"Taking on new personal challenges for the New Year" by: Jessica Shepard

   I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I don’t “do” New Year’s Resolutions.It’s not something I subscribe to or believe is worth investing too much thought in.    That said, I do sometimes give myself little mental challenges to goals to strive toward.

"Football is finally over and it’s time to get a life" by: John Sample

   Well, we have gotten past the Super Bowl and it was a hard watch.    I love sports, but that was not an offensive juggernaut.I didn’t have a dog in the hunt anyway.    It was amazing how much money gambled and the total advertising budget.

Love languages help you enjoy Valentine’s Day on a budget

   Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank.    The key is understanding your partner’s love language.    When you know what makes them feel valued, you can create meaningful moments without overspending.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Dracula: A Love Tale’ lives up to its name entirely" by: Jessica Shepard

Almost everyone knows the basic story of Dracula – at least form a literature or historical perspective.I mean, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” novel came out in 1897, so, I think we’ve gotten a good grasp of it by now.

Uncomfortable Truths

Admit it, we all struggle with challenges that appear just out of our grasp, frustrated by numerous failed attempts to succeed at finding a job, being promoted, losing weight, trying out to make a team or completing a marathon.

"UIL football district alignment sort of like history, geography lessons" by: Mike Reddell

   The 2026-2028 version of the UIL District football and basketball Realignment surfaced late Sunday.  For Matagorda County coaches, I don’t imagine there were any local surprises.

"Just over a decade between Friday the 13ths in February" by: Jessica Shepard

   Sometimes I struggle with an idea for a column and other times words flow out of nowhere on the most random topics.Take this week, I was alternating between staring off in general space and at the calendar.

"Be careful that your plans don’t come back to bite you" by: John Sample

   We had another down week during our one week of winter weather.  I got out my long pants for their three day use for this year and back they went.  I will say that I am grateful that I don’t reside further north where one would deal with that type of weather for months.

PSA: Why Social Security matters more for women

   Social Security is often the foundation of financial security in retirement, especially for women.  The unique challenges that women face, such as fewer years in the workforce and longer life spans, mean benefits matter even more.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Wrecking Crew’ entertaining story of estranged brothers" by: Jessica Shepard

   I had honestly forgotten about “The Wrecking Crew” dropping on amazon Prime last week.  Luckily, my mom recommended it and reminded me in the same breath – so, that’s this week’s movie choice.