As we all sat together at the dinner table just before the new year, I pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen and asked if anyone had anything they wanted to accomplish in 2014. Usually this kind of request is met with tremendous protest, slumping in chairs and quick excuses to leave the conversation.
I was prepared for a repeat of the same, but it was with a pleasant surprise – perhaps it’s because the kids are getting older and are better able to comprehend and then articulate their wishes – that this latest attempt was met with the kind of consideration and discussion I’d always hoped for.
I wrote down what was said and this list has been reproduced below (complete with the questionable sentence structure, for authenticity!).
Riley volunteered point one first, and quickly, as if it was something he’s been thinking about for a while. It’s not for a world record attempt – thank goodness! – but to make the biggest single, intact cookie that will fit inside our oven. Hmm. Okay. Keira’s was point two, her way of getting us over to Funfields, something she’s been begging to do for ages. Points three and four were mine (particularly four – there’s a Nepalese restaurant on Flinders Street I’ve always walked past and wondered about; same with the Swedish pizza joint in Templestowe. I didn’t even realise the Swedes did their own kind of pizza).
Point five was given by both Keira and Adam – she’s enjoying the independence cooking can give, and Adam because he’s all for doing that. I also think it’s a good idea – if we’re all contributors, then the inevitable encountered frustrations (a recipe doesn’t work, someone turns up their nose at an offering) will be met with equal sympathy. It’s a theory, anyway.
Then, as we waited for our session of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty to begin, over a lunch of chips and calamari last Saturday we made some more. All going well, 2015 will involve another overseas trip, longer and further than we’ve ever gone before and will require some serious saving to get there. As we dunked our chips into sauce, we discussed how we’ll have to economise – starting with cutting out similar said lunches. I’d like to think that the earlier meeting we had made this one easier from its spontaneity and having already practiced listening and considering everyone’s perspective.
So if you see me writing about exploring Melbourne more, or posting pictures of giant cookies, you’ll know the reason why!
Has your family made any plans for the year ahead?
