I woke up at 5:30 am this morning, again, excited for the day. I wanted to get all the laundry folded and the house picked up before meeting my friends for coffee at 10 am, and I wanted to get some exercise in too. So I walked the kids to school and decided to dust off my cruiser bike, put air in the tires and pretended I was Dutch. In Holland, everyone rides their bike everywhere (except they don’t wear helmets!!) I was a bit nervous to ride out on the street, even though Julie’s house is probably only a mile or 2 away – but people don’t ride bikes here, just casually to and from friends’ houses or to the market. But today I was practicing being a Dutchie! And I couldn’t stop smiling the whole way there and the whole way back. I heard the Sunnyvale Parrots chirping, felt the wind blowing in my face, and the sun shining even though it was cold out this morning. It was great and I just don’t understand why I’ve waited this long. You should have seen my perm-a-grin!

I loved riding my bike and I loved being with my friends even more. We all are so busy yet made time to get together for coffee, which turned into lunch because none of us wanted to leave. We realized we’ve now been friends for 10+ years and don’t know where the time went. Who knew that Las Madres park play dates and Bunco and trips to Carmel could lead to today? I love these girls and each of their unique personalities. I see myself in them and admire them for the way they live their lives, how they’ve set goals for themselves and changed their paths, and how they’ve handled challenges they’ve been dealt and are currently facing. I learn from them and just love them for who they are. They make me laugh and smile, every time I see them. We don’t see each other as often as we used to – but we’re still there for each other and will be forever I think. And hopefully some of them will check in on FB and chat with me when I’m far away, right?? I love you girls – thank you for being my friends and taking time for coffee today. And thanks Julie for the best latte and sandwich in the world! xo