Ever since Hearthfire came out I have basically stopped adventuring with Lydia. Beyond our introduction, the only time I have used her was when I wanted to launder some stolen items by using the barrel in the Dragons Reach basemant.

Breezehome used to be my favorite home, but now I don't even buy the thing until well into the game.

Poor, poor Lydia. Cooped up in that house all day with no one to talk to. You and me used to be bestest buds. Now we never even speak. Maybe it's time we went out on an adventure together again.