The year is nearly past.

Tomorrow, I leave and end this chapter in my life, as well.

Funny how in this business life can line up like that.

It has been an incredibly tumultuous year - personally and professionally.

Personally, there have been hills and valleys like I have never before experienced, and though I know there are more to come as time marches on, I really would like to just stop for a bit. You go ahead, I'll catch up. I need a breather.

Professionally, I got the best notices, exposure, and did some of the best work I've ever done in "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and "Titanic" this year. I also did "Christmas in the Country", so there you go. I spent a lot of time in the doldrums this year trying to carve a niche for myself in a place where I just don't think it's going to happen; that doesn't bother me too much - except that I don't enjoy being led on.

I can only hope for a 2004 half as good and not half as bad as 2003.

Return of the King was nothing short of a religious experience. That also is tinged with sadness, because unless they're just teasing and they've already filmed "The Hobbit" in some under the table manner with the other films, we may never see such a lovely film again.

Mimi passed this year, and with her the idea that one day we'd connect in a more concrete way. I love her and know how hard it is for my mom to be without her mom; that's why I can't wait to get home and have a late Christmas there.

I don't like to go into "personal life" too much here, it's sort of a "professional" thing, but ... it's New Year's Eve.

Have a safe and happy new year's eve and a wonderful new year all... write me!