We All Need Our Bunco Night

I have no problem with my husband meeting his friend after work once in awhile. The two get to vent about their jobs, discuss the history of classic rock bands and solve the most complex scientific problems, all over a beer at the local bar. My husband gets to do the male bonding thing and reconnect with his friend, all while getting some much needed stress relief during his own time.

I think that's so important for everyone to get their own time. Sounds harsh, but parents sometimes need their time away from kids, spouses need time away from each other, and EVERYONE needs time away from work. Its time to recharge your batteries and let yourself be you. You need to take a little time and drop the labels of spouse, student, parent, co-worker, etc and find that person you rarely let out.

I've been involved in a monthly Bunco group for a few months now and it's great. I didn't realize how nice it was to just get around other women in a social environment. Bunco is a fun little dice game which involves 20 players and, since everyone has a buy-in amount, you get a chance to win some money at the end of the night. The evening starts with a pot-luck and socializing. Many of these women don't see each other more than the once a month Bunco night, so it's a great time to catch up. But when the bell rings, the game's on! There are constant screams of 'Bunco' or 'Traveling' (you just have to be there). During the middle of the game we stop for a dessert break and more socializing, then end with the second half of the game playing and the final prize distribution to the winners of the night. It's a time to get loud and have fun, even if it's not in your personality normally.

Now, I'm not saying everyone should go off with their friend(s) and engage in an activity in order to get some 'me' time. So do what's fun for you - join a club, a bowling league, a mom's group, go out with a friend for a beer (or other alcoholic or coffee based drink of your choice), or even go for a bike ride or walk by yourself. It's different for everyone, but it's JUST AS IMPORTANT for everyone as well. We all need time away from our normal lives at times to recharge and find ourselves. Without it, we get into the same rut everyone falls into at times. So don't feel guilty about it - escape on your own once in awhile. We all need our Bunco night, right?