I couldn't agree more, hanging out is essential for one's personal growth (all sorts of hanging out).
aussiemama | Homepage | 01.24.05 - 9:25 pm | #

absolutely! I have a couple of girlfriends, and we make it a point to do lunch or visit at least a couple times a month.
Suz | Homepage | 01.24.05 - 9:27 pm | #

You are so right! I am very lucky as I have friends I've known since grade school. There are even a couple with whom I started in kindergarten and we went all the way through to college.

We try to get together once a month or so and each year in January, we go on our beach trip.

I think I realized recently that I take this for granted. I look at my daughter, who is very bright and outgoing and I see that she has people to "hang out" with, but I'm not seeing her have good friends. I think I've just assumed she'd be like me and have a great, close group of friends. And, I'm not seeing that yet for her.
Busy Mom | Homepage | 01.24.05 - 11:02 pm | #

I'm with Aussie Mama. Hanging out is essential...but having and nurturing that perfect group of close circle of friends should definitely not be taken for granted!
Cecilia | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 5:09 am | #

As always you are right on correct. I still have many of my old school friends, and we meet several times a year.
Annie | 01.25.05 - 7:37 am | #

Amen to that.
Bella Ozfemme | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 7:46 am | #

Hello Michele sent me along with her scavenger hunt-I do believe I got yours!!
cori | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 10:36 am | #

Absolutely. That's why my favorite coffee shop IS my favorite coffee shop. I mean, they even made me a b-day cake!

-G
Garrison Steelle | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 10:49 am | #

Hello!! Michele sent me!!!

Woohoo!! Two down, 18 to go!
Sarah | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 10:57 am | #

Hello, Michele sent me on this wicked awesome scavenger hunt... we're all IT!!!
Dave Diamond | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 2:29 pm | #

Michele sent me, too!

And you are SO RIGHT about the need to keep up with friends, even though the kids are small!
nat | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 3:35 pm | #

Excellent advice for those with and without children - get out and enjoy yourself every once in a while!
Denise | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 5:33 pm | #

3 friends and I (all with small children) get together for each others birthdays. It isn't very often but we soak up every last minute of it. The only children invited are those dependent on one of the 8 breasts at the table.

You've gotta have friends.
Em | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 8:01 pm | #

GOTCHA
Michele sent me!
Cyndy | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 8:24 pm | #

The girls and I get together monthly. We have our "meeting." Well, why the hell not, right? Sometimes with kids/husbands/lovers, sometimes without. One of the best things about our meetings is the planning. The hysterical emailing back and forth. I love it!! We all do. I just recently sparked up a friendship with an ole' high school buddy. It's been fabulous. You know how the saying goes, "keep your friends close, and..." well that's the important part! Keep 'em close.
Michele sent me.
I hope your computer is okay.
Elle | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 9:32 pm | #

You are SOOO right! People who have daily contact with good friends live much longer (8 years, I think, on average) than those who don't. Laughing aloud several times a day also adds years to your life and relieves stress. But best of all? Friends are just SO MUCH FUN and life is just too short to allow years to go by without them. Preach on, sistah...
Pink Poppy | Homepage | 01.26.05 - 2:20 am | #