Editor’s notes

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

The beginning of a new year is always a cause for reflection. What did we accomplish in the year just past and what do we hope to accomplish in the new fresh year at our door?
I’m not sorry to see 2007 leave. It was a very difficult year filled with too many challenges. Of course, the biggest event that sticks out in my mind is the loss of our nine miners at the Crandall Canyon mine. Events of this type change the course of many lives never to be the same. Those days of not knowing have left an imprint on the lives of those in our county and much beyond our region. We will never be the same. We are different now. Hopefully more safety conscious and aware of our surroundings in all situations. Mining will become more safe through the work of those who are in the mines. We need people who are willing to speak up in all situations without fear of reprisals or losing their jobs. Everyone needs to work together to make things safer not only in mines, but in all situations.
When someone loses their life in an accident that could have been prevented there is much anquish involved. We just recently lost a close friend to a traffic accident. I guess it doesn’t matter how you die, because when you’re dead, you’re just gone. Those associations you had with that person are severed for this lifetime anyway.
Death is never easy in any situation. But, death is a part of life. Not a pleasant one, but one we must all face sometimes. It’s amazing how one life can affect other people. We are all connected. We all depend on each other.
As we begin a new year, it’s a time to look ahead. How can we make this year better than last year? One thing I’ve discovered in all my years of life is that the only person we can change is ourselves. So what should we change about ourselves? What do we like? What don’t we like? So much to think about. What if we think it would be good to lose weight? Can we do it, does it take more than willpower? There is a lot involved in losing weight I’ve decided. The last time I lost any weight was 14 years ago when I had my last son. I lost 15 pounds in one day, and I don’t think I’ve lost any since. I haven’t gained any either, just staying the same. But, my assistant decided one day this fall she was going on a diet. Since then I’ve lost like three pounds. It may not seem like much, but it’s a lot for me. How do I lose weight when someone else is on a diet? She doesn’t bring me chocolate any more. Now, the only time we get treats here is when the scouts come and we buy them a dozen cookies. We give cookies to the scouts that show up with their leaders and I get the left overs. So, I am always glad when they say eight scouts should be here and only seven show up, that’s an extra cookie for me.
People always seem to resolve to exercise more. Well, I think my whole life is an exercise. Just running here and there has to count for something. And, I do try to get my walks in and I have this guy I exercise with called, Body by Jake. He’s my bud. Plus, I’m getting really old, so I don’t think I’ll ever look like a teenager again.
What else can we do with this new year? I really want to try to be nicer. This will take a real honest effort. Sometimes, I think we should only have to be nice to people who are nice to us, but I guess it doesn’t work that way. I have a goal when someone calls and is upset about something, I try to calm them down and make them feel better before they hang up. Sometimes, people’s ads don’t get in. This isn’t our fault. Sometimes, it just happens. Computers aren’t fool proof. OK, that’s another resolution, be nice.
Another resolution, I’d like to work less. (Don’t tell my boss) I think I work too much. Not enough down time. I’ve lately begun to realize the importance of just taking off and getting away. I think I’ll camp more too. I think I’ll golf more.
I think maybe I’d like to get more organized too. Not have so many piles of papers here and there that I never seem to have time to go through. I can’t throw anything away, what if I need it, even if I need it, when and if that time comes I’ll never be able to find it.
The list could go on and on. Self-improvement is all we can hope for. We can’t improve the neighbors, our spouses or children; that’s up to them. We can live each day a little better than the last, be a little kinder, be a little more like we know we should be. We can carry the Christmas spirit in our hearts and share it with others all year long. We don’t have to wait for special occasions and holidays to let those around us know how much they mean to us.
Have a great 08 as you strive to become whatever it is you wish to be.