with the activity comes ...the fundraiser

I haven't written lately as it's been crazy as per usual in October. School's in full swing, the boys' activities are going full strength and I am pooped.

I want my boys in activities... I do. They give them exercise..socialization...team building etc. I pay the fees they need to join, and I pay for the equipment. I believe in having them busy as I see, as a teacher, the results of children who are not busy with activities whether they be sports, music, dance, church or community.

The hardest part, I think, is the obligatory fundraising that goes with the activites. They take many forms: cookies, flowers, magazines, popcorn, chocolates, hams, turkeys, christmas trees, coupon books, bingos....the list goes on.

This basically becomes a trade between fellow parents....I'll buy a ham if you buy four boxes of chocolates. Non parents or your family members understand, to an extent...but others start to avoid you and I cant blame them lol

We have a small staff at work so we are very subtle about it. A message on the board, info on the coffee table and either people buy or not.

I feel for those who are in these activities and haven't anyone to trade purchases with. Buying all your own...feels onerous.