It's been a while since I stuck anything up here... so here's a quick update. It's looking like I'm going properly consultancy, unless someone makes me a fantastic job offer very soon (and I mean fantastic). I think I've lined up a few very interesting projects of various sizes, with some very big-name companies, but it's just a question now of signing a few deals (etc). Until then, I'm spending a lot of time playing with various (mainly open-source) software products, really getting under their skin, and understanding how I could sell them to people as a consultant.

Another added benefit has been the extra scope to go out running. I'm gradually increasing my distances, with 10k now being considered a 'short' trip. I did my first ever half-marathon distance yesterday (21.1km), in freezing conditions, and surprised myself with the time. The agony in my legs last night was, er, less of a surprise. I don't want to get carried away, but I can't help feeling I'm capable of breaking 90 minutes, which would put me in the top 5% or thereabouts. That isn't a prediction, by the way. ;)

In other news... Aimee's obsession with ducks continues. Her new favourite phrase is 'It's stuck', which she uses any time something won't move in the direction she wants - whether it's actually stuck or not. The eyesight is still going great, after the operation: still one eye slightly better than the other, but only marginally, and certainly not enough to worry about. The asthma drugs are working, without really getting in the way much. And it snowed last night... not a lot, and it'll be a memory by lunchtime, but these days it's about all we get.