife". Wish I had one!
December 21st, 2009 at 02:38 pm 1261406320
Now being a post-partum doula is well-paying -- $25-$35/hr to stay overnight and tend to a baby! That's easily $200/night.
December 21st, 2009 at 03:12 pm 1261408334
Zetta, how would one go about becoming an overnight post partum doula? Would it be similar to being a nanny - just at night? That does sound interesting - and would be less wear and tear on my car ...
December 21st, 2009 at 04:26 pm 1261412805
Pretty much, there are a billion people offering to do the same thing for $25/hour. So being "cheap enough" is kind of key. When I was looking for a part-time sitter for the kids I got a lot of offers for some insane amounts. Like $20/hour. It's like, huh? For other moms to watch my kids while they watch theirs? Are they crazy? I can find a sitter for $12/hour for 2 kids, any time. Of course, once you prove yourself you can always ask for a little more - once you start getting word of mouth jobs, etc. Don't get me wrong - there is large demand for "nannies" like you describe. Where I live anyway. Just a lot of people think they should get paid a lot more than market. You'll have to find the right price point.
Of course - now that I think about it - full-time care is usually offered much cheaper here. So maybe zetta's quoted price would be a little high for somewhere like here. That probably makes more sense. You may be lucky to get $10/hour for 2 kids in a less expensive area. (I can tell you no one would hire you for $400 per week for 2 kids - so the price becomes maybe $800 per month or something - which doesn't amount to much hourly).
December 21st, 2009 at 05:24 pm 1261416244
I think you are probably right. I've seen ads for full time care for the $800 - $1000/month range for in home care. I think if I focused more on just the tutoring/ enrichment part, as far as kids, I might be able to get $25/hr. But if I muddy the waters to become more of a nanny/ babysitting gig, then 15. - 20 may be wanting too much.
Maybe I can advertise seperately - straight tutoring for $25/hr and babysitting/nanny/errand service for 10/ hr.
I just have this feeling that I'm going to be needing to find an extra source of income soon. Everyones hours at the gyms have been cut - except mine, at least for now.
December 21st, 2009 at 07:37 pm 1261424235
December 21st, 2009 at 08:58 pm 1261429123
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:59 pm 1261526386