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!
I’m trying to get going here! I have to make a cake for my mother in law’s birthday (Feb.11th)and not sure what to make…She loves my carrot cake and cream cheese icing, so I was going to do a basketweave cake with fresh flowers, but saw this pink one and thought it was adorable.Of course I should have done the bow yesterday if I wanted this one…I did one similar in white and gold for my grandad’s 90th birthday/Grandparents 65th anniversary in September. It turned out really cute and I had their initials on top and all their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids initials on a star each. It was carrot with cream cheese insides and fondant on the outside (stars were gumpaste.) I am going to try and put together an album with some of my cakes, but not sure how soon!Scott and I keep talking about opening a restaurant. I want to have Jac potty trained first though!I’ll post photos after the cake is done.Jac has told me how dumb I’m being writing on here. I try to do this before he’s awake and it looks liketime’s up. My goal is to have a good Worldfest booth tomorrow for Girl Scouts, make a cake, and try to make yoga next week! (I’ve been so bad and my body’s letting me know it!)
