So with only a few weeks to go before Christmas it’s time I started buying a few more presents. I’m never one to have it all done with loads of time to spare, instead I often find that I’m still getting a few things the week before the big day. This year however I want to be much more prepared. I’m going to get the decorations out of the attic over the weekend ready to be put up the first week of December, and I’m going to finish off my shopping by the second week of December and have them all wrapped up and ready for delivery by Father Christmas!

I’m especially looking forward to seeing Finlay’s face on Christmas morning when he sees what has been delivered to the house. Hopefully he’ll have a wonderful time. I’ll have the camera fully charged and all ready to start snapping the moment that we all get up. It’ll be his second Christmas but I think this time he’ll have even more fun that he did last year – ripping all the paper off and discovering what is in there.

We’re not doing a big Christmas dinner this year, we’ll be getting our turkey and stuffing in a box (it is very tasty though) and we’ll cook up some honey roast parsnips and some roasties…mmmm perfect! Then we’ll have an afternoon of crackers, games and lots of fun and laughter.

It’s mid-week and it’s going well. As I started work a bit later than usual today I had some much loved extra time with Finlay. It was great, we jumped about and played on tip-toes, but the best thing was him giving me a great big hug and cuddling right into my shoulder. It really made my day.

It won’t be long until I finish for the day. Work on The Beauty Lounge website – http://www.b-lounge.co.uk is going well and I anticipate it being finished this weekend.

I need to line up some more work ready for 2010 as I’d like to start the new year like I’ve finished this year, being very busy.

I got bought a graphics tablet for my birthday so I’m looking forward to unleashing a bit more creativity by using that. Finlay bought me a chunky knit cardigan for my birthday so I’ll be keeping warm while I work. He’s a lovely kind boy and I can’t wait to see him later and hear about everything he has done today.

Sometimes in life you have to make difficult choices. I am faced with one now – take redundancy and try and carve a career for myself as a web developer, or stay where I am because it’s pretty safe and the pay is good.

I’ve got a mortgage and a family, the time out of work would give me more quality time with my family but if I can’t secure regular work it may jeopardise the security for my family.

I’ve always thought of myself as a bit of a risk-taker, waiting for the big prize, but perhaps now I’m older I need to look at the big picture and play it a bit safer.

Such a dilemma, there is good money at stake in both situations, a good package or a good regular salary.

Maybe I need to stay put for a year and concentrate on establishing myself, but then I’d miss out on precious time with my children.

Dilemma, aaaaaargh!

Well it’s not long to go now and I’ll be turning 28 years of age. Crikey where did all the years go! It didn’t feel so long ago that I was 18 and leaving school, oh how the years have flown. I need to stop thinking that 28 is over the hill because I’m not, I’m still young, fun and fit(ish), Ii just need to stop worrying about my age and enjoy everything even more.

While I’m talking about years passing, it is coming up to the 1st year anniversary of Paul Stewart Web Design on January 1st 2010. I’m pleased to say although I had a relatively quiet start I am now enjoying a healthy customer base with my biggest clients being Cardiff coffee company Ffrothi Coffi and Bridgend Beauty Salon – The Beauty Lounge.
Hopefully in 2010 I am looking to triple the numbers on my client list and aim to hit double figures on my earnings from the design alone. It’s ambitious but I’ve got the skills and knowledge to make it a reality as long as the demand is there.

I’ll probably be having celebratory drinks closer to the time for which a select few will be invited to attend and party with me.

On a completely different note, and more serious, Finlay got taken to A&E today after giving his head a right old bang earlier. Fortunately he is ok, except for the bruise and lump on his forehead. He’s a tough little guy though and seemed to be happy with all the cuddles we gave him. He’s sleeping now and looking so handsome, I could watch him sleep for hours!

Tomorrow we’re going to take Finlay to his first fireworks display, hopefully the loud bangs won’t be too frightening and I hope he’ll enjoy all the pretty colours in the sky as the fireworks go off.

Right then, early night for me as I’ve got a bit of neck and back pain and want to shift it asap so I can join the gym and start working on the new look me ready for 2010!

Night all x

Well what a fantastic weekend it has been! Season closer in Abu Dhabi was sensational, what a fantastic, in fact – amazing, circuit the Yas Marina is. The work that has gone into creating such a masterpiece in less than 24 months is quite frankly astounding. Finally, what can I say about the on track action. Thoroughly disappointed for Lewis, I was hoping that he’d have the inaugral win, but unfortunately it was not to be. Jenson proved that despite the Brawn being less competitive than the Red Bull’s in the latter half of the season that he still could be very racy, and wow those last few laps were sensational.

So now, back to normal life. No more racing for 5 months! Wow, that’s ages! I will be keeping my ears close to the ground though to hear the latest stories on who is going where. I will be supporting two drivers from next season, along with supporting Lewis Hamilton I will be following closely the progress of the nephew of my racing hero Ayrton Senna – Bruno Senna. I think he’ll certainly bring something to racing other than just his name.

So no sooner has the sun set in Abu Dhabi I am counting down to the season opener in Bahrain next March.

Bring it on!

Last night the clocks went back an hour signalling the end of British Summer Time. Many folk enjoy this time of year, autumnal colours in the fields as the trees shed their leaves, but most of all for that extra hour in bed that we get!

I however, did not get an extra hour in bed. In fact, I was up earlier than ever as Finlay woke up early and just didn’t want to settle back off again. So I found myself bringing Finlay downstairs for his warm morning milk. It was pitch black outside and the children’s TV programmes hadn’t even begun airing yet. Instead Finlay and I just sat cuddling on the sofa watching random TV previews as he drank his milk.

We’ve had a very busy day today, out early to Asda to do some shopping. Finlay had a 45 minute sleep. When we got home we then had a day of drawing, building huge block towers, reading and generally having lots of fun.

I’ve just put Finlay to bed, he is sleeping soundly and looks so handsome.

A chinese takeaway has just been delivered so must dash, am super hungry!

Enjoy your evenings everyone!