Monday, August 17, 2009

Standing Tall

Well, folks, tonight is my first night as really, truly being VP of the PTA. Technically, I was elected (aka, convinced to do it and elected when people raised their hands in relief that *anyone* but them had been talked into it) just before the end of the school year, but tonight is Meet the Teacher Night, where I have to stand up in front of everyone and actually BE it. Whee. :) No nerves here. Nope. None. I *love* standing up in front of LOTS of people. Totally.

I really like doing things. I just don't necessarily like people to know that I'm doing them. Even having people pleased with things I've done is totally embarrassing.

For instance, I'm also vc of the worship commission at church, which is the committee that organizes and oversees all other committees. So far, I've started a recycling program, which people, even the in-their-groove-and-don't-change-it older people, like, and now even seem to want to expand. However, I've also gotten in the middle of a pretty contentious issue - clapping. That sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? But, as weird as it sounds, really, it's the Issue that represents the great generational divide. The older people, as a general rule, don't want clapping after musical performances, etc, because they feel it isn't respectful. The younger crowd either wants to be able to applaud, or at least have the option, and is willing to tolerate either. For example, at the church board of directors meeting, one elderly guy piped up and said that he doesn't want to do anything to bend 'to the Me generation people'. So, me, being the ornery person I am, burst out that it's the Me generation that is the future of the church, and we need to find a way to more forward in a way that resepects where we've been and compromises into the future. I was nervous (and angry) when I said it, but I've had several people, including the quieter older set, come up to me and thank me. One person even shook my hand!

It's amazing to me that I'm doing things, and saying things, and people are listening. Something has changed, in me, somehow.

Josie is sitting on the couch nearby, watching Mr. Magorium's Wonder Imporium, which happens to be one of my favorite movies. Maybe I can be like Mahoney, and own a sparkle I never thought I had.

Hm, maybe I can also hang out with Jason Bateman?

I should probably pace myself a little.

First, PTA meeting.

THEN Jason Bateman.

4 comments:

Nowheymama said...

Good for you!

Just catching up--sounds like you and your family have been busy while I've been away!

Bring A. Torch said...

Zow, way to speak up! That is awesome!

creative kerfuffle said...

this made me smile so much. i'm happy for you--but i'm with you on the being in front of people, etc. hate it.
what you said about the church is so true. we belong to a church that we rarely attend any more--the congregation is mostly old people who've gone there forever and they're all related. they do not like change. at all.
maybe you have found your spark! : )
and, could jason bateman BE any cuter? i even liked him in juno (i love that movie).

Sarah said...

You must have some big cajones, girl, taking on church AND school politics! Of the church, at least, I know what you're up against! I've been a (silent) observer of many such debates. Ugh!
Maybe I'll be like you when I grow up someday...