Daddy's Night Out With Friends

June 30, 2011--I can't remember the last time I went out by myself with friends. I guess I would do it more, but it's just not as much fun and being home with my wife and kids. There was an alumni event in the city that we could not both attend. I went with two other recent graduates from the law school who work in DC and with whom I frequently have lunch. I'd forgotten a lot about how to hang out with friends. My usual topic of conversation is my family. My family are my adventures and anecdotes. And that is not a topic with which many other young professionals connect. There are precious few at my age who really desire to have a family in the short term. Over the course of this year I've become much closer friends with these two former classmates, so they at least enjoyed discussing our personal lives. However, with most other young professionals I am able to connect based on solely on our careers, which also provides some interesting anecdotes but is never as exciting to me as my children's accomplishments and milestones or just the craziness that goes on at home. When the reception was over, the three of us went out to dinner and just talked for a while about life. Another thing I've forgotten about hanging out with friends is that I can't stay out as late as I used to when I was single. The importance is not only letting my family know when I'll be home, but also avoiding unnecessary expenses on a tighter budget. The train was still running, but the buses were not. So, after taking the train to my stop, I took a cab home. There was a book I wanted to buy, but in penance I decided that since I was irresponsible getting back home I would forfeit the book for now. Bummer. I am grateful that my wonderful wife, who is loaded up with so many concerns, not the least of which is her upcoming trip to our new home to find a rental, was so willing to let me take my time with my friends. She always would in any case, if I wanted to go out more often that is.