Our local botanical garden has an annual butterfly exhibit.  It is a favorite of my family.  For me, the annual butterfly exhibit is the first sign of Spring.  This time of year, Bambino wakes up demanding a visit to the butterflies.  Because of this, our house is immersed in butterfly books, puzzles, and pictures.  A childhood fascination of butterflies must be universal, because his school is equally awash with the bugs.

Truthfully, I don’t know a human being who hates butterflies.  I’ve always been fascinated about the process of their metamorphosis.  An ordinary caterpillar hides away, and grows into something remarkable.  It’s understandable why so many artists are fascinated with them.  We all long for this metamorphosis on some level. 

Just like butterflies, people grow and develop.  Unfortunately, we can’t hide in a chrysalis.  We get to shed our proverbial skins out in public.  It’s often awkward and uncomfortable (remember your teenage years?).  I’m starting to think that I’m in a place of flux, growth, whatever.  I’m not sure where I’m headed.  I may turn into a butterfly.  I may end up an earwig.

When I figure out what’s ahead, I’ll let you know.  (And, for the record, my family life is still perfectly imperfect.  No drama there.  I’m just in a place of introspection and (hopefully) personal growth.)

“When we are no longer able to change a situation– we are challenged to change ourselves.”  -Viktor Frankl

As a parent, especially a working parent, your free time is valuable.  I work over 40 hours a week.  I’m on a school board.  I’m raising a toddler.  And, I still really like my husband.  I don’t deserve a medal.  My life choices are self-inflicted.    However, my choices make me value my free time.

I have great friends.  My long-time friends are loyal, understanding, and generally badass.  I love them to pieces.  We have a history that is deep, and filled with potential blackmail.  So, if you are a newcomer, you better bring your A-game.  I don’t have a lot of time, and my dance card is fairly full.   

However, in the last few months, I’ve been fortunate to add some new friends. One of the coolest things about watching Bambino grow is that he’s making friends.  His friends happen to have awesome parents.  

We’ve had a series of kid-parent outings lately.  I’ve realized that these outings are essentially first dates.  We are checking out these families.  Do we have the same priorities?  Are your kids normalish?  Do you have a deep-abiding love of indie rock and dive bars?  It’s awfully cool when you have a good first date.

Thank you to my new friends.  I can’t wait to introduce you all to my peeps.  Love you all.