Day 41--Girl Time

Today was different, and it was nice!

My cousin from Manhattan came over to spend the day with my son and I.  She brought her adorable little girl.  We lounged by the pool and soaked up the sun.

I soon realized that I have been longing for some "girl time."  In Illinois, I lived within five miles of both of my sisters, my mom, my mother-in-law, and my best friend.  I had "girl time" all the time! 
Although I didn't realize it at the time, I took it for granted.

If I needed someone to run an errand with me, hang out with me, get coffee, lunch, or just sit and talk with me, that person was always available.  I was really never alone.   Sometimes, I would go over to my sister's house for the afternoon.  The boys would play and my sister would. be doing housework, or cooking, and I'd be on the computer or outside.  We weren't constantly communicating with words, but we were still together.

Now that we've moved, I no longer have that "girl time," and I really miss it.  My daughter has a full-time job and she has met quite a few people through her job.  My son has met friends from his day camp.  My  husband works with wonderful guys that he gets along with really well. 
 I haven't exactly found my niche.  I've been so busy getting the house together, getting my kids registered for school for the fall, finding doctors, churches, and activities for my kids to become involved in, that I haven't actively pursued friendships for myself.  I am a very social person.  I thrive when I am surrounded by people.  So that, for me, has been the most challenging part of our move.

Before the move, I didn't know I had a second cousin in Manhattan.  We had never met; however, after the move, someone shared my link with her cousin, because she knew we lived so close to Manhattan.  It turns out, the girl from Manhattan and I are second cousins.  It is such a small world.  I am just amazed by it every day. 

Anyway, she came over today and we talked for hours.  It was so nice to discuss everything from our awesome husbands, to our kids, to our favorite foods, to things that get on our nerves.  It was the "girl time" that I have been missing.  It was so comforting to me.

We decided to go out to dinner with our husbands.  Earlier in the week, my daughter had promised my son that she would spend Friday night with him.  He's been looking forward to it all week.  So, going out on a double date tonight worked perfectly for us!

My kids walked down to a local pizzeria and watched a movie.
My husband and I met my cousin and her husband at this amazing Greek restaurant near the Hudson.  We ate outdoors and the weather was perfect with a light breeze and low humidity.  It was a busy little place and an older gentleman was there playing live greek music with several different instruments.  Some of the patrons were out on the sidewalk doing greek-style dances.  The atmosphere was fun and family-friendly.  I tried food I've never tried before, and, of course, I loved it all.

After dinner, we went walking around the city and saw spectacular views.  The moon was unbelievable.  We walked up some steep hills, looked in some cute shops, and hopefully burned off some serious calories.

On the drive home, my husband and I were talking about what a great evening we had shared.  The entire day had been wonderful.

My husband is my best friend.  I cherish every second we have together.  Likewise, the time I spend with my children is so valuable.  One can't put a price on it.

With that being said, every girl needs her "girl time."  In my opinion, "girl time" should be easy.  Even if serious issues are being discussed, it should still be carefree.  If it's complicated, or it feels like you have to "try," then it's not true "girl time."

Never, ever take precious "girl time" for granted.  Honestly, it is something sacred; it is something that should be cherished.

In two days, my mom and sisters will be here in NY visiting us.  I'll have more beautiful "girl time" than I'll know what to do with!  We'll laugh, probably shed a few tears, share memories and dreams, discuss future plans, and sometimes just sit together and  no words will even need to be spoken.
It'll be easy. 

I will cherish every single second of it.