A new decade beckons. It seems not long ago 2020 was in the realm of sci-fi, but here we are. As always, I am setting out my ambitions for the next year. They don’t include traveling to Mars, or even the moon, but still they might seem far-fetched to some. So, here we go, in no particular order:

1. Travel to new countries

I don’t know exactly which ones yet, but Montenegro left me wanting more, so maybe Albania and Macedonia? Or the Rockies and/or Utah?

2. Walk at least 10k per day

I’ve been on a walkstreak for forty days now, racking up at least 10k steps per day, which is approximately 8.7km, so I’m stepping it up a level.

3. Read at least one non-fiction book per month

This worked out well in 2019, so I’m sticking with it.

4. Get certified as a paraglider (at long last!)

Thwarted not once but twice in 2019, I’m headed back in April – let’s hope third time’s the charm!

5. Learn a new tune on the piano each month

Nothing much to say about this one, really. I heartily recommend Musescore if you want to find new sheet music.

6. Make new friends and stay in touch with old friends more

I’m only too aware that I’m not good at making friends. I will make an effort to change that.

7. Write a book

I’ll have quite a lot of time on my hands this spring, as I’m using up the last of my parental leave, so maybe I could give it a shot? If not now, when?

8. Learn to draw and paint better

Both the kids like it, and we have fun doing it together, so I’ll make a concerted effort to get better at it.

9. Recover from injuries, exercise regularly and don’t get injured again

THAT’s as far as I dare hope after two years of persistent problems and general buggery.

10. Improve French

Merde alors!

11. Play chess

Challenge me! Chess.com is fine, but meeting up and playing for real would be nicer still.

12. Learn to crawl

No more granny-stroking for me. Wait, that sounded wrong…!

13. Run 10k again

Ok, so I lied under 9. Hope springs eternal!

14. Go kayaking

I have tried it briefly a couple of times. Moreish!

15. Go hiking

See 1. And 2.

16. Keep bees

To bee or not to bee is no question.

17. Keep chicken

Not too close to the bees tho!

18. Drink no alcohol

#oneyearnobeer or any other plonk, for that matter.

19. Eat no sugar

No refined sugar. No cake, candy, jam, marmalade or similar. I’ll be the antithesis of a sugar daddy…

20. Be kind to yourself when you (inevitably) fail 1-19 at some point

No reason to beat yourself up for not always reaching the level you strive for. Fail and try again.

And that’s it. Should make for an interesting year. Happy 2020 everyone!!