In the 365 days since we last began the year, the solar system has moved in its place on the outer arm of the Milky Way, the Milky Way galaxy has moved, our local cluster of galaxies has moved, and everything in this 12-billion light year wide universe has gone somewhere else. We're expanding, some say, moving outward and onward.

So don't say you haven't gone anywhere this last year. You have. Our little blue marble of a spaceship has taken us for a ride of thousands and thousands of miles. You can't stand still. You can't not go anywhere. Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the trip. You're on your way to new parts of the universe never before seen.

On the trip, relax, enjoy life, and perhaps check out some of these Best Bets:

BEST LESSON PLAN BET: The new Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center sure seemed cool at the open house last month, but with all the crowds, who could get a good look at the place? If you're a teacher and want to take a more relaxed tour, come to an open house and reception from 1-3 p.m. Saturday. Tour the exhibits and classrooms, learn about educational programs, and sign up and plan for class field trips. Call 226-4617.

BEST BEAUTIFUL MIND BET: The Community School and Kachemak Bay Campus catalogs have been mailed, and registration starts next week for classes at both schools. Want to learn Italian? Thinking about jumpstarting your writing? Want to learn to fly? Browse the catalogs and sign up. It could be the Best Bet of the year.

BEST ART ENDURES BET: While everyone else sneaks away to warmer climates, the art galleries in town hang in there. Well, most of 'em, anyway. The first First Friday of the year is Friday, imagine that. Bunnell Street Gallery presents "To make a long story short," a one-week show by Zak Cushing, with an artist's talk at 5 p.m. followed by a reception. Ptarmigan Arts presents "Light and Dark: A Collective Ptarmigan Artists Show."

BEST SANDED WALK BET: The ski trails might be slushy, the sidewalks are deadly, and skating on Beluga Lake requires water wings. Hey, you can always take a walk on the beach. Check out the tides this week and head to the beach, where below the last high tide it's always plowed and sanded. Last week's big storms washed up a lot of cool stuff, and if you're lucky, you might even find a rare and coveted glass float. You never know.

BEST CHANT-EUSE BET: Want to hear music in an intimate setting with great food and refreshments? Listen to Sunrise Sjoberg and friends entertain at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Hodnik-Litchfield home. Part of the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra Winter Recital Series, tickets are $25 and available at Etude Music Studio, 315 W. Pioneer Ave. Call 235-7579 for information and reservations.