The topic of volunteering and how it can eat your life up seems to keep coming up. Suzy Ormon (that money lady from Oprah) says you shouldn’t ever volunteer when you could get paid, but I really don’t agree. I have always felt that volunteering is extremely important, whether it be in an organized setting or just helping a neighbor, and have always tried to do everything I can to help. But, that being said, how do you know how much is too much, and when to say “no?”

Last year about killed me and I vowed this year I wouldn’t do as much and would learn to be forceful and say “NO!” Scott says I have a big “Sucker” stamp on my forehead and that makes people ask me to do everything- maybe I do (I’d have to look in the mirror for that.)

My calendar this month has 21 days with volunteer “to do’s” scheduled, and I don’t think I wrote them all down. We have Girl Scout cookie sales going on, lots of school parties and trips, and Boy Scout (and Girl Scout) Pinewood Derby in the next two weeks. I don’t know if I want to add up all the work I do, because I might not do it all if I did. (Probably realize I could have a full-time job!) Does anyone else feel that way?

Now, I know I sound like I’m whining, and I’m not really… I don’t think I could give up any of the things I do now without feeling regrets (except MAYBE for the Capri Sun bag recycling!) We even were looking at a volunteer vacation but the kids are still too young. My poor little guy (and my mom) is always being dragged around for something or another, but it doesn’t seem to have hurt him. Everyone knows his name and he’s getting to be a good cookie salesman! I want my children to make a difference in the world and maybe by seeing how little things matter will help them achieve that.

So, I’m not going to look at next month’s schedule and get cracking around this place while I have a free moment… (yes, I have about four hours of “work” today I signed up for!)

I’d really appreciate your thoughts on how much is too much!