Last night I returned to my parents for a farewell meal for my brother. He's decided to go travelling and working in Australia before he turns 30, visiting parts of South America on the way. Most of his stuff he's sold on Ebay, taking only clothes and his i-pod with him to the land of kangaroos. There's a good chance he will end up living out there, assuming job opportunities go his way.

For my family its the end of an era, as it was probably the last large gathering of our immediate family at the place we all grew up. This year will be the first time I need to think about where I want to spend Christmas instead of going home, as my siblings and parents finally settle from the place we all used to call home, moving on with their families or their own plans.

It made me look at my own plans once again, thinking about career, friends and opportunities. Exeter has been my happy home for over 10 years, and will likely continue to be for a long time. I have great friends here, and really enjoy my gaming and dancing, with work also starting to look more positive in recent weeks. I'm in a good position to make a go of several things I've been thinking about for years.

So good luck to Sandy in Australia, where I suspect he will thrive. Maybe I will even go and visit him there or in New Zealand.

Life goes on.