A Troubling Realization

So I was at the circus school last night with Charlie (Age 5), he takes a rudimentary acrobatics/jumping around class there in preparation for his future career as an itinerant entertainer (or, failing that, carny). And I noticed they had a big butcher paper sign with a thermometer that represented their fundraising efforts being slowly colored in. I realized that I see these signs Everywhere. I. Go.

Almost all of the major institutions in my life involve fundraising:

* Circus school
* the preschool both kids go to
* the YMCA where I exercise and the kids take classes
* public radio where I work
* and, when you think about it, my home since aren't we all fundraisers for ourselves?

I tell you, if Starbucks or Safeway starts holding pledge drives, there will be nothing left.

It makes me wonder if I should be doing something more lucrative with my life.