Makin new friends

Making new friends in your 30's is like dating. You spot someone in your neighborhood, or playgroup or at work who seems like they might be a good fit. You have casual conversations which eventually lead up to asking them to do something in another setting. There are nerves involved, you wonder if they like you, if your kids will get along and hope for the best.
When we decided to move back to Chicago, I was relieved to have a pre-established friend base to rely on. When we actually got here, I was a little surprised and disappointed to learn that things had changed just enough in all of our lives that  I couldn't depend solely on these friendships to get me through. Kids, jobs, husbands, work schedules and family engagements filled up social calendars to the point that it was almost impossible to find time to get together. You start to realize that its almost a requirement to have friendships with women who are on the same schedule as you. Sort of like a dating checklist which might list things things like, great sense of humor, smart and ambitious; my new friend checklist has things like: stay at home mom and able to play in the afternoons and kids with similar ages and nap schedules. Once we have established that we are compatible in those areas, we can move onto other important areas....funny? likes to shop? sarcastic? loves and appreciates Davis Sedaris the appropriate amount.?
Today, I made the move- so to speak- on woman in our neighborhood. We had met several times, waved to each other around the neighborhood, exchanged pleasantries at the park...it was enough for me. I knew she had a 2 year old son, a husband that worked long and uncertain hours, that she ran and was a stay at home mom. Perfect. I boldly went to her house, introduced myself, told her she should stop by anytime with her son to play and invited her to Jacks birthday. She took my number and now its up to the Gods.  Maybe I'll be as lucky as I was in LA when I met one of my best friends on the street. Im not sure lightening strikes twice but I'll never know if I don't put myself out there.