The darkside of expectations

   Drawing a close to the end of 2025, I asked a handful of my coaching clients if they would share which one of the aspects of our work together had the largest impact on their growth and development.

Resolution #1: Get to know your home

February  When it comes to New Year’s resolutions for your home, the most important step doesn’t involve spending money, it starts with awareness.   Understanding how your home functions, and where its critical systems are located, can save time, money, and stress when something goes wrong.

"Watching my dogs in the weather, not for the cold but things to roll in in" by: Mike Reddell

   In a short time in the grip of Winter Storm Fern you quickly remember things about cold weather that you discount in Southeast Texas.  Like dressing in layers, although it doesn’t take long to remember that rule.

"2026 seems to be picking up more speed than expected" by: Jessica Shepard

   Well, it’s the end of the first month in 2026 and I can’t even give a vague prediction for what we’re due for the rest of the year.  And that includes my work and personal life, too!

"In spite of it all, times are actually pretty good" by: John Sample

   Last week was about as unusual as it gets and I am not talking about the MLK holiday shortening the trading week to four days.  We had the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where our President’s speech referencing Greenland sent the market south on fears of a new tariff war.

Putting your aging parents’ wishes first

   As your parents grow older, it may be time to talk with them about financial and aging issues.  Position these conversations to honor their plans and understand their wishes, so their affairs will be taken care of as they would like.  First, consider health care.

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Rip’ hinges its story on Damon, Affleck cop friendship" by: Jessica Shepard

   In light of the winter storm sweeping through Matagorda County over the weekend, I decided to catch a recently released Netflix film – “The Rip.

Mind games

   Forget about spending $$$ on video games like top rated “Grand Theft Auto VI,” “Resident Evil: Requiem,” or “Marvel’s Wolverine,” score massive growth in the reality of your own mind game.  Seriously, working on your own mindset comes with stellar growth and maturity.

"Learning how to enjoy books without piling them on chairs" by: Mike Reddell

   I have a decent book collection that truly speaks to my ever-changing interests.  Many of the books are along the large bookshelf that I acquired from Kit West, the Kerrville Daily Times society editor in 1980.  Back then, society editors carried everything outside of news and sports.

"Feeling the weather change & mitigating accompanying pain" by: Jessica Shepard

   Weather forecasters are predicting an arctic blast to hit sometime this weekend and I think I’m mostly ready for it.  Well, at least when I’m viewing the projected temperatures from the comfort of Monday night while I’m writing this column.