Is it just me - because, I really don't want to sound so discouraged - or, does anyone else feel as if there is a hand extended in your direction, every time you turn around and send your kids off to school?

"We're taking up a collection for..."

If I hear those words, once more, I may be in danger of snapping that last nerve, already bent dangerously thin.

"...please send your donation of $$, by tomorrow."

Don't get me wrong, I do understand the reasoning behind donating towards fundraisers and parent/teacher membership(s) - currently, we're supporting 3 schools worth of functions - and volunteering my (or, my husband's) time - it's all for the cause, dear - but, add on a few bucks towards gifts for teachers, coaches,  leaders, class trips, school pictures, end of the year parties and...um...I know I'm forgetting something...times that by 4 and round it to the nearest dollar.

You get the picture, right - does giving really have to hurt, so much?

"Ouch!"

It's just like Christmas, all over again!

To be fair - having been on the receiving end of imposing upon the extra-curricular and recreational pursuits of my children - I want to take a moment, inhale a deep breath and thank all of you class moms (and dads) realizing their burden.

"We're taking up a collection for..."

I was approached by a mom (we haven't been formally introduced, but she sees me on the playground, a lot) who, was collecting money for another mom (I happen to know, even less) who,  just had a baby.

"Oh...um...how very nice of you."

Honestly, my first thought was that mothers (and fathers) have a good reason to celebrate their precious gift, I know - being quite gifted, myself - and my 5-year old's class was very excited to welcome the birth of their kindergarten teacher's second child, this month - yes, of course we gave - but, something clicked in my brain and I began to wonder, how much is too much?

I let go of my son's backpack and delved deep into my pockets.

"So, how much are we talking?"

She smiled and answered, without hesitation.

"Oh, I think that $10 would be enough - don't you?"

Yeah, $10 is just about all it took...SNAP...ouch!