Ramblings

[Fintan Murphy]

Well, it's Christmas eve. I'm in work. So far we've had the telephone exchange go down, knocking out all outside communication, and our own exchange server decided to go tits-up.

I've got them both back and am just hoping that everything holds together 'till I'm out the gap in 30 minutes. Then it's the on-call person's problem He He.

Myself and my wife are heading down to my brother's bed&breakfast to meet my parents and stay for the night. Then we are going back to Cork to spend Christmas Day and St. Stephens Day with my in-laws (including various sisters, husbands, nieces and nephews). We are then taking a breather and going back down to my brother's for New Years Eve.

I always get a bit reflective, sometimes melancholy over the festive period. I suppose it's a time to look back at the year just gone, look to the new year coming in, and take stock of ones life.

I must say that I'm very fortunate. I have good health, a wife that I love dearly, a good job, and pretty much everything that I could wish for. I even, almost, nearly, just about, have a boat. Next year for sure, it'll be in the water. My excuse is that I went back to college at night and am now in my second year of a four year course. B+ average last year, and I just got the results for my first assignment, Grade A. It's going in the right direction for my career change when it's finished.

I'm coming up on 38 (on 3rd Jan), so the big Four-0 is looming. I must say I'm looking forward to the next 40 years.

Oh, and of course I also have a great bunch of folks to chat to here. I've even met one of you!, and hopefully will meet a few more in the next year or so. I've told my wife that if ever we wanted to visit the states, we could stick pins based on your locations, and to a boat-crawl. She obviously wasn't pleased :roll:

So, that's it. It's just turned midday. I'm wrapping up untill I'm back in the new year, 5th Jan. Another year older, and hopefully a bit wiser.

Hope you all have a peaceful and happy Christmas, and the new year sees you in the best of health

Nollag shona dubh,

Fintan

[Mark Hughes]

Merry Christmas to you as well Fintan! You're just checking out, and I'm checking in. I envy you. I still have a long day of work ahead of me. I too have a lot to be thankful for. But unlike you, I only have half of everything I want. I have a boat that doesn't float (yet), a sports car that doesn't run (yet), a lovely wife that isn't in the mood (ever), a beautiful son who doesn't listen to me, two Siberian Huskies that won't come when their called, and a job that doesn't pay enough. Oh well, better half than "half not"! Hope all your holidays are happy and healthy, and you all have a prosperous New Year!

[Steve Downs]

Merry Christmas Fintan, I think we all have a lot to be grateful for this holiday season. Friends and family around, a boat coming together, what more could you ask for?