Make new friends, but keep the old

Last week I had one of the most fun nights out that I have had in quite a while. I went out. I went out to a bar. And the two best parts...it was a work night AND I was out until after 11:00! I know, crazy, right? Well, it was for me. Me and three other lovely ladies enjoyed a few cocktails and great conversation at Room 38 (a swanky bar in downtown CoMo that I haven't figured out if I think it belongs or not!).

Like I said, this was one of the most fun nights out that I have had in a while. I am not saying that I don't have amazing times with my two main men, but it was really nice going out with the ladies! It was the first time since living here in Columbia that I felt like I had my own friends. I felt like I had some of my old independence back! The four of us talked non-stop for over three hours about topics such as how we met our husbands and what we know of their ex's to budgeting to quick and close vacations. The girl time and the Blue Moon were just what I needed in the middle of this summer that seems to be flying by.

One thing this night out made me really think about though was my long-time friendships and the women who I hold near and dear to my heart. I miss them deeply sometimes (if you haven't guessed, they don't live close by). It is times like this night last week that remind me what I need to do. I have to force myself to do what I am not good at and that is make a real effort at keeping in touch. And it's not just keeping in touch, it is being in Tacoma, WA (and everywhere else they are scattered these days) when I am here in Columbia. And that is hard.

So my crazy night out has led to three main thoughts:
1--I am so glad that I am finally finding my little niche of friends here (it is about time, after all!).
2--I need to do so much more to stay involved in the lives of my oldest and best and sweetest friends.
and finally...
3--Although the night out on the town was great and made me remember the independence that I used to glory in, there is nothing like coming home to my loving husband and my sweet little man. I wouldn't trade that for the world!

Just starting out...

So this is my first post. I have been reading more and more blogs lately and I think that this might be a good thing for me to try. I think I have a few witty things to say here and there and I know that I have a lot going on in my mind that I can benefit from getting onto paper, or at least into the blog-o-sphere!

I chose the title Loyal to Life because my life is what I want to write about. I enjoy my life and I want to write about the different parts of my life that I like and that I try to be loyal to, whether it is my marriage, my role as a mother, my friendships, my job, my well-being, my cooking, or whatever!

That said, I am pledging my loyalty to this blog. Maybe one day there will be people who read it (other than my husband and best friend) and they will be able to read along with me as I make my way through this new and empowering personal journey!