This Christmas marks the end of a very very trying year, certainly professionally. My company has had a very rocky ride at the hands of a mad man - a story for another day after legal proceedings have completed! But the experience has stregthened the team and we have enjoyed a morphed atmosphere that encompasses smiles and joviality rather than stress.

But more so the Christmas period has arrived on the heels of an economic distaster affecting so many of us, and at a time my husband has been out of work. The combination of which has focussed the mind on how fragile our lives are.

That not withstanding friends made during this last year I cherish closely and value their contribution, intentional or otherwise to my life. It has been a very trying year and I have been amazed at the kind words and honour of some of my clients - who I can safely call my friends, I cant name them in public but the initials let me feel they have been recognised: UP, PK, LJ, DKC, MB, IML, ADB then of cours those close to me in my life day to day, my colleagues and closest friends and family. Without them all suffering my occasional self pity I would be in a far worse state than I am now. My African friends and extended family have capped the realisation that there are some things way way more important than work alone. And comfort that I will be so very fortunate and others may go on through life with the shallow panderings of a pose of glory seekers. I know which I prefer and although I might get little chance to express how important these people are I hope they can have some idea. and I hope for all of us 2009 will herald some against the odds fortunes we can all share in, both professional and personal.