Yesterday I went to see Julie & Julia with 3 lovely ladies. After that we got pedicures. It was my first time actually and it was fabulous. What I realized though, is that it’s something that I never do. I never go do anything with the ladies around here because I’m completely consumed by my virtual life, my blogging life. I have some amazing online friends but it’s not the same.
I think that so many of us bloggers get wrapped up with the world wide web that we completely forget to “live life”. Having recently done some home party campaigns with Pampered Chef, Sauve, and Elf Cosmetics, I quickly remembered how much fun it was to be around real life friends. A couple of these ladies were just people I knew but have now become close to. While I didn’t know that I wanted that, I now know I needed that. Having had some unhealthy girlfriend relationships in the past, it was a territory that I really didn’t want to deal with but you can’t judge everyone by one bad apple right?
I’ve opened my heart again and allowed these beautiful women to fill it and I hope I can do the same for them. I absolutely adore and am grateful for my online relationships but I’m exceptionally thankful for real life friends because I’m starting to live again. So if you don’t see me online as much, just know that I’m living…….to the fullest.
Lori is the Owner and Founder of four blogs, a 4 year Problogger, a social media influencer, and tech nerd at heart. She's been married 18+ years and has 3 handsome boys; Tyler 17, Toby, 14, and Truett 4. 
I know exactly how you feel. I had a night out with the girls over the weekend and it was great! Laughing with my online friends can be great but it’s even more fun to laugh till your mouth hurts with some real life gals too. One thing I try to do at least once every week is go to breakfast with another mom friend. She was my first friend when we moved out to the country. We think of breakfast with out little boys as a time to connect and talk about things we can’t always do on the phone or when the other kids are around.
Lori,
It sounds like a great day. I think this is a good reminder – I do lots with friends and family and my problem is taking a personal day for me. No work, cooking, running errands but just doing “me” stuff. I intend to do it but never do.
.-= Sommer´s last blog ..Loving the Safe Sporter™ =-.
Just curious, do your IRL friends read your blog? I am meeting friends for dinner tonite. We used to play cards once a month but now we just eat!
Actually, I don’t think they do really. They are aware of it and may skim from time to time but for the most part, no.
Can I come over? Clearly I LOVE to eat. lol
Hey Lori Ha… You just thought I wasn’t reading!!!! I had alot of fun going to movies and I am so glad to have experienced your first pedicure…it was almost like my kids first walk…NO not really, but really anytime you want to hang out or go to lunch anything just let me know. I am always ready! I think I may be getting a little selfish as my kids get older. Love your blog…don’t slow down we can just have fun living life as IRL’s and give you more to write about! LOL LOVE YA
Most of my IRL friends don’t read my blog either- it is the best of both “friend” worlds =) Glad you are reconnecting with your gals!
Good for you! This is great news even though I’ll miss my daily dose of your cooking or photography wisdon, good for you!
.-= Jenn @ FFP´s last blog ..Free Coupons – Is It REALLY Free? =-.
I’m really happy for you…you are right, it’s not quite the same chatting with your on line friends, but to be honest, some of my closest “real” friends happen to have started by being on line. I know you love your on line friends but there is something about being able to go to the movies, out to lunch or just to get a pedicure with some girlfriends IRL and on the spur of the moment.
You are the type to live life to the fullest, in so many ways..so have fun!!!
How wonderful that you discovered the beauty of “real life” friends. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hubbub of the online world. I too needed to take the steps you recently took and enjoy having a wonderful relationship with my real life friends. However, I have forms some last real life relationships with friends I made online too so they are NOT mutually exclusive. Enjoy your new found freedom!
we have to have OFFLINE friends. HAVE TOO. and we have to have a life. sometimes this box makes it easy to never leave home and still feel fulfilled in lots of ways. and that is a blessing, you know? we just can’t forget to appreciate, love and spend time with those who aren’t on this box! :)
ps- DYING DYING about your freaking lottery comment on my blog. EMAIL ME!
Howdy!!! I’m one of those ladies and I had a WONDERFUL time yesterday!!! I want to say that I too know exactly what your talking about. I’m a rancher’s wife and I don’t take much time for ME either. Just wanted to say Hi and we’ll be doing this again I’m sure!!!!
I haven’t had a girls night in sooo long…I work the exact opposite schedule of all of my friends which sucks. I’m glad that you and girlies had a great time!
I’m making IRL friends a priority now too. I joined a play group that I met online :) but we hang out every week and even do a girls night out or in a few times a month. Just what the doctor ordered!
.-= ConnieFoggles´s last blog ..ConnieFoggles: Do Something Nice For Someone Else and share the #izeafest love! Goodnight my friends! #fb =-.
Getting caught up, and so love this post. LOVE that you are living, loving and all the rest. So wish the MOST for you, friend.
.-= To Think Is To Create´s last blog ..Keep the Family Healthy During Cold and Flu =-.
I’m happy to hear that, really. I haven’t been out with “friends” in over 5 years, it’s a lonely life really…add in shyness, insecurity and distrust, it’s not a good formula for making friendships.
.-= Cat´s last blog ..Overindulgence gone Awry =-.
Oh it is a MUST to get out with my IRL friends almost daily–I’d die otherwise I talk too much and if I can’t get out and laugh or make a fool of myself daily I don’t know what to do! :)