Girlfriends

I miss my friends. If I had my way, I would see every single one of my friends, every single day. It would be ridiculously busy (but imagine the girly catch-up sessions!) and impossible to schedule, but a girl can dream, can't she? Regardless of whether I see my girlfriends on a weekly basis, or throw quick emails back and forth every year or so, each and every one of them has played a valuable part in my life, and continues to do so. I am fortunate enough to have friends I went to primary school with; friends I lounged around with at good old Hastings High; friends who shared Year 12 with me at Braemar College; friends I lived with like sisters while at uni; friends I went to Melbourne Uni with; friends from the days of working at David Jones; friends from Indian Head summer camp; friends from backpacking across Europe; friends from living in London; friends from Deakin Uni; friends from teaching at Rosebud SC; friends from antenatal classes; friends from playgroups and kinders; friends from teaching at ICA Casey, and friends who happen to also be my family. So many wonderful people who have given me so much love and support, and whom I don't speak to often enough.

Let's face it, life happens when you're having fun. And s$%t happens when you're having children! I know that everyone is busy - we have jobs, partners, hobbies, sports, pets, passions, illnesses, endless, endless washing...and the truth of it is, more often than not I don't actually know where my days go. Certainly next year, when I am back at work, there may be a fair few days of sending the kids out to school or daycare in unironed clothes...with unwashed hair...with lunch orders because there's nothing in the pantry...and teaching by the seat of my pants...simply because there aren't enough hours in the day. And as a result of this, my tenuous links with my beautiful girlfriends suffer terribly. So today I decided to write a special message to all of you, simply to let you know that I think of each and every one of you often, that I miss you, and I am sending love, kisses, and glasses of the good stuff out through the airwaves. I can only apologise for neglecting to contact my favourite people more often... and please know that I am sorry. As disorganised as I am, as scatterbrained and preoccupied as I can be, one thing is certain: I am very aware of how lucky I am to be surrounded by gorgeous friends, and I love you all very much.

When we move into our rental home in a few weeks, it will be too tiny for a massive party (and for those of you who knew Christian and I before Team O'Toole included Jack - yes, we are moving back into our old unit!! The two-bedroom one!!) But given the year we have had, and the fact that since living in our current digs I have not ventured very far, very often, I am more than ready for a season of socialising. If you are willing to endure the combined charms of my three sprogs for a short period of time, let me know! I am sure there is a playcentre / park / pub able to cater for the children's energy and any beverage-requirements we may have. Better still, I'm sure a few girls' nights out could be arranged...just let me know, one way or another, and I will be there. Hand on my heart. Because that's where you are xxx