Resolve to be better in 2008

The end of the old year and the start of a new one is typically a good time to think about our lives - the good and the bad. Do we make resolutions or not?

We asked our readers last week what they thought about New Year's resolutions and sixty percent said that resolutions are a good idea, whether they follow through with them or not.

Because we agree that resolutions are a good idea, we have some suggestions: • Reduce landfill waste - make the effort to recycle • Take care of your health - get a physical • Before heading out of town - resolve to check out what your local merchants have for sale • Visit the local library and check out a book - not a video, a book • Make the effort to get to know your neighbors, look out for each other • Ask young people to join you and volunteer at a work day, community or school event • Act in a respectful manner to your fellow human beings at all times • Turn your cell phone off at meetings, in restaurants, in church • Keep the pet population in check - spay and neuter your dogs and cats • Change is inevitable and when faced with change, make lemonade out of lemons • Criticize less and involve yourself more in your community • Tell your elected officials that you appreciate the time and effort they put in to make this county a better place - whether you agree with all of their decisions or not • Help someone less fortunate - donate to local food pantries • And, find something new everyday to be thankful for.