It’s often tough when things are going full tilt to sit back and take stock of everything that’s going on, which is why I always look forward to the Christmas-New Year’s period. With the world generally shutting down for a week or two, it’s a good time to catch one’s breath, reflect on the year that was and plan for the year that will be.

There’s no doubt that 2010 was a great year for me - it was simply chock full of highlights. Obviously the two biggest were finally achieving my life-long goal of publishing a book, and getting engaged. There were so many other things too: visiting New Zealand again, being interviewed on The Hour and CNN, doing talks with Authors @ Google and TEDx, getting to the point of career independence, finally getting a good deal on a cellphone.

There were, of course, some low lights - like being part of Australia’s worst PR disaster of the year - but those were hugely outweighed by all the positives.

The coming year looks to be promising too, with Sex, Bombs and Burgers finally hitting the U.S. I’ll also be spending a good portion of the year working on my top-secret book #2. I’m definitely looking forward to 2011.

I heard a joke the other day on the radio from comedian Louis CK, where he mocked people who complain about airplane delays. He pointed out that it’s pretty clear we’ve forgotten about the miracle of human flight: “You’re sitting on a chair in the sky!” Why are we complaining?

Exactly. I know I sometimes complain too much (especially when it comes to airplanes), so I’m grateful for these chances to put things in perspective. The challenge will be to try and remember just how good things are once the speed of life ramps up again.

I hope everyone had a great 2010 and here’s hoping that 2011 turns out to be fulfilling, happy and fun!