With summer approaching, it's that time of the year for vacations. And with vacations means house sitting. The past weekend we had to house sit for a friends mother (which is why I couldn't post on friday), and each house sitting experience is always an interesting one. Usually we never luck out and house sit for someone in the same neighborhood or area, so it's always for someone who lives 30-45 minutes out. Since I've done this a few times (and I'm sure this won't be the last), here are a few things I've learned...feel free to add your own!

-In some cases (especially this one) you can learn a lot about people based on their house, how it's set up, the kind of things they keep/use, and their community.
-Pets are great, but some will like you, listen to you, and become friendly easily, while other's wont. I'm no where near an animal expert, but luckily so far we haven't had any problems with any pets that we house sat for. But I can imagine how some house sitters may have problems with certain animals warming up to them quickly.
-On the same note, some animals are rather spoiled...very spoiled.
-Neighbors. This is a mixed bag cause you never really know what you're going to go. Sometimes there will be some nosey neighbors who seem to monitor every movement, and will raise the red flag if they even see a different car pull up to a house. While on the other end of the spectrum, some neighbors could be completely out of the loop and couldn't tell the difference between the owners of the house and a robber.
-If you thought you would never be allergic to something, then house sit for one weekend. Chances are pretty good that between the daughters 30 different perfumes and lotions or the different cleaning solutions/sprays used throughout the house, your safeness to allergic reactions will be exposed and compromised.

-Different people will have different ideas for rewards/paybacks. From a lot of money, to just enough to barely pay for gas, to a hug and thank you, each person is different. Heck, just feed me and I'll be happy as a clam.
-Speaking of food, take a peak in the fridge or the pantry. Notice how not everyone has the same eating habits as you. Pretty amazing huh.
-Taking out trash and washing dishes is still not enjoyable, that is, even if you decide to clean up after yourself.
-Just because someone owns some high tech/high end equipment doesn't necessarily mean they know how to use it.
And finally...
-if you think your gas and electric bill is high...there's always someone out there with double the bill.
Happy house sitting!

Haha, We just got back and had 2 diff people house sit for us. They do enjoy our large LCD however, our pets....... walked every 3 hours, warm up there canned food with chopped up grilled chicken breasts, chopped carrots and a sprinkle of american cheese melted on the top. And if the little one still does't want to eat spray on some " I ' cant believe it's not Butter!" on the top.

Come and house sit for me

It'll be a little different dining experience...

Everything here is animal-free... and honestly... this is the best I've eaten in years, but it takes a little adjustment!
however, there's still always some caffeine to be had!

lol!

Speaking of which, we are leaving tomorrow for vacation and we're still up in the air about house sitting. Right now it's between a couple friends, and maybe my fiance's brother...

Either way it'll be interesting to see what the house is like when we return...at least the fish have a time-release feeder! One less thing to worry about