The Nanny Diaries s01e07: Finding The One

THERE is still no salvation in sight. The title may be misleading, giving the impression that I have already found my perfect nanny, but nope…two years and I am still in search for The One. Or am I?

Not having a nanny for the past two years has been both good and bad, although oftentimes I am inclined to say it has done more good than bad (never mind that our home oftentimes appears like the splitting image of the aftermath of a nuclear war) – given the bonding moments with my kids and Hubby in sharing household chores, the “economy” of being nanny-less and being in control of how supplies are used wisely (most of the time), and the knowledge that doing the laundry and cleaning the house somehow burns calories and makes possible a healthy body with all that exercise. (Take note that I said “the knowledge” that it somehow burns calories because to date, I have no prima facie proof of burned calories and a slim body – I just have the “knowledge” that I am somewhat getting there, someday soon.)

I hate to admit it, but yes, I am having fun (most of the times). I am feeling less wistful about losing that seemingly perfect nanny we had two years ago, and although I miss that five-star quality nanny service and her delectable meals I have accepted the fact that I will probably never find one like her again. Problem is, either there is really a shortage of willing househelp, or I probably am not looking very hard…and that is my subconscious telling me that I am resigned to the idea that the ‘perfect’ nanny I’m looking for is right in front of me…literally, in front of me when I’m facing the mirror. Nobody, nobody but me.

So far I have made myself a great ‘team’ of household buddies, even inanimate ones – from our reliable washing machine to fabric softeners to those precious chandelier hangers for the gazillion undies and pairless (!) socks we seem to accumulate every week, to oil burners and scented oils (which I burn as I do the dishes and transform my kitchen into a pseudo-spa), to air fresheners, to lemon-scented rubber gloves, to fabulous music blaring from my IPod dock, to my new BFF, the baking soda. Oh my, the hundreds of things you can do with a baking soda and a brush/ sponge. Funny, I have no idea what baking soda is for in baking, but it sure can do cleaning wonders for my kitchen.

Whenever I feel like trying my luck in preparing a dish, there is always the internet to tell me (even show me) how it is prepared. But even with the countless recipes online, sometimes my ‘talent’ (or lack of it) is not as apt as my ability to search, so oftentimes I just leave it to Hubby. Too many cooks spoil the broth anyway.

So the secret to enjoying domestication lies in reliable “teammates” both human and inanimate, fab music, the power of imagination…and the humble acknowledgment that you cannot do everything; that you cannot save the world. Well, not all the time.

(serendipity.couch@gmail.com)