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Read more: Column: A time to reflect and look ahead
I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas break and a safe and happy new year.
My 2026 got off to a rough start with one heck of a flu bug after travelling from the Border City to Camrose, Calgary and Edmonton to visit my dad and members of Chels’ family.
Highlights included watching Team Canada play in the world junior tournament on Boxing Day with my dad in Camrose and spending time with big-city folk, including Chels’ niece, in Calgary. We walked a lot, rode two different types of public transportation and dined at what might be the best Vietnamese restaurant I’ve ever eaten at — TRE Vietnamese Kitchen.
Looking back at the year that was, 2025 was pretty solid in my books.
Last January, Chels and I wrote out goals for the year and stuck them on our fridge. Truth be told, it was a process I felt obligated to take part in, and at the time, I think part of me was doing it more for her than for myself.
Twelve months later, she excitedly pointed out that I had completed 95 per cent of my list, which brought me quite a bit of joy.
My list included some pretty mediocre goals, but it also featured important ones, such as catching up on my income taxes.
I was several years behind, and for the longest time, I felt I might never get caught up — continuing to live life on the edge while hiding from the feds. Obviously, this was not a viable option.
As of this writing, however, I’m pleased to say I’m all caught up and everything has been filed. Now, I sit back and wait for those fat cats in Ottawa to cut me a cheque for what they owe me. Imagine that.
Another goal on my list was renewing my passport, which had been expired since COVID. Not only are my income taxes done, but I can now officially travel outside Canada.
I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I’m excited for 2026 and what it could bring.
Many of the assignments I covered throughout 2025 shared a common theme — one I’m carrying with me into the new year.
That theme was perspective, and how we choose to look at things.
I realized I was overcomplicating simple life goals in my kitchen last January. Chels pointing out that I had achieved 95 per cent of those goals was eye-opening. It made me realize it’s not that hard — it’s all a matter of perspective.
As we embark on another year, I’m excited to have you, the reader, with us every step of the way. Of course, it won’t all be sunshine and rainbows, but each year I work at the Meridian Source teaches me valuable lessons and proves it’s not all doom and gloom.
Our team is excited to dig into the hard news of Lloydminster, while also bringing you stories of success and triumph.
I’ll also open the floor to suggestions from the public. If there’s something you’d like to see more of in the paper or online this year, let me know. We’re always open to new and exciting ideas and love getting the community involved in what we do every day.
I can be reached anytime by email at
ta****@************ce.ca
I’d also love to see more letters to the editor published in 2026, so if you’ve got something on your mind, I’m all ears.
Happy New Year, Lloydminster. Let’s make this one a banger.
Read more: Column: A bloody cold Friday
