My entitled neighbor expected free babysitting for months, but the one time I needed her? Radio silence. That’s when I realized kindness has limits. So, I got a little too creative and drew the line with a twist she never saw coming.
Motherhood is a beautiful journey, filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears. But what happens when someone sees your maternal instincts as an opportunity to exploit? When they assume that just because you’re a stay-at-home mom, you’re available 24/7 to be their personal, unpaid nanny? Hi there, I’m Annie, and boy, do I have a story for you…
Picture this: a quaint suburban neighborhood where tranquility reigns supreme. You know the kind? Pristine lawns, friendly waves from passing cars, and block parties that wrap up by 9 p.m. sharp.
That was my slice of paradise, quiet and drama-free. Until Hurricane Megan blew in next door.
From day one, Megan strutted around like she owned the place. Head held high, designer purse swinging, she was the walking definition of “extra.”
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve got nothing but respect for single moms. It’s a tough gig. But Megan? She wore her single mom status like a badge that entitled her to everyone’s time and energy. Especially mine.
Apparently, I was Megan’s personal target for FREE childcare.
“Hi there! I’m Megan,” she chirped, flashing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “And this is my daughter, Lily.”
I bounced my son Tommy perched on my shoulder. “Nice to meet you! I’m Annie, and this little guy is Tommy.”
Megan’s eyes lit up. “Oh, you’re home during the day? That’s fantastic! I’ve been looking for someone reliable to watch Lily. My work schedule is just crazy, you know!”
I felt a twinge of unease but pushed it aside. “Well, I’m usually pretty busy with Tommy, but if you need help in an emergency, I can try.”
Megan’s smile widened. “That’s so sweet of you! I’m sure we’ll be great friends.”
As she left little Lily with me and walked away, I turned to Tommy. “Well, buddy, looks like we’ve got new neighbors. What do you think?”
Tommy gurgled and reached for my hair. If only I’d known what I was getting myself into.
Weeks rolled by and I was at my wit’s end. Megan’s “emergencies” had become a near-daily occurrence.
Despite my growing unease, I brushed it off. We moms gotta stick together, right? But one favor turned into two, then ten, and then I lost count.
The doorbell rang, and I groaned. “Tommy, want to bet who that is?”
I opened the door to find Megan, perfectly coiffed, with Lily in tow. “Annie, you’re a lifesaver! I’ve got this important meeting. You can watch Lily, right?”
I hesitated. “Megan, I’ve got a lot on my plate today and I can’t—”
“It’ll just be a few hours,” she interrupted, already ushering Lily inside. “You’re the best!”
Before I could protest, she was gone, leaving me with two kids and a growing sense of frustration.
Lily looked up at me with big eyes, holding a drawing of red and pink hearts. “Can we play dress-up, Annie?”
I sighed, forcing a smile. “Sure, sweetie. Let’s go find some costumes.”
As I watched the kids play, I couldn’t help but wonder how long I could keep this up.
Picture this: You’re knee-deep in diapers and alphabet songs, cherishing every moment with your little one. Then your neighbor knocks on the door again, flashing a smile and making the same monotonous request.
“Oh, Annie, would you be a sweetheart and babysit Lily for a few hours? I’m sure you wouldn’t mind watching her while I get my nails done.”
Spa days, shopping sprees, hair appointments… you name it, I was babysitting through it all. FOR FREE.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love kids. But there’s a fine line between being neighborly and being a doormat. And folks, I was starting to feel like I had “Welcome” printed on my forehead.
The last straw came on a Tuesday. I was in the middle of a virtual doctor’s appointment when Megan burst in, Lily trailing behind her.
“Annie, emergency! I’ve got to run to the salon. Watch Lily, okay?”
I gaped at her, my doctor’s voice still coming through my earbuds. “Megan, I’m in the middle of—”
“Thanks, you’re a doll!” And just like that, she was gone.
I turned back to my screen, where my doctor looked confused. “Everything okay, Annie?”
I laughed humorlessly. “Just peachy. Now, where were we?”
That night, I vented to my husband, Dan. “I can’t believe her! She just assumes I’m always available.”
Dan frowned. “Honey, you need to set some boundaries. This isn’t fair to you or Tommy.”
“You’re right. Next time she asks, I’m putting my foot down.”
Little did I know, my chance would come sooner than expected.
The following week, Dan and I had a doctor’s appointment. I figured it was the perfect opportunity to ask Megan for a favor.
I knocked on her door, my hopes soaring. Megan answered, looking annoyed at the interruption.
“Hey, Megan. I hate to ask, but Dan and I have a doctor’s appointment. Could you watch Tommy for an hour? I’d really appreciate it.”
Megan’s face twisted. “Oh, Annie. I’m really not comfortable watching other people’s kids. It’s just… stressful, you know? And I need my ‘me time.’ You understand, right?”
I stood there, STUNNED. After everything I’d done for her, she couldn’t spare ONE HOUR?
“Sure! I understand completely.”
As I walked away, something inside me snapped. It was time for a little creative problem-solving.
My opportunity came a few days later when Megan knocked on my door, Lily in tow.
“Annie, I’ve got a hair appointment. You can watch Lily, right?”
I smiled sweetly. “Actually, Megan, I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been meaning to tell you about my new babysitting business.”
Her eyes lit up. “Babysitting business?”
“Yep! I figured since I’m home anyway, why not make some extra money? And since we’re neighbors, I’d be happy to give you a discounted rate.”
Megan leaned in, intrigued. “That’s amazing! How much?”
“Well, normally I’d charge $20 an hour, but for you, let’s say $15.”
Her jaw dropped. “Fifteen dollars an hour? That’s insane! I can’t afford that!”
I shrugged, feigning sympathy. “I know, childcare is so expensive these days. That’s why it’s important to find people willing to help out. Don’t you think?”
Megan’s face reddened. “I’ll figure something out.”
As she stormed off, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. The tables had finally turned.
Over the next few weeks, I fully embraced my role as a “professional” babysitter. Every time Megan asked for a favor, I responded with mock invoices and rate sheets.
One afternoon, she came to pick up Lily ten minutes late. I greeted her with a smile and a piece of paper.
“Here’s your invoice, Megan. Don’t forget the late pick-up fee!”
She snatched the paper, her face contorting with rage. “This is ridiculous! You’re nothing but a greedy witch!”
I raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
“You have no right to charge me after all the times I’ve done favors for you!”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “FAVORS? Like the time I asked you to watch Tommy for one hour and you said you weren’t comfortable watching other people’s kids?”
“That’s… that’s different! I’m a single mom. I’m busy!”
“And I’m a stay-at-home mom running a business,” I countered. “We’re all busy, Megan.”
She grabbed Lily’s hand and stormed off, leaving me feeling both guilty and oddly empowered.
Word of my “babysitting business” spread quickly through the neighborhood. I hadn’t planned on it, but soon other moms came to me with their Megan stories.
Chelsea, another neighbor, caught me at the mailbox. “Annie, you’re a genius! I started charging Megan too, and suddenly she stopped asking me to watch Lily.”
I laughed. “Really? I thought I was the only one.”
Chelsea shook her head. “Oh no, she’s been trying this with everyone. But now? She can’t find anyone to help her for free anymore.”
As we chatted, I saw Megan pull into her driveway. She glared at us before slamming her car door and stomping inside.
I turned to Chelsea. “I almost feel bad.”
“Don’t! She needed to learn she can’t take advantage of people.”
I nodded, watching Megan’s house. “I guess you’re right.”
Weeks passed, and I hardly saw Megan anymore. The constant knocking had stopped, and an eerie quiet settled over our little corner of the neighborhood.
One evening, as I was watering my front garden, I saw her struggling with groceries. For a moment, I considered offering help. Then I remembered all the times she’d left me in the lurch.
“Some people need to carry the heavy weight of their actions!” I muttered and turned around, ignoring her.
Megan soon found herself in a bind. Every time she asked for help babysitting, she was met with either a rate card or a “Sorry, I’m just too busy!”
Frustrated, she realized she couldn’t rely on “FREE” favors anymore and had to pay for a professional sitter.
So, there you have it, folks. Was it petty? Perhaps a bit. Was it satisfying? Absolutely! But sometimes, the best revenge is learning to communicate effectively and set healthy boundaries. Have you ever dealt with an entitled neighbor? How did you handle the situation? Share your stories in the comments!
ROBIN WILLIAMS’ SAN FRANCISCO MANSION: WHERE HIS SON TIED THE KNOT ON THE LATE ACTOR’S BIRTHDAY
Robin Williams passed away in 2014, leaving behind his children: Zelda, Zachary, and Cody. Robin and his ex-wife, Marsha Williams, raised their kids in their San Francisco home.
In 2019, on what would have been Robin’s 73rd birthday, his youngest son honored him by getting married on that special day.
Robin Williams was a beloved actor known for his incredible comedic talent. He starred in popular family films like “Aladdin,” “Jumanji,” “Happy Feet,” and “Night at the Museum.”
Robin died by suicide on August 11, 2014, at his home in Tiburon, California. He was born on July 21, 1951. At the time of his death, he was single and had been married three times. His children were Zelda (34), Zachary (41), and Cody (32).
Robin Williams married his first wife, Valerie Velardi, in 1978. They had a son, Zachary Williams, together. The couple divorced in 1988.
Robin then married Marsha Garces in April 1989. They had two children together: Zelda and Cody Williams.
In 2008, Marsha Garces filed for divorce from Robin Williams. She said they had irreconcilable differences. Marsha requested joint legal custody of their kids, with Robin having visitation rights and paying spousal support. She also asked the court to divide their property after figuring out all their assets.
During their marriage, Marsha and Robin Williams worked together on films like “Jakob the Liar,” “Patch Adams,” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.” After their divorce, Robin married Susan Schneider in 2011, but they divorced in 2014 and did not have any children together.
Robin and Marsha raised their kids, Zelda and Cody, in their San Francisco home, which was at the corner of Sea Cliff Avenue and El Camino Del Mar.
The beautiful San Francisco mansion, which Robin Williams and Marsha Garces renovated in the 1990s, is a large 10,600-square-foot property. Built in 1926, it has more than 20 rooms, including six bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and three half bathrooms.
The home offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headland, and the Pacific Ocean. It was listed for sale at $25 million in October 2023.
Steven Mavromihalis, who is handling the sale, mentioned that Robin and Marsha expanded the house while keeping the original, valuable materials from when it was built in 1926. They also added a movie theater and a grand foyer, which is a central and impressive part of the home leading to its elegant public spaces.
The outside of the property features stunning lawns, bushes, gardens, flowering plants, mature trees, and hedges that surround the entire estate. It includes several sitting areas with clear, open views, making it an ideal space for entertaining guests.
The home includes a four-car garage with both side-by-side and tandem parking options. Inside, the living room is spacious with wooden beams on the ceiling, a wood-burning fireplace, and a French door that opens to the terrace.
The house features a spectacular eat-in kitchen with plenty of counter space, triple sinks, and custom cabinets made from high-quality materials. Next to the kitchen is a butler’s pantry. There’s also a media entertainment room with a half bath that opens to the east lawn and an outdoor dining patio.
The primary suite is designed for peace and tranquility, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. It includes a spacious bath with a soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower. The suite also features a large dressing room and closet. On the upper level, you’ll find four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a home office.
The home includes several hidden safe rooms and a large, ventilated walk-in vault. On the garden level, you’ll find a sauna, a one-bedroom guest apartment, and a fitness center with a full bath. This level also features a wine cellar, a pantry, and plenty of storage closets.
Marsha shared her experience of living in the mansion with Robin. She mentioned that Robin enjoyed shopping for art, and since their home was so large, they bought modern and unique pieces to decorate it. Marsha mixed new, old, historic, and handmade items to create a beautiful and eclectic look for the house.
Robin had a love for toys, so their home was filled with various toy collections. Additionally, some items in the house were particularly special because Marsha and Robin would give each other art pieces as gifts on special occasions like birthdays.
In 2019, Robin Williams’ youngest son paid tribute to his father by getting married at the same San Francisco mansion where Robin and Marsha had raised him.
Robin Williams was very proud of his kids, but he didn’t think of himself as a perfect father. He saw himself as a dad who was always learning and loving his children.
Zachary, his oldest son, graduated from New York University with a degree in rhetoric and followed his dreams to become an actor and director. Zelda, his daughter, made a name for herself in horror movies. Robin described his youngest son, Cody, as “kind but brilliant” and also as an actor.
Robin’s children continue to make him proud, even though he is no longer here. They have each made their own way in the entertainment world as actors and directors. They also make an effort to honor and remember their dad on their special occasions.
Leave a Reply