It’s a new year but, as with all things in life, what is new is old.
The year 2014 will begin as previous years did — with myriad increases in the cost of living.
From medical premiums to ICBC rates to BC Hydro charges to the annual hike in municipal property taxes, the year will begin with our pockets picked far more voraciously than they are filled with any semblance of a pay raise to compensate.
What’s new is old in the political world, as well.
This year will see the B.C. NDP attempt yet again to find its way out of the wilderness as it elects a new leader.
Wasn’t it only a few months ago that Adrian Dix was measuring the drapes in the premier’s office?
In Kamloops, and in communities across the province, voters will elect a new city council, though it seems like only yesterday that a longshot named Dieter Dudy very nearly defeated heavily favoured incumbent Peter Milobar in the mayor’s race.
Kamloops is the Tournament Capital of Canada and, as such, will be host to numerous world-class sporting events in 2014 — including the Brier (Canada’s men’s curling championship), North American, Central American and Caribbean Under-23 Athletics Championships and the Hockey Canada Four Nations Cup.
And, of course, the ongoing saga that is the proposed Ajax copper and gold mine will guarantee what is new is old in our fair city.
Individually, one can indeed do something new and we should all use the changing of the calendar to improve our lives and the lives of others.
Go for that walk, join that running club, commit to taking those music lessons, save for that dream trip, pledge to volunteer at that soup kitchen, make time for your children, work less and play more, stop every now and then and take a deep, deep breath.
It is 2014. Before we know it, it will be 2015.
Life is but a series of moments.
Enjoy them all.
