Ugh.
That’s really all the Betster can muster today, folks.
Is it really 2018 already? Was it not just yesterday that we were flailing helplessly about in the traumatic whirlpool of 2017 that was equal parts a comedy of errors and an episode of the Twilight Zone that never made it to air, the circular floating device of sanity bobbing just out of reach?
No? Really? OK, fine.
The Betster can handle being pushed into the New Year much like an extremely reluctant baby bird out of its nest, but if one more cliched, tired or unrealistic New Year’s Resolution passes through the Betser’s ears … well, who knows what will become of this page in the newspaper.
Are we really convinced that because one numeral in the sequence of symbols we use to mark time has changed, we will all of a sudden have the resolve we’ve lacked every single day up to that point? And for what? To carry out sometimes meaningful but mostly superficial tasks or convictions that supposedly make us better people?
Well, if this tradition is going to persevere (which it seems likely to do despite the Betster’s best efforts to enact a new one) then the Betster implores fellow Homerites to do their best to make the most of it. Be conscious in your resolves this year. Who cares whether you have the will power to withstand the allure of potato chips? What could you do that will really make a positive mark on your community, bringing good change to not only you, but those around you?
That’s where the Betster thinks you ought to start. And, if you need a little help, take a look at these Best Bets:
BEST BETTER BET: Could a more convenient segue into the first Best Bet possibly exist? The Betster thinks not. While you’re tapping your brain cells to come up with that meaningful, worthy-of-the-word, resolution, consider attending today’s Thriving Thursday: Making New Year’s Resolutions to Keep, Rather Than Break. “Come with goal ideas; leave with a different perspective on reaching them.” Thriving Thursday will take place at 6 p.m. today at SVT Health and Wellness.
BEST BREW-TASTIC BET: It’s that time again already — the next First Friday Art exhibit at Grace Ridge Brewing is on deck for 5 p.m. Friday at the brewery on Ocean Drive. Each month features a different Homer artist, and, of course, beer. All pieces on display will also be for sale. The more beers you purchase to support a local business, the more you’re think you absolutely need a beautiful piece of art to cover that one blank wall at home. Julianne Tomich’s art is this month’s show.
BEST ‘BETTER SHAPE UP’ BET: Have you heard? Walk with a Doc, which came to Homer in 2017, is now expanding to host two walks a month, on the first and third Saturdays. Dr. Randy Wiest is up next with his walk and presentation, “From Couch Potato to 5K.” In addition to this lesson, there will be time to ask general health questions as well as free blood pressure checks, prizes and refreshments. If potato chips somehow factored into your New Year’s resolution, this is the Friday event for you.
BEST BAIT AND TACKLE BET: Everyone who knew the late Carmen Field knew she and her family were great fans of ice fishing. What better way to start the New Year out right and commemorate a beloved staple of the Homer community than with the Carmen Field Ice Fishing Day. Being held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event will be at Johnson Lake where there will be more than enough holes, bait and tackle provided for all who choose to attend. There will also be hotdogs and marshmallows for roasting (no parties for hosting, sorry). This event is sponsored by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Homer ADF&G Advisory Committee. Call 399-2340 for more information.
