“Moderation is the secret to survival.” — Manly Hall, Canadian philosopher

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” — Kat Bryant, American realist

I’m not very good at following Manly’s mantra, even though I know I probably ought to.

At one end of the spectrum, I scoff at “suggested serving sizes,” especially when it comes to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Or fresh crabmeat. Or Karen Barkstrom’s homemade shortbread. Or… well, pretty much anything delicious.

At the opposite end, I do as little housework as humanly possible, unless I’m expecting guests — in which case I bite the bullet and sweep up my lush pet-hair carpeting to reveal the vinyl flooring beneath. (Ooooh, shiny!)

But I have learned in the past couple of weeks that when it comes to volunteerism, moderation is absolutely necessary for my survival.

Case in point:

I was recruited a few months ago to serve on the planning committee for a major annual Boy Scout event. I like the people involved and the work we’re doing. It’s taking up a few hours a week, and that’s OK. It’s a good fit, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

Well, this recently led to me being voluntold for a major local Scouting position that’s opening up: district communications chair. That’s the person who’s responsible for distributing information within the district membership, from top brass to Cub Scout den leaders. I’m totally good with this, because it’s a job I’m well-suited for (and, in fact, one I’ve done before). I’m also confident that the person who currently holds the position will help me with the transition as he retires.

But then came the breaking point: “Hey, Kat, we also need someone to record the minutes at the district committee meetings. We were thinking that would be a good thing for you to take on as part of the communications thing.”

Now, that’s a function normally delegated to a completely separate position: committee secretary. It’s a critical and time-consuming job in itself — not something to just tack on to the critical and time-consuming job I’d already agreed to do. Knowing this, I declined. (Thankfully, one of my cohorts immediately stepped up to handle that responsibility; so it’s all good.)

Sorry, guys. I know my limits.

Well, OK — I know my limits in some respects.

Somebody please pass the ice cream.

Kat Bryant is lifestyle editor of The Daily World. She still believes in her heart that a pint is the correct serving size for Ben & Jerry’s. Reach her at kbryant@thedailyworld.com or on Facebook at Kat Bryant-DailyWorld.