Fundraising

I have offically been fundraising now for 3 years. Before I worked here, I helped out my previous employer where I could, learning the ropes and what to watch out for. I learned a lot from her.
Fundriaisng is not as easy as it seems. You put a lot of hours into it. There's:

• Figuring out the event


• Fidning a venue


• Finding volunteers


• Making contact for raffle & prize items


• Pick up


• Set up


• And more...

In 3 years I have brought approximately $8,100.00 for various projects around the building. Most recently, the last year was all for Partners With Youth and Families Scholarship Campaign.

My bowling tournament is finally a success. I already have 9 teams lined up, and we're still a month out from the tournament. This is a good thing. I am competing with everyone else fundraising, including Relay For Life teams, which don't get me wrong I think they are all great and deserve community attention and outreach. But people don't realize that the smaller places like the YMCA, FISH, Link, etc. need community attention too. It's very stressful to hear rejection after rejection. It makes me feel like I'm failing, in a way.

So I've made a big decision. What I can't get donated, I will buy. Maybe, just maybe, those companies will remember me next year and be more apt to give or help out.

Changes

I have not been feeling myself for almost a week now. I just ate my first meal since Sunday afternoon, this morning. When I get like this, I seem to put depressing status' on my Facebook that seem to alarm people. Well, when you don't feel good, you don't feel like being very positive. At least I don't. As usual, Jared believes the culprite is stress. I have a bad habit of letting stress get to me. Things were pretty rough there for awhile, but I managed to stay happy. Now things are getting better, and playing catch up on everything has gotten to me. And it's like everything knows there's the constant income in again, so we fix one thing, and four other things break. It's very, not only depressing, but stressful. The latest in this wonderful non-stop train, happens to be my mode of transportation. Yes, the four runner has finally decided it's had enough. Although it's an easy fix, it's definitely not a cheap one. And where does Jared find the time to do something like that for me with working anywhere from 40-65 hours a week, not including drive time. So far we are making due with him dropping me off and me getting a ride home. When the weather is clear, it's possible I can walk home. My other stress is work. As much as I enjoy my job, it's also very stressful to constantly live up to the boards expectations. Our board does not participate in very many events, or even sign their kids up for other than Youth Sports, but they expect the rest of the community to rally around them. I have changed my ways in the last six months though, taking off time to compensate for the over time put in. The first two years, I did not do this. Jared has had the last 4 weekends off in a row, this is very odd for his job, but we haven't complained. However, this is his last weekend, so we were going to go away for the night, by ourselves. According to him there was a surprise in store for me, I didn't even know where we were going. Unfortunately now, we are not able to go. It's irritating but understandable, so I'm not upset about that part. It was supposed to be a much needed break for just Jared and I, as we have realized this is something we need with all the hours he has been putting in at work. But it's hard to justify your needs over family. We have always jumped when family needed us, and we won't falter now. Well that's enough of my rants for now. Hopefully next time I write, I will have something more positive to say.

Busy Busy Busy

Today I find myself wanting to pull my hair out, so I decided to take a break and just type for myself for a bit.
I am in the process of putting together another fundraiser for the Y. It's this years bowling tournament. I had to change facilities due to the cost of running the event, and change the way the prizes were given out. But it's a constant event in our community so people are always giving, and willing to sign up a team, knowing the money goes to a good cause.
I am also in the process of doing the second of this years mailer for our annual schoalrship campaign. This is rough as it's thousands of letters, signing the letters, typing in names, lables, stuffing envelopes, etc. Thank goodness for the front desk willing to help with the last couple go-rounds. It has made not only my job easy and their day go by faster, it's helped the mailer go out faster so we are done on time. But, all in all, that's mostly my fault because I always think I need to do it myself. I have a hard time accepting help because then things get out of order and it most of the time takes longers. I think, however, that the front desk understands this of me now, and is able to do things how they are supposed to be done.
I also have Spring Break Camp starting on Monday. I have all the crafts set up, tomorrow I will have all the stuff for the back up crafts (in case we can't go to the park), all the packets are made, all the movies have been chosen, and we're set up for the movie "Megamind" on the big screen at the Kelso Theatre Pub with pizza and pop and unlimited popcorn for three hours on Friday. I had a mom sign up her two kids yesterday and she doesn't want them to leave the facility. I already want to refund her money, but I agreed I would call her first and see why she doesn't want the kids to leave. My guess, first time campers, never been dropped off before. I can't say to much about that, Jared and I were a lot like that when Jayce was young. His first camp was Cispus when he was in the 6th grade.
I guess the best part of this week is that Jared is on days and has another weekend off. And then again the same schedule next week. This is a rareity for us. We have some fun out of the house stuff planned and I am excited. Next weekend, my cousin is coming up from Hillsboro to take some family pictures at Lake Sacajawea. I'm really excited since I wasn't really excited about the YMCA fundraiser photos we just got back.
Well I guess that's all for today. I'm gona call that mom and set up a facility usage with a local church group. Always something going on :)

Wow!

I had totally forgotten about this blog page, it's been so long since I posted.

Jared was hired in December at Georgia Pacific, Camas Mill, in December of 2010. He just recently finished his probationary time and is begining to work his way up already. Although it was nice having him home the last two years working around the house and what not, it was time to move on.

Jayce graduated from Kelso High School in June 2009 and proceeded to spend his next two summers fishing. It's what he loves, and I'm glad he was able to do it before plunging into the real world. He now is a full time Loader at Pro-Build here in Longview. I am fortunate enough to be able to work so close to him so we can spend out lunches together. Jayce also bought his first truck in January 2011. A lifted 2001 Silver Dodge Ram 1500. It's got everything he wanted, tow package, good tires, etc. Although the gas mileage could be better, but hey, I think we're all in that boat now.

As for me, I am still working at the SW WA Family YMCA as Administrative Assistant/Fundraising Director/Spring & Winter Camp Coordinator. A lot of titles, means a lot of work. But it's worth it in the end, as I think I finally found something I love doing. And the best part is, all the money I bring in goes to the kids. On the side I try to keep myself busy with new crafts and new ideas for my camps. This week I get to make all the crafts I have planned for Spring Break next week. I'm looking forward to it, and getting away from my desk for awhile.

As for my medical issues, that has been a rocky road, but I think we finally found pavement. My off and on stomach issues finally came to head in August of 2010. After almost three months of testing, it was finally discovered that my gallbladders was only working at a small percentage of what it was supposed too. Then they pushed out surgery as far as they could. But I was finally to get it all taken care of on November 15, 2010. There are still some minor problems, but nothing that can't be dealt with by diet and exercise. And if you know me, I haven't quite made it that far yet. :)

Jared and I have also added to our family since my last post. In January 2009 we brought home Zippy. Half Blue Healer, half Jack Russell Terrier. And Terrier (or Terror) is more like it. He's a whirlwind of energy all the time, only stopping to claim the majority of our bed at night. Then in October of 2010, we welcomed Logan, our Yellow Lab. Both the dogs are 2 years old and a good match for each other. We haven't tempted camping with them yet. I'm actually dreading it, they may have to go to daycare. ;)

Things are getting back on track after this whirlwind from the last two years. Financially speaking, maybe in a year or so we might finally be able to purchase some of those bigger items that we've had our eyes on for awhile. I can't wait and it will be great to move on.

A New Year - A New Start

This year started with a bang. We brought in the New Year with good friends and cheered the accomplishments we'd have in 2008.
But, all things must come to an end as we found out last week. Jared's employer will be closing the doors for good in 4-6 weeks due to bankruptcy. They just didn't have enough coming in to pay the overhead. My personal opinion, they really didn't know how to run a business and concentrated on the non-money-making things they did and then wondered why they didn't have any money coming in, in the winter.
Anyway, we are going to try our hand at being our own business owner, but without the overhead. It's going to take alot of work to get started and Jared is putting his trust in a contractor he knows in Vancouver to do the fabricating part of the job, but he's confident that it will work.
So, I've been spending my nights filling out paperwork, sending emails and everything else. I even made some time Saturday morning to make him his own work area with a desk and everything in the back room. He liked it and was impressed.
So if you know anyone who is looking to replace their counter tops with granite, marble or quartz, give Jared a call at 360-270-5030 or send him an email at doublejstoneworks@yahoo.com He will sure appreciate the business.

As for me, I thought this whole thing would make me sick with my stress issues and all. Well, I'm not sick, but I have had a headache for over a week. I'm just taking things one day at a time and helping where I can. I think I've finally realized that's all I really can do. I've thrown myself into a new fundraising committee here at work and am getting ready to head up a Bowling Tournament so that we can replace our roof here at the Y.

Jayce is getting closer to being done with wrestling. He had the Kelso Invite this last weekend and didn't do so hot, but we chalked it up to 48 hours of fasting to drop down to another weight class. And then explained to him, no eating means no energy. But I don't think that's really what's bothering him. He was looking forward to going to the beach next month with us, and was told that he has to go with the team to Regionals whether or not he's wrestling. We're still going since it's become a tradition to go, but he's alittle bummed. We'll have to figure out another time to go and make it up to him.

Hope all is well with you and yours. And sorry I haven't blogged in awhile, been alittle busy LOL.

Potter November Update

It's been awhile since I wrote in my blog, so I thought I would catch up for those that read this.



Jayce just finished football and is gearing up for wrestling. Pre-season practices start tonight and regular practice starts on Monday the 17th. So not much of a break, but it will work.



Jared lost a crew member to back injuries, and is back out in the fab shop. This means that he is working outside constantly and back on every install. But we both admitted that the hours are better.

I am just finishing up the yearly paperwork for our United Way Grant and am in the process of looking for other grants to be able to add more things to do around the facilities. I am also in the process of planning our yearly Thanksgiving get together. This year we decided, since we do it the Saturday after Thanksgiving every year, that almost two days in a row of traditional food, that we're going non-traditional this year and ordering Mexican food from a local restaurant. This will save so much preperation around the house. Just need to clean and set up the tables. And it's less money on our part. Always good to save money.

We had a scare with Jared, we thought he had a small heart attack. Turns out, thank goodness, it was another symptom of his hidla hernia. Another scary moment in our lives. On the other hand, I'm doing pretty good. I still have moments, but they are down to moments now, not days or weeks. And my stress level has come way down. I try not to take as much work home with me, as I noticed that contributes to alot of it too. I also am reconnecting with friends who I didn't get to spend as much time with before. It helps to have a bigger circle of friends and supporters. I've also been re-establishing my ability to embroider. I had said earlier that everyone was going to get something for Christmas. Yeah...I'm not as good as I remember. So I've been practicing on a rather large doiley, which has turned out to be very colorful and with alot of different stitches. But, again, it helps to practice and when it's done, I will feel like I can do some of the bigger projects I've put off for years.

Speaking of money...We finally got the house re-financed!!! We are so excited. Next is to pay off the car and get Jared a new rig to drive, since the "explosion" of the blazer. So many plans. Finally going to start on the back yard this spring, so that it's done before Jayce's graduation/birthday party on June 13th.

Right at this moment, I'm in the process of trying to find a cheap house to rent for a weekend with a couple of friends. We all really need it, and we made it another tradition about three years ago to do something like this. It's a relaxing break, playing cards, watching movies, etc.

Well that's all for now. Hope everyone who reads this has a great day!

Update

It's been a busy week, and then I was late getting here this morning because Jayce has the flu. Poor guy, he went to his early class and then came home because he couldn't take it anymore.

Went to the doctor Monday morning. Jared was with me. The original point of our appointment was for aour three month check-up. Jared with his stomach issues and mine for my severe allergies. We got through all that and then Jared talked to her about me. Unfortunately this was our first appointment with our new doctor, our previous one got a job at the hospital in Vancouver two months ago, we were very saddened by this.

So anyway, we talked about what was stressing me out and we talked about some of the solutions like taking pills and seeing a therapist or counselor. All three of us decided that drugs are not the answer at this point in time. They may be later, but right now it's life issues that drugs are not going to help.

The majority of the problem is I let stress take over my life and then it becomes what it does. Because things have started to calm down and Jared is being very protective about what comes around me at the moment, including money, that we are going to give it a week and see how things go.

I am supposed to call my doctor on Monday and give her a report of my week and how things went and how I dealt with them and she said I have to, I will call her or email her every Monday.
She also told Jared that it's ok for me to talk to people that I consider close about whatever is causing stress at the moment, keeping it bottled up puts more pressure on things and causes more hurt than good, and that's when she thinks I become physically ill. And she suggested Jared and I spending more time with our close friends and to establish a better support system, as she agreed that the boys can't do that by themselves.

So there's this weeks report :) Today is a good day, except for Jayce being sick, and I have convidence in my abilities to overcome the issues that are troubling me and get back to my cheery & happy self.