To say it's been an interesting year has been an understatement. 12 months ago...

- the talk in the economy was of 'overheating' with the 'inflation' genie being 'let out of the bottle'
- few of us had heard of Bernie Madoff, Fannie & Freddie, Twitter, IP TV...
- last year, we'd all had quite a good year, (perhaps our best ever?) and were looking forward to more of the same in 08/09
- the stock market had taken some hits (down from its highs at 6800), but was respectfully making a comeback around the 5400 mark (it's been less than 4000 now since November, touching 3000 in March)
- oil was US$150/barrel (has since fallen back to almost $30, and is now creeping up at $70)
- interest rates had had 8 successive rises to stand at 7.25% (it's now 3% ... and could fall further?)
- aussiehome's logo was a hills hoist, and they had no blog, TV show, twitter or facebook account!

The only constant these days in change! And long may it be so... however none of us has seen such turbulence, uncertainty and in some cases, unwillingness to move (literally). It's a year we'll look back on with wonder, and perhaps pinch ourselves. In fact, the period 2001-2008 is probably a period we'll look back on in years to come with wonder, with all the highs, excesses, fun and crazy excess that booms bring with it.

For those businesses that have survived, as they say 'what don't kill ya, only makes you stronger'. What of 2009/2010? Probably less turbulence, but also probably less growth than we've been used to...?