It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these memes. Ironically enough, this week’s theme focuses on group meetings and what I’ll be doing on Tuesday—this Tuesday is our first annual meeting of MOPS! (Last Wednesday’s column about the same topic soon to follow.) In the meantime, if you’re a mom of preschoolers and interested in learning more, click that cute, colorful MOPS logo in my side bar.
Yeah, that one. Over there: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
1. Where will you be and what will you be doing this Tuesday afternoon?
I will be getting myself up too stinkin’ early to help set up for our MOPS meeting at a local church. Then I will enjoy fun, food and fellowship with a great group of ladies while Jonah (hopefully!!!) wreaks havoc in the nursery and my older boys occupy themselves in another room with schoolwork. As homeschoolers who get “dragged along”, they love MOPS because they get to raid the leftover food after we’re finished. Because Boys+Free Food=Sheer Joy!
2. Do you belong to any group(s)?
No. Not ANY.
Let’s see, besides MOPS…I’m a member of East Metro Atlanta Christian Writers and several online groups. And the boys and I are enjoying our second year in The Most Awesome Little Homeschool Group in Georgia, also affectionately known as the Friday Groupers. I’m also a card-carrying member of the Sunday Morning Moms Club at my church. OK, so that isn’t an official group, but we dub ourselves that because it’s a bunch of us with clingy toddlers who hold us hostage in the nursery every week with their blood-curdling screams if we so much as act like we’re leaving the room!
3. Do you feel energized or drained by being in a group situation? (If the answer is “it depends,” on what does it depend?)
I feel energized by the groups I’m a member of now, because they bless me and I feel like I have the opportunity to bless others. I’m only in groups full of people I love. However, when placed in group situations where I don’t know anyone personally, I end up feeling drained because I find all the small talk, etc. somewhat pretentious and tiring. I’ve found that baby showers where you only know the pregnant mom and Pampered-Chef-like parties are some of the worst!
4. Is there a role you naturally put yourself while adapting when in group situations?
I’m usually the quiet one offering occasional bursts of comic relief. (But I always say, “Excuse me” afterward. LOL)
5. In business or formal situations, do you mind hugs or are you offended if it goes past a handshake?
I am Southern, y’all. Down here, total strangers hug and we think nothing of it. Really long hugs that end in a butt-pat? Personally, I find those cross a line. Unless it’s Kevin Costner doing the hugging and patting. And then I am FINE…
6. Do you find what we’d call “ice breakers” a playful way to build community in a lighthearted manner, or a complete and utter hell of forced fun and awkwardness?
It really depends on the kind of group it is and how these icebreakers are handled. I have experienced both playful icebreakers and more than a few of the “utter hell” variety.
7. What word do you use far too frequently?
Poop. I’d forgotten how full of it the baby and toddler years are for parents. It’s not possible to go an entire day in this house of boys without discussing poop.
8. What word do you use not frequently enough?
Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia. Must find more reasons to discuss the fear of long words.
9. What word do you use when swearing is not appropriate?
Is swearing ever appropriate? Call me a prude, but I think not. Except maybe in the throes of labor and childbirth. Or when hammer meets thumb. But my usual non-swear-word-of-choice is “crud.” Oh crud. Or maybe it’s, “What the…?” with a blank where the expletive would sit.
Samantha’s Saturday 9 can be found every week by clicking here.