Excuses

In an effort to not go crazy being a stay-at-home mom, I've joined 2 volunteer committees at the Family Centre on base. Monday mornings I help decorate the centre, which is NOT my thing, but it's with a group of French ladies and they are all very nice. I like that I can practice my French, and it's been lots of fun getting to know them. Thursday mornings I am the secretary for the Anglo committee. I am the most Anglo person on the committee which I find hilarious. Again, a great group of women, and they organize and execute activities for the English community on base. It's a new committee, so it's fun to be able to promote it and contribute.

Those 2 mornings Lola is in daycare, and its free since I'm volunteering. They really have a great set up here. I get to be baby-free twice a week, and Lola loves being with the other kids. It's win-win all around.

The Anglo committee is trying to recruit new members since one girl is leaving, one girl just got a job and then we are 2 pregos on board - the other girl is just about ready to pop so she's been MIA for weeks now. Our Vice-President told us a few weeks ago that she had a potential new member. She had talked to this woman's husband and he was saying how his wife was English and wanted to get out and do more stuff, but she was too shy to come out to the Family Centre on her own. Our VP got her phone number and called her to invite her to join the committee. She sounded enthusiastic, but was unable to attend the upcoming meeting. She asked the VP to call her the following week to remind her and she'd come then.

This went on for a few weeks, but there was always a reason why the new girl couldn't come. Randomly I found out it was my neighbour! I volunteered to call her. When I invited her to this week's meeting she couldn't make it because of the time (it was a wonky time this week because we're gearing up for a big Easter event happening in 2 weekends). Then she suggested she wait until April to not jump in during the prep for the Easter event....

She's not joining this committee. I've been there. I'm sure it sounded like a great idea, but then she realized it just wasn't for her, or she really was just too shy. But instead of just saying "thanks, but no thanks" she just keeps coming up with excuses.

I'm so happy I didn't take that approach here. I'm glad I sucked it up and put on my big girl pants. I've been here 5 months and I am coming into my own now. I'm comfortable, I'm expanding my social circle and most importantly I'm not relying on Mike for my outside fun. I have independent events and friends. And that helps living so far from family and core friends back home.