Just had a cracking birthday (26). Thanks to everyone who sent cards if I haven't already spoken to you and a huge thanks to Val Wilson for cooking such a fantastic meal. Here's to another year.

I'm now an UNCLE!!! Erin Charlotte Ace was born on the 24th November at an enormous 6lb 13oz. Congratulations to the proud parents (and grandparents). She is beautiful.

Ok here comes the boring bit. I've been in NZ for 11 weeks now. For anyone that doesn't know already I'm being sponsored to do my Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL) out here by a company called CTC McAlpine. If all goes to plan then in 2005 I'll be flying for either Thomas Cook Airlines or Easyjet in the UK. I'm hoping it'll be TC since it means I'll be able to fly 757s out of Newcastle. I should find out fairly soon. There are six people on my course and we...