I'd like to think it is because I'm trying to be more universal, but I think really it is because I am pretentious. Is it horribly annoying of me to do so, do you think?


No, not at all. I find Britishisms easy on the ear (well, eye in this case, i guess), and they are highly contagious, so you can't possibly be blamed. :)

I second the suggestion that the GawdAwful Babysitter Saga would make quite an amusing novel. Your gift certificate idea is the perfect answer: scrupulously fair, so she can't possibly complain (though I bet she will, but you know: you can, in good conscience, ignore it).