44yo Italian lady of all trades available to house sit (locally or else)

About this sitter

Experienced traveler, polyglot, I slowed down after 20 years of work-work-work. I am in my mid-40s now and enjoy doing my crochet, reading, occasionally writing (published a novel), being a substitute teacher in school, and doing volunteer work on and off. I am single and own a small house in central Italy, just outside the city of Rome.
I sit at home a lot and the idea of house sitting started as a way to... sit in someone else's home :) I mean a change of scene is nice sometimes. But I mostly do what I do at home: crochet. House sitting has become very popular and some people are after free accommodation during their holidays. That's not me: I really like to be at home, and since I don't have pets at the moment, I enjoy spending an unreasonable time playing and cuddling with the cat(s).

Why they want to house sit

House sitting has turned out to be an enriching experience on a personal level. I have learned a lot, and I have met incredible people. Of course I like to travel, but I wouldn't need house sitting to do it. I really like the idea of being of service, making myself useful, while enjoying a break from the four walls in my house.
Reason number two, I LOVE cuddling with the kitties. It's all about them. I call them my "clients" and everything revolves around them.
Finally, there's a difference between being a tourist and a traveller. I have always prided myself to be a traveller. House sitting gives me the opportunity to immerse myself into a local reality, "living" there instead of "visiting". I find chores around the house more fulfilling than visiting all the churches in town, if this makes sense–probably not! It does to me.

Their experience

I have had a few sits prior to registering to MindMyHouse, and now I have a couple of reviews here as well. I have been building some confidence as a cat sitter dealing with different situations: sitting for one cat, for three cats, indoor/outdoor cats, cats that need medication (including shots), trimming nails, etc.
I like to say that I specialize in cats :) meaning that I don't sit other animals, even if growing up I've had dogs, parrots, turtles, and chickens. I like to think that there's a competence that one develops by focusing on one... niche of the business, if you will :) after all, cats and dogs are very different creatures, and I am your cat expert.

I am pretty good with plants. Both flowers and vegetables. More than happy to water, trim, pick up, and whatever other garden work you need.

What can they bring to the assignment

I have proven to be responsible, precise, and reliable. If I need something, I'll ask for it. If there's a problem, I will consult you. I don't like to assume. I respect the fact that I am in someone else's home and I am grateful for the opportunity to be there. I am discreet around people's property, and I am mindful of my water and electricity usage. I am used to differentiating waste and I can keep a house clean. I always stay at home overnight and I share many (like, many) pictures and videos of your pets on a daily basis, but can adjust to your needs.