The holidays are behind us, and a new year is here. So what happens now? Well, many Waukee area residents will make resolutions. A quick Internet search on popular resolutions led me to an NBC news story on the matter. It revealed that in 2017, the most popular resolutions involved getting healthier, getting more organized, living life to the fullest, learning new hobbies, spending less and/or saving more, traveling more and reading more.

Last year, I publicly shared my resolution to get healthier and lose weight. I turned 40 in 2017, and I knew getting healthier was going to be more difficult at this age than when I was younger. I started with the Paleo Diet. That didn’t last, but I did stick to living a healthier lifestyle in general. I ate less food overall and made healthier food choices. I cut soda out of my diet, even though I do enjoy an occasional Cherry Coke. I rode my bicycle more often, riding 75 miles at Waukee’s Baccoon Ride, and even riding on RAGBRAI for the first time. In doing these things, I found I enjoyed life much more, and in the process, I lost 35 pounds—not bad for a 40-year-old man.

So now 2018 is upon us. I will keep the same healthier habits I adopted in 2017, but what else do I want to do in 2018? Well, I want to continue working to make our community better, be successful personally and find personal happiness and contentment with what I have. I also want to try new things. In 2017, I was invited to have sushi with friends. I’d never really liked sushi, only having it a few times in my life. I went and was amazed at how good it was. I loved it. Now, one of my favorite places to hang out in Waukee/West Des Moines is Wasabi. What a great restaurant with phenomenal food, a great environment, friendly staff, and a fabulous outdoor patio during the warmer months. As you flip through this issue, you can learn more about Wasabi owner Jay Wang in our Faces of Waukee profile.

In 2018, I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. Here’s to making 2018 the best year yet for ourselves, our families and our community.