Okay, my brain isn't really blank--at least not all the time--but yesterday I had moments that were very frustrating.

We worked at a fundraising event yesterday. Most of the day, we were at the merchandise tent. I was filling out simple sales receipts. I made a few mistakes, then it seemed like I couldn't do anything right. I asked my DH if he would handle his job and mine for awhile, and I simply sat and greeted people.

Then, I was asked to fill in at ticket sales while someone took a break. I was okay until someone handed me a $20 bill and needed change. Three times I made a mistake--the tickets were $1 each, so it was supposed to be easy. I then switched with another woman who was counting out the tickets, figuring I could at least handle that. I sat there for awhile with tears in my eyes, blinking furiously, determined not to cry.

I get so frustrated!! I want to participate in things like this, but it's hard not to feel useless at times and just want to stay at home and not be in these situations.

I think to alleviate your frustration you should just be honest about what you can/can't do up front, prior to the events.

Everyone is grateful for a volunteer, so if you just say you can't do any calculations but would love to meet and greet then they will know what to expect.

It still lessons the burden of work all around, and another body always helps with potty breaks and the like.

The alternative is for you to get frustrated and then not join in, and that turns into a lose/lose situation for you all.

And then you can concentrate on what you can do well, meeting and greeting and talking about the cause.

I am much worse at doing some things when I am tired. I am usually MOST tired from 1:00 - 5:00 pm each day, but can be fine in the mornings.

Perhaps you have a pattern too, and can plan more complicated tasks for only earlier in the day?

Cherie

Txbikergirl and Cherie, thank you for posting. You have both given me good advice, and I will definitely consider your ideas the next time I schedule myself to help out. I think the more frustrated I get with myself, the worse I get.

Sheesh azcoyote- that sounds awful -but at least you are doing useful helpful things -- I probably wouldn't be able to handle it at all - So hat's off to you -- The others ga*e you good ad*ise to try and handle it -- I know that I kan't think if tired and hot-so a*oiding those times will help - I hope ---