Just say NO

When I was almost three, my mom took me to the doctor and asked him if I was retarded. TRUE STORY!!! What was the reason? Because I could not, or would not talk. I would only say one word, NO.


My parents had a tape of Kaci when she was two, singing every primary song ever written, reciting all of the nursery rhymes, saying the ABC's, etc. Soon I was added to the tape. "Kori, say hot dog". "No". "Kori, say C C (Kaci)". "NO". It was all I said. A two letter, one syllable word- NO. It was the first word I learned and the only word I said until I was three.




Now, it is a word I CANNOT say. I have completely forgotten how to say it.


Kori, will you work on your one day off this week? I say, SURE.


Kori, will you film Grant's game? I say, WHY NOT


Kori, do you want to donate to the foundation? I say, OKAY.


Kori, can you make dinner for some family in need? I say, OF COURSE.


Kori, can you write the Primary program again? I say, PIECE OF CAKE.


Kori, will you organize 700 hours of medical volunteers for the senior game? I say, I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO.


Kori, will you train for the marathon with me in 2010? I say, SOUNDS FUN.


Kori, are you ready to begin your capstone project? I say, YEP- BRING IT ON.




I am overloaded, stressed out, and falling apart physically. I am not asking for compassion or sympathy... I have brought this on myself. Today, I was considering reverting back to my childhood. I wouldn't care if people thought I was retarded... I was only going to use the word NO again. But, I would then miss spending time with all of my favorite people. I have determined that I don't really love all of the things I do. I just really love the people I do those things with (or for)... and that is why I always say yes. So my solution for this is, from now on I am going to invite those people I love on ice cream dates instead of taking on too many crazy tasks.


Just a heads up... If you ask me to do something for or with you and you suddenly get an invitation to go get ice cream with me instead... it is safe to say, I JUST SAID NO to your request!!!