Columns & Opinions

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenging the results of the presidential election.

Normally I focus this column on matters of interest, both locally and nationally just depending on what mood strikes me. But this week, as the election deadline approaches I feel like I have just been hammered with so much to do that the national front will just have to wait a week. Though I will say, go Google the Mobile Alabama Sheriff’s Office, the story is hilarious. As I reported last week, Teresa and I have purchased the newspapers and I’m not sure but these past 12 days or so have felt like the longest of my life. It’s a good thing, I’m not complaining, in fact, I just feel more blessed every day. I have a philosophy I live by when you seem to have more on your plate than you can handle and I want to share that with you. I tell my wife and staff all the time, if you are feeling overwhelmed, take a second, breathe and accomplish just one thing at a time. Stop trying to do it all at once, just take one task and complete the task. That is one less thing for you to do. I don’t make lists on paper of “things to do.” The reason I don’t do that is the list would be so long at times the feeling of being overwhelmed will just be enhanced when I read the list. So, I keep a mental list and that is not very healthy either, but it is what I have always done. This lesson I learned early on from my company commander in the Navy. In many ways, the military is responsible for the way I look at things. I remain focused and see things to their completion. It just makes life a little simpler at times to divert all your effort into completing a task, then moving on to the next task. 2020 has been filled with these types of challenges for everyone. For myself, the most frustrating has been getting out of routine and having to often change in mid-stride plans both personally and for the business. A good example is the Hearne Fishing Derby, which I love to do every year and we have for the past 6 years. Due to COVID-19, the Derby was canceled even though every first of the year I set plans in motion for the entire year. As these different events in my life have come, often due to COVID-19, they have been canceled or in the case of the Best of the Beset Baquent, moved to a different date. If you can tell, I’m not very fond of having random disruptions to my plans as I’m sure neither do you. I would think I was used to my plans being altered being married to my lovely wife who seems to fancy any opportunity to change my plans all the time. The conversation always starts the same way, “what are you doing today,” says Teresa. I will outline my plan, then wait for the revised plan that I will need to follow. That is married life for me and I love it. So remember, you can do it all, just not all at once. Instead focus on one task, complete that task, then you can move on to the next task. And guys, if you are married, rule two is to pass all your plans on to your wife and await your revised plan before moving forward.

Texas is ready to distribute 1.4 million doses as soon as the COVID-19 vaccine receives federal government approval.