I spent the last few days in Cardiff, taking advantage of the freedom to visit family and friends that our new school-free life allows.  C and J enjoyed seeing their Grandma and 3 year old cousin S, playing in new parks, sleeping in unfamiliar beds and playing with their cousin’s toys.  I met up with two old school friends and their respective children, and with my sister and her family (yes I am exhausted now after all that socialising, but it was worth it!).

I hadn’t seen my friends properly for about a year – the 40th birthday party of one of them doesn’t count to an introvert, and we don’t speak the phone (“The Introvert Advantage” lets me off the hook again here;  apparently I’m not the only Innie to flinch when the phone rings).  It was wonderful catching up with them, and as well as feeling appreciation for my time with them, I am now revelling in the lightness that comes from wiping clean the friendship slate.  I hadn’t really realised until now what a burden I make of the guilt/embarrassment at not being in regular contact with distant friends  between visits. And so I hereby resolve to let go of one more excuse for not being the joyful being I came here to be, leaving me free to bask in my appreciation for the wonderful people I have attracted into my life.