Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Just Say No

I'm up to my eyeballs in commitments these days and have vowed to say no from here on out. It's just so hard, though, because I'm a yes person and an idea person. The problem is that I truly believe I can do it all.

Here's a taste of all the things I've got going on right now.

1) Politics. I'm co-chair of the local progressive political group in town. It's kept me quite busy and although I enjoy it, I'm really looking forward to the end of my term in October.

2) Schools. I helped found and serve as a co-chair of a local group advocating for improved public schools. (Hence the conference embarrassment of yesterday.)

3) Church. We got a new pastor recently and I approached him about starting some kids programming at the parish. I thought long and hard before approaching him because I truly feared that if I brought up the idea I'd be the one put in charge. My fears have come true. We're launching a children's Liturgy of the Word in June and guess who's organizing it? Yep, me. I am committed to it, though, because it will be great for Lucas and I think my spiritual life will greatly improve if I can be fully present for at least half of Mass each week while he's out for the children's portion.

Beyond those huge commitments, I've got some one-time projects going on as well. I'm doing a table at a local environmental fair about green cleaning later this month. And I'm helping put together a yard sale to raise money for a local family in need in early May. (Live nearby and want to donate some items? We'd love to have them!)

Socially, I have book club and of course, I'm committed to blogging here and at DC Metro Moms.

Beyond all that, I have a million ideas of things I want to do. Like, my new blog. Some fun activities for our local parents group. Starting a Ladies Activity Club. Not to mention what will hopefully be my biggest spring/summer/fall project!

Oh, yeah, and I've got that kid and work outside the home 20 hours a week!

Seriously folks, I think that the quote "If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it" was written for me. But from here on out, I just need to start saying no! (Music to Abel's ears, most certainly!)

6 comments:

  1. I'm tired just reading your list! But it does all look like fun, wonderful stuff. Maybe the one thing you should say yes to is planning a vacation!

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  2. I think that you say no about as well as I do! Good luck, though. It really does feel good to say no once in a while. In fact, I've already said "no" today to two work-related things that I really don't need to be a part of.

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  3. this was extremely informative for me. and I'm more even impressed than I thought I would be! Actually, all I could think was, man when Lucas starts school his school is going to LOVE YOU for all the awesome volunteering you're going to do for them. We have a couple AWESOME parents of kids in kinder and 1st grade who do so much for us and all I can think about when I see them is that you're going to be exactly the same way! (so you can put that on the list for "future projects") :) Oh yeah, and as the Godmother, props on getting a youth program going at your church. I approve. :)

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  4. I hear ya babe. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Careful of the stress levels on the project baby front.

    For what it is worth (not much, probably, heh), I'm also trying to get baby #2 started. This frequent sex is tiring but isn't so bad for my marriage at least.

    I hope you are enjoying the good waves of activity in your life right now. Don't stress about the age difference, when I think about that it gets me upset too, but ou know, just stay healthy and positive. :)

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  5. Wow what a busy woman you are!! The way things usually go, most likely you'll say yes to 4 or 5 more things then find out you're preggers... doesn't it all always seem to happen at once? :*) Be good to yourself!

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  6. Wow what a busy woman you are!! The way things usually go, most likely you'll say yes to 4 or 5 more things then find out you're preggers... doesn't it all always seem to happen at once? :*) Be good to yourself!

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