Trying to Find Time to Spend with Friends

I am lucky I have several different 'girlfriend' activities I participate in...'bookclub', 'moms who golf', 'chick night'.  But to schedule a mutually agreed upon date for even the smallest group of us is difficult.  Most are all in a similar phase in our lives...the 'our kids are in way too many activities/I feel like a taxi cab driver' phase.  So between baseball, ballet, theater, swim, tennis, etc. and throw in a traveling spouse or two, how can we find the time?  Well that question needs to be addressed on both individual and group levels. 

For me, it didn't take me long to learn that I am a much better mom when I find time for my interests and friends.  I don't apologize or feel guilty about it.  And it helps that I have a very supportive spouse.  So, I have gotten creative about carpools and don't hesitate to get babysitters to cover my absences.  Now I am not saying that I don't miss my fair of events.  With my oldest in the most activities which are not conducive to carpools, but still too young to drive, most of my conflicts nowadays comes from my husband not being able to take or pick her up.  What we really need is a 'car service'!

At the group level, scheduling events can be a nightmare.  There are so many variables in play and all of our calendars can change at a moments notice.  The thread of emails can seem endless.

Next time it is my turn to coordinate, I am going to try Doodle.  It allows you to create a poll of possible dates for an event.  Then email the link to the poll to friends and let them vote for dates.  You get a tally of dates that work for most.  And of course, the service is free and it requires no registration.  There is also an add-on Doodlendar which allows you to put your Google calendar side-by-side of the Doodle poll.  Since I am a Google calendar fanatic, this seems perfect for me.