I believe dreams find reality through imaginative and innovative compromises. As a young girl, I loved to barter at thrift stores. I would find stacks of books, of ten or twenty, and rarely pay more than a couple dollars. Some said I was addicted to the books. I did devour them nearly as quickly as I purchased them. But there was also a certain thrill to bartering that somehow added a certain glory to my books. The better the deal, the better the read, it often seemed. I think that I saw the world as I saw Goodwill, one of my favorite stores. Everything and everyone tuned toward my dreams. The passage was wide, the path smooth. And the price? A single smile that charmed all toward my desires. The world truly wished me good will. I saw life as our founding fathers must have, as they must have viewed what we ambiguously call the American Dream and its master, Liberty. And then my world crashed. Goodwill posted a notice, stating something along the lines of: “We no longer barter.
Other people, "What is an au pair?" Before Germany, I would answer, "Basically a nanny who doesn't get paid very much." During Germany, I would sometimes say, "A servant." After Germany, I decided to actually look up what it was I had done. As an etymologist enthusiast, I'm surprised I didn't do this before I submitted my application. au pair = on par with, from the French and means literally, on an equal footing. Of course, that is merely the definition and origins of the phrase. What is an au pair actually? Face value: An au pair is a young person (male or female) between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six who, wishing to learn more of another culture, goes to live with a family. In exchange, they will help with the children and light chores and receive a small pocket allowance that is not to be considered wages. It is standard for them to work four to six hours a day, and they shall work not more than thirty hours a week. They are to h