Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Blather

I woke up way too late today. That's because I woke up in the night for a couple hours. I had woken up thinking I heard someone knock at the door. It was rent day but no one would pay their rent at three in the morning would they? No, of course not. But by then I was wide awake so I got up and had a little pastis to knock me back out. (It's like sambucca but not as sweet.) That seemed to have worked a little too well. Good thing I don't start until 11 today.

Yesterday I finalized my contract with the college and the lady I'm working with told me she gave my number to another college and to expect a call. It seems they need a teacher for their evening classes. "You're going to be very busy next year," she told me, "so don't forget who got you first." Apparently, she envisions administrators fighting over my services. This made me panic inside a little as it always does when I feel like I'm too busy. Again, what recession?

You know what I am already sick of this year? The requests for money for charity. Yesterday, I was hit up 11 times, I kid you not. It's bad enough the United Way drive going on at all the places I teach for the month of November, but now since it's Christmas, there are a dozen new charity drives. Ugh. I keep consoling myself by saying, "This is good practice for saying no." I've always had trouble declining requests but I've just got to these days. When I see the big donations from anonymous donors, I think, "Part of that is on my behalf," and then I feel better.

17 comments:

Ultra Dave said...

It is hard to say no, but definitely a must. I have certain charities that I deal with and if I have enough to expand the list, it is only after I research them to ensure the most of the money goes toward the need not administrative cost.

Lemuel said...

We do not answer unidentified phone calls and definitely do not answer from charities. I also pile up all the requests that come by mail. When I go through the pile those groups who sent me the most letter go to the bottom of the pile and only get a contribution if there is any left over. I figure that if they have that much money to waste on mailings they do not need my money.

Java said...

I like your reasoning that the anonymous donors are donating on your behalf.

Polt said...

I went shopping Sunday and in three different stores, as they were ringing me up, they wanted to know if I wanted to buy a toy/book and donate it to some charity or whatever. I told them no. I hate that they ask, trying to guilt me into doing it. I give to charity, I should feel guilty about not giving to one, espeically when I'm just out to purchase something.

Whatever.

Glad to hear you got employment lined up though! And you're so popular with administrators! :)

HUGS...

PS, my word verification was 'conquest'! How often do you get REAL words in those????

Rox said...

11 in one day?!! OMG!

I always say "Sorry, I just can't donate at this time." I make myself sound like a hard luck case.

Snooze said...

I started my work day an hour later than normal. Must be something in the air (like darkness and cold of winter!)

Anonymous said...

Boy, it's certainly THAT time of year, too, isn't it? I always hated doing our end-of-year fundraising letters for that reason (actually, we shot for Thanksgiving, to get people first).

Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses...? ; )

Mark in DE said...

I have been waking up in the middle of the night, too, but for no apparent reason. Then I worry I won't be able to get back to sleep, which, of course, keeps me awake.

Benadryl helps.

Mark :-)

Anonymous said...

I get hit up for money when I go to fast food places. A dollar here and a dollar there and soon it ads up to real money. I say what about the times you mixed up my order or short changed me? Oh there very sorry, sure.
My Dad just started on Dialysis and he is unable to sleep at night. He naps during the day and is retired so I tell him he doesn't really need to sleep at night. ed

Anonymous said...

Oh I've learned to play Ebenezer with those beggars for charity this past year. They come in asking for donations, even product for free to auction off. Luckily here in NC I can't give them wine, they have to purchase it.. then they can't resale it w/o a permit!

I've become a pro at telling them to kiss my ass when they come to beg, and even have a few to thank me for it!

BAH HUMBUG... let them die with a bough of holly in their heart...

-C

Mel said...

I have a short list of charities I donate to, and that's that. I do what I'm able to do and am comfortable with that.

My verification word is "repent". No joke. I'd noticed Blogger had moved towards more word-like verification words, but do you think they've got a subset especially for the homo blogs?

Lyvvie said...

I tell them I choose my Christmas charity by pulling a name out of a hat and this just wasn't their year.

Patricia said...

What gets on my nerves are the phone calls. They're pushy and try to induce guilt and it's as irritating as the telemarketers.

A Lewis said...

Wait a minute here...you were up by yourself in the middle of the night drinking? Oh, that's never a good sign.

Anonymous said...

Charities in my part of the world get a donation from the IRS, part of that is mine. There are only a few who get an extra donation from me personally.

Rick Bettencourt said...

What? Saying no for the greater good? How could you!

: )

travelling, but not in love said...

It's the 'chuggers' who get me - the charity muggers. The ones in the street who are greenpeace this week, cancer research next and then the cats protection league in week three.

They drive me mad. Bloody charitable bastards. ha ha.