It's Over!
Kettle season 2006 is officially over. All of the kettles and stands are back in storage, our dining room now resembles a dining room rather than a counting room. The bells are out of the van. What will I do when I don't hear a jingle every time I go over a bump?
In all seriousness, we have had a record year of kettles. As of Monday, December 18th we exceeded our goal of $68,000. I won't know the final figures until at least Wednesday when our coins are counted at the bank, but I am estimating that we will come in at about $80,000. Last year we did $63,700. I enjoy the thrill of kettles. I enjoy challenging myself and my workers to push a little harder. Only once in my 9 years of doing this by myself have I not exceeded my goal. I am not bragging that is is just fact.
Here are some numbers from the last 6 weeks of my life.
Miles put on Chevrolet Express Van---7,350
Miles per gallon on those miles--11.7
Hours per work each day---14-15
Black Bags under my eyes--2
Seeing peoples faces as they receive gifts and knowing the Army's work will go through in 2007...priceless!
That is what it is all about. My soldiers told me to get rest. They noticed the bags under my eyes! Today Jay was thrilled that there would be no kettle pick ups tonight or for the next 11 months.
As I type this our home is clean, and our kids are laying down in anticipation of Santa coming to Norwich. It was good hard work, but I am glad it is over.
Merry Christmas!
In all seriousness, we have had a record year of kettles. As of Monday, December 18th we exceeded our goal of $68,000. I won't know the final figures until at least Wednesday when our coins are counted at the bank, but I am estimating that we will come in at about $80,000. Last year we did $63,700. I enjoy the thrill of kettles. I enjoy challenging myself and my workers to push a little harder. Only once in my 9 years of doing this by myself have I not exceeded my goal. I am not bragging that is is just fact.
Here are some numbers from the last 6 weeks of my life.
Miles put on Chevrolet Express Van---7,350
Miles per gallon on those miles--11.7
Hours per work each day---14-15
Black Bags under my eyes--2
Seeing peoples faces as they receive gifts and knowing the Army's work will go through in 2007...priceless!
That is what it is all about. My soldiers told me to get rest. They noticed the bags under my eyes! Today Jay was thrilled that there would be no kettle pick ups tonight or for the next 11 months.
As I type this our home is clean, and our kids are laying down in anticipation of Santa coming to Norwich. It was good hard work, but I am glad it is over.
Merry Christmas!
posted by Christian at
12/24/2006 08:20:00 PM
3 Comments:
Congratulations on a successful campaign. Now, go and enjoy some holiday time with your family.
Well done....most of the success on kettles comes down the Officer. Consistent community relations throughout the year starts to show up in direct mail about 10 to 15 months out. The work given during a six week period often allows the CO to sleep easier throughout the rest of the year due to less stress upon the budget and concerns about finding cuts. To paraphrase an old Fram oil filter commercial, "pay me a little now, or pay me a lot more later."
Congratulations! I know that you and Elaine are enjoying this week off :). Hope you and the kids had a quiet and calm Christmas!!
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