Usually at this time of the year, many take the opportunity to reflect on the year which has just finished and to look forward to the coming year. For me, this time of the year allows me to look back on the year not only from a business perspective but also from a personal one as well. But more importantly, wondering what this next year might bring.

And then it dawned on me that this New Year not only brought in a new year but also a new decade. Then it really dawned on me that this will be a “repeating pair” year - 2020. The last time that happened was 1919 and before that, 1818. We will not see the next one - 2121, until 101 years from now. Likely not even a newborn today will see the next “repeating pair” year. Something very cool will happened this New Year.

Looking back to the last “repeating pair” year, here’s some highlights of events from 1919:

1) The Grand Canyon National Park was formed that February 26th

2) There were only 43 states in the United States

3) Prohibition came into effect, officially making alcohol illegal

4) Women in the US could still not vote but Congress would later pass Suffrage Movement Bill leading to the 19th Amendment to the US constitution the following year

5) Women in New Brunswick could vote that year for the first time

6) The Canadian National Railway (CNR) was formed out of several failed private rail companies

Here’s something to think about as we start a new decade highlighted by a “repeating pair” number. As we
think about what the next ten years might bring, think about what your life was like ten years ago – looking back!

How old were you ten years ago?

What was your family situation?

If you had kids, how old were they back then?

How much debt were you carrying?

What was your weight, fitness and general health like? What’s changed?

And looking forward to not only the next year but for the next ten years, what do you hope for? What do
you think your life will look like ten years from now? Try and picture yourself ten years older.

And remember you will be witnessing something you will never see again. A “repeating pair” year.

Have fun. Laugh lots… Hal Couillard