Good morning! There is nothing like a coffee date on a Friday morning, right? Agreed, which is why I’m so glad we were able to find a time that worked in both our schedules.
::hugs::
…
Oh look, our turn at the counter!
I’d order a coffee, black, and you’d give me the side eye. With a half laugh and half sigh, I’d tell you that I’m in the middle of this 10 days of paleo challenge. You’d roll your eyes in a playful way as you order your fancy latte with one pump of peppermint and ask me how it’s going.
I’d tell you overall it’s going pretty well. Well, for me. David claims I’m trying to starve him, despite the fact he is definitely eating more than usual. I’d poke fun at David a little more before admitting that I had a moment of weakness last night myself. I’d tell you about how I arrived home late from playgroup and was starving with tired kids on my hands. I desperately wanted to pop open a bottle of pinot, but instead I ate a pickle, downed some almonds and guzzled a LaCroix. I’d admit to you it was largely unsatisfying. However, at least it held me over to dinner, which was quite good.
I’d ask about your dinner because I’m weird like that and am always curious about what others are eating. You’d tell me how the crockpot filled your entire house with the mouth-watering smell of garlic chicken and that dinner was ready when you arrived home from your evening workout. I’d high five you and tell you how impressed I am with your dedication to fitness and to please share some of it with me. Since you’re a good friend, you’d ask if I’ve been working out lately.
Slightly embarrassed I’d admit that I haven’t, but that next week I’ve scheduled a workout date with a friend because I really need to get back on the bandwagon. I’d share with you how excited I am to do another Burn Boot Camp class and invite you to come along. You’d say you can’t make it, but we should look for another day that may work.
It’s crazy how busy life is these days, isn’t it? I’d say, shaking my head.
You’d nod in agreement and tell me about your child’s dance class on three afternoons a week and how you’re trying to find a music class for your younger one. You’d ask for suggestions from me, then laugh, knowing that I’m not the one that is ever in the know about those kind of things. I’d tell you I was just happy that I finally signed Hailey up for swim lessons… yes finally. I know I’ve been talking about it for years and I’m so excited that she begins this coming week.
I’d tell you that classes and lessons sound so grown up to me and it’s hard for me to admit that Hailey is at the age that she might need that sort of thing. You’d see my eyes tear up a bit and I’d confess to you that I’ve been pretty emotional about the pace that time is passing lately. You’d ask me if my hormones were getting the best of me, which would make me giggle, but being the big ball of mush I am, I’d probably still continue about how Kaitlyn is 8 months old today and I completely understand why the babies of the family are always, well, babied. I’m so in love with this phase and I want to keep her my little peanut forever.
I’d show you this picture on the brink of tears, but then you’d giggle that it’s not so much a kiss but more of me squishing my duck face onto her nose. That would snap me out of it and make me laugh. I know I can always count on you.
I’d feel selfish for hogging the conversation and ask you how work was going. You’d tell me about the big meeting you had last week and how you knocked the socks off your boss. I’d tell you how proud I was of you for not being intimidated by a room full of men in suits and how incredible you are for kicking so much butt at work and being a freaking awesome mom at the same time. You amaze me. You’re modest, so you’d blush graciously and ask me if I’m still liking being at home.
I’d nod and tell you that I’m really happy where I am. I’d share with you that some days it is a lot of juggling, but that I feel grateful that I get to be with the girls while still having some of my own things going on the side. What things? you’d ask me.
I’d squirm (in irony that I really hate talking abut myself despite the fact I have a blog) as I shared with you about a project I’ve been working on, my speaking event at the NC Fitness Expo this Sunday and my interest in getting more actively involved in the community in sharing my passion of healthy eating for kids. You’d tell me that you saw my TV segment the other day and tell me I did a great job, to which I’d laugh and say that I can’t seem to talk without wildly using my hands or staring awkwardly at the camera, but then you’d remind me of my new year’s goal to accept compliments with more grace and I’d shut my mouth and just say thank you.
You’d tell me about the trip you are taking to the mountains this weekend and I’d gush over how nice it’s going to be for you to get away with the family. Of course you’d ask me of my plans and, with just as much enthusiasm, I’d share about our plans to lay low and try and rent Gone Girl… until I realized, no wine. I’d jokingly sigh for sympathy and you’d remind me that I set this paleo challenge for myself, to which I’d laugh- touché, touché.
Looking at your watch, you’d admit you had to run. I’d give you a big hug and tell you that I’m grateful for these moments we have to catch up in this crazy busy phase of life. Let’s do it again soon, friend. Have a wonderful weekend!
Austin says
What a sweet post. I have been reading for years and hardly ever post comments but I want to say I could see us having this conversation at a coffee shop. By the end I had goosebumps. Have a good weekend.
christine McGregor says
I always love to read your coffee dates chats. It always seems everyone is so busy with working and kids it all seems like a big whirlwind. Its so nice to stop and savor some time with friends. I’m glad to catch up with you.
Megan K says
I have never posted before but love your blog 🙂 For some reason this post made me tear up a little! I also loved your Getting Excited About Health post – it was so energizing to read. Anyway, this post made me feel like we are friends. Enjoy the weekend!!
Lex says
I also have never posted before and found myself tearing up at this post. Hits close to home that we are all so busy with work and family that sometimes friends are momentarily forgotten – nice to slow down and take a “coffee date”. Love this blog – thank you!
Kelly says
This was so sweet and I agree with these other girls- it made me tear up! As a busy working mom of 2, a coffe date is something I desperately miss. Honestly, your blog keeps getting better and better. Good for you!
Kathleen Ojo @ My Ojos says
I love how you’ve taken the coffee date concept to another level and developed a split personality to have virtual coffee with!
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you to carry some coconut milk in your bag and slip some into your coffee shop coffee. Paleo friendly and better than drinking it straight! I’ve been eating this way for 9 months now, I have a few tricks 😉
Brittany says
I can’t take credit for the idea! Cassie (a blogger I love at Back to Her Roots) did a similar set up and it really resonated with me and felt like I was really having coffee with a friend (something that doesn’t get to happen all that often).
I love the coconut milk idea too! Bought some yesterday so thank you!!
Monica says
Awww, what a cute post. 🙂
Christy @TheMuddyApron says
What a great post. Love the duck face picture. Take what you can get, mama.
C.
Jenny P says
OK, can we be friends :)?
Brittany says
Absolutely! 😉
Paulina says
Ok I’m tearing up. This really resonated with me 🙂
Kate says
I also have never posted, but this post made me cry. You have such a way with words. I am a working mom and have a 17 month old, and find I rarely have time to see friends and have conversations like this. I so appreciate your openness and love of all moms – working or SAHM, etc. And also, I totally order lattes w/ one pump of peppermint 🙂 Stay strong with the Paleo challenge – that wine will taste so good when you finally have it!
Kelly says
Hi Brittany: I am a new follower – about a month in. Just wanted to let you know I LOVE the style of this post – it really resonated with me!
Laura @FitMamaLove says
Let me tell you that three is the perfect age for swim lessons! They can’t really do much on their own before that. I signed my son up when he was 18 months and didn’t do it again until he was three and it was perfect! Now I’m not signing my daughter up until she turns 3. Also, that dinner looks delicious! Happy weekend!
Brittany says
That makes me feel a little better- thanks! When she was born I was all about her learning to swim ASAP and I’ve felt like such a slacker. Glad to hear we may not be all that behind!
Beks says
I really want to meet a long-lost friends for coffee (most of my friends are scattered across the country, as my close sister-type friends are all from college). Sounds so amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
I enjoyed that post as much as everyone else did, and I enjoyed reading everyone’s responses (OK, I didn’t read every single response, but I scanned quite a few). You have a great blog; I enjoy reading it regularly, and I am always so impressed that you post 5+ days a week.
Thank you for providing a mom’s voice out there that is fun and happy but also tinged with the challenges we stay-at-home moms face. I love that you don’t limit your audience to SAHMs (love the part in today’s post about rocking it at work…that was me just a mere four years ago.
Have a great weekend!
Kaitlyn says
Resonated with me too! I would love to have a coffee date with a good friend like this. Life, distance etc gets in the way. Thanks for a great post.
Irina says
Lovely post 🙂 Since we are sharing, I just wanted to let you know that I made your pumpkin cinnamon rolls and they were delicious 🙂 Great recipe and something that I will be making again. Have a nice weekend!
Brittany says
I’m so glad you liked them!! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
sarah (SHU) says
wish we could have coffee IRL 🙂 you are adorable! i am glad you are having fun on the paleo challenge. personally think wine goes great with a paleo diet so i will be happy for you when the 10 days are up!!! xxxooo
oh, and swim class rules. we’ve had annabel in since about 15 months, and she’s 2 3/4 and a total fish. cameron (11mo) is starting his first class this weekend!!!!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
You seriously have the most wonderful and entertaining coffee dates with your readers ever 🙂
Your dinner looks fabulous, burn boot camp sounds awesome, and your words about your girls are the sweetest! Have a great weekend, Brittany!
Holly says
Such a thoughtful post! Makes me want to schedule a coffe date with you!
Holly says
Such a thoughtful post! Makes me want to schedule a coffee date with you!