Out Past Curfew

On Monday night, I experienced my first "girls night out" since I moved to Columbus over 4 years ago (no, Young Women activities don't count). It's not that I haven't done anything with other women, it just usually revolves around our children. I did have a visit from a fantastic college roommate, Heidi. And there's always the occasional visit from mom. As fun as those times are, they are few and far between. They don't make up for real life, accessible friends. An old friend I had served with in Young Women for three years moved away and was back for a visit. She got a group of women together. So it wasn't the women I assocciate most with. In fact, I was the only one in my twenties and still bearing children. But it didn't matter. I haven't laughed and enjoyed myself in that way...they way you do with all women and no children...for way too long. We went to dinner and sat there until the restaurant closed. Since we certainly weren't finished enjoying our time, we went out for ice cream and sat there until after the doors were locked and they kicked us out. And we got back to the house were we all met and stood by our cars for a few more hours. By that time it was really late and everything was funny and we just laughed. By the time I got home, I had to tip-toe in the house. I felt like I was sneaking in and had to have and excuse for being home past "curfew." It was nearly 1:30am, but well worth it. Heaven knows I don't get any sleep these days anyway.

There's no therapy like a girls night out.