By Sherry Danekas

"If there is one door in the castle you have been told not to go through, you must. Otherwise you'll just be rearranging furniture in rooms you've already been in." ~Anne Lamott~

 

Adjusting is something you do a whole lot easier when you're young, This past month I've spent most of my time adjusting to my new office space, the new programs on my new computer system and being about as frustrated as you can get at times. It seems like everything that was so easy, takes me double the time these days. It's the little things like my filing cabinets in a different spot, or the drawer that used to be right beside me, that is now clear across the room, I find myself having to stop and think out each and every move I make.
The whole space thing will eventually fall together, but I'm not so sure about how quick the learning curve is going to be with the new computer.

I've found myself spending a lot of time just staring at my computer screen as I try to figure out the simplest things. It has been a long time since my programs have been updated, and it is true that the running joke around the office was just how slow my old computer was. But, I knew how to get from point A to C without a guide and that where it gets so frustrating; because now it takes me forever to figure out how to send messages and why do I need so many different options on everything I do. Thank goodness that I have one of the best staffs around as they are all extremely patient with me has they help me navigate these new waters.

Despite the technical set-backs, well technically speaking "just mine" we've managed to get this outstanding January issue into your hands. Once again we're using the New Year as a catalyst for our "Cattlemen's Review" articles. We had such a tremendous response to last year's calving review articles we felt that this year we could cover a broader arena. Heather Smith-Thomas, who does such a tremendous job, is taking us through ways to extend our pastures into fall and winter; there are tips on selecting your replacement heifers, also a great piece on how to get those heifers through the bonding experience with their first calves, when nature doesn't do her job. I believe there is something for everyone in this great set of articles.

Hopefully by the time February rolls around I'm much more comfortable with my new space and this computer. There have been a number of really great things about our move, of course the quick commute from ranch to home has really been a great facilitator for multi-tasking any number of chores, and any time you move, you get to clean and sort and boy there was plenty of that to get through, but now we're good for a couple of years. Also moving is an excellent way to get the creative juices working again, in the coming year look for us to update a few things on the magazine and discover better ways to reflect the Western lifestyle of ranching that means so much to all of us. Change is always good, it's just sometimes the adjustment window takes a little longer for some of us to close.

While the weather outside is frightful, cozy up to the heater or fire, let the thaw take place and enjoy this very informative issue. Meanwhile I'm going to keep trying out these new trails until they are familiar once again. I hope your trail into 2012 is remarkable, inspiring and thriving

….. Happy Trails