NEW — 5:41 p.m. Nov. 4, 2015
After 10 1/2 years as editor of The Issaquah Press, and managing editor of our other newspapers — Sammamish Review, SnoValley Star and Newcastle News — I have given my resignation. My last day was Oct. 16. The plan is to move away and start a new, different life away from newspapers after decades in the business.
It’s hard to write a goodbye column, because what should you say, or not say? It’s like an Oscar speech, it could go on and on and not really say anything important, and you’re going to forget someone, no matter how hard you wrack your brain for the people you want to thank.
So, I want to thank each and every person who has helped me during my decade-plus here. You know who you are. And for each of you, I wish you much luck and love and joy and peace.
There are some sweet things I will always remember, like the kindnesses I received after the deaths of three German shepherds over the years, and the death of my mom almost two years ago. I love that some people felt compelled to reach out to me after I wrote about those painful experiences. They offered wonderful stories, condolences, sweet memories. We need more people like that in the world.
Here are some things I will miss:
- Those people who work behind the scenes to do awesome things for others while not caring if they get recognition for it.
- The great service, prices and products, especially the bacon, at B&E Meats.
- Newcastle Days and especially the car show!
- The music and inspiration of the treasure that is Italene Gaddis. I’ll have to keep up through her website.
- The kindness of the people of Newcastle, who know you for just a few years but treat you like they’ve known you forever.
A few things I won’t miss:
- Spending 45 minutes traveling 2 miles to get home from work.
- Those people who endlessly complain about a problem but refuse to do anything to help solve it.
- The rain, the rain, the rain!
And finally, I will leave you with a few things I have learned in the past 10 years that might help you.
- Never get too anything — too angry, too hungry, too sleepy, too sad, too isolated.
- You can never go wrong doing the right thing. And your heart will always tell you what the right thing is.
- You can never go wrong doing the kind thing. And if you can’t do a big thing for someone, do a small thing. Offer a smile, a helping hand, a compliment, a ride. Pay it forward and backward.
- Life is both too short and too long to live unhappy. So, if you’re not thrilled about your situation, take your power into your own hands and change it.
And if these things don’t pertain to you, that’s OK. Live your life how you want to. It’s yours and you are the expert regarding what’s best for you.
Fairy tales always end with people living happily ever after. I’ve decided to make my own fairy tale and live happily ever now. I hope you will do the same.