We go into a new year and as we reflect on our past year some might be saying goodbye to a great year or some, like myself, will be saying, “So long 2017. This was a year I would like to forget.”

If you read my past columns I said goodbye to my two dogs and stepfather, all just months apart. There were some good things that did happen in my life but the loss of my dogs, Daisy and Buddy, plus my stepfather, Bob Sternfels, will always be in my thoughts when I think of 2017.

A new year is upon me, so with that, I will set out goals and look forward instead of looking to the past. I recently stepped into my father’s position as he starts retirement. I am excited for this opportunity and what the future holds for me and this company.

I appreciate all the nice comments I have received from those of you I have run into or emails from others about my columns. Writing has never been my strong point so it pleases me to hear these comments.

Health goals are usually the focus people make for the New Year. I transitioned into that a few years back but I still have a way to go to where I would like to be physically. Dieting is my worst enemy. I love to eat and, if you know me, you probably know I love my wings.

Getting to the gym and going for my long walks each day is something I have made a habit in my lifestyle so I don’t need help in that department. My goal in 2018 is to change the way I eat. I have looked over different diets to start following but I also don’t want to make it just a diet change but make it a lifestyle change.

There is one diet I looked into and that is the diet of Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. You know him as a former wrestler and he also currently stars in the motion picture, “Jumanji.”

He is my height and almost the same weight but he’s much more built than I am. I looked into what he eats and what I found out is he follows a 5,000 calorie a day diet and eats the same thing every day which includes 2.3 pounds of cod each day. That is insane to me. So after looking at his meal plan I think I will take some out of it and combine it with other meal plans I like and then follow a better eating routine.

Goals are something we have to have in order to create hope which leads you to determination to make it happen. Everything takes time to get used to, but it is true when they say if you put your mind to it, anything is possible.

I now want to congratulate my father on his retirement. My father loves this town and this paper so this is a difficult transition for him. I am proud of all his accomplishments over the years. Mr. Fountain Hills, as he has come to be known would and will continue to do anything for anyone.

My father has the biggest heart and I am proud to call him Dad. We go to lunch every Friday to a local restaurant in town. But now that he will be in Vegas part time I will have to make a new routine for myself.

In his last column my father said he will be only a phone call away and I will probably be making that phone call a few times for his advice. The office will always be open to him and I wish him nothing but the best in this new chapter of his life.

Now it’s on to the New Year and new beginnings. This is so true for me. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a beautiful wife, a lot of good friends in this community, a great staff and a new position. This is going to be a great year and I look forward to what 2018 brings.