I said No!!! - from March 20, 2007

Here goes nothing. I never thought I'd be blogging, but I'm going to try. The age of technology is catching up with me. I'm blogging and wearing a bluetooth borg earpiece etc....I used to be a dedicated journal writer until the Cadet came along. Now every time I try to write - he pilfers my pen and pencil and demands attention. He knows better than to touch my computer. I truly enjoy reading other people's blogs, but that is because they have something interesting to say. This is the tough part, thinking of something worthwhile to post. I think that has been holding me back from writing anything. I don't want to say something that isn't worth saying. I realize I've already done that a zillion times and since you never get better unless you keep trying...here's my document of pointless drivel for the night. I had a breakthrough a few days ago. I said no. I'm actually getting quite proficient in the art of saying no - at least to kids. I think it has something to do with being a mom to a 2 year old. I find myself saying it a trillion times a day to him. "No, don't unload the dirty dishes. No, don't rock the rocking chair into the wall. No, don't close the lid on my piano student's hands. No, DON'T open the fish tank. No you CANNOT drive my car." But....for the first time in my life I decided to practice transferance of this skill. I'm quite proud of myself. I said no to an adult. This shouldn't be such a hard thing to do, but I find myself in over my head all the time. March has been such a crazy month, and it was surprisingly easy to say no when it happened. I was in a music store getting materials for my students who are trying to complete a Certificate of Merit program they have here in California. The music teacher's association president owns the store, and she stopped me and asked me if I would like to be a part of the Certificate of Merit Board. Since the current Board Director is set to become the Music Teachers Association of California President this June, they need to replace him. She sat explaining all the duties it would entail while the Cadet was busy ranshacking her store. In a way his running amuck made it pretty simple to say, "Well, I'm flattered, but I don't think I can find the necessary time to do such an important job." That was that. I said no. It wasn't that hard...and I'm really glad I did. It would have entailed hours of volunteer computer scheduling for a massive event. I'm already the San Diego Branch's Communications Secretary and am in charge of sending out a newsletter to abour 150 teachers every month. I just can't take on any more. So I said No. It was quite the breakthrough for me. I think I should try it more often.