We have all made New Year’s Resolutions that we haven’t been able to keep, so this year I thought about skipping the process altogether.  But I realized there is something refreshing and renewing about making resolutions; almost like it’s the only time all year that you can truly have a clean slate.  Since I didn’t want to miss this once a year opportunity, I succumbed to the temptation and made my list for 2009.  The only difference is that this year I tried to be a little more realistic than some years in the past.  This year I didn’t make any resolutions like, Chocolate will not touch my lips all year or I will run five miles every day.  Those kinds of resolves are self-defeating and will only last until you run past a candy store on January 1st and are drawn in for a snack; and then since you ate the chocolate you don’t run again until you’re racing to get in line for green beer on Saint Patrick’s Day.

• This year I resolve to see the glass that is half full not half empty. 
• This year I resolve to exercise by parking a little farther out in the parking lot, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, riding my bike on sunny days instead of driving the car if I can. 
• This year I resolve to be a little greener by skipping paper or plastic and taking my own shopping bag, drinking water from a refill bottle instead of a throw away one, and picking up someone else’s litter instead of walking by when I can. 
• This year I resolve to say something nice to someone every day instead of just thinking it to myself because it really does feel good to know you look nice today. 
• This year I resolve to smile at strangers, especially children, because it’s contagious when you share a smile.
• This year I resolve to take a little time for myself every day because it gives me a better attitude.

My list is growing long but I think my resolves are all things I can really do this year.  Now I need some chocolate and a good book for a little “me time”.  By the way you all look very nice today and I’m smiling as I say that sincerely.

New Year's Resolutions

The city of Roseville’s float entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade, “Entertaining Dreams for a Century,” was honored with the Governor’s Trophy.

The Roseville float is 55 feet long and 25 feet high. It is a re-creation of a 1909 vintage train engine and two Pullman passenger cars. A California map in front of the engine shows Roseville’s location where north-south and east-west rail lines cross near the Sierra foothills.

Roseville Float in Tournament of Roses Parade Wins Governor's Trophy

This year was the first west coast ball drop to celebrate New Year’s Eve and it was in Sacramento. 

If you missed this historic Midtown event, here it is courtesy of:  Cinematographer, Regina V. Gutierrez