I have a new girlfriend

Firstly, let me establish that I love my husband dearly.

Secondly, I met a girl.

Being in my ripe old age of 36, I find it is much more difficult to make new friends. Especially difficult being a stay at home mom. Sure I have met some nice people at my kids gymnastics class/soccer game/park but nothing really more than some friendly chat about our children's latest and cutest quirks. I leave wondering if I will see them again (assuming we had a good conversation) or hoping I won't see them again for a very long time (there are various reasons for this as believe it or not, not everyone is capable of carrying on a "normal" conversation without offending or scaring).

So as I was anticipating my daughter's return to school this fall and what friends she will make, I did not anticipate my own friendship with a fellow bus mom. It started as the usual smile, then the natural "how old is yours?" question while gesturing to the children at our feet. Over the next few school days, we found out we have quite a bit in common. Adding to that, our oldest children began sitting together on the school bus while our younger children babbled to each other in a language that only a 2 year old can understand (and a mom with a very well trained ear).

Last week we made plans for our first playdate and coffee.

I was nervous.

Like a first date nervous.

What if the kids don't get along? What if we have nothing to talk about? What if I find out she is a horribly racist bitch and now I have to find a way to avoid her at the bus stop every single day for the next 8 years? But, everything went well. In fact, we chatted as if we had been friends for a long time. AND, the children played well together with minimal fighting! Imagine that.

A few days later I received an email from my new friend. She invited me to a ladies spa getaway next May with 16 other ladies. How lovely! I just may make 16 new girlfriends to add to my BFF list.