Troopers

Its just about the end of the month, which means that Hallowe'en is coming. According to the offspring, there is the possibility of two official recognitions of the event, which would mean two opportunities to go and scavenge candy. Personally, I doubt it, but I told her that if they have two, I'll go out with her both times. You do things for kids that as an adult don't always make sense.

The girl scout troop led by my wife is down to four girls. They had merged with another troop for about a year, and my wife was given to understand that the members of that troop didn't want to be merged any more. We don't know why. Now one of the remaining girls in this troop has moved to another one because she's become close friends with a girl in that troop; that girl's mother is the troop leader, and is known for having a lavish approach to what that troop does. That wasn't the reason for the kid moving, though it was probably a consideration. In any event, my wife now has to decide if she wants to go through all of the hassle of being a troop leader for a troop of only four kids. She feels like a bit of a failure. I thought she was doing fine -- nothing flashy, just basic small town America girl scout activities. She agrees, but it bothers her.

Its silly to let this be a big deal, but in a way, it is. You draw your self image from how other people react to you and what you do, even when its just a bunch of kids. And when they say that they don't want to be associated with you or your organization any more, you wonder why.

Insecurity is an amazingly powerful emotion.