Stepping Out

Yesterday I took a little step out of my comfort zone for the sake of socialization and making friends.

Some think I am an extrovert.  I think otherwise.  I can be loud and crazy and animated, but that is generally only when around people that I know well and am comfortable with.  I hate meeting new people.  I hate awkward social situations.  I hate talking to people I don't know.  I hate small talk.  In general I just don't like new situations.  Especially those that involve meeting new people by myself.

But... I know it has to be done and it's important.  So I try to suck it up and put myself out there every once in a while. :)  Since moving back to Ohio we have been home bodies.  I honestly don't mind, but I know that I need to make friends for Olivia.  Shortly after moving into our rental house in December I joined a local mom's group on Facebook.  It just popped up as a recommended group and I joined.  They do play dates here and there, but I haven't  gone to any because of Logan.

We are ready to start venturing out though.  Someone posted that they were going to the fountains at Easton (outside mall) and invited others to join.  Most of the group started chiming in that they would go. I seriously debated with myself for over a half an hour before I replied that we would join them.

I was so tired yesterday morning.  I got very little sleep and everything in me wanted to just stay at home and be lazy, but I trudged on.  I got Logan ready.  I got myself ready.  I packed two bags-snacks, bottles, changes of clothes, etc.  I tried to get an uncooperative toddler changed and started questioning "Is socialization really that important?". :)

We got there and the mom that had set the whole thing up introduced herself right away.

Olivia wasn't too sure about the water.  My child of caution.

She just kept running to the edge and then running back to me.  I even tried walking her to the water, but she wasn't having it.

Eventually she got a little braver.

But she  didn't stay there for long.

A lot of the kids already knew each other, and the fountains didn't really allow for her to actually meet too many kids. But I think in the long run it will be a good group to be in.

I found out that one little girl that is close to her in age (but was at her grandma's house) is actually going to be in Olivia's preschool class.  So that will be perfect.  She will potentially have a friend before school even starts.

Her favorite part was her snack of pretzels. :)

So we did it.  We got out of the house.  We met new people.  We survived.

I'm looking forward to getting to know some of the moms better.