Oh where, oh where has my little car gone?

Have you ever parked your car in a garage or parking lot and by the time you are ready to leave, you can’t remember where you parked? Many parking lots and garages have letters and numbers and different signs to help you remember, but it can be so easy to forget, especially if you are running with your kids, your friends, are in a hurry, worried about getting rained on - or more!

Instead of worrrying about where you park, just grab your cell phone and took a picture of the reminder of where you are parked (you know most of those posts are marked with floors and sometime even space numbers) - and then you can forget about where you left the car, without worrying about forgetting!

Since so many cell phones now have cameras built in, this is a great way to help you remember where you parked. There are few things more frustrating than walking around a parking lot and not being able to find your car. This little step could save you from a ton of frustration as you wander around Bellevue Square parking lots, thinking, “oh where oh where has my little car gone?”

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...

Overview of Erika Insurance

Okay. So CCAP has a partnership with Aetna, and that is who our insurance is through. The best doctors for you to see are ones who take Aetna insurance. To find doctors in your area, to go: http://www.aetna.com/docfind

Once you get there, do this:

1. Go to the "Not Yet enrolled in an Aetna Plan"
2. click on DocFind
3. Select search by zip code and enter state
4. Select a type of provider by chosing "People and Places" and select either primary doctor, specialist, or hosptial
5. Select a Plan type - under "Aetna Standard Plan" select "Open Choice PPO"
6. Select "Search Criteria" and click on "view search results now" and then click "continue"

They make it so easy.

Of course, this is an American health plan (for refernce, watch the documentary Sicko...) so there are exclusions to the plan:

• Routine check-ups, physicals, or immunizaitons
• Pre-existing conditions
• Risky sports (anything my old AP tried, apparently....)
• Alcohol and narcotics
• Injuries sustained in a criminal act (although, that will be the least of the worries is not having insurance coverage if you are caught robbing a bank...)

And there are also some limitations, which actually aren't all that bad compared to most plans:

• Mental health disorders ($1000 max)
• Non-accidental dental treatments ($200 max, only with those who have extended insurance)

Claim Forms were in your welcome packet that your host family has. They are also on your intranet that you have access to. If you need to be reimbursed for something, the claim form must be filled out and sent to Chickering. In addition, the AP must send all receipts, itemized bills, police reports (if they exist) and any other relevant information. If you have questions regarding your policy or a claim, call Chickering at 800-783-7447.

Too much luggage going home?

Another LCC raised the question of what to do when an AP has acquired a LOT of stuff during their year in the US. Not just a bunch - we are talking about a LOT of stuff. What is the easiest way to get the luggage home? Do you ship through the post office? Through DHL? Through UPS?

My answer: bring it with you

I know that it seems like the airlines are nickel and diming everywhere trying to make up for lost revenue as they overspend on fuel. However, paying for one or two extra bags is still currently the cheapest way out there to bring home your stuff. Buy the extra duffel bags or suitcases, and bring it with you. A month ago I had a girl who brought 2 extra suitcases home. Each weighed in under 20 kilo's (barely) - but was charged only $50 per suitcase to bring them home to Germany. That is a fantastic deal.

Once you have your ticket, call your airline and find out what their rule is. Even if the cost is $75 or even $100, it's still a great deal. Shipping the same weight through USPS could cost you over $400! And, it's not trackable and it's not guaranteed. At least on the plane, it is trackable and arrives when you do.