An Inspiring Friend

Do you have a friend that inspires you? I am fortunate to have many amazing girlfriends, but one in particular is my girlfriend from college. We've known each other for 20 years and I was thrilled when she moved within driving distance a few years back. The easiest way to describe her is that there is nothing she cannot do. Seriously. New backsplash for the kitchen? She can put it in. Extra-long curtains made for your great room? She's your girl. Delicious pumpkin cookies for your Halloween party? Absolutely!

But even more inspiring is her attitude. She truly believes that there is nothing she cannot accomplish. No obstacle that is insurmountable with a determined and positive attitude. And let me say that it is precisely this upbeat and matter-of-fact attitude that has helped her through some tough personal times lately. For the casual observer looking at her, even talking to her, one would never know the stress in her life. Each time we get together, I come away vowing not to worry or obsess about things that are out of my hands (so hard for me!) To tackle what seems like the impossible, one step at a time...without complaining. And, not to dwell on what should have been or what could have been. We should all be so lucky to have someone like her in our lives.

Friends Coming to Town!

One of my dear friends from San Francisco is coming in for a visit this evening. She's bringing her daughter with her and we are all going to see Mary Poppins on Saturday. They leave Saturday evening, but it will be a wonderful visit no matter the length! I met Karen at Mommy & Me class when our babies were about six weeks old. Technically I guess that makes Karen's daughter my son's first friend. They spent a lot of time together when we lived in San Francisco. Unfortunately they were both too young to really remember. But that doesn't mean that I still don't show him pictures of the two of them when they were babies and pictures of his friend now. He especially likes the pictures of her dressed up as Mary Poppins for Halloween. I'll have to be sure to ask Karen if she can recognize my progression towards "more relaxed mommy." After all, who better to gauge my progress than someone who witnessed me as a full-fledged, Type-A, first time mom? Maybe I wasn't as bad as I think. I mean, not only is she still a dear friend, she's coming to visit!