I generally do not get serious about resolutions for the New Year. The last year left me feeling a bit hopeless about the future of our State and the nation. I could likely go on to say the world is at an inflection point as authoritarian regimes appear to be gaining strength. I know a lot of people who are just withdrawing from involvement in political process or discourse. I took that approach after the election. I have been watching old movies, reading books, skiing……basically any thing but listen to any more hateful, disingenuous rhetoric from the incoming administration. Like a nagging ailment, ignoring it will not make it go away.
So, I have re-committed to an Ambassador role at Idaho Business for Education. There are many of us who will represent the view of over 225 business organizations from across our State in regard to Public Education. I have two assigned Legislators and will meet them to discuss our thoughts on protecting the Public school system. We will have our work cut out for us this year as “out of State” money support for right wing candidates flipped seats and likely had a significant impact on the Open Primary initiative failing. You will be hearing a lot about “vouchers” or related approaches to fund private schools. I am glad to share more detail on the significant financial impacts of these tactics on other State’s where they have crept in and mutated without appropriate oversight or accountability. Idaho’s underfunded public school system should be applauded for the foundation it provides for the future success of our children.
Megan, Margie and I skied this week while Hank hung out with his Bro’s. On Thursday we set a new Margie milestone; 9708 vertical feet or 9.7 ski miles. This record will soon fall as Margie loves to ski. The new adventure is to ski in the powder and in the trees. The last run of the day was through heavily wooded area that held many difficult to see obstacles. When the wind blows the snow tends to accumulate in an around the trees. Most skiers have a ski tree well story that encourages them to always ski with a partner. It is not difficult to end up in a position that requires assistance. No problem as long as the entry is not face first. With flat light you cannot see those drifts and we found some as high (no exaggeration} as 5 feet. Depending on your speed you are airborne, and best be prepared for the landing. It was an exhilarating expedition as Margie was the leader of the pack.
Food is important to 7 year olds and we made a lodge stop to refill her tank. In all honesty, I look forward to a cold beer for my reward. Margie read the sign above the new hospitality center, cappuccino. I suppose everyone knows the drink is made of equal parts espresso, steamed milk and milk foam. A latte is simply steamed milk added to the coffee, and a macchiato is just a splash of milk in the espresso shot.
Megan and I both were certain that cappuccino only had one p, wrong again. Perhaps we could practice up on our spelling as a way to tune out the disturbing current state and drift into our own reality.
I encourage each of us to find a way to make a difference in our own circle of friends and influence. Please don’t let your talent and passion sit idle. We cannot let the extremist scoundrels prevail in the long run.
Best wishes for a prosperous, healthy, productive and happy New Year. Mike