Five New Year's resolutions I know I can keep

Here's the problem with New Year's resolutions: They call for radical change in behavior just because it's a new year. Number one, real change happens slowly. In steps. Number two, if you want to do something, you do it. Never a better time than the present than to stop smoking, lose weight or quit chomping on your fingernails (I need to do the last two items; I'm the only person in my family who never smoked, so I don't have that habit to break, thank goodness).

So how do you effect good habits in your life? You recognize the good you're already doing and build on it. Here are five things I'm already doing that I'm going to do more of 2007:

1 Drink lots of water. I drink three 32-ounce Nalgene bottles a day of the stuff, and I'm sipping on a glass as I type this. I've noticed a total difference in my energy levels and skin tone since I started the great hydration act. And there's always the fact it fills you up. Which leads to...

2. Count my Weight Watchers points. Yeah, I'm not always great at this -- hence the five pounds I've put on over the holidays -- but when I stay in my range, I keep my weight down. And it makes me feel more in control, too.

3. When I buy something new, throw or give something away. A very strict rule with me. I have two bags of clothes and shoes from both of our closets downstairs ready to go to the Salvation Army (gotta get it in before the stroke of midnight tomorrow so I can claim it on my 2006 taxes).

4. Volunteer. I gave up my volunteer gig mentoring in mid-2006, but I'm hard at work looking for another one.

And finally...

5. Always kiss my husband good morning and good night, and hug him as much as possible. I'm sure you're gagging right now, but we are a very touchy-feely couple. It releases endorphins, it rekindles your bond and it's just good form.

Happy 2007, everyone, and as my mom and dad used to tell us on their way out the door New Year's Eve: See you next year!