What Kati did Next; Friendship — to infinity and beyond

We’re into “Toy Story” in this house. We watched it as a family for the first time about four months ago and I have seen it now, oh, about 400 times.

I know all the words. Not just for “Toy Story”, for “Toy Story 2” as well. “Well slotted pig, it’s standard issue.” Lines like these.

I like the film though, which is a good thing because I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of it.

The moral is good and true — never give up on a friend. It’s an important lesson to learn I think. Whatever life throws at you always stick with your mates.

To be honest if my friend was a life-size Space Ranger with a karate chop action I’d stick with him.

It seems to me that as you get older you tend to stick with a few key friends.

In my twenties I had lots of them, I spent the majority of my time on the phone chatting to these people who lived all over the world.

I would spread myself thinly and then feel guilty when I couldn’t keep in touch. I missed birthdays and forgot anniversaries. I felt unhappy with the situation.

A relationship came to an end when I hit my thirties and at that moment I realised that all the people I had been trying to keep in contact with didn’t contact me and rather than feeling angry at them I felt relived.

Suddenly I wouldn’t have to feel guilty for forgetting another important event.

I wouldn’t have to write 50 Christmas cards and spend a fortune on the phone bill.

No, now I could stick with the few mates that had stuck with me.

Nanny bought the boy a Buzz Lightyear for his birthday. It’s half the size of him and my it has got a lot to say.

I put the batteries in by mistake. I know it’s a mistake because I put him to bed half an hour ago and I can still hear “I come in peace” coming from his room.

Needless to say, he absolutely loves the thing. He will not eat, bath or ride his bike without him.

However, if he learns that friends are there for keeps I’m happy to hear “To infinity and beyond” many more times.