A vote that everyone gets to participate in!

So - a friend of mine (Mark) has been nominated by a local TV show, the King 5 Evening Magazine as ‘best Western Washington Wedding DJ company’. They are having voting on this now... I'd love it if everyone would go to the link (below) and vote for Mark (Seattle Parties)! Thanks!

Link: http://best.king5.com/contests/best-of-western-washington/2336/weddings/dj (vote for ‘Seattle Parties’ ;-) >> takes only a minute! <<

Car Accidents

There have been so many stories recently about car accidents, from fender benders, to parking lot scratches, to all out accidents, that I wanted to be sure to talk about car accidents and what to do.

So, first off if an accident occurs, if at all possible, drive the car out of the road and pull it to the side. If the car can't be driven, then just leave it where it is.

Second - if there is more than very minor damage, call the police. In many countries they do not get involved with minor accidents, but just about any accident will now involve damage over $1000, so it's necessary to get a police report.

Third - call your host family at this point if the children are with you. Be sure to stay calm, let them know if the car is able to be driven, and whether or not you need to have them come to you to help with details, children, or both.

Once you are in a safe place you can start to talk with the driver of the other car. Most times, you can exchange information quite easily - however, if the other driver is aggresive or you do not feel safe for any reason, wait in the car and call the police.

When you speak with the other driver, the first rule is DO NOT ADMIT IT'S YOUR FAULT (even if it is...). That is really up to the insurance companies and police to figure out - but you don't need to share too.

Things to give to the driver of the other car (and they should give you the same information):

• Your WA State Drivers License Number and expiration
• Your insurance company name and policy number
• Make, model and year of the car that you are driving
• License plate number of your car

If you think anyone is hurt, or you are concerned if the kids are there, you need to ask for an ambulance. It is better to be safe than sorry - for both yourself and your kids.

If you were using the car on your own, now is the time to phone your host family to let them know. Be sure to tell them where you are, and whether or not you want them to come.

Once that is done, be sure to take pictures of the accident - of both your car and the other car. Include all of the other car, including parts that were not impacted by the accident. The worst that can happen (but it does) is that you start with a small accident, and afterwards hear about replacing parts of another car that were not part of the accident...

If you do not have a camera on your cell phone, ask your host family to buy disposable cameras for each of the family cars.

LAST... if the police are there, you can leave when they tell you that you can leave. If they did not come, do not leave until you have all of the information that you need from the other driver. If the other driver won't give you the information do easy things - like write down their license plate number, and information about their car... then call the police, and tell them you had an accident that was serious and the other driver is not cooperating and you need help. Trust me, they will come to help you.

So - if you have any questions talk with me or your host family. This is very important for everyone to know about, and to understand so there are no questions if the unthinkable occurs...

The myth of the 4 hour break...

I've heard from so many au pairs about a mythical "4 hour break" that is supposed to be worked into work days for AP's who work a "split shift", so I decided to investigate. It was a short investigation as I found out - when the myth was debunked.

Unfortunately, it didn't take snopes.com but a call to the head office to confirm what is already in the au pair and family handbooks... there is no rule at all about how long of a break should be given to an au pair. As long as au pairs are not working more than 10 hours per day, and no more than 45 hours per week, and getting the required weekends - the day can have a break put into it that is only one or two hours long.

So - for au pairs, track your hours - and if you get a break during the day - revel in that time. Be sure to use it for yourself and not do additional work if the family is not counting it towards your hours. And, if they have scheduled time in for things like laundry, picking up, when kids aren't around - you have a great chance to get efficient - and maybe get some extra time to yourself!

For the host families - use the ability to "split shift" with some common sense. 20 minute breaks aren't really breaks - and it can just tick off an au pair. Be sure that if you require additional work such as kids laundry, dishes, etc - that those kid-related chores can be done in the course of the scheduled work time, and should not be completed when the au pair is off duty.

And for everyone, remember to phone your LCC if you have questions. But for now, please note and share within the rumor chain, that the 4 hour break is a myth and nothing more...

ESL Community Classes

One of the favorite courses for AP's to take locally are the community courses offered through Bellevue Community College, such as their English Conversation I and II classes. The costs vary from $150-350 on average, and can fulfill up to half of the yearly requirements.

The course catalog is here...

You can apply online, or by Please contact the International Student Programs (ISP) office in B-233 or call us at 425-564-3185. Our staff can assist you with admission, registration, and payments. The ISP office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Working out on the Eastside...

There are some great places to join for clubs around here if you want to work out. I haven't been paid any promotional fee's, although it's not a bad idea... :-)

They have differing costs, and will have membership fee's at some places, and definately monthly fees at others. Don't sign anything with a required term (like - you must join for a year).


Curves - women only

Bellevue, WA - Kelsey Creek 15015 Main St., Ste. 105 Bellevue, WA 98007 (425) 644-1042
Mercer Island, WA 8435 SE 68th Street, Ste. 100 Mercer Island, WA 98040 (206) 275-2223
Redmond, WA 8052 - 161st Ave. NE Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 556-1364
Kirkland, WA 10633 NE 68th St. Kirkland, WA 98033 (425) 739-0303

24 Hour Fitness

Bellevue 1505 140th Avenue Ne Bellevue, WA 98005 Phone: (425) 641-1111
Kirkland 529 Parkplace Center Kirkland, WA 98033 Phone: (425) 889-2582

Gold's Gym

Kirkland 11133 120th Ave. NE 425-827-0777
Issaquah 1025 NW Gilman Blvd Suite E-8 425-369-8585

YMCA

Bellevue 14230 Bel-Red Road 425-746-9900

The Cadillac's of Clubs:
ProClub
Bellevue Club

Education Options

There are so many options when considering how to fulfill the educational component of

One of the newest options offered by Cultural Care Au Pair is a new program called "Au Pair Education" - and offers three-day programs in major US cities, and slams out half of the education requirement in one long weekend! Not only do you get the courses, but you also get to hang out with other au pairs, and get to tour around some very cool cities.

There are other options as well:
Bellevue Community College, Bellevue
http://bellevuecollege.edu/
ESL classes at affordable prices, other credits might cost more
Favorite classes: French, TOEFL Preparation, English Conversation

Cascadia Communinty College, Bothell
http://www.cascadia.ctc.edu/
ESL classes for international students
Favorite class: ESL level 4

Lake Washington Technical College, Kirkland
http://www.lwtc.edu/

Seattle Central Community College, Seattle
http://www.seattlecentral.edu/
ESL, affordable prices
Favorite classes: English, Salsa Dance