New Year's Resoutions: No Spare Change

Gay Guy,

I'm not much for New Year's resolutions. We all need goals, and I have plenty. But I also think that it's hard for people to change. Resolving NOT to be who you were before -- and hoping to transform into something new and better -- is a recipe for unhappiness. Take it slow, have good intentions, be honest, and see what happens. (Unless you're a habitual drunk driver or addicted to something dangerous. If you are hurting yourself or someone else, then get help and resolve to start a new chapter ASAP.)

That said, I did a search for "top resolutions" and, surprise, the US government has a site ready to go with links provided to all appropriate branches and offices. Want to get out of debt? Let the Federal Trade Commission help. Want to drink less? Bring in the National Institutes of Health.

Anyone else remember when you could order pamphlets on just about any self-help issue from the government distribution center in Pueblo, Colorado? Well, the internet hasn't killed that group just yet. They have a link, too. (http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/)

I don't know if I'm frightened or impressed that they can get involved on so many levels of my personal life. Are they like a big brother, or like Big Brother?

Here's the linked list from usa.gov/citizen.

• Lose Weight
• Manage Debt
• Save Money
• Get a Better Job
• Get Fit
• Get a Better Education
• Drink Less Alcohol
• Quit Smoking Now
• Reduce Stress Overall
• Reduce Stress at Work
• Take a Trip
• Volunteer to Help Others

Readers, I need to do less of a few things and more of a few other things. But I'm not going to promise to stop doing anything, or to start doing something I've never done before.

Anyone else willing to share a resolution or two? Best wishes for a happy new year.

--Straight Guy