I used to consider myself to be a social animal, and I think I was for the majority of my life, but it has come to my attention that lately, once I’m home, I like to stay there. I’m much more of a homebody than I thought. It’s not that I don’t like company, on the contrary, I absolutely love to entertain. The louder my house is, the more it’s filled with food and laughter and great conversation, the happier I am. All of that being said I have gotten into a habit of being content to be at home and not go anywhere or see anyone if I don’t have to. I have long admired people like my brother and sister-in-law who regularly do things together as a family, trips to Sydney, to the snow, picnics, bike rides, all sorts of things. So I made myself a New Year’s Resolution – that even if I had to force myself, I would get out of the house more often and would make sure that we did stuff together as a family.

As far as New Years Resolutions go it hadn’t gone the way of most resolutions and I had done quite a reasonable job of remaining dedicated to my goal. By the end of February it had been a success, we had a few outings both around Canberra and a two or three elsewhere. By end of May we were still doing okay, thanks in most part to the Canberra Raiders Season tickets we had which meant that at least every couple of weeks we had a family outing to the football. There had also been a few other functions with extended family and friends. Fast forward a few more months and by now what had started with such gusto had petered off significantly. Being a family of six, negotiating the juggling of six different timetables, extra-curricular activities and teenage social lives times three meant that it was not often that we were all in the one place at the one time and it is still an art I have not mastered no matter how hard I try. So I had to come to a place of resignation which said that as often as I could I would continue to try to get everyone together and I would treasure those occasions as more precious than gold. The reality was that those opportunities were few and far between and so I also learned to be grateful for whoever was present there at the time.

Those who have been in my home before will know that it is covered in pictures and wall decals that have all sorts of different  quotes and/or sayings, mostly centred around family and friends. They have words I love, sayings that inspire and mantras which keep my life focused and steering in the right direction. My collection keeps growing and while ever I find something else that inspires me I will continue to collect them, must to the chagrin of my husband I suspect. Up until a few days ago I would have said there was no one single saying that was my favourite, but I found a saying when I was trolling the internet this week that I felt summed me up completely and I am desperately trying to find someone who will make it into a decal for me. It said “Together is my favourite place to be”.

Together takes so many shapes. This week it looks like a short break down the coast which consisted of all sorts of things – from a leisurely walk on the beach, to some tennis, Putt Putt and a trip to the zoo. It looks like extended family gathered around a table singing Happy Birthday, first in English and then in Spanish for a beautiful twelve-year-old niece who is growing up way too quickly for my liking. It looks like coffee with a friend knowing that the conversation that will follow will be filled with fun and laughter. It looks like cuddles on the lounge with my seventeen-year-old who despite being seventeen is still not too old for cuddles with her mum. It is found in the seemingly mundane, over things like gardening and housework, shopping and car rides. It is found in surprising places like phone calls and Skyping with family interstate. It is the promise of a birthday spent with my family and close friends. It is the promise of a BBQ where fun and food and family will collide perfectly to produce love and laughter and lots of good memories. And so, even though I do and always will enjoy some down time to myself together always has and will always be my favourite place to be!