Thursday, January 22, 2009

Anxiety

I'm a little nervous about this weekend. I've got a couple of things going on that might be a little tricky.

First, on Friday night I'm babysitting. I'm not going to go into details yet because it's a whole surprise thing. There is a girl I know through church and she asked me to watch her child. She is about 2, and is an only child so at least there is just one.

But when she told me the reason she asked me I almost laughed at her. She is very protective of her child, and she needed someone she could trust to watch her. And, she thought of me. Oh boy. Me, who doesn't know what to do with kids. Me, who has babysat maybe twice, and not at all since I was like 12.

Granted I teach primary every Sunday now, but that is for like an hour and doesn't involve feeding or bathing or putting to bed. I wonder what on earth made her think of me. But, I agreed to help her out (not because the thought of babysitting on Friday night sounded super fun, but because I'm a pushover and hate to say no to people).

I made sure Jimmy has that night off, because I'm not going at it alone! I'm sure I'll have a great story to blog about on Monday. Hopefully after this experience Jimmy will still want to have kids with me one day. :)

Then, on Sunday Jimmy and I are speaking in our ward. Ugh. It's one of those things you just don't say no to, but just because I accept the assignment doesn't mean I want to do it.

I'm not normally a real nervous public speaker, but when it comes to church stuff I am. I just feel silly talking about something that probably 90% of the people listening could talk about better. It makes me nervous that I'll mix something up, or teach false doctrine or something. I've got my talk outlined and think it will be ok though. Hopefully.

The most frustrating part of all of this is that Jimmy I'm sure has yet to start his. He will probably write it on the way to church Sunday morning. And his will still be better than mine. It always is.

It's not fair really. He just flies by the seat of his pants and brings the congregation to tears. I study and prepare and you can hear crickets chirping in the background as everyone stares at me with their glazed over "I'm not really listening eyes". I guess in this case failing to plan really isn't planning to fail!

7 comments:

Craig said...

"I just feel silly talking about something that probably 90% of the people listening could talk about better."

I really think that it is not that they could talk about it better, really, I think it is that 90% of the people really don't give 2 cents about WHAT you talk about. Not you personally, but the speakers in general. When you really think about it:

1. Most parents with kids are just trying to keep their kids calm and not loud and disrupting others around them. (except for Scott and Kaye, they enjoy Sacrament, its the people around them that can't.)

2. Most old people have a hard time staying awake for that long.

3. The single people are, well, not there. They are off trying to find someway not to be single.

4. The ones left that might be listening, they are being interrupted by Scott's kids.

So with that being said, no one listens or cares what the speakers say.

Jessica said...

haha, babysitting wont' be that bad and I would trust you too with my kids. And that drives me nuts that Jimmy does the same thing as Travis...or should I say doesn't do the same thing...meaning prepare. What the crap is this no preparing thing and having a way better talk. And I'm sure the other 10% will be very attentive =)

Liz Cuillard said...

Craig, again I can always count on you for colorful comments!

Jody C. said...

Liz I am sure you will give a great talk! I feel the same way. I hate speaking in public too. Craig is the same way as Jimmy waits to the last minute and gives a great talk. Good Luck! you will do just fine. I wished we lived close enough to hear your talk

Megan said...

I am excited for you to babysit - and that Jimmy is going with you!! Babysitting one little girl will ba cake and I know you will do great. As for sacrament meeting talks....I am embarrased to say that I have actually said no before - that is how deathly afraid I am of public speaking - again, you are a wonderful example to me. Let me know how it goes!

Megan said...

I am excited for you to babysit - and that Jimmy is going with you!! Babysitting one little girl will ba cake and I know you will do great. As for sacrament meeting talks....I am embarrased to say that I have actually said no before - that is how deathly afraid I am of public speaking - again, you are a wonderful example to me. Let me know how it goes!

sptalley said...

Megan, you are not the only one who has said no to giving a talk before! I have done it! I also love my caller ID, if you know who is assigning talks that month...screen your calls! Yes we do that too! After the first time I spoke in our ward, the Bishop came up to me and said good job, I told him thanks and to never ask me again! A bit rude, I know, but that is how much I hate it! ~Heather


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