A New Year Beckons. With Zombies, Probably

Remember when we would declare New Year’s resolutions with conviction? I’m giving up smoking! I shall drink less! I shall murder less people! I don’t think we’ve ever approached a new year with such trepidation, desperately hoping 2020 won’t be repeated. Maybe I'll eat less cheese? I don't know, I don't want to over-commit. And yet . . . there has been plenty of positives. I didn’t think I’d be seeing out the year riding my motorbike into the beautiful countryside, reading about cocaine smuggling in Marching Powder, and about Neuroplasticity - remarkable tales of how the brain can heal itself - but it’s been a funny old year. I’ve escaped through books, and at last, escaped physically too.
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Again, I’m taking advantage of my friend’s good nature to spend time on their property, going for walks whilst avoiding the fearsome Australian sunshine. Night walks in a place famous for having 21 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world – should be fine, right? Talking of statistics, out of interest I thought I’d drag out some of my own for 2020: I’ve spent almost a hundred days in the gym or working out, with remarkably little effect which is quite an achievement in itself; I’ve consumed 53 books; I’ve written 28 blog posts; posted 12 motorbike articles; had a motorcycle write-up published; walked 4.56 million steps (3,553 km); and taken zero days off sick. I’ve finally fixed long-standing shoulder and wrist injuries, and I’m consuming far more fruit and vegetables than ever before, giving meat the elbow several days a week. And lastly, I’ve entered numerous photo competitions – won zero, before you ask! All seem extremely selfish pursuits but perhaps a year of me-me-meeee hasn’t been a bad thing, for me at least. I have also helped prop up entire tea-plantations. Cups of cha consumed for the year? About 14 billion.
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What will next year hold? Zombies, probably. I’ve registered with a couple of charities so will see if I can get involved in more philanthropic work. Despite the many challenges of 2020, I remain extremely grateful for everything - my friends, family, health and work. Whatever trials lay ahead, most of which I cannot control, I shall try to make the best of it. And I hope you will too.
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Much love for 2021, I wish you and yours health, wealth and happiness. And many cups of tea. And hopefully no zombies. 

Richard