PTA and Cliches
05.05.04 (6:59 am) [edit]
Well, it seems that today is Cinco de Mayo. Atleast that's what Ally told me about 14 times this morning.
Her elementary school is having a special mexican lunch today to celebrate the holiday, and of course I have to go. *Sigh*
Let me just begin by saying that I am the antithesis of a PTA Mom. Suprised? Don't be. For some reason all of those Mothers in one place just makes me nervous. Nervous to the point of complete exhaustion. I've never been a "room mom", I don't volunteer for field trips and I would never *ever* volunteer for the PTA. Does that make me a bad mom? I don't think so. It's not that I don't support the schools, or my children; I just can't get past all of the estrogen. What can I say... I'm not a joiner.
My Mom was the same way and it's funny (in a weird, f*cked up kind of way) to see myself turning into that same type of Mom. I've met some awesome women and I've made some great friends thru the schools, but I still get nervous. Self-conscious for lack of a better word.
I'll go today. I'll probably have a great time and be glad I went. But, until I'm in my truck on the way back home.. I'll worry.
On another subject here is my horoscope for the day.
[i]Let others know what you think. Just remember that sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, and the shoe could easily be on the other foot. If candid opinions are the currency of the day, commerce is flowing profusely around here. Leverage happens only when you have agreement, and agreement happens only through dialogue. Yes, things might be off to a rocky start, but people can be like that. For better or worse, you're not operating in a vacuum. Humor is one way to break the ice.[/i]
I guess that answers the question of "How many cliches can you fit into ONE horoscope?".. :D
Have a great day,
~Jenn
Her elementary school is having a special mexican lunch today to celebrate the holiday, and of course I have to go. *Sigh*
Let me just begin by saying that I am the antithesis of a PTA Mom. Suprised? Don't be. For some reason all of those Mothers in one place just makes me nervous. Nervous to the point of complete exhaustion. I've never been a "room mom", I don't volunteer for field trips and I would never *ever* volunteer for the PTA. Does that make me a bad mom? I don't think so. It's not that I don't support the schools, or my children; I just can't get past all of the estrogen. What can I say... I'm not a joiner.
My Mom was the same way and it's funny (in a weird, f*cked up kind of way) to see myself turning into that same type of Mom. I've met some awesome women and I've made some great friends thru the schools, but I still get nervous. Self-conscious for lack of a better word.
I'll go today. I'll probably have a great time and be glad I went. But, until I'm in my truck on the way back home.. I'll worry.
On another subject here is my horoscope for the day.
[i]Let others know what you think. Just remember that sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, and the shoe could easily be on the other foot. If candid opinions are the currency of the day, commerce is flowing profusely around here. Leverage happens only when you have agreement, and agreement happens only through dialogue. Yes, things might be off to a rocky start, but people can be like that. For better or worse, you're not operating in a vacuum. Humor is one way to break the ice.[/i]
I guess that answers the question of "How many cliches can you fit into ONE horoscope?".. :D
Have a great day,
~Jenn
posted by: qutepie2 (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (7:09 am)
I'm the same way. I think for me it is more of the "fakeness" I feel when I am around these women.
I also feel like it is some sort of contest. Like, "Oh, well, MY son was walking at 6 months and he was reading at 2." Then the next woman has to try and top the one before. I just stand there with a smile and nod.
posted by: ScubaDiva (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (7:31 am)
Unless it says something like "Watch out for falling pianos or heavy machinery" I don't give them much creedance.
posted by: blondebondgirl (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (8:17 am)
cinco de mayo!!!! i completely forgot about it. i should start doing spanish stuff again.
posted by: Cyberpal (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (11:34 am)
No kids, not in US, so cant comment really, but if PTA's are anything like when I was in School.. I wont be caught dead at one when I do have kids unless I really have to!
posted by: librarianguish (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (2:04 pm)
I can't blame you for wanting to avoid the other moms. I like to do things for my son, and finally have time to spend volunteering at his school. So far it has been good, but I haven't done a whole lot or been around many people. I'm already starting to see some politics though, and will do my best to stay out of them!
Next week will be interesting though - I'm going on an overnight field trip with the entire 4th grade to the state capital. I have very selfish reasons for going:
1. I don't want to send my son away overnight with a bunch of strangers (grrrrrr, mama grizzly)
2. We're going on the train, and it sounds way fun
3. I've never toured the state capital, even though I've lived here all my life
4. I really enjoy the kids.
I will put up with the parents if need be, but I'll be sure and report back. Wish me luck and snotty parent avoidance!
posted by: Magoo (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (5:25 pm)
I can understand your feelings. No, you are not a 'bad' mom because you don't do the 'school' thing. I was a volenteer Youth Minister at the church for grades 7 and 8 (in Canada). My children were too young to take part in the activities, and I did some parent volenteering at the school for them, I avoided as many other parents as I could. It is amazing how smart I realised I was....and just how stupid others could be. hahahahahah....You don't have to be AT the school to be supportive of your children. Love the blog, enjoyed the reading! Thanks for visiting my blog and the support!
posted by: SSWarrior (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (6:20 pm)
better you then me lol ;) nah not really i luv kids so i would proble have gone
posted by: Blank (reply)
post date: 05.05.04 (9:14 pm)
Cool blog. Lol. Have fun at Cinco de Mayo! When I have kids, I'll have to do the same..Lol.
posted by: islandArtist (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (12:24 am)
I totally 'get' you with the estrogen thing. I always feel like all eyes are watching me- while my back is turned. I can feel the wind from the flapping tongues too...
I get so on edge at those functions, I just sink all of my energy into my kid and try to forget *ignore* everyone around me.
Crazy how that is.
posted by: JennsAbsent (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (8:11 am)
Reply to: qutepie2
Yep! The funny thing is, I used to teach part time at a mothers day out program and I loved it! I think it's being around a bunch of women that I don't know feels overwhelming, but in a smaller environment I'm fine.
Ok. My dual personalities are creeping out again. ;)
posted by: JennsAbsent (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (8:13 am)
Reply to: blondebondgirl
What kinds of Spanish stuff? lol
Enrique Eglesias or cooking tortillas?
posted by: JennsAbsent (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (8:13 am)
Reply to: blondebondgirl
both of those sound fun. ;-) hehehe
posted by: JennsAbsent (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (8:15 am)
Reply to: Cyberpal
Sometimes you really have to! Not because the teacher makes me, but because Ally LOVES for me to visit her school. That's whats important!
Yesterday went... er.. ok. I really don't like her teacher this year. She talks to the students like they are idiots. They miss recess almost every day because of stupid stuff.
Can we say positive reinforcement?
posted by: JennsAbsent (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (8:17 am)
Reply to: librarianguish
That sounds like fun tho! Do you like his teacher? Because that makes a HUGE difference. I've never had a problem in the past volunteering when the teacher made me feel inspired to help. Overnight stays are definitely a different type of thing all together. Have fun and don't worry about anyone else! Your son must be sooo excited!
posted by: JennsAbsent (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (8:19 am)
Reply to: Magoo
Thanks for the words of support Magoo! It's nice to know that I'm not the ONLY one that feels this way! I hope this post didn't sound like a dislike women on a whole.. because I LOVE my girlfriends...
Well... I feel like you probably understand. ;)
posted by: JennsAbsent (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (8:19 am)
Reply to: SSWarrior
Yep. you would have hun. It's one of those things that you just gotta suck up and do. *hugs*
posted by: JennsAbsent (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (8:21 am)
Reply to: islandArtist
Exactly. That's exactly what I could have/should have said! It's silly to be so self-conscious, but who are we to listen to our brains, eh?
posted by: Cyberpal (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (8:21 am)
Reply to: JennsAbsent
Sounds abt right to me :D ....
posted by: JennsAbsent (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (8:21 am)
Reply to: Blank
Thanks Blank! And thanks for stopping by!
posted by: librarianguish (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (1:54 pm)
Reply to Jenn: It is going to be fun. We had a parent's meeting last night, and there is one mom going that I kind of know, so that helps. And all three of the teachers are really great; we are very fortunate.
I'll be writing about it in my blog, so keep posted!
Blessings :)
posted by: forevermystical (reply)
post date: 05.06.04 (2:55 pm)
I know what ya mean,kind of. I dont like being around a bunch of women..period. Women are sooo catty and competitive,I hate it. Of course,when you have kids you gotta bite your tongue and just get through it. :)
