Life as a mom of three is a whirlwind—beautiful, chaotic, and full of surprises. And, let’s be honest, outright disasters. We’ve all been there huh?
But sometimes, amidst the packed schedules and endless snack requests, life hands you something completely unexpected. For me, that something is Ryan (my Tinder date).
It’s been a few weeks since our first date at Astoria Coffee House & Bistro, and Ryan has been… well, kind of amazing. He’s thoughtful, funny, and has this grounded way about him that puts me at ease. He’s just so easy to chat to.
The kids don’t know about him yet—introducing someone new is a bridge I’ll cross carefully. For now, I’m enjoying getting to know him, one call and one coffee date at a time.
The other night, after the kids were in bed and I finally had a quiet moment, Ryan called. We talked about everything: our favorite childhood vacations, the books we’re reading, and his family. That’s when he revealed something that completely captured my imagination—his parents live near Barcelona, in a stunning countryside region dotted with masias (traditional Spanish farmhouses). As he described his visits to their home, I could almost hear the hum of cicadas and picture the golden fields of Spain.
The next day, with the kids happily occupied building yet another blanket fort in the living room, I found myself falling down a rabbit hole. Curious about Ryan’s world, I typed masias for sale in Spain into my search bar and spent the afternoon dreaming. The properties were breathtaking—centuries-old stone homes surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, each one more enchanting than the last. For a moment, I let myself imagine what it might be like to wake up in one of those homes, sunlight streaming through rustic wooden shutters, the kids chasing each other across the sprawling grounds. It’s a dream, of course, but a lovely one. You never know!
The kids eventually pulled me back to reality with their cries of, “Mom, come see our fort!” I smiled, closing the laptop. There’s something magical about dreaming, even if it’s just for an afternoon, especially when you’re a busy mom.
And maybe… maybe those dreams aren’t entirely out of reach. After all, if you’d told me a year ago that I’d be chatting with a man like Ryan—half Spanish, kind-hearted, and genuinely interested in getting to know me (and the kids)—I’d have laughed. Yet, here we are.
Ryan’s openness about his family and heritage has been a refreshing change. It’s not just that he’s interesting; it’s the way he’s curious about my life, too. He asks about the kids, how I juggle everything, and what my dreams are outside of motherhood. It’s been a while since someone made me feel seen like that.
For now, I’m taking things one step at a time—enjoying the moments we share while keeping my feet firmly planted in the reality of my busy, beautiful life. Still, it’s nice to let my mind wander to Spain every now and then, picturing a future that’s as warm and inviting as the masias I’ve been browsing. It’s an addictive site, beware!
Who knows what’s next? Whether it’s another date with Ryan, a family picnic at Willow Park, or just another chaotic warzone in the living room, I’m learning to embrace the surprises life has to offer.
And maybe, just maybe, there’s room in those surprises for a little bit of Spain. One can dream huh?