A night out

Look: Today I was planning on taking kids to the local Lakeshore Learning Store.  When I was a teacher I loved back to school time.  The Lakeshore stores would always be buzzing with teachers all excited for a fresh school year.  Since leaving my teaching job I've discovered these stores not only have weekly crafts for preschoolers, but have a play area.  As long as I can keep my wallet in my purse (their things while educational are also pricey $) we have a great time.  So that was the plan, but instead I spent the morning dealing with my 3 year old's temper.  She was completely upset and in an effort to get her to use her "big kid" words I did not give in at all....GO ME!  So my plan for today was shot...but I have to be flexible right?  Because I spent most of the morning listening to sobs, screams and cries tonight I'm going to thoroughly enjoy my night out.  I didn't even realize until I typed it that tonight I will be hanging out with my teacher friends...and here I was going to the teacher store today.  Subliminal messaging maybe.
Learn: This is something I learned a bit after having my second child.  Going out is a great way to relax.  Sure I get out most mornings for a walk or run.  I spend time on play dates and get sitters when going out with the hubby.  But just going out alone or with some great girlfriends is a must.  I try to plan or do something once a week to give myself the time to recharge.  It's been a vital part of surviving in the world of toddlers that is my home right now.  So tonight I plan on having a beer or four (I have a designated driver), enjoying some delicious food and laughing all night.  What else could I need to be ready to tackle the rest of the week with my wee ones.
Love: The best part about a night out is that it can range from simple to complex.  When in a pinch I've driven to the nearby book store with my own coffee mug and perused all the new arrivals.  I'll grab a magazine I would never by and sit and recharge.  I leave those nights having spent not even a penny!  On the complex end it can be a lot of arranging and coordinating plans, rides and outfits for a few hours out.  But in the end it's always worth it.