While watching the news about reactions to Bhutto's assasination, Ian notes, "It's Buy-Nothing-the-Government-Tells-You-Day."

Another pleasant Christmas has come and gone. Stuffed with turkey, cozy and warm, we thank the universe for another year together and welcome the lengthening days as we gape in awe at the speed at which our nephew and niece are growing.

We also just finished watching this year's Doctor Who Christmas special, Voyage of the Damned. Loved it. Can't wait for more in March.

And while I'm on the subject of everyone's favourite Time Lord, a very sweet Who story was recently printed in the Daily Telegraph called The Hopes and Fears of All the Years written by Paul Cornell and illustrated by our good friend (and excellent Who guide to Cardiff) Mike Collins. Check it out!

Off to bed...

I've had a couple of days to get used to not working on Y anymore. It feels pretty great and today a friend noted "You look lighter, y'know, happy."

Of course a lot of it is the great sense of accomplishment but also the anticipation over the next project which is driving me crazy that I can't talk about it. Not yet anyway. Stay tuned.

There's a a very large stack of sketch requests sitting on my desk that I'll be starting on later today. I thank everyone for their patience and I'm very sorry I couldn't get them to you by Christmas.

I'm also cranking out crafty presents for friends and relatives. I'm a crocheting/knitting/sewing fool and it's just wonderful.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Done.

Sleeping now.

4 pages into the final 7. Home stretch is tonight.

BBC radio online is helping get through this where dull TV isn't. There's a creepy horror story posted this week in the arts and drama section called Catch My Breath that I quite like. Two girls escape an Outward Bound camp in Northern Scotland only to run into a strange man living in an enormous, ghostly manor house. Next week they're putting up some Arthur C. Clarke stories. That should be fun.

Finishing up backgrounds on a batch of 6 and then on to the final 7.

I want this fucker done this week.

That was my determination/grr face.

Last night at Tojos for a birthday dinner and a very special song from Hiro, the coolest waiter in the universe.

The food was stunning of course.

The world is blanketed in fluffy snow and it's my birthday. Thanks to everyone sending in happy B-Day wishes over on MySpace. Big hugs to Steve and Sara and to Warren too.

Having a lovely day.