Nanny Seeks Marriage Material

It was pouring rain downtown when I ran into Hayley York at , a part-time family nanny in the Montrose and La Crescenta areas. She appeared shy and reserved, for the most part ... but when I began to probe her with my incessant inquiries regarding her views on and romance in Montrose, she didn’t hold back. And when it came to losing her religion, this spiritual Renaissance woman knew just how to access her higher power.

Name: Hayley York

Age: 33

Occupation: Nanny

Current Location: on Honolulu Avenue

Relationship Status: Single

Interested In: A creative type with a higher power. 

What brings you out in this terrible weather?

I am heading home from work.

What do you do?

I’m a nanny down the street from here.

Single?

These days, yes.

What are the top three qualities you look for in a guy?

Let’s see ... umm … not an alcoholic or drug addict.

Dreaming big. What else?

Mentally and physically healthy. 

A good start.

And someone who is looking for a committed relationship and to get married and have a family. And someone who is kind and loving and compassionate. 

That’s, like, eight.

But who’s counting? And I would like to get married sooner rather than later.

Is your clock ticking?

It’s ticking. Can you hear it?

How many do you want to have?

Three!

That’s a lot. Have you seen mothers with three kids? 

I know. And the older I get, that dream starts to fade.

I think you will have your wish, I really do. 33 is not 43.

True. I’m just tired and I don’t know how I’m going to do it, even at this age.  And that scares me. I feel like I won’t have energy if I wait much longer.

You don’t look tired. You look pretty beautiful and , if that’s any consolation.

Thanks. I just don’t know if I am going to be up for chasing around 24/7. Taking them to the park, music lessons and things. I have been taking care of either people’s kids for so long that it’s hard to have energy thinking of my own. Although this is all speculation because I am not actually in a right now.

How old is your ideal guy?

Between 34 and 39.

What do you do for fun with the kids you take care of in Montrose?

I like to always be creative with them, whether it’s an art project or going to the park for a nature walk. I have taken kids to several times. I love that place and so do kids. I think it is extremely important to teach kids the magic and importance of creativity early on.

Any favorite local restaurants here?

Right here at Star Café, they have great pizza. It’s easy to call it in and pick it up for dinner. They know me by name here. No doubt about that. They also have a banana bread that’s to die for.

Is that a cross around your neck?

I believe in religion as a and as a tradition. I have a spiritual life that’s separate from all that. And as far as the man I want in my life, I don’t have a religious preference, as long as they believe in a higher power.

I like that!

I find that I judge a lot. And I am very much trying not to these days.

I think that’s fair. I think we all judge. It takes a lot to admit to our own downfalls and human conditions.

And as far as judging, I am my own worst critic. 

Any dating stories?

I don’t know if this totally qualifies, but recently I helped my mom renovate her home and she hired this handyman. He was not my type. But after several weeks, he decided he was in love with me. So, he brought flowers the other day and serenaded me with a guitar.

Was it John Cusack from Say Anything?

He probably liked me because I wasn’t interested. Typical. I think men can sense insecurities and strengths, no matter how much you try and hide your feelings. This is why I have not dated in the past year and a half. I really want to get my self together before I can be there for anyone else and have a satisfying relationship.

Sounds like a good plan. 

Society and my parents used to tell me that a man will make everything better and fix all my problems. Come to find, obviously not true!

How about dating while here in Montrose?

It’s a difficult place to date. Montrose is very family-oriented, so I don’t meet many single dads at the , so to speak. But you never know.

Any advice to singles out there?

Focus on yourself, take care of yourself and don’t base your happiness on others. Practice dating. Don’t go to the first person you are drawn to because that’s usually the worst person for us.

Amen.

Want to be featured in an upcoming “Singled Out?” E-mail the for more information.