Today was my first shift of Co-op. I'll assume that most of those who read my blog will have NO idea what that is, so I'll explain. It is, no less than one of the BEST ideas in the history of mankind.
Co-op is actually Babysitting Co-op. It has been going on around here for a while, and I was able to weasle my way in and secure a shift for myself as one of my friends who participates is moving away. (Sorry Sara, I'll miss ya...but yay for me!!!)
So, here is Co-op in a nutshell: There are 10 SAHM ladies who participate. Each one has 1 shift every week. The same shift every week. The shifts are M-F 9-12 and 12-3. I have Tuesdays 9-12. People can email or call atleast a half-hour in advance to secure their spot. You can have as many kids over as you feel comfortable with and the moms pay you in Co-op coupons - - 1/2 or 1 hour laminated cards. I had 6 kids come over and earned 12 1/2 hours of free babysitting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AMAZING!!! So, during the week, if there is an appointment I need to go to, or a workout class I want to go to, or need a moment of kid-less serenity time, I can take my kids to the other Co-opers and pay them with coupons. And, with all those kids they really keep themselves entertained, so it was super fun and really quite easy. For a mere 3 hours of my time, FREE BABYSITTING.
I wish I could reach through the screen and shake you by the shoulders to tell you how AWESOME this is. And you might be thinking 'whoopdy-doo for you' (or any number of other "I could care less" phrases)...but wouldn't it be amazing if you could organize a similar program back home in B-town, or wherever you dwell? I seriously wish I had been doing this for years. How much skinnier would I be (since I could have gone to those aerobics classes I couldn't ever go to since I couldn't afford the child-care @ the gym), and how much easier would grocery shopping have been, etc. FREAKING amazing.
So, thanks to my new friends up here who welcomed me into the club, so to speak. I am looking forward to many kid-free hours in the near future...starting Friday in fact, when 3 of us are doing Zumba @ the Kroc.
This is one happy mom, signing off!
2 comments:
WOOHOO!!! I have been maxing out my co-op this week. I used full three hours on Mon & Wed AND I am using it for ZUMBA on Fri with you! ;) HOORAY!
Megan (Moon) told me all about hers...I'd never heard of it...getting seriously jealous here since there aren't enough SAHMers in my neighborhood...maybe I'll get lucky and have new neighbors move in....!Congrats!
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