just playing in the net!

What a great few days this has been! I have reconnected with so many friends this week and now have a full month (but not too full) of hanging with friends. Some times we even plan to be productive.

Really I feel reborn. Last night we laughed so hard we all had tears streaming down our faces. It was the depth of the experience that made it great. Friends who were not afraid to fully open up and let it all out made the night free and unrestrained. We shared without censor or hesitation because we all could relate to the stories being told and we could poke fun at each other and lament that we let "one of the group" fall through the safety net and smack on the concrete of reality. Some times you need to be the one taking that harsh plunge.

Seeing those friends this morning and having to hold our breath so we didn't burst into laughter as we waited for our kids to enter the school building simply made my day.

Tomorrow I get to do it again. This time with spouses. Tomorrow, I'll again be able to pause and look around and just take in the faces of those whom 'get it" and feel like I'm right where I belong.

And Sunday we add in the kids. It will be crazy and wonderful. I think this weekend I will fall in love with the holiday and enjoy the ride.

I'm glad to have found this net(work) again. Even my mother-in-law remarked that even through the phone I sound rested and happy.

There are many things that we need in life. And I have learned that one very important component of happiness are friends with whom I have much in common, who understand my needs, wants, and perspective. Having returned to this group I find that is still is easy to have time for friends and random outings. Unlike the young families at our church, this group of friends rarely can do spur of the moment things, so we plan a day or two before and we can make arrangements for childcare or adjust our schedules to accommodate soccer practices, ballet, and instrument lessons. Someday those young parents will understand. I'm alright with them not understanding. I'm not a young mom anymore and I am glad for that.


Like a child elated by a special day out with friends, I am bouncing on this net(work) of friends and look forward to the days ahead.