They say you can only kick a dog so many times before it bites back. And when he does, presumabley it hurts. So much so, that kicking the dog results in a bite so ferocious, you yourself may kick the bucket.

That is, moments after you kick yourself for being so stupid.

The word 'kick' is a nasty word. Think about it - a 'punch' or 'whack' can be accidental, but the 'kick' requires intent... the malicious forethought... the act of raising one's leg, and propelling the foot (with force), towards the said recipient:

Be it dog, bucket or person.

Im off to a funeral tomorrow, for an old fella who himself 'kicked' the bucket. What timing hey... right after Christmas. They say in martial arts, the kick is said to be a more powerful weapon than the arm. Kicks are lethal... dangerous... sad... and whichever way you look at them:

the front kick will always be lethal, if not more lethal than the front wedge itself.

So, on the topics of kicks, I have been forced into thinking about what habits I intend to kick this New Years Day. Some habits are simple: stealing candy from babies, over-indulging on the carbs and no hot milo after 8pm.

But other habits are well... much harder than that. The kind of habits we develop BETWEEEN resolutions.... those 12 months of accrued habits which sneak up on you when you least expect it. Bad regrowth, unflattering hipsters and unhealthy friendships.

So I guess it begs the question...

where do we draw the line when it comes kicks?

and more importantly...

how do we know when it's time to kick the habit for good?

Now, i'm no footballer, martial arts expert or aerobics instructer. My kicks are pretty unco - and the closest I'll land a kick is probably somewhere between your left toe and the nearest exit sign.

But this New Years Eve, I guess there's plenty of kicking. But no dogs... or buckets...

just bad eggs, bad hair and a few stale memories which must be laid to rest for good.

So, as for resolutions, can a person really resolve to change it all in just one night?

The answer is yes;

time to let sleeping dogs lie and teach old ones new tricks.

2008; bringing you a storm in a D cup -

Nastykindagal.