I love my GNOs – my Girl’s Nights Out! I love getting the chance to have adult conversation with a pal or group of pals who bring their own perspectives, opinions, and ideas to the discussion. I love getting to know people better or simply getting the chance to get out of the house and take a break.
It helps that I know some fascinating women many of whom I have met since starting urbanmoms.ca. As a matter of fact, my very own urbanmoms.ca bloggers are top on my list of amazing women to spend time with. In addition to this group I have also been lucky enough to have gotten to know some fabulously talented Canadian mom entrepreneurs.
We have great conversations. I, with my wild and crazy ideas and Erica with hers. Each coming from a different direction but somehow meeting in the middle, in a common space. Erica dabbles in tons of things and has an amazing new idea every second. She is generous to a fault and has supported just about every mom business around. Although we manage to see far too little of each other, every time we do get together I come back newly inspired and renewed.
Not only do I learn a lot about Erica from chatting with her but I also learn a lot about myself. Isn’t that the best? Good friends help you grow and to see yourself more clearly. Good friends force you to question yourself and to push yourself to do better, to be stronger, to be kinder. This is why Girl’s Night Out ROCKS! Thanks to Erica and to all of my pals for some amazing GNOs…I can’t wait for the next one!
What about you? Do you love your GNOs? Do your friends inspire, entertain, or just plain listen? Tell me in the comments below!
I organize a ‘Chandelier Party’ three or four times a year for me and my peeps. It’s a great way to get girls of all ages (it has ranged from 19-58) out having fun. The dress code is hoedown (dressing in something revealing, fun, hair & make-up – the works). We play Chandeliers (a drinking game) and its a blast. Then we venture out to a dance club of some sort and dance and laugh the night away. The rules of the game are…no talking about husbands, kids, work, and no bitching. We’ve had 26 women at one party and as few as 9. But it all works. I give out little business cards from the previous party’s ‘group’ photo and the date and something ‘smart’ on it. The year I turned 40 we had a picture of a cougar on the card. Anyway, a blast. And I always bring my camera. The pics are too hysterical. If you need more details on how to play Chandeliers, let me know. Margie
I’d be a basket case without a regular Girls Nights Out. That was the hardest part of changing cities for me, having to find some great girls who I really connect with to go out with. Our nights out vary based on our mood – but there is always laughter. It’s great to have friends that you can be truly open with. It helps to make the hard parts of life a little easier. I do miss my friends from far away though. A group of us met in Vegas a couple of years ago for a girls weekend away – it was great. Hopefully once we’ve all stopped having babies we can start to do them on a more regular basis!
Jen, I love GNO’s too, it’s just nice have someone serving me for a change! Not to mention it’s the only time I ever get to have a hot meal. I always remember some of the Duran Duran guys teasing Erica Ehm when they visited Much way back in 85-86. It’s great to see she has a happy life after Much.
Thanks again Jen, for another article that truly captures the meaning of one of the most important relationships in our lives. A pertinent reminder of what being a friend is all about. Thanks for being there for me on many occasions and looking forward to our next GNO!!!
Jen, I LOOOOVE getting out with my gal pals, whether it be dinner, dessert, coffee or my famous scrapbooking retreats! One way or another it’s essential to get out with friends and just be a woman for a while, not just a mother or a wife or a lawyer/accountant, etc.