The first month of 2016 is gone and I'd be willing to bet that most folks who made New Year's resolutions have already broken them. Democrat-Gazette columnist Helaine Williams, about a month ago, shared this item she found on a list of "14 Things That Happen in January Without Fail": "We reflect on the year gone by, make lots of promises and then carry on exactly the same." She suggested that maybe the whole "new me" thing would go better if we didn't wait until a certain date to try to bring the new me forth. She quoted a friend who pointed out that we don't have to wait until a new year to make positive changes in our lives.
We know Williams was right. "We can start new exercise and healthful dietary changes on, say, a Thursday in March, or a Saturday in June, not just Mondays or the first day in January," she wrote. "If we know we need to create a new me, we have God's permission to turn over our new leaves whenever we come to that conclusion."
Instead of making positive declarations and resolutions at the beginning of the year, she said she was just going to be prayerfully optimistic, take life one day at a time and make changes as she realizes they're needed rather than waiting until the next Jan. 1. "And if I stumble and fall, I'll stagger back to my feet then, not next New Year's Day." Sounds like a good idea to me.
We had our library commission meeting in the library's new location at the beginning of this month. With the help of a number of faithful volunteers and the dedication of the library manager and staff, real progress was being made in getting settled into the new home. We noted a few details that still needed to be taken care of but, generally, the move was going well. I dropped in again the next day and unpacked another box before going on to take a photo at the Senior Center. We're looking forward to hosting a library open house in the future.
Jim and I used some coupons that were about to expire and ordered fast food cheeseburgers and tater tots just before January ended. Then, a few days later, we enjoyed a tasty pizza with extra toppings and a large salad from another local establishment. Although we're missing our grocery store that recently closed and have made a couple of shopping trips out of town, Gravette has no shortage of good places to eat. And we welcome the news that a Simple Simon's pizza parlor is soon to be added to our restaurants in town.
Jim loaded a long ladder in the pickup and we picked up a friend early Saturday morning. Then we drove to Grove, Okla., to meet Eddie's brother-in-law, who wanted some work done on his mobile home near the lake. I sat in the vehicle and read my magazine while the fellows climbed atop the home and took some measurements. The building needed extensive repairs and they discussed necessary improvements and made a list of materials. Next, they talked about desired additions of a carport and porches front and back. We had planned to come home and have a late breakfast but, by the time all these plans were hashed out, we decided to stop for breakfast biscuits in Grove.
We spent Sunday evening, along with more than 100 million other viewers, in front of the TV set watching Super Bowl 50. That's quite a milestone and it was good to see some of our favorite players from the past back to participate in the festivities. I was a particular fan of Lynn Swann back in his days with the Steelers and of his teammate, Terry Bradshaw, who's gone on to become a very entertaining commentator on the game. It didn't hurt that the Broncos won the game so easily either.
We're anticipating a pleasant outing at the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet tomorrow evening. A Mardi Gras theme has been chosen and I've heard chef Stephen has ordered some shrimp from the Gulf and plans to serve jambalaya and other Cajun specialties. Friday evening, there's a sweetheart dance and potluck at the Billy V. Hall Senior Center. The OK Country band, which is scheduled to entertain, plays good old country tunes, great for dancing. Sandwiches, chips and lots of good desserts will be on the menu that night.
Susan Holland is a longtime resident of Benton County and a reporter for the Westside Eagle Observer. She may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 02/10/2016