November 27, 2005

Getting involved

I went hunting this past weekend and although I didn't see any deer, I did do a lot of thinking. It's amazing what you can work out in your head when you're sitting on a little piece of plywood that's nailed to the top of a 25ft ladder. Since you're sitting still for so long, the only muscle you can excercise is your brain. Some may argue that sitting on a piece of plywood 25ft in the air is a sign of little brain activity, but we'll leave that discussion for another day.

I came to the conclusion, Dear Reader, that it's time for me to become active outside of work. I'm convinced that the reason I became so lonely is that I have no other social activities besides work. (Yes, I know work is not a normal social activity, but when your coworkers are also your friends, it does become social.) This 10-day period is the first time that I've ever taken vacation with no where to go or spent this long of a time period on my own. I'm not complaining, however, because I know several people who would kill for even a few days of "ME" time. I'm just making the point that I am a social person and need interaction with others.

The problem I'm going to have, however, is that I tend to be more of a starter than a finisher. I'm hoping that by having others rely on me to complete these tasks, be it volunteer work or some other task, that I'll slowly become a finisher. I'm well aware of the fact that this won't happen over night, but past experience has shown that I finish my task more often when I'm doing work for others. Plus, I truly enjoy helping others and there is no better way to do this than to volunteer.

I've thought of several groups for which I'd like to volunteer or to get more involved. First is the church that I've been attending, Pear Orchard Presbyterian. I don't know in what capacity I might get involved, but I do know that this is something I want and need to do. I am getting quite a bit out of the church and it only seems fair to give something in return.

The second group is the alumni association at Millsaps College. I didn't do as well as I could have for various reasons, but I am grateful to the professors there for teaching me to think and to reason on my own. They gave me the tools to succeed instead of spoon-feeding me useless facts and for that I am forever grateful.

The third group is the local Ronald McDonald House. I've been their 'computer guy' for quite a few years, but haven't checked in on them in quite a while. I'd kept the computers running for the office staff but haven't had much involvement since my divorce. I do keep in contact with the Executive Director and am going to call her to find out how I can help.

I may also check into doing more with the local Habitat For Humanity group. I've done several builds and am willing to help any organization that both allows and encourages me to use power tools. :-)

I have set a fairly large agenda for myself with these groups and again, being more of a starter than a finisher, I am concerned about being able to complete what I've started. However, I have always been more successful when I lend my talents to helping others than when I decide to help myself. I want to believe though, Dear Reader, that by helping others I will also be helping myself. We shall see.

Comments

I think that is great Howard. I am willing to bet that it will benefit you more so than whichever charity/ies you choose. Very proud of you.

You set a good example for the rest of us. As a 15+ year volunteer at a soup kitchen I can testify to the benefits to me and obviously those less fortunate.

Posted at November 28, 2005 07:05 AM

Any bloody pics from this trip, Howie?

Posted at November 28, 2005 09:48 AM

No, no bloody pics this time. I saw nothing but leaves and chipmunks.

Posted at November 28, 2005 01:51 PM

Aren't there any charities in which you could help wayward young women with, er, something/anything? You'd be really good at that, I bet.

Posted at November 28, 2005 03:31 PM

Thanks, RP, that made me laugh! I've checked into a few, but just can't find anything worthwhile. I've thought about starting a home for wayward hot cheerleaders who like to have sex in bar bathrooms, but apparently I'm not the first to come up with that one.

Posted at November 28, 2005 04:16 PM

Seems like someone else always has the really good ideas first, don't they?

Glad I made you laugh. I had the sense you needed one.

Posted at November 29, 2005 02:33 PM