And so another year draws to an end leading into what is set to be a newer, busier, year ahead. The last few months seem to have flown past and left little time for reflection or to take stock.

With a little sadness but recalling many happy memories we have made it through our first Christmas without Grandad. This will always be made more difficult by having their anniversary on Christmas Eve and the many traditions that surround the celebrations at Grandma and Grandad's. Time to draw a line under this now, to go forward with the good memories and leave the dreadful ones to 2010 where they belong.

Dan and I also celebrated our third anniversary this last week, leading us both to marvel at how time has flown. We're also both a little pleased that we choose the year that didn't have everybody snowed in - as they have been every Christmas since! A pleasant day spent enjoying each others company and disregarding the rest of the world, a theme that has encompassed much of this holiday and was very welcome after the hectic nature of the year.

The year has seen many achievements and lots learnt. Being thrown in at the deep-end meant I have finally got to grips with Adobe CS4 including the wonders of Photoshop and Illustrator. When I compare my eye for design I think that has also made a dramatic improvement from earlier in the year - it's not quite so cringe worthy now! This summer I delved into the world of acrylics producing a couple of pictures for my sister to enjoy (or, at the very least, some frames she can re-use!). On a work note I've plundered into the world of Moodle 2.0 along with creating my own modules for Drupal and have almost mastered the eccentric SIMS (and increase my dislike for it daily!). At home I've expanded my range of cookery skills producing several edible dishes and fewer inedible ones! And in a blast back to the past I've been easing myself back into treading the boards with the lead role in a play we're performing next March in memory of Hazel and to fundraise for Cystic Fibrosis (I'm sure details will follow about this one). This has also allowed me to rekindle my passion for playwriting as I adapted the script to a now older cast.

So all in all a productive year and one that sets a good foundation to go forth into 2011. I may even update on here a bit more often...