Have I lost my Time?

Some days I feel like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, worried about being late for an important date. Tardiness is one of my biggest pet peeves. I tend to live by a code of behavior regarding tardiness that dictates this montra: To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, to be late is inexcusable. Dean Immel, my high school band director used to say that just about every day when someone would try to sneak in to class tardy. It was a large class with about 100 + students. We had an incredible music program...but that was before the implementation of budget cuts to non-sports programs in the public school system...I am digressing....I've only had two sips of my steaming hot coffee. Give me a few gulps and I'll be normal once again. Which brings me to this question: What is normal?
Oooppss I slipped again-back to topic here.
I found myself faced with a situation that has been happening all too often lately. I had overlapped, by accident or default, two engagements that I needed to attend last night. One started at 7:00 and the other at 7:30. I had committed to doing makeup and costuming for another play being done at our community theatre. I love doing costumes and makeup. This is something that gives me a lot of pleasure and time to do something that is just for me. Yes, I am helping others, especially men, put makeup on...this is obviously something that they are not used to doing. I had committed to Town Players two full months ago. Last week I received an invite in the mail from our pastor's wife for the kick off of the "Ladies" group. I really don't want to be involved with this, not because I don't love fellowship, but because I have been involved with every little thing that our church does simply out of obligation. The irony of this whole situation is this...the topic for the "Ladies" study is "Lifestyles of the Stressed and Frantic". We as women over commit outselves and don't know when to say that dreaded two lettered word "No". So, in the feeble attempt to placate everyone, I said "yes, I'll be there". I went, chatted a little, had a cup of coffee, and left. Why did I feel bad? Was it because church things are supposed to be good for you? Or, was it because once again, I felt manipulated to participate in something just because it was church related and someone invited me? If I can remember the mantra about being late, why can't I say No to overextension of my time? Are these people that I truly enjoy being around? Some yes and some, No. Why do I feel put in an awkward position having to be around these ladies? There are some very nice, wonderful ladies at our church and then there are the "others". I don't know if it's out of obligation because Bob is a Deacon at our church, or if it's that I am afraid that these ladies will think less of me if I don't "Do it all". If you have some words of wisdom, I am all ears, but I fear that this is a struggle by which all of us busy moms are plagued. So, Please say a short , or long, prayer for me that I find my voice and am able to say "No" to the things that really occupy too much of my time. I don't think I am losing my time, I think I am losing my voice. That's all for this morning. Have a beautiful day and don't forget it's ok to say No.