New Year’s Resolutions

All the hustle and bustle associated with the pre-Christmas shopping has given way to the calm and cool reason of Christmas and we are now looking towards the beginning of a new year with hope springing in out hearts for a prosperous and fruitful new year.{{more}}

It is the time of year when we resolve to turn the pages on the bad practices of the old year and to live a better life. It is also the time when we vow to embrace only those practices that would enhance and improve our lives. There are many resolutions, some secret, others public, which involve a change in our life style. But some of the most popular resolutions include keeping fit, completing a project and discontinuing a bad habit such as smoking and drinking alcohol, among others.

With the bleak forecast for the global economy since 2008, many persons are going to make resolutions with their financial interest in mind. Many persons would no doubt be tightening their belts to eliminate wasteful spending because although a few persons feel that the recession in the USA has come to an end, there are many economists who feel that it is still something to reckon with, especially with the high unemployment rate and the problem of foreclosures. No doubt there are many persons who would resolve to conserve whatever resources that they have under their control. Many would be seeking new paths in their quest for success in what seems to be a trying year ahead.

It means that we would have to make resolutions on goals that are reachable and within our personal ability. Perhaps we were too busy last year trying to make as much money as possible and have ignored the people around us. Perhaps we can take another look at those closest to us – family and friends and maybe resolve to spend more time with them. Whatever you do there must be some deliberate plan and specific goals. Choose someone to direct the planning and do not leave anything to chance. Write down your plan so that in the middle of the year when the New Year’s gloss is worn off you can be reminded of your goals. No matter what you do, make people an important part of your plan.

I would like to encourage you to stay healthy this year. Observe helpful health tips. Exercise regularly. You do not have to be a member of a gym. Do your stretches at home on the floor or on your bed. Limit your salt intake. Avoid fatty foods. Do not stress yourself or cause anyone stress. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Best wishes for 2011.

The Blizzard of 2010

After the glitters of Christmas, the tri-state area, including New York, was bashed by a gigantic snowstorm. It developed in the Gulf of Mexico and came up over the Carolinas to New York, where it dumped tons of snow from about 10.00 a.m. on Boxing Day to about 6.00 am the next day. It left behind about 15 to 20 inches of snow everywhere. Vehicular traffic came to a standstill, especially on side streets, and remained so for most of Monday and Tuesday, but the main roads were kept open with the use of snowploughs. It was a spectacle that I would not forget easily. Some say it was the worst snow storm for New York.

Ada Johnson is a solicitor and barrister-at-law.
E-mail address is: exploringthelaw@yahoo.com