I really identify with what you're going through! I think the bookclub is a great idea. You can always meet people in different ways and slowly make actual friends of the people who you connect to. My bookclub (started by the kick-ass barista at our small coffee shop) has become a cohesive group of around eight,…

Good vibes from Michigan! And good on you for getting your flu shot!

Hi! I'm a stay-at-home parent, so I have the benefit if the mommy-friend option, but that's not always going to find you like -minded folks. My success has been in my bookclub and, more recently, a feminist Facebook page. A bunch of "The Feminists" went out together the other night, and there might be some friendship…

Nailed it.

I may have already told you this, but Copperboom was the first username I tried when I joined Jez. You beat me to it. Copper Boom!

I like Maisie-Grace! But I can guarantee my husband will not. Penny is gaining in popularity, though there weren't too many three years ago , when we almost named our two year old that. Unfortunately, we really like Kenny, and we didn't want to have rhyming names should baby #2 be a boy. ;)

Point taken on Maisie. I will add that into the considerations. Lucy would just be Lucy, which I think still ages well. Penny might just be Penny, too. My husband doesn't like Penelope, so we'll have to figure it out.

Love it!!!!! It's original but not made up, and it sounds cute enough for a little guy but can easily transition into adulthood. Jackpot. And congratulations!

Are you me? Did I write this comment and forget I'd done it? Spot on, friend!

That's so wrong. Slightly OT: I try to support local business, and I once went to a great deal of trouble to support a local, independent chocolate shop only to discover a charity-donation canister on their counter accepting money for a crisis pregnancy center. I was so unbelievably pissed. I can simply choose to not…

My "powerful woman" playlist includes these songs plus Dixie Chicks' "Wide Open Spaces" and Pat Bentar's "Hit Me with Your Best Shot." I'm in my first trimester, so I just go ahead and stick the speaker right up in there. I wouldn't want the baby to miss a moment of this important empowerment technique.

Congrats (probably?)! I'm 11 weeks with my second. If you're not already: drink, drink, drink. Major hydration helps me a bit with the cramping (and it's good for amniotic fluid levels later in pregnancy). But you'll have to pee even more.

Nope, I'm a chick (and a big football fan), and I see the same thing. I think it's that it has not only the diamond as the laces but also those some sort of design that looks like the stripes on a football. I get the vagina reference, but I'm sticking with football.

It is so beautiful. I'm preggers, and the beef Top Ramen I ate the other day (after years of ramen abstinence) was the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. Regular food (like salt) just doesn't have enough sodium!

Well said. I'm appalled by this thread, and I'm sorry you've been subjected to it, let alone had to respond. From this response, I'd say you're all class, friend.

Love this comment! Mine was $50 - a lucky fluke at a bridal boutique - and easy to pee in.

I pee all the time too. My wedding dresses (one sari and one white wedding dress) were bathroom friendly. The white one was a shift dress with beading and a small train. I think the style makes a difference. Perhaps they should have a special section at the shop for brides with small bladders?

Yikes!

I used eHarmony (which apparently no one uses anymore) several years back. I messaged/talked to several guys but didn't meet any for quite a while. I met one guy who was comically (though not for him, I'm sure) emotionally unstable. Three days later, I went on my first date with my husband. We're expecting our second…

And guys on motorcycles in full leather suits. Not my bag.