'Twas the last friday before Christmas. Or rather, 'Tis the last Friday. 'Tis also my birthday tomorrow. Yikes.

Where did the last eight years go? It seems literally no time at all since I arrived in San Francisco from Philadelphia in the new year of 1993 - knowing nobody here, excited about my new city. I picked up a rental car at the airport, and sped up highway 101. As I turned the corner on the last few miles in, and saw San Francisco spread out in front of me, I shouted with joy.

I have to say that eight years later San Francisco still fills me with joy. Last night, I went for a run, with a friend, along the Embarcadero, through Fisherman's Wharf, and out along the commercial fishing pier. It was dusk, and the waters of the bay looked like an impenetrable depth of midnight blue ink. A sea-lion was breasting through a scattering of seagulls and pelicans, as fisherman unloaded their catch. And the towers of downtown glowed along the horizon.

And my joy came from another source too. I've been feeling full of life and energy these past two weeks. I'm feeling strong and young - in fact, as if I'm in the best physical shape of my life, although there's no stopping the aging of the face. On balance, though, getting older isn't at all bad.

It's been a mixed year for me, that's for sure. A few great highs, and a lot of angst in between. The highs? Well, I have to start with my summer trip. Little moments from the trip come back to me, even now, throughout each day - walking the warm, evening streets of Rome, sitting on the grass in St Albans with my Mam and Dad, clubbing with my sister Kirstie, exploring castles, cliffs and cathedrals all over England. Wow, that was some trip. And then coming home and, out-of-the-blue, meeting a wonderful guy called Jed.

The angst has been all self-made, of course. And if you've read any of my journals, you're probably sick and tired of it :) I guess it's all been about trying to find some kind of meaning in life, and, nearer to the surface, trying to figure out where I go next with my career. Maybe 2001 will give me some new ideas.

In the meantime, the website has survived another year. There have been plenty of times I was sure that I was going to kill it off. But I guess I still need it. Which means that I need you - the people out there who read my journal. Thanks for tuning in :)

So tomorrow morning, I'm flying to D.C. for a week. If I can get my laptop to work, I'll try to write regularly in this space. I'm flying home again on the 31st, and my friend Brett and I are planning to make a rare trip to Club Universe on New Year's Eve (I don't think either of us have been there in two years). So if you're planning on heading there that night, say hi to me, if you see me.