Going on 25+ years now, it has been my pleasure to write for the Recyclers Power Source Magazine. Even though we are beginning a new year, I believe the first quarter of this year will be remarkably like what we experienced over the last 9 months. However, I am hopeful it will be better. I am certainly looking forward to taking my grandchildren to a movie in a large theatre and not just watching Netflix in the living room. I cannot wait to buy them snacks and popcorn at the food counter. That has not happened in a while. Here in Georgia, we can eat at certain restaurants and order take out. So, COVID requirements are less stringent here than other places.
My poor daughter joggles her own business work around that of her three elementary school children with classroom or online training. Their basketball season with reduced number of games is starting soon but only two parents are allowed in the gymnasium during each game. Social distancing wins again! That decree leaves out grandparents attending games. So, I will not get to witness them playing, scoring, winning, or losing any game. Hopefully, someone will keep me posted on how it is going.
When I look back over 2020, it was a crazy year that most of us will want to forget. Who still remembers the start of 2020 and all those plans for URG and ARA conventions? Car-part.com had also scheduled dates for their training. The World Tour was set up all over the country in small and big cities alike. With all that pre-planning and scheduling, it was going to be a prosperous year for everyone. Now, all of us look forward to the promise that the new vaccine can offer us more hope against COVID-19.
Do you make resolutions for the New Year? I do every year! I always say that I will lose weight, cut back on drinking Stella, and that I will pray more. Good intentions, right? In 2021, I plan to do more reading of good books and catchup on talking to my friends in the recycling industry. I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and speak kinder to people.
I do not know about you, but as I write this article for the Power Source, I think about all the articles from issues past. This new year will be very meaningful for me. I lost some good friends in 2020. My neighbor’s brother and my dear friend, Herman Cain, died from COVID. You will remember Herman ran for President in 2012 and that he was a serious contender for the Republican Party nomination with his famous proposal, 9-9-9 tax plan. Herman died at age 74 on July 30th, 2020. First time Herman and I met was in 1996 when he was Chairman and CEO of Godfather Pizza. We spoke at the same convention and became good friends.
In 2021, I want to be more grateful. I want the attitude of gratitude to permeate my being, to be more thankful for things, people, family, and friends. Before I go to bed at night, I plan to list five things that I am grateful for that day. I also plan to say thank you to others more every day. It is obvious at my age that life is not a sprint but a marathon. I must slow down, take each day as it comes, remembering that little things in life really matter.
I need to be more thankful for the stem cells in my legs. It protects me from getting or giving COVID-19 to anyone. My faith means a lot to me. This past year has been a rough one, but I am still here. Others are not. My three grandchildren love spending time with me, and I cherish spending time with them. So, this new year is going to be great for me because I am alive. I will appreciate what time I have left.
Before I sign off, remember the URG Training Conference is scheduled for April 7th — 10th in Dallas, Texas and the Annual URG Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament is happening on April 8th. I will keep you posted on that.
Happy New Year everyone! See you next time!
Correspondence regarding this article should go to:
D.J. Says, 2820 Andover Way, Woodstock, GA 30189
D. J. Harrington is an author, journalist, seminar leader, international trainer, and marketing consultant. He works primarily with customer service personnel, and his clients include such world-class companies as General Motors, DuPont, Caterpillar, and Damon Corporation. He may be reached at 800-352-5252. E-mail: dj@djsays.com. 52 weeks a year, we are as close as your telephone.