I Can Say No.

Yesterday, while stuck in traffic, I got a call from the director of the Mother’s Day Out I sometimes (often) substitute for. She told me she wanted to give me one more chance to come to work for her full-time. My husband told me later that it was probably not the best etiquette to bust out laughing, but frankly, I couldn’t help it. M.D.O. has been in session for over a month now (I’ve already substituted four times), and I’d assumed everything was settled. She told me I’d be put in the ‘Fish’ room–the two-year-olds I’ve already been working with occasionally–that I would be replacing someone. She went on to say that she just thinks I’m a really good fit for that room, and how much she admires my work. All very sweet, but my ‘work’ is rubbing backs, building with blocks, and opening juice boxes. She then asked that I think about it and told me she didn’t feel guilty asking me, because she already knew I could say no.

I can definitely say no and plan to this afternoon if she’s home.

I’ve never told her that I write, that all this time I gained with both boys going to school now is targeted towards something else. I honestly wouldn’t mind committing to work one day a week, but two is too much with all the other stuff that goes on. I already don’t have as much time as I thought I would, what with life, appointments, other projects, etc. So my plan is to go speak with her, carting along a copy of my book–actual proof that I’m serious about writing. She’ll be fine with it, and I’ll continue on as a substitute. It’s for the best. Because I have GOT to get this book finished once and for all!

Posted in Uncategorized on 10/05/2007 05:04 pm
 

9 Comments

  1. Travis Erwin

    Don’t let ’em wear you down. Jsut keep saying no and writing.

    Wish I could do the same.

  2. good for you for saying no to something you don’t have time for. sometimes it’s not as easy as it should be. it must be flattering to feel so wanted though :)

  3. Sally Lawton

    Good for you! I always end up saying yes to things I don’t want to, I’m rubbish at saying no!!

    :-)

  4. Good for you for saying no!
    But now you HAVE to finish your book :-)

  5. Saying No can sometimes be the hardest word for me. Really glad to hear that you’re going to tell her you can’t do it.

    Keep on writing. We need your book!!! 😀

  6. Yay, good for you! I hate saying no….. it sort of sticks in the back of my throat hahaha

  7. I am SO tagging you! I was in a big rush today and so didn’t tag anyone – the first of two Thanksgiving dinners – but I DID think of you. (and I haven’t forgot your tag from earlier, either!)
    Inspector Morse is a complicated romantic fellow. I appreciate that. My husband is VERY MUCH like Ned Flanders. VERY.

  8. Kate Diamond

    I always end up saying yes… which may be one of the reasons why I’m working 14 hour shifts on my “day job” and coming home too exhausted to write.

    How do you learn to say no?

  9. Alyssa Goodnight

    I don’t know, Kate, it just came out. Usually I end up saying ‘yes’ because I don’t want to disappoint. But I liked saying ‘no’, so that’s something to remember.

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