A Facebook Fast

After a few days into my Christmas hols, I decided to avoid Facebook and Twitter at all costs. It just didn't seem very Christmassy.

I'll get back on the insidiuous social networking bandwagon soon enough, but for now I'm just going to enjoy the silence...

JC's Best and Worst of 2010

Well, 2010 sure was an eventful year. Against the backdrop of a global financial meltdown, I have had my fair share of ups and downs. So here comes my best and worst bits in nice, easy bitesize chunks (for your convenience, of course...):

BEST

1. New House!

We finally moved to Roath after nearly two years waiting. It has been a big risk for us - particularly given my self-employed status - but it was worth the wait, and even though we still have tons to do we love the place. The only sad part is that the purchase was only possible because of Wifey's inheritance from her mum :-(

2. JKY in his new skool

The little boy is growing up fast and loving going to school (albeit nursery at the moment). He'll be off to Uni before I know it...

3. Matt Smith

I have a strange relationship with Doctor Who - sometimes I love it, and sometimes I think it's absurd. Matt Smith took a bit of getting used to but I really like what he's doing with the character and look forward to the next series.

4. Holiday

We did a cheap as chips seaside holiday in July and thoroughly enjoyed it - sometimes you just need to get away and do something simple together as a family. I'd happily do it again in '11 if necessary...

5. Healing On The Streets (HOTS)

I signed up to a Healing On The Streets initiative at church and although it's been a slow start I'm getting more and more comfortable with the idea that God can and does heal on a regular basis. I expect to see the miraculous someday soon.

6. The West Wing

Bartlett for president! Wifey and I have rediscovered this TV classic after buying the box set (all SEVEN series!). Truly masterful writing with witty dialogue and thought provoking subjects, we easily get through four episodes in a weekend - it's 'Friends' for grown ups (as my father-in-law put it).

7. Succumbing to the Jesus Phone

Yes, I bought an iPhone 4 and it has transformed my life (including how I spend time on the loo). No longer am I embarrassed to write a text message in public due to my crusty old mobile or am I stumped on that elusive bit of trivia while out in the park. I can, however, confidently predict that in six months my gadget/baby/saviour lump of plastic and metal will be superseded by a newer, sexier and faster version.

WORST

1. Screwing up big time

I did this thing at work. I can't really talk about it. It wasn't exactly my fault ... but could have been the end of my career. I thank the Lord we managed to fix it, but at one point I was a complete mess and didn't know what to do.

2. Economy

Thank you global banking system. Thank you greedy capitalists. Thank you impotent financial regulators. You have messed up the world economy good and proper. It will take ten years to put things right, by which time everyone will have forgotten and make the same mistakes again.

3. Stagnant Faith / Dissatisfaction With Church

I've been meaning to blog this, but haven't had the time to do it justice. Basically, I don't feel like I'm particularly moving forward in my faith, and I'm getting tired of church (not that I've got a problem with the people - they're all great). My hope is that doing something practical and real (ie HOTS) will jump start my faith again...

4. Noisy neighbours

We moved into our lovely new house and a few weeks later some lovely neighbours moved in next door. Unfortunately, they work unsociable hours and keep me awake at night. They aren't rowdy or anything, it's just the walls are too thin. Trouble is, I like my sleep.

5. Not having another baby

We've been trying to conceive for a couple of years now. With time against us, it's becoming more and more frustrating. Even fertility treatment has failed us this time round. I know we should be eternally grateful for what we've got in JKY, but that doesn't take away from our longing for another child.

6. Moving house

We moved house this year. Twice. Once into our rental in Roath and then again into our purchased house. I don't want to do that again for a long time.

7. Living from month to month

I have said umpteen times on this blog that running a business is hard work. It is also stressful and unpredictable. We are just about surviving from month to month, but that's not good enough. A breakthrough is needed in '11.

Er - that's it. I actually had to scrape the barrel a bit there for the worst bits - I wanted seven points just so it was even (my latent OCD just kicked in), so actually 2010 wasn't too bad a year.

I'm quietly confident and optimistic about 2011. At least we don't have to move - stability is a good thing.

Happy New Year people!

Here's a pic of our snowman from the recent arctic conditions

He kinda looks like he knows something you and I don't ...