An Earfull
So, I’ve been M.IA. for a few days. Three to be exact. And I’m back with complaints.
Thursday was the PTA event that had been dumped into my lap back in October. I took off Wednesday and Thursday to ooncentrate on tieing up the loose ends and running errands for it. Friday, I was busy closing the whole thing out and finishing up the accounting for it.
I’m pretty proud to say that I beat last year’s revenues for it by 20%, which is pretty awesome considering the lousy economy we are parked in the middle of.
A word of advice: If someone dumps a committee on you or asks you to chair something…say NO. The PTA has more red tape than the FDA and Congress put together. And you’re really on your own, because as much as everyone has an opinion on how things should get done, for the most part, people don’t want to get involved.
When I first went to the PTA meeting after having this albatross of a fundraiser dumped on me and asked for help with donations, only one woman raised her hand to help me. Get this though…she said “I’ll help you, but I don’t like trying to get donations”. Uh, am I missing something here? Why did that woman raise her hand to help?
The one thing that really pissed me off the night of the PTA function was this:
We had about 60 baskets and donations to raffle off at the end of the night. Each item had a plastic container in front of it for collecting tickets. To draw a winner, I’d hold the container up high, mix the tickets up with my hand, draw a ticket and hand the ticket over to the person in charge of announcing the winner. Mind you, there are 60 of these to do.
Still with me?
Can you imagine that there were women bitching that I wasn’t doing it fairly? They wanted me to take each container and dump the contents into a bag so the tickets were mixed properly. Um. Excuse me. GET A FREAKING LIFE.
What I wanted to say is…. “Ya know what? Next year, YOU run this event! YOU get 36 vendors, thousands of dollars in donations, 400 people to attend it, publicize it, organize the class baskets, get the permits and licenses involved, do the floor plan, organize refreshments, do the 3 hours of set up, post fliers, put miles upon miles on your car while running errands for it and whatever the heck else I left out and THEN you can pick the tickets any freaking way you want.”
What? Too much work for you? Thought it might be. So hush thy lips, buttercup.
Anyway, to unwind from that, now that it’s behind me (or maybe I should say another 9 months until I have to plan it all over again), I spent today doing my favorite “zone out” thing. Paint a room.
With the help of my husband and son, on what is actually my 16th wedding anniversary, we painted our master bedroom a warm honey color. (Warm Muffin by Behr Paints)
And tomorrow I think I will round out the unwinding with shopping for some new things for our freshly painted bedroom.
Ahh….it’s good to be back to blogging. Hope you are having a great weekend!
@2ToddlersandMe on twitter.
said:
Ugh. I’m sorry the PTA event didn’t end well. I can’t believe people were complaining about how you were drawing tickets. People can be so lame and frustrating sometimes.
Love the color you chose for your bedroom and Happy Anniversary!
.-= 2 Toddlers and Me´s last blog ..Homemade Granola Bars =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 7:55 PM
I don’t feel that badly. In the end, the event did really well for the PTA funds. I’m sure those women complain about everything around them, no matter where they are. Thankfully, I don’t have to live with any of them
[Reply]
Holy crap girl you are the bomb!
I use to volunteer as a director for cheer for a youth organization for about 4 years. Yep everyone has a damn option but when you say wow that is a great idea. Do you want to volunteer on making sure that is done? They right away say oh I am so busy and you know what I say.. well then shut up!
That is why I have taken 2 years off of volunteering because I was so burnt out because me and my best friend did everything and it was exhausting.
Hope you have a great day!
.-= Grissell´s last blog ..Thanksgiving table decor ideas….. =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 8:50 PM
I can see where someone would burn out from it. I’ll do this event next year and then thankfully my son moves onto the next school in the system. They don’t have this event there
[Reply]
I just want to know where I get that Complaint note pad!! And also I applaud your restraint!
.-= Charlene´s last blog ..Five Ways to Steal Back Time =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 8:54 PM
Here you go: http://shop.beyondthewall.com/Complaint_Sticky_Pad_p/825703123326.htm
[Reply]
Not nice at all of them to bitch at how you did the draws. You put so much work into that, they should be sending you on a nice vacation or at least to the local spa! BTW, love the color you chose for your bedroom, have a great time shopping tomorrow, you deserve the break!
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 8:56 PM
Thank you!! I actually spent the day relaxing in bed, cooking and got myself a pedicure. Great ME day!
[Reply]
Everyone already said what I would have said about the “backseat drivers” for a charity event….but am I the only one with a (slightly) dirty mind thinking how appropriate the name of the paint color is for your bedroom?
.-= Jane´s last blog ..An Artist I’m Not – But He Is =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 8:57 PM
That would be HOT Muffin
[Reply]
WOW!!! superwoman!! sorry about your PTA experience..I do love the color that you pick for your master bedroom!
.-= Areeba´s last blog ..Monster Mom! =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Thank you! It’s so cozy and warm in here now!
[Reply]
@submom on twitter.
said:
Welcome back. And I love the color that you picked for your bedroom. Warm and honey-y and sweet. Indeed I think you can smell the smell of baking almost.
(Just want to share with you: I picked a red color for our bedroom, not realizing the name of it is “Chinese Dragon”… THEN on top of that, my husband said one day, “Redrum, Redrum.” That’s it. I have been regretting it ever since…) I am sorry that you were surrounded by people with an undeserved sense of entitlement at the big event. You were incredible to pull off it by your self: it made my head hurt just reading the list of things you needed to do. When you go shopping tomorrow, I think you need to throw some jewelry onto that shopping list. 
I think Home Depot should consider adding a jewelry department…
.-= submom´s last blog ..“The Saddest Kid In The Class” =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Home Depot SHOULD have jewelry. Or maybe even SHOES!!!
Love the idea of red in your bedroom. Sounds…..stimulating
[Reply]
So here’s where I admit I’ve never joined the PTA…and your post tells why! Sounds like you did an AWESOME job!!
Post pics of your new paint job…I always love seeing the difference that color makes!
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:06 PM
You’re a smart girl!!!!!!!!
I love this new color. The room has such a warm feeling to it. I can’t wait to get some new bedding for it as well.
[Reply]
What a nightmare! You must have been so busy and overwhelmed! Well, good for you that you got it done and it is behind you! Now, go do a little therapy shopping! You deserve it!
.-= Amy Clark´s last blog ..Bruised and janked. =-.
[Reply]
I stay far away from the PTA Nazi Moms at my kids’ school. You rock!
.-= kys´s last blog ..TMI Thursday: That Not So Fresh Feeling =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:12 PM
Another smart girl! Why am I so stupid?
[Reply]
You know what kills me is that I’m sure many thought you did an excellent job, but the negative Nellies always seem to be more noticeable.
Don’t sweat it, you are a rock star and you went above and beyond.
.-= Unknown Mami´s last blog ..Oops! =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Thank you thank you. To be fair, I did get a couple of thank yous, so that was a nice feeling. However I woke up this morning to one bitchy email from a vendor. WHATEVER, right?
[Reply]
No good deed goes unpunished. I have been in the same position and have finally started to say ‘NO’. If I could stop running all the baby showers, birthdays and thankless holiday parties at the office, I’d actually be ahead of the game.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:24 PM
No, No, No, No……if I repeat it often enough, maybe I’ll actually speak the word. (to someone other than my husband for a change.)
[Reply]
I don’t know how you did it, but it was clearly a heck of a job. My experience with volunteering is much the same as yours. Nobody really wants to help. I remember I had to run a 2 day Pioneer Days event for the class and I couldn’t get anybody to help me get it ready, yet they all wanted to help out on the day of the event. It was a complete and utter nightmare.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:32 PM
Would you do it again??
[Reply]
blueviolet
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Absolutely not. lol I would help, but I would never take on the leadership role knowing how hard it was to get anyone to help me. I’d rather be a committee member and not the chair!
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 10:19 PM
I hear ya. It’s way better being the support than the chair. This one was dumped on me, I was only supposed to be a member. Now I’m stuck with it for one more year, I’m sure. I’ll never volunteer to head anything again after that. (but then again I swore I’d never do give aways. xoxo)
[Reply]
There is always someone who will complain about something you do, and hardly anyone whoever says, “Wow! You did great!” Am I right?
.-= susan´s last blog ..Unlucky No. 13 =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:38 PM
I got a few compliments bur the complainers are so much more powerful. Today I received an email from a vendor. I should have known she was a prize, she complained even when she signed up for it. Next year, I might forget to email her about signing up. Ooops.
[Reply]
ok, You? Are a saint. That’s all I have to say.
No wait, one more thing: where can I find that AWESOME complaint notepad? My husband could use some help figuring out what he needs to do at times
.-= Elisa´s last blog ..If you think three is a crowd, try standing in line for Jimmy Choo for H&M =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:41 PM
Here is the link to that notepad:
http://shop.beyondthewall.com/Complaint_Sticky_Pad_p/825703123326.htm
Enjoy!
[Reply]
I still don’t know how you didn’t go all fire postal on all of them.
Isn’t it amazing how everyone has an opinion on how it should be done but all those opinions are lacking the hands to help!
Make THEM come paint your house!
.-= mrsblogalot´s last blog ..Holy Kidnapping! =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:44 PM
There is really only one person that bothered me from start to finish on the event and it was a vendor who acted like a know-it-all. There was not one part of the event where she was complaint free. Her punishment should be standing on line to wait for the paint to be mixed
The actual painting part calms me.
[Reply]
Are you and I living the same life??? I had the same experience where I pretty much ran a hugh chairty event on my own. It wrapped up last Saturday night and I swear to you I am still tired! Women can be so demanding and bitchy!
On a completley different note, I finally posted the award you passed on to me forever ago! Thanks again:)
.-= Modernmom´s last blog ..Lazy Sunday =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:45 PM
We both need a night out
Just say when!
And no worries on taking awhile to post the award. I’m awful at it myself.
[Reply]
@alfredliveshere on twitter.
said:
Terrific post, and sooooooooooo true! I feel the same way as I try to help out at events etc and especially want to go postal on the people who are the first to stick their hand up and be seen sticking their hands up, and then do diddly squat. What the frig is up with that? We have busy lives people, help or get the heck out of our way!
Great blog, I’ll be back!
.-= Brahm´s last blog ..Does this blog have a personality? Does it reflect my personality? What does this illustration have to do anything? =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:48 PM
Exactly!! I couldn’t agree more!
[Reply]
@fromtracie on twitter.
said:
I can’t stand those people who don’t want to do any of the hard work, but are quick to criticize those who do! So annoying!!
Congrats on the new color! Enjoy your shopping….a little shopping therapy always helps put those annoying people out of your mind!
.-= Tracie´s last blog ..-Microsoft Owns…What? =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Thanks!! Can’t wait to pick out the bedding for the room! Spent the day pre-shopping for it!
[Reply]
@kathym425 on twitter.
said:
You are amazing! I wish that I could do more. With two kids and a very busy, stressful, full time job outside of the home, I find that I just don’t have the time or energy to volunteer. I do, however, very much appreciate those who do volunteer their time for my kids’ school, soccer teams, Scout and Girl Guide groups. Even if something isn’t being done the way that I would like, I keep it to myself and always find something nice to say. Those of us who aren’t able to give our time should never complain to those who generously give their time.
.-= Kat´s last blog ..What a week! =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:56 PM
I’m not amazing. I’m just stupid!!!! I really don’t have the time either, which makes me even more stupid.
[Reply]
@thinkspin on twitter.
said:
Congratulations on the amazing job you did for the PTA.
I’m surprised you were able to restrain yourself from doing that woman bodily harm. I bet she also had a shrill, high voice and twisted, pained expression on her face, as if she had just popped a wad of wasabi in her mouth.
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..WTF? It’s a houseplant and a pet, too! But is it housebroken? =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 9:59 PM
The way I see with with complainers and rotten people in general…
They’ll never be happy because they are too busy finding faults with everything. They are their own punishments
[Reply]
@trinmom on twitter.
said:
I love your response to the helpful criticism Lol. You’re damn right.
That’s a lot of work – CONGRATS on a job well done!
Did your son really do the basket? Did you have to buy it in the end? I’m sure people would have been won over by the Mallomars alone!
Relax away and Happy Anniversary!!
.-= Mom of Three´s last blog ..Sundays In My City – Something Different =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 10:03 PM
YES! He did the basket!! Ya know what? It DID get a good amount of tickets!! I added a few and so did my parents, but as it turned out, the other kids at the event put a bunch in all on their own!
I love you for remembering! xoxo
[Reply]
I hear you. PTA can be thankless. I applaud you for even thinking about doing this again in 9 months. I’m glad you are back to doing things which bring you joy.
.-= CorrieHowe´s last blog ..100th Post Celebration =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I think any volunteer position comes with being thankless. Just have to keep repeating to yourself your reason for giving your time. Mine is in knowing that my son loves me being involved in things like this and his football program. The other is in knowing that I helped raise money so that my son and a ton of other kids get to have things the board of ed can’t afford. Like Promethium boards and great playgrounds and programs.
And it does feel good to have some real down time again.
[Reply]
@GrammieMommy on twitter.
said:
Just came across your site from the BlogFrog community. It’s good to ‘meet’ your site (and you). I bookmarked it and I’m sure I’ll come across you again. I’m going to read your other posts now..i just stopped by here to say hello.
GM
.-= GM´s last blog ..HDR Photography ~ for Dummies ? =-.
[Reply]
Nancy
@ifevolution on twitter.
Replied on : November 15th, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Nice to meet you too!
[Reply]
oh, boy…you sound just like me. i ALWAYS get something dumped in my lap/volunteer because no one else does. and no matter what, there is always “buttercup” that didn’t contribute at all…that wants to complain. *sigh*
i need to chew my arms off so i stop raising them to volunteer for stuff.
thanks for following my blog! consider me a stalker now!
[Reply]
You’ll never please everybody! You ran a successful event, that’s what counts! Following you from MBC’s 200 followers club.
.-= margaret´s last blog ..Help Feed America’s Hungry!!! =-.
[Reply]
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