top 13 reasons I am not seeking re-election

(Cue something Presidential. Or better yet, Vice Presidential...)

I am back between volunteering in each of the kids' classes today; call me marathon mama. It's what I like best, working one-on-one with students, seeing my kids' proud faces when I walk in their classroom. Even Lexi doesn't disown me quite yet but the clock may be ticking.

I gave my PTA board position a go. There have been a few sweet moments and I have certainly learned a lot about education in my state, local concerns. But it's not for me.

  • *First, there's the logistics: We may be relocating to our neighboring state this summer. I don't like to talk about it.
  • *Receiving emails WITH TOO MANY CAPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Please stop shouting...)
  • *Other general drama and chaos. Dare I say that some people crave it?
  • *Dare I say that I do not? I like my wits about me.
  • *Blogging 'commitments'.
  • *Nasty phone calls in the morning. (There was only one, but it left an impression.)
  • *I'm not a single Mom, but I play one at parties.
  • *I'm focusing on my health, my friends, my family, my writing.
  • *The neglected housework alone threatens to swallow me whole. (Does Roomba have a brother?)
  • *Mandatory meetings beginning 25 minutes late, leaving me antsy.
  • *I'd rather focus on being an advocate where I think I can make a difference: CASA?
  • *Because I am a bit lazy. Because Stephanie isn't running again.
  • *The #1 reason: My kids want me in their class. At recess. At lunch. I don't want to miss my chance.

I'm not filled with regret. I'm full of focus.

Comments

Sounds like a well thought out decision to me!
Melanie said…
Roomba is on his way. With current road conditions and his top speed of 5 mph, he should be there in 45, maybe 47 days.
Mrs. G. said…
Good call, I think.
lapoflux said…
Good on you to know where you want to focus your energy. And way too many reasons to keep going (anything over 3 exclamation points is way too many, even for me).
Enjoy your time in class!
Anonymous said…
I know how you feel!

I tried a bunch of PTA-sponsored volunteer activities last year. One I dropped out of this year as it was not a pleasant experiencedue to personality conflicts/drama/meanness/queen-bee-isms etc. Oh well, I tried...

This year I am only doing *2* regularly-scheduled pta-sponsored volunteer positions: clerical work ("Friday Packets") and book checkout and filing at the library. I like the book check-out part - I get to sit on my butt and wield a cool scanner! But, c'mon now, does ANYONE like book filing? Bending low and realizing how demolished the "sports" section is (esp. after a group of 4th grade "browses" it?) Damn Mr. Dewey and his decimal system!!!
Amy said…
I say good for you. I resigned from a ridiculous position on our coop preschool board when I found out I was pregnant. Other things are more important.
stephanie said…
It would be disingenuous of me to say I'm sorry I kind of (?) begged and badgered you into the position, because your presence has made the whole thing (um, we're only halfway through the year) so much more bearable.

Obviously, though, I am in complete agreement because there will be no more of the nonsense for me as well.

The best thing ever would be you getting to stay here AND we have no PTA obligations! Praying...
Good for you! I wish every political candidate had such a strong and convincing platform!
Neighboring state as in MY neighboring state or ANOTHER neighboring state?

Sounds like you are making a good decision!!!!
You go, girl. I quit nearly all my volunteer gigs last year and now have just two. They're both pretty substantial but at least it's manageable. I realized I'd never be able to do all I wanted to do for ME if I continue to labor for free. . . .Focus.

You know what works? Desire. Forget discipline. Desire for the goal makes us do, go, write, diet, run - whatever. I love that thought - desire.

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