There is a difference between just wanting to win and a deeply committed passionate purpose filled drive and desire to win. And the good news is the difference maker is you.

Last week, I was in a meeting about our new-look Douglas County Youth Guide program and realized how much things have changed.

When my young family first arrived in Douglas County, we were lucky enough to meet longtime Perry Park residents Francis and Sally Maguire. Perry Park, west of Larkspur, was and is an area of surpassing loveliness.

While abusive and stalking behaviors in romantic relationships are often thought to be adult issues, they can occur in teenage relationships, as well. A little bit of knowledge and awareness can help parents and their teens avoid such relationships, and help them to recognize when they need to quickly get untangled from a relationship that might be turning sour.

Americans do not like being in second place — or third or fourth for that matter. Yet almost daily, we hear news of the U.S. economy slipping compared to other countries and the value of the dollar declining against other currencies.

With the calendar year coming to an end and holidays just around the corner, it is easy to begin making excuses and put things off until the beginning of the year. This is a bad move as there is no time like the present to make things happen now and position ourselves for success in the future.