Time is an Illusion.: Lunchtime doubly so. (Douglas Adams)

It’s true. One moment you’re in your twenties saying to yourself “This LSD I took half an hour ago isn’t working. I think I should have another one” and then next minute you’re in your late forties thinking “I should refrain from bread this week where possible”.

I guess my decision making has improved. It really has to. I have to maintain a high level of discipline these days if I want to do the things I love at a not too piss weak standard. Yoga, gym (I never thought I would be a gym bloke) and I’m in my third year sober. I never thought that would be me either. The fact is it is working for me, generally I feel really good. Well, I have been skateboarding since 1988 and there is certainly some wear and tear…but I feel good. Mostly, I am optimistic. In some aspects of my life I feel like I am just getting started and it is invigorating.

Some days I feel like Mr Burns. Some days I have anxiety as I am about to get out of bed and stand to make an assessment of the self inflicted hiding I undertook. I accept that. I’m totally OK with that. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and I want to give it a nudge as best I can. I know my standard relative to others and accept that as well. Comparing yourself to others (unless for motivation) is the most futile and pointless use of your energy. That would be my solemn advice. Social media turbo charges this.

Anyway, here is this years half a dozen photographs. I started this project eight years ago now. It really is just for myself and serves its purpose of making me get out of my comfort zone. I’m under no illusion as to where my skateboarding lies in the pyramid of it all. Thank you so much to @r0b0p1x for the photographs. Always up for it, always positive. The patience of an owl. I am so appreciative of your time and skill.

Shout outs? On a blog? Yes. I’m particularly grateful for my wife for supporting me no matter what. My mates are the best. My trainer Steve @preston_health_and_fitness and Will at @munawellness for keeping me aligned and moving right. Find them specialists, people.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” Hunter S Thompson.

Ollie in Chinatown.

This roller door was loud, corrugated and very unstable. Wallride.

Bank Rock 4 was wild. I was feeling it and has so much fun. Slappy 5-0 on the Skate Blocks/Fish Taco curb.

Same spot but another day. Slappy feebles locked in so good on this. Rodos and I gave this curb quite a seeing too.

Wallie boardslide in the local neighbourhood. I thought this would be way easier than it ended up. Pants game strong.

Like all these photos it was just me and Robbie. This was genuinely terrifying and I was concerned about doing myself a mischief and not having anyone else to help out if things went pear shaped. A nod to Shanae who is one of my favourite skaters.

No comply tailslide.

Thanks for stopping by to check it out.