Happy Christmas and a happy Catherine!

I am officially the happiest I've been all year. I had almost forgotten how it felt to be truly happy. Those of you who know me well realise it's been a hard year for me, with my health and some horrible personal problems. I consider this the hardest year I've ever had to face. It's taken me several months to feel 'normal' and slowly I'm coming back again. Thanks to all the support from family and friends this year - it's been appreciated! The great news is that I got a distinction for my university course this year! And.....I got a 2.1 for my Literature Degree! I'm over moon! I have been grinning ever since. It was hard work but worth it. After Saturday's Miso market, we flopped on the couch with a takeaway and watched the X Factor final. Just as the results were being announced I remembered - doh - my uni results might have been online since Friday. So I raced though and shouted at Lee to follow - and there they were! I ended up crying so hard - whooping noises, snotty nose, tears - the lot - I think my neighbours thought I was crying at the X Factor results. But who cares - it's all over and I'm proud of myself.

This really is a week for celebrating - yes I'm blowing my own trumpet - I deserve some niceness this year! After ten years with Lee and around eight years engaged I finally got my engagement/wedding ring. My brother-in-law works at an auction house and after a failed bid on an antique ring (I was heartbroken but now I'm glad I didn't get it) I got a diamond solitaire ring from the auction house Bonhams. It is so pretty and I am obsessed with it in a Golum from Lord of the Rings type way. It is my precious and I am shallow in my material love.....

I am now officially feeling very Christmassy. Last week was spent making fudge, gingerbread men and coconut ice for the Misofunky Christmas market at Hillhead Library. I also made little embroidered Christmas decorations. My favourite one is the peace heart.

The market was great fun and we had our best sales ever. The atmosphere was good and I enjoyed some of the Christmas pop music played by Jo. The Miso girls put great effort into making goodie bags for everyone (thanks!) and as usual, making the market run smoothly. The raffle/charity wrapping stall raised a lot of money for AYME (Associaton of Young People with ME www.ayme.org.uk ) thanks to the girls for choosing a worthwhile cause to support.

I'm glad I took part in the Secret Santa - it was fun to give and even better to receive...My Secret Santa or sultana as he wrote on my gift tag (I prefer the idea of a secret sultan....) gave me a lovely handmade clutch bag, a vintage pin box and a pair of pretty jammie bottoms. I am so delighted with my gifts and have been living in my new jammies ever since.

Finally, have a look at www.checamille.com - the online magazine it is a veritable feast of clothes, design and writing. I have my first published short story inside - the second half will be featured next issue.

I'm off to make some final crafty presents for my family. I hope you like my Christmas tree angel - he's an original 1950s decoration and is my retro hero. I love putting him on the tree.