Annual Girls Weekend

I got a full dose of motherhood and New England living this weekend when I traveled to Connecticut for a visit with my college roommates and best friends, M and A. I was totally impressed with Mommy M’s meticulous organization, endless patience and abundant energy in keeping up with her adorable 1 ½ year old -- and still be up for a Girls Night Out on Saturday.  

After spending the afternoon at a town fair in the afternoon, we began our evening at Besito in West Hartford. True to The New York Times review, "As impressive as the decor and service were, it was the food that ran away with top honors."

Afterwards, we stopped by Cuvee, a hip new champagne and tapas lounge. Thankfully, we’re finally responsible enough to know our limits and we held back from downing any of the specialty shots, which included creative disastrous concoctions like the Scooby Snack (Midori, Malibu, pineapple juice and half-and-half) or the Sexy Alligator (Midori, sour mix, Chambord and jagermeister). Then, we finished up the night at McLadden’s Publick House, where we were disappointed that the bouncers didn’t even request to see our ID. I guess we’re well past that age!

The weekend wasn’t about the places that we went or what we did. It was about spending time talking, listening and learning from these two amazing women- one urban fashionista and one suburban Momma-extraordinaire, both highly educated with great careers and happily married. No matter how much time has passed, we pick right up where we left off.  For over a decade, they’ve kept my deepest secrets, dried my tears more times than I can count, cheered me on in everything I’ve done and celebrated my greatest accomplishments. They have given me the confidence to work through life’s problems and move on to the next chapter. For that, I am deeply grateful!



A few of the lessons I've learned from M and A along the way...

Your family loves you and always has your best interest in mind.

Be confident. Regardless of your hair color, your bra size or latest fashion trend, it’s what’s inside that counts.

Wear sunscreen.

There is a difference between being tenacious and swimming upstream. One leads to success and the other to frustration, so learn how to understand the difference.

Laughing, crying, joy and sadness are all emotions that make us human.

Express gratitude.

Bad things can happen to good people. Deal with circumstances the best you can and exude dignity to the best of your ability.

This too shall pass and time does heal all wounds…no matter how badly it feels right now.

Trust your gut. Learn to recognize and listen to your instincts.

The law of karma really does exist. You will get back what you put out.

People deserve a second chance, but not a third or fourth or fifth.

Your actions now create the memories of tomorrow. It's the accumulation of many small decisions over time, more so than the few big ones, that chart the paths you take in life.