Published: January 08, 2009 04:01 pm      

AROUND THE TOWN: Losing weight tops the list in 2009

I seldom make New Year's resolutions. It just seems so, I don't know, dreadful to end the holiday season with a slew of don'ts. So, for the past few years, I have resolved not to resolve. This year, however, I am revisiting that idea. I really, really want to drop some weight.

Apparently, I am not alone. I heard this week that losing weight is the number one resolution on 75 percent of Americans' lists. But here is the disheartening news, I also heard that when men make resolutions at the beginning of the year 22 percent of them keep them while only 10 percent of the women do! Rats!

I was interested in knowing what resolutions my school students would make. I polled a group of eighth-graders at Homestead Elementary earlier this week and asked them to write down their number one resolution for 2009. Just as I expected, most of their resolutions centered around grades or sports-based improvements. Read what they had to say:

•Donald Kirby: I want to make better grades.

•Jared Taylor: My resolution is something I have always wanted —start all over.

•Kyle Fiste: I want to make better grades.

•Alexandra Kehrman: I want to stop yelling at my mom and dad.

•Jesse Howard: I want to do better in school.

•Logan Graham: I want to score a 300 in bowling.

•James Finley: I will be a better person.

•Bob Sapp: Get out of the eighth grade!

•Whitney Hankins: I will strive to read more books this year and I also would like to score more points in basketball.

•Baylee Parsons: I don't have a resolution. I am happy just the way I am.

•Trent Campbell: I want to graduate eighth grade, be able to sleep easier, sleep longer and stop the pain I feel playing tennis.

•Austen Hutt: One of my resolutions is do better in school for the rest of eighth grade and throughout high school.

Oh, and more disconcerting news…most of us only keep our resolutions for three weeks into the New Year. I suppose that means about 10 days from now I get that bag of peanut M&M's?

Anyway, happy 2009 to all of you. I hope it is you best year ever!

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The TAD Center has a few slots left for its variety show slated for later this month. If you are a singer, member of a band, dancer, etc., you could win $250 cash if you are voted audience favorite. You may register for the show by calling 456-1311. The variety show, a fundraiser for the TAD center, is scheduled, weather permitting, for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Palace Theatre, starting at 6 p.m.

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Speaking of the TAD Center, activities director Shane Wyatt is hosting the annual 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Age divisions are Youth Grades 6-8, High School Grades 9-12 and Men's. Team entry fee is $20. Entry deadline is Jan. 21. Call Shane at 456-1311 to register.