Happy New Year, Midland, Texas!!

Well, it's that time again!

2011 is upon us, and that means that 2010 is officially over with. Hope it was good for you! It was a busy one for me. The kids are growing way fast, work has been busy and growing as well. And if oil keeps going the way it appears, Midland is heading into another boom!

Booms can be good and bad. The good is a bustling economy, lots of new faces and friends, everyone that wants to make a living will be, and the city will grow and prosper and become more of a great town.

The downside of a boom is things can often happen too fast. People show up and find searching for a place to live is harder than expected. Yes, many will be getting a bigger paycheck, but sometimes in a boom the cost of living goes up as well. Gas prices being tops on that list.

Things to remember if you live in Midland in 2011:

1) Drive safe. The local paper made it one of their major stories about how many accidents there were, how many people were hurt, etc. Think before you drive. Always look both ways, and you might even consider doing that several times! Always assume the other guy can't see you, and keep your guard up.

2) Help out your neighbor! One thing I've always enjoyed reading about was how people came to Midland and found it to be one of the best, most pleasant places they've ever been. People here hold doors for each other. We like to smile and say "Howdy" or "Hi" whether you know the person or not. Drivers will nod or wave to each other as they pass on the highway. Courtesy is a good thing!

3) We live in a desert. "Huh?" you may be saying to yourself. Well, I just thought I'd remind everyone, we do indeed live in a desert. Midland is not friendly to those of us who have allergies. Change your air filters in the house monthly, or more often. Use the better 3M filters when you can. Check the house out: caulk window and doors, replace weatherstripping when/where you can, keep your yard up so the grass will keep the dirt and dust down. And in general, brace yourself for weather! West Texas is not the easiest of places, but then again, I've never seen prettier sunsets either. :)

4) Last but not least, be safe! Midland is a great place, but we still have the small percentage who will do the wild, crazy and stupid things no matter what. That can be said for anywhere. But minor precautions will keep you safe. AWARENESS of your enviornment will keep you safe. And in the end, you'll be better for it, and make this a better place as well!

So take care, everyone! Enjoy your family, they're the only one you got. Enjoy and respect your friends, they are a gift. Be thankful, hopeful, helpful, honest, and above all else... be True To Yourself. If you can't trust you, why should anyone else? And if you ARE true to yourself, it will show.

Welcome 2011! Let's get after it!!!