Had ENOUGH

[randiliana]

I live in a pretty nice community. Get along with most of the people around. But I have one BIG pet peeve about this community, the work list (for community suppers and so forth). The Ladies Auxiliary seems to think that they run a small communist country. They make a list and you get stuck on it. No-one calls to actually see if you would like to or are able to work when they put you down. It is your problem if you cannot make it and it is up to you to find someone to replace you if you cannot work. Now, I wouldn't really have a problem with finding a replacement worker if I was actually asked to do something and then couldn't do it. Keep in mind that this is a community of around 100 people.... Oh.....and did I mention that only the women are expected to work.... We have a rodeo to work, 6 community suppers in Jan and Feb, and any other thing that might come up throughout the year. Keep in mind that almost all the women work in some capacity and there are very few stay at home moms (like that isn't work) and that suppers are held on Friday...

I've called in the past about being unable to do something, and there is no consideration, "just a you're just going to have to do it". The latest was the other day. I work at the Stockyards, sometimes that means I don't get home till late at night. I'm going to be gone the weekend of the Fall supper, so cannot help out, I phoned and told them that. I was informed that I still had to make my pies and have them there. Not sure when, I work Wed, Thurs and Fri and am leaving either Fri night or early Sat morning. I was told, that I should do like all the other women who work and make them when I get home from work.... Can't quite see that happening, when I get home @ 10pm or later and have to be back at work by 9 am... Or you just get guilted into doing it, "don't you care about the community"....

Well, I have decided to take a stand, the last straw was when I found out that not only was I supposed to work the last shift at the rodeo (which is clean up) again.... but I'm also on the banquet for the Little Britches rodeo next month (we are moving my hubby's mom that weekend), and that is an all afternoon and evening affair. No phone call, just expected to be there and do it. They will have to do it with out me, until they call and ask if I can/would do something I won't be calling to say that I cannot. I kinda feel guilty about leaving the other ladies in the lurch though.

 

[presmudjo]

Go buy a frozen pie and have them pick it up Monday, or put it in the community kitchen freezer and let them know your pie is there. How did you find out about the other all day affair? If your on a list, just go cross your name off. If they are not willing to respect your efforts, then don't stress it. When you are available for an upcoming event then let them know you would love to participate.

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a couple of broody hens trying to run the coop. Just tell them to cluck off

 

[Alan]

Just my :2cents: , I had a similar problem with our small community church..... Do what we ask or you making it a big problem for everyone else ..... Don't cross us!

My advice is to take a stand and I bet others will follow your lead. meaning be open about telling others about you being told what to do or else it will hurt everyone.

With some small experience in this situation I can say you are not the only one feeling this is a problem. Share your concerns and hold to your feelings.

JMO,
Alan

 

[James T]

Hat's off to you for being a working woman!!! :tiphat: Go to their next meeting/get together, stand up and explain to them that as much as you would like to sit at home in front of an industrial oven waiting for mr. bull to get home with his fat paycheck, you have to work for a living and that you will notify them when your available.

 

[I luv herfrds]

Don't sweat it or feel guilty. What they are doing is RUDE!
Being asked is one thing, being ordered is another thing entirely!

 

[orton]

Just a poor off the wall idea. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zb1qsVqjwg Utah Phillips, moose turd pie, enjoy! :mrgreen:

 

[greybeard]

You need to get in touch with Roy d Mercer.........

 

[CKC1586]

Go buy a frozen pie and have them pick it up Monday, or put it in the community kitchen freezer and let them know your pie is there. How did you find out about the other all day affair? If your on a list, just go cross your name off. If they are not willing to respect your efforts, then don't stress it. When you are available for an upcoming event then let them know you would love to participate.

:nod: Yup

 

[randiliana]

LOL, I plan to buy the pies... about the worst boughten ones I can find. I've already stood up several times, and I'm sure not afraid to say what I think. The problem is that they don't want to listen... So I guess it is time, I just won't show up to work, they can deal with it...

 

[dun]

So I guess it is time, I just won't show up to work, they can deal with it...

That would be my solution, if you get ostracized for it that means all they want you for is your cooking. So screw em.

 

[Jogeephus]

We've learned sweeping around our own steps is tough enough with what we already have on our table so volunteering is done solely on our terms.

 

[Alan]

Yup to volunteer one has to offer. I still believe others are waiting for someone to make the first stand, someone they can follow.

Reminds of a time years ago when an officer of our church stopped me after church and asked me take on a youth group for a couple of years. But in his sales pitch he said he was speaking for the church and therefore speaking for Jesus ...... So telling him no was the same as saying no to Jesus. I guess my wife saw the steam coming from my ears or the look on my face. She just leaned over and reminded me I was in church. He still got an ear full.

 

[Howdyjabo]

Before you act maybe you better volunteer to be on the auxiliary and hand pick what you want to be assigned. I have been on the other side of setting up volunteers and being nice and cooperative gets you nowhere.

Pair up with 5 or six other women and pool all your assignments and agree to split them up between you giving you some more freedom to pick and choose. Grab your share first chance so you won't get caught out latter in the year.

I would love to have a community like you have, sounds like its a great place to live and worth some aggravation.

 

[randiliana]

Oh, I have no desire to be on the Ladies Auxiliary. I agree it is a thankless job. But I also believe that shoving a 'volunteer' job down someone's throat is not the way to go about it. We are grouped, told when we work and how to do it. I was born and raised here, apparently by having that happen I signed onto the Ladies Aux. It used to be that they would at least ask if you could do one of the bigger 'jobs' such as convening, now they just send out a list to TELL you that you are.

 

[john250]

The Ladies Auxiliary seems to think that they run a small communist country..

Now I don't care who ya are, that's a quality rant. :tiphat:

 

[greybeard]

I'm flabbergasted with all this-really. It is, and always has been one of the great mysteries of life concerning women, and us men just can't fathom or begin to understand it. You see, we men have, from a fairly young age, spent most of our lives hearing that little 2 letter word just naturally escape from the fairer gender's lips.
They don't even have to think about it--just part their lips a little and out it pops.
"No". Or a version thereof--No way Hosea--Under no circumstances--not gonna happen--he77 no--forget it-In your dreams--never--Uhh Uhh Buddy!--Do what?!?--With you?--Nah--Nope--Negatory--absolutely not--by no means--Not in my lifetime (or yours)--NO!
It's apparently, just a primordial and natural reaction in answer to any particular man's request, but let a group of females get together wherein one or some ask the others to do something and it's "POOF!"--a million years of instinctive behavior instantly evaporates.
What's up with that?
I just don't get it.

 

[randiliana]

Now, John... you just made me laugh... how to keep a good mad going when you're laughing.....

 

[cow pollinater]

You could always do it like my wife does. She tells everyone that she herself doesn't have time but she can't quite say no outright so she offers to do something else that is extremely helpful, like have me and my truck spend all afternoon hauling things around.

 

[Ryder]

So I guess it is time, I just won't show up to work, they can deal with it...

That would be my solution, if you get ostracized for it that means all they want you for is your cooking. So screw em.

"Nuff said. Problem solved.
:nod: :nod: :nod: