Like alot of people, the week starts on "Monday" because that is the first day of the work week. I know the calendar (or at least most) start the week on Sunday. But for this entry....the week starts on Monday.
Work is in a BAAAAD place. Everyone is stressed. Yesterday my boss was in and out of meetings, and during the time he was in the office, he didn't speak. He just didn't have the energy. Many of our newer employees are getting into some bad habits, that we are trying to break. But meanwhile, their bad habits are making my day much more difficult. I am back looking for a new position (hopefully closer to home). If I am offered a job...my boss will have the opportunity to keep me by making it worth my while. I doubt he will, and then he will REALLY be stressed....he forgets how much I do.
G-man's cell phone died. He said nothing traumatic happened (dropping, water, etc). We do have insurance, but I not entirely sure what our layout will be to get him a new phone (the same one or ...we aren't upgrading).
I worked until 6pm last night, went straight to a PTA Board meeting. Didn't get home until 10:30pm. Went to bed with a headache....woke up at 4:00am, and was almost paralyzed with pain. I barely made it downstairs to get some Motrin. Took almost another hour before the pain started to subside, and I fell back asleep.
G-man had to get up at 4:30am today to go to a training (super long day for him...but 9 hours of overtime!). He forgot to set the alarm for me. Luckily....our cats made sure I got up on time.
My head is still hurting, and I think I have a change of season cold coming on. Open House at school is tonight. I have a ton of PTA work to do (thanks to the Board meeting), that needs to be done by tomorrow evening.
Oh, and my Dad called. We didn't really talk, as I was at at work (he pays no attention to the time when he calls). But he hinted that they are just so tired of my attitude. (BTW....kids birthday was over 2 weeks ago...still nothing from them).
I know I keep whining....but there is so much that is falling apart, and it all feeds off each other. I just need to catch my breath.
On a positive note....the washing machine is fixed!!!
I imagine you've considered this, but would life be easier for everyone in your family if you gave up the PTA work?
ReplyDeleteSeptember is always a heavy PTA month. It does get easier.
DeleteThat said...while I will always participate in PTA and volunteer, this will be my last year of doing it at this level. At least for the next few years. ;)
At this point, I am on the Board as Secretary, co-chair 3 bookfairs, help out with the fundraisers, as well as getting pulled into other events as needed.
There is always alot to do...and unfortunately not many people willing to do it.
I am so sorry things are really tough right now! *Hugs*
ReplyDeleteBut yeah on the washing machine getting fixed and the OT for hubby! :)
Work is probably the worst of it. And no real end in sight. But I am happy to have my washing machine back!
DeleteYeah quit the PTA!
ReplyDeleteHS
Would your wife....the teacher.....agree??? Remember, some day Baby will be in school. Don't you want her to go to a school where there is active parent involvement? Education isn't just 6 hrs at school per day!
DeleteIt doesn't really matter what any teacher thinks. They are paid for their jobs, and you have your own job as well as a family to care for. I think people are saying you might want to put family life at home ahead of whatever the PTA keeps you busy doing.
DeletePTA is Parent-Teacher Association. The main focus of the organization is to foster the involvement of families and teachers for the greater good of the children.
DeleteYes, teachers are paid for their job. Parents aren't paid (in money) for being parents. Part of the responsibility of parenting is being involved in the education and school of their children. Most teachers will agree that parental involvement is key in the education system. This is not only checking HW and such...this is being part of the school community.
I really don't know why everyone thinks that I put PTA BEFORE my own family. Yes, I have alot on my plate right now...and it takes me some time to establish equalibrium. But that doesn't mean I am not devoting time to my family.
A major problem in the schools is the lack of involvement from the parents. If you choose to not be involved...fine. But don't put down those of us who do. I am sorry if your school doesn't have an active community. It appears you don't mind that. If you did think it was a problem...you might choose to put yourself out there an be more involved.
I mean at least take a break ? we don't want you to burn out!! There will always be other parents that will do PTA.
DeleteAt my kids school I would say the PTA provides some benefit to the children, but not enough to justify late nights out and lots of stress. I guess I was wondering whether the hours you are devoting to the PTA might be better spent focused on your own kids. I agree education requires more than 6 hours per day; the question is how a family provides the extra that is needed. If the board meetings are giving you paralyzing headaches, maybe your family would be better off if you got a good night's sleep and weren't in pain....
ReplyDeleteAt my kids school I would say the PTA provides some benefit to the children, but not enough to justify late nights out and lots of stress. I guess I was wondering whether the hours you are devoting to the PTA might be better spent focused on your own kids. I agree education requires more than 6 hours per day; the question is how a family provides the extra that is needed. If the board meetings are giving you paralyzing headaches, maybe your family would be better off if you got a good night's sleep and weren't in pain....
ReplyDeleteMaybe I wasn't making myself clear....I still was feeling terrible when I wrote the post.
DeletePTA didn't cause the headache. That was just unfortunate timing. The meeting was fine. The work I needed to do comes with the territory of being Secretary. The unfortunate part is that sometimes we come up up with a great idea....and then we need a quick turnaround to make it work.
My board is terrific! But there is a small number of people who are "active" in PTA. So it is typically the same 15 people who do everything. We are trying get families more involved, but it is a slow process. Everyone loves the events and they are always well attended by the school community. But people don't want to put the work into making those things happen. They are happy to just show up and attend.
I spend ALOT of time focused on my kids. And my kids come with me to many many things. We eat dinner together. I sit and do HW with them. We work on projects, attend events. I am a little insulted that you seem to think I don't focus on my own family.
I feel sad for your kids school that the PTA only benefits a small population. Our PTA is very focused on the the entire school population.
I know and understand PTA is a lot of work for you... but I support you on that! I had a co-worker who had to quit because she missed being involved. It is a choice, and I respect yours, especially as busy as you are. Hopefully more people from that board come up and help you! Congrats on getting the washing machine fixed. That's always awesome. 9 hours of overtime? Ouch! Hope he gets some good rest afterwards!
ReplyDeleteI think more people need to get involved in volunteering with something. I know it has taught my kids the value of giving back to the community.
DeleteMy kids love that all the kids know who I am. Kids give me hugs in the hall when I see them. And my own kids beam with pride.
I agree that by and large, the PTA is something for people who have lots of time on their hands and not much else to do. Our PTA seems to be mostly a money-waster, providing benefits chiefly for the children of those holding office.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could try something like this with your parents: When they mention your attitude, say, "Before I address that, I'd like to ask you about some of your actions. In particular, did a birthday slip your mind? Did you mean to at least say 'Happy Birthday'? Because it's strange and a little hurtful when people so special to the twins don't remember or at least mention it."
Well, if PTA is only for people with alot of time....then no one would ever be involved. In my experience, everyone thinks they are "too busy." But the old adage goes....if you need something done, ask a busy person. They are better at time management.
DeleteAs I stated above...our PTA is focused on the school community...not just our own kids. Our PTA does alot for the school....and it is greatly appreciated by the school staff. The parents appreciate it as well...when it comes to attending and benefiting....just not as good as helping.
My parents....there is way more that has happened since this morning.....At one point in the conversation I stated something similar to what you said...and I was told that this is only one birthday, and they have "remembered" the other ones...
Trust me....there is sooooo much more to this than the bits I have shared.
I think you need to give your parents up before the PTA LOL At least the PTA give you something rewarding
ReplyDelete