what I learned this week...

+ how to get a monkey off my back. This week has been an interesting lesson in organization dynamics. Remember how I was having issues with someone in the PTA? Was is the key word. I thought I was done with all the drama but unfortunately the same issue someone reared its ugly head last week.

You know it's time to remove yourself from an unhealthy situation when seeing an email pop in your in-box from a particular person makes your stomach hurt and your shoulders tense. We are all volunteers here and we are all working (allegedly) for the same goal - to help our children at our school.

I don't need this drama. I'm almost 40 years old and I'm being reduced to tears by this person?! Thankfully Kristen talked me down from the tree and helped rewrite my original email to this person. Kristen's version was professional and sane while still getting my point across to this individual. I really wanted to say something else but Kristen reminded me that email lives forever and folks not close to the situation would see this crazed WWF mom instead of the sane person (work with me) that I am.

I sent the email and already feel 10 pounds lighter. Now only if that could also work on my hips and thighs.

These are the only monkeys I want on my back:



+ It stinks when you can't be two places at once. The two older kids had soccer games at the same time so we had to split our morning. I went to MG's game while G coached KK's last game for the season. I missed KK's awesome goal (G got it on video though) but did get to see MG rock the first game (she scored 2 goals). Then I had to leave to take KK to a birthday party. I missed the second game but they did end up winning both games at the tournament. If you ask MG what the best part of the weekend was, she'll tell you "the foam finger." The league gave hundreds of 7 year olds foam fingers. I bet all the parents and siblings enjoyed their rides home that afternoon. (not!)

+ Watching your son ice skate for the first time takes nerves of steel. KK went to a friend's party at the ice rink and he has never been on ice before...at least in skates. He was pretty brave and took the ice with these tiny tiny steps, not so much gliding as it was scooching on ice. I'm pretty sure he spent one of the two hours on his bottom but I was so proud that he did not give up. He kept going even as other kids sped past him.

+ It gets harder to shop for Christmas gifts as kids get older. And I'm only talking 8-9 years old. Any ideas for an almost 9 year-0ld boy?

+ Kind of knew this already but there are so many bloggers who are so generous in sharing their creativity & ideas. Look at what Cathe from Just Something I Made created - a "Thank You Veterans" sign. Perfect for tomorrow. Remember our brave Veterans.

Check out what else I've learned and come share your lessons at Musings of a Housewife's What I learned this week.