Happy Christmas to anyone daring enough and clever enough to remember my blog address.

It's been a little under a year since I last blogged - I can't believe how quickly it's gone. This country, eh. At least I've got some stuff to write about.

The year has been mainly based upon work, which I suspect is the shape of things to come. I started my new job in March and have been busy picking things up since then. I spent most of the year as a taxi service for fellow comrades at work and as a result am now familiar with how to whistle with the aid of simply some breath, a hand and a leaf. Something to do with life in the desert. You pick up lots on the A396 to Tiverton. I spent the last four months of the year doing overtime most days to boost my chances of early retirement. My job is going ok although it's not exactly something I get that excited about. But it has been paying my way and is somewhere to hang out during the day. I got a brand new computer at work a month ago with two screens - I am truly a lucky guy.

I am still living in my bargain bedsit. Perhaps it's just cheap, but bargain sounds good. The place is a bit rough around the edges, and the door gets kicked in every 3 months or so, but home sweet home and all that. I'm still driving an 11 year old Cavalier, too. Of course it was a 10 year old one last year. Goodness knows what it will be next year.

Holidays this year have been mainly trips to visit people for long weekends rather than hardcore cruises around the world. Furthest afield was Leeds in January. I don't know where people would agree "The North" starts, but I would suggest south of Leeds. Also ended up in Derby a couple of times. Or rather, nearish Derby. Very nice. Went to London a few times and spent 7.5 hours driving from Enfield to Gatwick in 30+ temperatures. Something to remember. Numorous trips to Cheltenham to visit family as well. As well as trips away, I also managed to visit quite a few places around Exeter such as Boscastle and Castle Drongo in Dartmoor. Got sun burnt in July walking to the Turf Locks in Exeter when outlaw Will came to stay.

I didn't get invited to too many weddings this year. In fact, I can only remember one - Mike and Sarah's - no idea when this was - around August/September/October I think. That was a nice affair. The wedding I mean. My own tip would be not to let middle aged women free at the pudding counter on the assumption that they won't eat as much as other people. Dangerous ground, and possibly contentious, but we need to face facts. Possibly the wedding front has gone quiet now. No invites on the horizon.

I have made no progress in the kitchen this year. I don't even have a microwave.

Have been to the cinema a few times. Saw Harry Potter (not great), The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (better), Herbie (good laugh), The Dukes of Hazzard (better laugh) and it's more than likely I saw some other films, too.

Have carried on the decorating in my spare time for some cash and to help old ladies out. I did a massive kitchen/breakfast/utility wing early on in the year, a bedroom in the summer and had a go at a flat in Octoberish time. Lots of yellow this year. Maybe I'll retire at 25 and take this up.
I shall aim to blog again before next Christmas. It all depends if anyone reads this. So if you do and you want to encourage me, leave a message. Alternatively, send me some money/food.