It's that time of year for predictions

It is that time of year ... the new year.

New Year’s Eve tends to be a time to look back, to reflect, and yet also a time to make those resolutions and predictions for the upcoming year.

Being a constant forward thinker, I do tend to look back, but typically in six-month intervals, and only to see how close or how far off I was in thinking where I would be and what I would be doing in the next six months.

link Robert Arrowsmith

And it is safe to say at the midpoint of 2014 I would never have guessed that I would be writing this column in this market leading into 2015.

Each year, because I know people like to talk about lists, and predictions, and forecasts, I do put some out there for discussion. Some have been spot on, but some, like my career path the past three years, have not even been close.

Enough chatter. Here are 15 predictions for 2015:

1. A study out of Tucumcari will be released showing that the opportunity to drill for natural gas will become an option. There is an energy, or an excitement going on right now within parts of the town. There are a couple of prospective companies that are considering Tucumcari. The fact that natural gas would become an option would only add to the excitement.

2. It will snow in April this year as part of a last-of-the season type of cold blast. It will produce more snow in 24 hours than any one other storm will during this winter season.

3. Gayla Brumfield will be making a run at a political office and will announce what it is in 2015.

4. Red will pass white in this market as the vehicle color of choice in Clovis.

5. “The party of the year” in 2015 will be in Portales.

6. I might have something to do with the party of the year.

7. There will be a new large innovative business coming to one of the markets that will lead the region in a new technological direction that in turn will lead to job growth, and a new way of doing everyday business.

8. Gas prices will get below $2 a gallon before the summer blend excuse kicks in.

9. The summer blend excuse will kick in earlier than ever before.

10. It won’t be four in four years. (Those that know me know what I am talking about).

11. There will be a “defining” aesthetic change to one of the Main Streets. This change will entice after-5 business operations to come to that Main Street in 2015, and combined with other projects going on will be an excellent injection of energy for the future.

12. We will have peanuts coming out of Portales again.

13. Consideration for the old Eastern New Mexico University stadium options will include motocross, and fair-type events.

14. The buzz that people in the community feel right now is not a holiday buzz as most would think but will produce tangible foundation type blocks in 2015 further exciting people going forward.

15. The love of my life will be even stronger if that is even possible.

Be safe this new year, and be smart. I look forward to seeing everyone in 2015.