All the good things

It’s almost 2017 and I’ve started to think about New Year’s resolutions—although I’m not much of a believer in annual halfhearted attempts at self-improvement. The will to change should be evergreen.

(Also, who am I kidding? Those extra five pounds are here to stay.)

Still, if there was one thing I could hit the reset button on, it would be my tendency toward complaining. Certainly, 2016 was a year that found me grumpier than usual—and for good reason, obviously.

But there were good things, too. (For a long list of 2016’s better offerings, check out “It was a very good year (really),” page 16).

My family, friends and pets, for starters, have been the best antidote to stressful politics, heartbreaking events and everyday grievances.

My husband, in particular, knows how to pour a mean shot of whiskey; and if cats aren’t the best kind of therapy, I don’t know what else there is in life.

Locally, there’s been goodness, too: Great music, delicious food and fantastic art. Political activism and protests. This town is gifted with smart, talented and passionate people.

Finally, SN&R’s small but kick-ass editorial team. Each week, Raheem Hosseini, Scott Thomas Anderson, Karlos Rene Ayala, Anthony Siino and Janelle Bitker make this an inspiring place to work.

This just happens to be Janelle’s last week at the paper—she’s moving on to work as a freelancer in Cambodia.

She will be missed (though you’ll still see her byline here), and I feel lucky to have worked with her.

Happy trails—and happy New Year.