We have the good fortune of having a river run through the middle of our town. The local park happens to be hugged in a horseshoe of this river.... so playing in the river a convenient and easy local activity. Twice we've gone there and twice we've seen other kids playing in the water.
Today, however, I met this really cool mom hanging out there with her three sons. They had been misbehaving and the mom was totally busting them. She apologized afterwards for "having to do that" in front of me and I laughed... This may not make a whole lot of sense to my friends who don't have kids, but: It is such a welcome relief when you get to see a parent reprimand their child(ren) and they are doing it exactly like you would in the same situation! You get to agree with them and feel validated and on the right track all at the same time and you don't even have to know or speak to them to have the experience. Or rather, you know up front that you share similar parenting styles and so breaking the ice and starting up a conversation is that much easier and more enjoyable. (Believe me, there is nothing worse than sharing this great conversation with a potential mom-friend and then watching her scream bloody murder and spank her kid right in front of you for practically nothing.)
So, this cool mom invited me to the local playgroup in our little town and asked for my number and I honestly hope to see her sometime soon! After she left the river, just when I was feeling super happy about my new prospective friend, guess what? Another mom came down to the river, toting her two year old, and invited me to her playgroup in the town just north of ours, and gave me her email address, and wanted to try to get together soon.
Can you believe it? The stars are aligning... and I'm so glad because I'm starting to feel lonely and miss my mom friends in California.
But we will definitely be going to this river as much as possible while the weather stays warm. It's only a ten minute walk from our house (!) and the perfect activity for that last hour of the day before dad gets home from work...
