Santa Feans make their '08 resolutions known.
The modern-day New Year's resolution is a lot like the modern-day Middle East peace process: more aspiration than perspiration.
But experts say there are some methods to help keep you on track. Here's one tip: Don't keep your resolution to yourself.
This week, SFR gives selected locals the chance to share their promises:
***image1***"I want to continue working with our police department, filling those vacancies and putting the programs and strategies in place to make sure we're reducing domestic violence, sexual assault and home burglaries; to finish work on the long range water supply plan and allocate 1,000 acre feet to continue restoring the Santa Fe River, and to complete another stretch of trail from Camino Alire to Frenchy's Park. Another one is to see that we break ground for construction of the Buckman Direct Diversion project."
-David Coss, Santa Fe mayor
***image2***"Let's see, probably just to complete my studio and get my foundation going. It's called the Seferina Ortiz Lighthouse, named after my mother. And there's so much work involved, especially all the paperwork. My goal is to bring in the kids during the summer months and teach them about pottery and fashion, and just steer them in the right direction."
-Virgil Ortiz, Cochiti Pueblo artist and fashion designer
***image3***"I have boring resolutions [laughing]. A successful Rail Runner Express into Santa Fe, another 10 years cancer-free and a happy, healthy life by being grateful every day."
-Rhonda Faught, New Mexico Department of Transportation Secretary
***image4***"Just to be in the here and now. That's my resolution. Just to be in the present moment with my kids, with friends and with people in my life. Just to stay present, to be available."
-Dawn Purnell, Dawn's Custom Tattoo
***image5***"To become more disciplined in a diet and exercise program that I'm in and to continue to-I don't know quite how to say it-be more intentional and disciplined in my own study, writing and to do the same with my prayer life. And to become a better pastor to my church."
-Rev. Richard W Murphy, St. Bede's Episcopal Church
***image6***"I have three things: One is to spend more time in Mexico, the next one is to spend more time laughing with my kids in class and less time screaming. And the third one is to eat more bacon!"
-Allegra Love, Agua Fria Elementary School fourth-grade teacher
***image7***"My New Year's resolution is not to make New Year's resolutions but to make resolutions for myself throughout the year."
-Raoul Trujillo, actor
***image8***"When I was in Hawaii I started smoking cigarettes again because everything was so beautiful. But for my New Year's resolution, I don't want to smoke anymore. And I do good on New Year's resolutions. I'll be able to do it. I did it before."
-Stewart Lawrence, Schlotzsky's Sandwich Shop cashier
***image9***"I am going to get back into music in 2008. I used to be really good in music, but with this new job I don't practice for shit. I want to start playing my guitar a lot more and do something structured with my music."
-Daryl Bernal, Kirby salesman
***image10***"I'm gonna talk to my father down in Florida every day this year. You could even call him my old man. I talk with him, but when your parents live far away you don't talk with them every day. But in this day and age it's so easy. I'd like to get him set up with a little camera so we do the video chat. He's 82 so every day counts. Plus, this is one I can really achieve!"
-Melanie Moore, DJ
Santa Fe Reporter