I had to google Goleta. So you are living there now? Quite a change from Seattle and San Fran. New job for Jimbo in Santa Barabara??

Making friends as a parent is very different. I hope you never have to try to do that as a single parent!!

When we were young we made friends at school and on clubs/teams. Then some of us made more friends at college. Then we start working and get a whole new set of potential friends. It all seems so easy (for some).

Then you become a parent and move and CARP! What I will suggest is going back to basics to rebuild your friend group. That means getting involved. That could be with your neighbours, with your kids' friends' parents, and *gasp* even away from your kids. Too many parents these days seem to feel they have to give up on their own life until their kids move away. I have certainly been guilty of this, but despite know that there should be a way to still be good parents while having some life of our own.

And if you need a starting point to re-practice your social skills, I know a great website with some excellent (and friendly) peeps...