I'm a mom with daughters,ages 20 and 25. My reason for becoming a member of AZmoms was because having older kids doesn't exclude me from enjoying all your stories and questions and it connected me with other women. I realize that many of you have small children so it's hard for me to relate to you at this time of my life.My dilemna is that I work from home(part time) and I have too much time on my hands. I no longer have kids in school so volunteering for that is out AND the ability to meet new parents through school ( when we moved here one kid was out of school and one was in high school). I live in a neighborhood with lots of older retirees ( I'm only 48). Help!!!!! I need to meet up with some people my age. Did you ever try to strike up a conversation with someone at the grocery store? Most women look at you like you're desperate and who can blame them I DO look like I'm desperate....I lived my whole life up until 6 years ago in New Jersey where I had lots of friends. Friends from my own growing up experience and then my children's.When you don't work outside of the home and you don't have kids in school, you'd be surprised how hard it is to make new friends. Also, it's during the day that I would like to meet up with friends as I am happily married and have plenty to do nights and weekends. I've thought about Boys and Girls club volunteering but that's an "after school" thing as are many other events I could volunteer for. I'm spiritual but not religious so meeting people through church isn't really an option although it's a great suggestion for people who are churchgoers. I'm interested in maybe a lunch, maybe shopping with a friend,things like that. Is there anybody out there that's in a similar position? I live in Scottsdale.
Would a gym be something
Would a gym be something your interested in? You could go in the mornings plus they have classes that you would have a better chance at meeting people and striking up conversations. I know the YMCA in Chandler is a good place, maybe Scottdale?
Paz
I actuall y did join a gym
I actuall y did join a gym last year, I managed to strike up a freindship(which I cherish) however, she's a working mom with a 4 and 6 year old and too busy to meet with me more than a couple times a year. I noticed that a lot of women came with other women or little kids. Anyway, I decided to quit, mostly because I hate to exercise, my idea of exercise is running around the mall or Kierland,isn't that pitiful?
Have you tried volunteering
Have you tried volunteering at a hospital or another needy spot? There is a great place in Mesa called Save the Family that is great with volunteers.
Another mom has posted about a group called "Singleton Moms" it's a group dedicated to helping single moms in tough situations and sounds really cool.
Have you heard of Junior Achievement? They teach real world and business skills to kids in elementary through high school. You go into the class once a week for 8 weeks and they have some really cool other events too that are great mixers.
I feel for you--my mother in law moved at the same time in her life and it's been hard to be in situations where she can connect with others. If you find any great avenues, please let us all know!
Brooke Romney is an unbalanced mom of three young boys who constantly has too much to do, and too little time. She writes the Mom Beat column for The Gilbert Republic.
I have thought about
I have thought about volunteering but I never know when I'll have to work at home so I can't commit to a schedule and I wouldn't want to say I'd be somewhere to volunteer and then have to cancel. That wouldn't be fair. I can almost always get away for lunch and maybe a quick shopping trip where I'll check in for my messages to see if I'm needed in my office. I can't believe it's that hard to get a couple of women together occasionally for lunch. I joined the newcomers club when I first moved here but most of the women were much older and though I may be 48, I relate better to women my age ( or older to act my age) or younger. I have a friend now who is 63 but you'd think she was 39. That's what I'm talking about. Young at heart.