The other day after work some of the other girls from the office were heading out to happy hour. I like these gals. They’re a fun bunch of hard working broads. As we walked out to the parking lot en route to the local watering hole- I saw something in my car that stopped me cold- a booster seat. I froze for a moment, then turned to my childless co-workers and told them I’d have to take a rain check. How could I have reverted so quickly back to a sassy single fun seeker? Do a few weeks at the local bank de program my Mommy mind? I drove home guilt ridden and ashamed that I was actually feeling a little left out. Then I remembered how I used to feel left out when I was the only one with no kids. I’d envy the ladies with a desk full of kid pictures and taped up art work. So is the grass always greener? Does a need to “Mother” automatically negate the desire to socialize with your office mates? The answer is no. I don’t have to feel guilty for enjoying my new job. It doesn’t make me less of a Mom because I’m branching out and connecting in the work place. I cried like a baby the night before I went back to work, but I’ve got to admit it’s given my self esteem a real boost. It’s also given my confidence a shot in the arm. Getting dressed up for work everyday is forcing me to take extra time to look my best. I actually drive home feeling pretty good about myself, until my Mother meets me at the door and launches into a monologue of my faults. Then I desperately wish I’d gone to happy hour with the girls from the bank!