The Company of Women

As I stated yesterday, I was very excited about going to Jenn's last night to watch a movie with her and Lauren. I loved it! I always love hanging out at Jenn's. I tend to talk a lot when I'm around her. Which reminds me of a funny sidenote:

At dad's retirement lunch given by the county, we were all seated around a table together. Jenn kept staring at me, but I didn't really pay attention because she does that sometimes. Finally, as we were up getting food, she grabbed me, laughing. She admitted to staring at me, and had just realized why I looked so different to her.

"It's the first time I've ever seen you with your mouth closed!!"

Well, it's probably true. I just can't stop yakking when I'm around her! But I digress.

Before and after the movie, the three of us just sat around talking about everything, ranging from America's Got Talent to pregnant people to old high school yearbooks. On the way home I was thinking about how much fun it is to hang out with other girls. I love, LOVE hanging out with Stephen - I am constantly complaining about how little I see him - but I always need some girl time too. I am reading a book right now called "In the Company of Women" that talks about the necessary relationships that women have with each other. Admittedly, it's not the best book I've ever read, but thinking last night made me realize that I would be lost without the relationships I have with girlfriends.

Lunch dates with mom were so therapeutic (and now include dad and they are still therapeutic) that I make it a point to have lunch dates with other people as much as possible. I am a big routine person, I guess, when I think about it. Lunch with mom and dad is always at their house, and the meal is always soup and dessert. Lunch with Linda and Sherri is always at New York Deli. Lunch with Jenn is always at Chick Fil-A. Just getting away from work in the middle of the day and laughing, gossiping chatting, and playing cards (mom and dad) is very refreshing. And there are countless times that I have finished lunch with Granny only to sit there talking for a very lengthy amount of time! Those times are the best.

Once a month we have Ladies Group at church. The complaint that everyone has is that it's just once a month. We end up staying for about 3 hours usually, because no one is ready to leave yet. Just being with those women, eating junk food, having a Bible study, and making fun of our husbands or just flat out complaining about life is something I can't imagine not having in my life.

Then there are the silly or sweet messages I get through the internet throughout the day. Stephen's sister Jenn will write a cute message on my Myspace that will make me smile. Or Cindy will send me a message that just makes me crack up. Renee will forward me something that either makes me laugh or cry. Keely will send me an email scolding me for not calling her, and she'll end it by calling me some inappropriate name.

This is just off the top of my head. I can't describe how awesome all the women in my life are!

What would I do without the lovely ladies in my life?