We went to the park but it was too hot. We walk down for the mail (and Gunnar insists on walking the whole way in 103 degree-heat. He returns with the rosiest of cheeks and looks like he's going to expire. He likes to water flowers, sidewalks, dogs, everything, and doesn't like to turn it off.
Grandpa has been so "very ill" but is recovering nicely now, I hope. I left Gunman with Grandpa so I could attend my first den meeting or pack meeting or something. It was a nightmare. Gunnar started crying as I left and G'pa couldn't settle him until he finally went to bed about 20 minutes after I left. Sheesh! I gave the man one little task...
I walked into the church thinking someone would be there to tell me where to go and what to do. "NOT So Fast, Den Slave master!" There were scout-shirt clad boys of all ages running everywhere. There were a few adults but I didn't recognize any of them. The room I had been told to go to was wrong. I had no books, papers, or direction. I nearly started crying.
Finally, some people came along and found me standing in the hall looking lost. (Which I most certainly was!) They took all of us new people in a room and proceeded to explain that they didn't have the books from the old leaders, that we should always be "two deep" to avoid liability, that there was no real plan, that the guy that was before me just got out of the hospital and is on heavy medication so don't expect any help from him, and that the scouts have 5-minute attention spans so don't expect to just sit in a class room.
"You must have fun!" they encouraged while not telling me exactly what that entailed. Dodge ball, hikes, games, get-to-know-you exercises, skits, songs, and fun activities of unspecified sorts were encouraged.
If any of you know me, you know that I DON'T PLAY GAMES!! I am not a fun creator or participator for that matter. I didn't have fun when I was young and vigorous and I don't plan on learning how at this stage of my life. Every other scout leader there has children in scouts. I have NO children at home and don't want any. I don't hike, play games, sing songs, or do ball-related activities. I just don't even consider skits or silliness of any sort. I'm sorry! It's not gonna work, people. I don't want to be a scout leader. I don't want to go to a water activity on Saturday. I am not a Wolf Den Leader. NO!!!
Eleven days is a long time to tend a 20-month-old. He is adorable and so good, but I've had enough now. Monday seems light years away. My legs and arms ache from carrying him. My head aches from the heat and worrying about scouts and his safety and grandpa's afflictions. I'm all puffy and fat from eating everything Gunnar leaves behind so I don't waste food. Crap!!!
I might have been OK with Gunnar had they not thrust this scouting mess upon me the same week. HELP!!!! I'm drowning in turmoil and I have 20 minutes to shower, etc., before Gunnar raises his little head again.
7 comments:
I'd politely tell the SCOUTS, NO can do and follow through. Gunnar will be home soon grandma. You have done your good on earth. REST. RELAX come Monday when he's gone. take care.
I've helped a friend of mine with her webelos occasionally and I really shot my "voluntarism" by going to Day Camp with her for 3 hotter than hell Junes on South Mountain in the middle of the freekin' summer heat and followed those boys around with their tasks and settled fights all day until midnight. For three days. for three years. Did I say that before? Then somebody found out that I helped Norma and came over here one night and asked me to be a den leader. I don't have a problem saying no.
We're about the same age which means that we've come to the point in our lives where we are "big girls" now. If we don't want to do something; if it doesn't fit into our plan; if it causes stress and headaches -- we can say "no"! Just say "no" -- you'll be so relived you were truthful for youself.
I've been wondering how you are doing. Yikes! Sounds like it's well past time to be quiet and alone again.
Hugs! I'm praying for you.
I remember the first time I was called to YW. I was to be one of the counselors, can't recall which one. Our one and only child was 7 and my husband hasn't been active since he turned 16 and got his drivers permit.
The first presidency meeting was in my kitchen, within 5 minutes I was shaking my head.
I was sustained one week, released the next. I have since served 3 terms in office and will not do it again. If I want to listen listen to whiny, hormonal, boy crazed girls I'll watch Jersey Shore ;)
Callings are extended to us, it is up to each of us to decide if we are right for the job. If you feel you aren't, and who knows what they were thinking? simply lose a few more nights sleep, gain a few more pounds, and then ask them to release you :)
Love you Jo, we have your back on this one!
HI!!!
I say Good for you for going...if It had been me...never would have made it!!I understand commitments..so good for you!!It will be fun...after a few weeks...it will be fun!!!
Enjoy that baby boy...he is a doll....and love that he also says no...or you say NO alot..as I do!!
hugs,
jamie--mimi
You are much braver than I, my friend. No more scouts for you! Your little bitty heart can't take it. Just say no.
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