New Year, New … Me? Us?

by Jan Murphy

I’m writing this in early December. For me, the eternal procrastinator, this is way too early to be thinking about the new year. I haven’t put away summer clothes.

But January 1 calls. As I contemplate what 2008 will bring, few of my thoughts are about “just me.” I don’t expect any major personal changes. (One can only hope!) No, my most important 2008 happenings primarily involve my nearest and dearest. My youngest grandchild will be Sweet 16, and will undoubtedly be driving. Her sister will start her exciting college-selection journey. My new-college-graduate Yankee granddaughter will begin her two-year Teach for America service in Southern Louisiana. My daughter and son-in-law will thus become empty nesters. And my son and daughter-in-law will celebrate their 20th anniversary. (She’s had him longer than I did!) Their changes mean changes for me. Realizing this makes me all too aware that we rarely do anything in isolation. It’s usually a New Year, New Us instead of New Year, New Me.

The New Year, New Us concept works on a broader level, also. In her article on Kevin Davis, pg. 48, Stacey Paretti Rase details the past, present and future benefits of his leadership in St. Tammany Parish—benefits we all share. On pg. 92, Brenda Breck tells us how Angèle Darling and Ann Jemison radiate warmth from their restaurant throughout the community. And without a doubt, nothing speaks more clearly about our being “Us” instead of “Me” than the way we are one in heart and spirit at Mardi Gras!

Sometimes, though, as Kimberly Lambert, our “New Year, New You” contest winner, attests, “It’s so great being me!” Share her whirlwind makeover—vicariously—in Poki Hampton’s article on pg. 122. Our thanks to Kimberly for her enthusiastic participation—and to all of the providers that made her once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.
Happy 2008!

Congratulations to Norma Lang of Mandeville, winner of the November-December Word Search contest.