A New Year. A time to reflect and move forward or a time to reflect and keep the Status Quo? I would hope to think that I will be able to move forward to grow in all aspects of my life.

2005 was in many ways a year of a "holding pattern". No great moves or upheavels. It was a busy year. In the key aspects there were good and bad times, but, at the end of the day I am blessed to have a wonderful wife, a wonderful family and a Faith that sustains through all things.

Work was busy. After the uncertainties of the previous year I finish 2005 to still have a job, in fact a job that has expanded slightly by gaining one person working for me. There was a bit of travel, which lead to 4 nights away from Jenn for the first time since we've been married. One was in Boston and three were in the Bay Area of California. However, I was fortunte that she could go with me for the two longest trips. One again to California and a two week trip to Chicago. For 2006 my goal is simple to do the best I can in all tasks that I am given, but, to also really invetigate where I want to be at the end of this year.

Our volunteer work for Snowflake Animal Rescue has increased. I am now on the board of Directors which is a new and interesting experience. We adopted out a lot of the cats that we are fostering. We also went through losing Baby Boy a Foster cat that Jenn invested a lot of time and love into. He affected her profoundly him dieing. However, that is what fostering is about giving yourself to all the animals no matter how much a tenure they have in your home.

Spiritually we have settled into a Church and small group. However, one thing we havn't done such a job of is going to Church. Due to commitments for Snowflake once every other Sunday we can't go, but, we need to go more on the other Sunday,

Our family has the same number, although we lost our hampster Gimlie , but, adopted Clara a little black cat.

The sporting front was a story of close shaves. Hartlepool United minutes from winning the play-off final, The Astros getting to the World Series but falling short, The Quakes winning the regular Season, failing in the play-offs then getting moved. The year finished off with the Giants winning their Division with 20 minutes to go in the old year. Time to get over the hump or another dissapointment.

One thing I do want to do is to listen to more music, write more and use my creative "juices" more.

In closing I would like to wish everyone a peaceful, happy and prosperous New Year.

-Richard