How did we end up here so quickly?

Christmas is already past and as I sit here writing this column there are only three days left in 2017. I know every year is the same length (except for those wily leap years that are out to trick you), but some just seem to fly by quicker than others.

It feels like I blinked my eyes and the middle of the year flew by with barely a moment to pause and reflect. No time to sit down and look back on the year and the days that have passed and see what all happened this year. So here we are with three days left and no better time to do.

My New Year’s resolution in 2017 was to run more. That definitely didn’t happen, but I can at least use the excuse that it wasn’t entirely my fault. 2017 was a whirlwind year that saw me change jobs and cities moving from Bainbridge, Ga. to Vicksburg and all the challenges that come with it.

I have moved a lot in my life, but it never really gets easier. Especially in the job of being a reporter, moving to a new city has all the extra challenges of making connections and from the start (and actually still now) building my rolodex of phone numbers and contacts with help from my partners in the newsroom.

Moving to Vicksburg, I was incredibly happy when I learned I would be covering the education beat as education and the impact it can have on the lives of children and a community as a whole is something very important to me.

Since moving here in March, it truly has been a pleasure covering the incredible year that the Vicksburg Warren School District has had and I can’t wait to see what 2018 holds.

Being in town also introduced me to a whole new world as I sat through four nights of the Miss Mississippi pageant, experienced more and learned more about pageants than I could have ever wanted to (I would recommend any newcomer to town to at least go experience one night of it though as it is so important to Vicksburg).

I learned the history of this town through the military park. I’ve learned about some of the incredible research being done at ERDC. I’ve met new friends and been welcomed into a new community.

Did I mention I also adopted a cat (he still bites, I know I haven’t updated you all in awhile).

The year has flown by, but it hasn’t been without excitement and 2018 should bring more of the same. Who knows what this year will hold, but I do have a couple goals. I want to actually workout more (so cliché I know). I want to read more good books (any suggestions?). I want to continue to find my place in this community and get more involved outside of work.

So, goodbye 2017. You were fun and hectic. Time to see what 2018 holds.

Brandon O’Connor is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. You may reach him at brandon.oconnor@vicksburgpost.com.