I WRITE a lot about transitions in this column and now it's time to implement a few changes of my own. This is my last column for The Sofia Echo and I want to thank all of you that made this past year so successful.

First I want to thank all the expats who participated in interviews. Sharing your personal story is not always easy. It requires a mutual level of trust and respect between interviewer and interviewee. I appreciate those who stepped forward when I solicited interviews for issues ranging from children's education to expat employment packages. While I know I helped many people by providing information, I was also helped by the generosity and professionalism of the participants.

I found this work fulfilling on many levels. Often I would hear how I helped a family in transition, echoed a mom's inner feelings or facilitated an employment opportunity for a fellow expat. Those rewards cannot be measured in dollars or leva and really helped me carry on at times when I was unsure if my content was helpful. I'm proud to say I never missed a deadline but I'm a little sorry to say I never took a holiday either. How American!

I also want to say thanks to Clive Leviev-Sawyer and the supportive staff of The Echo. I think they have worked hard to build a fine newspaper and I look forward to their future offerings.

And of course I must acknowledge the unending support of my husband and family. My husband has always encouraged my writing and creative endeavours. And believe me when I say he has had to endure all aspects of living with a writer - the good (when the words flow easily) the bad (when writer's block won't budge) and the ugly (when I'm barking like a lunatic on deadline day). He deserves a medal.

I plan to take that long-awaited holiday now and hope to move on to new work projects in the New Year. Cheers to you and yours and thanks again for this fulfilling experience.