It seems like only a year ago I started this blog. Mostly because it was.

To celebrate I was going to indulge in an orgy of hubris and narcissism. I could recount how I was introduced to blogs - the merry chuckling of a co-worker over a post at Conrad's. I justified it by thinking of it as a way to keep family and friends in touch with our adventures in the mysterious Orient. But when your first post was:

hi paul

But what I've got most out of this site over the past year is all the people I've met, both online and in person. I've a bulging email folder with emails from all sorts of people I would never have otherwise met. I've had the pleasure of breaking bread with some of my favourite bloggers, such as Pixy and Helen. These are relationships that I cherish and am grateful for: it has exapnded my world and made me better for it. I've learnt a hell of a lot from these people and from writing this site: that has made it all more than worthwhile. The one thing that scares me (besides makeovers by JC and PB) is that I stop exercising my mind. This site and the many others that I read have kept at least that part of my body fitter than ever.

This has already been a busy week. First BL's arrival seemed to drag in plenty of comments and links. Thanks for all the kind wishes. The site redesign seems popular too - a nice first birthday present from me to the site. If for some reason you've been lurking for a while but never got around to saying something, NOW is the time to start. Regular commenters and linkers are also welcomed. While modesty prevents me from singing my own praises, nothing can stop you from doing it. So get to it. In return all I can offer more of the same. Please don't let that put you off.

UPDATE: It appears I share the day with Allah. Obviously wasn't much on TV anywhere in the world last August 27th.