hold on a sec while I breathe into this paper bag . . . okay, that's better

When Henry was a toddler, my friend Caroline and I decided we would start a playgroup. Between us, we knew six women who had babies more or less the same ages as ours. So we called everyone up and said, 'Fridays! 11:00! Lunch and play!' And this went on for two years, every Friday, without fail. We might not make it to church on Sunday, but by god we would be at playgroup. Because it kept us sane.

I loved those girls. We rarely talked about religion or politics, and despite the fact that we were all making different choices about how to parent (breast, bottle, co-sleep, crib, husbands who helped and husbands who didn't) we were able to hang out and laugh and have a good time. Quite honestly, although they may not know it, they were a lifeline for me.

Eventually, though, we started to lose people, first to Bible studies, then to second babies, and finally to preschool. We keep in touch, in a loose kind of way, but it's not the same. And often, on Fridays, I miss my playdate.

But now there's this whole Best of Blogs thing, and I feel like I have been invited to join the universe's coolest virtual playgroup. One where martinis would most certainly be served. Or tequila! Even better! And we would probably have a babysitter who would entertain the children, so we could all sit around and talk about things unrelated to parenting, like what we're reading and our current plans for world domination. Doesn't that sound like fun? And because some of my favorite Mommy Bloggers are on the list with me, it makes me feel like my Friday playgroup is back, in some wierd virtual form.

And although I want you to vote for Friday Playdate (because I'm competitive that way and I want to win) I like those other bloggers a lot, and I think you should read them all, and of course, vote your conscience. Although I will reward you with cake! And martinis! So vote now! Vote often! But only as often as the rules allow. And no, I don't know anything about the rules. Sorry!

Now, if you will excuse me, I need a drink to steel my nerves--er, I mean, to celebrate! Yes, that's it, to celebrate. Hooray!