Because You Asked for a Better Excuse

Yesterday afternoon, I got a call from the chief organizer at the kids’ co-op wanting my help with organizing the Thanksgiving party. I asked her what the time commitment was for that, and I quickly realized that there was no way I could be the kind of help she needed. She’s planning an EXTRAVAGANZA, and I only have the time to help hand out the cookies I picked up last minute from the grocery store.

It didn’t matter. She wasn’t taking no for an answer, no matter how many ways I politely said it. Eventually I simply said, “I’m sorry that you don’t seem to understand that I’m unable to help. I’m much too busy to make the kind of time commitment you need from me.”

I could hear the condescending smile in her voice as she drawled back, “Aw…come now…you’re gonna need a better excuse than that…”

So, just for you annoying-co-op-lady, here are some better excuses:

5. I can’t help you with the Thanksgiving party because I’m going to be busy petting my fish.

4. Gosh…I’d love to help you, but I have to herd my ducks that afternoon.

3. It’s dinosaur day at the office, and we really don’t want to miss it.

2. I’d love to, but now is the time on Sprockets when we dance like little girls.

1. I’ll be watching Alfonso Ribeiro doing The Carlton on Dancing with the Stars over, and over, and over, and over…

How about next time you just realize that the word ‘No’ is a complete sentence and save us from all of this?