New Year is supposed to be a time of making resolutions. Weight loss is probably the most common one followed by starting an exercise program and eating a better diet.

I don’t do New Year’s resolutions.

One reason is that if this is such a good idea, why didn’t I do it months ago? The only change I see in the New Year is a different calendar hanging on the wall with a new picture and 6 has replaced the 5 in the year. Big deal.

I could make a list of New Year’s resolutions but in reality, it is a list of good intentions. I have a list of good intentions already running in my head from last year and many of them remain just that, good intentions.

And if I want to disappoint myself, all I have to do is have a written reminder of things that are not yet accomplished, with many of them not even started.

I believe I could stand anywhere in my home or garage and see things that need to be done. That is overwhelming.

And I have to confess, whether some of those jobs ever get done is probably not that important.

The step ladder I have been meaning to hang on the garage wall is not a problem on the garage floor. Just like the garden hoses I brought in late last fall, also lying on the floor.

If there are jobs that are in need of being done, I can use the cold weather as an excuse for now and say next spring would be a good time to get that job out of the way.

Don’t get the wrong idea and assume I spend my days in my easy chair taking extended naps.

Although that does have a nice sound to it and has possibility as a resolution.

There are things to do that are so rewarding they are not even considered jobs. No resolution necessary.

Over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, I believe we saw almost every one of our relatives and I am ready to see them again.

The things we do are important, but it is the people around us are where we get our greatest rewards.

Whether it is time with grandchildren, some of whom are not in school yet, or my brothers-in-law who are only a few years younger than me, or a lengthy list of my relatives and friends, there is where I want to be talking, listening and probably laughing.

Those same people don’t care about my ladder or garden hoses that are on the garage floor.

They look at my messy desk and see it hasn’t changed since the last time they were here; and if it bothers them, they don’t tell me.

We have better things to talk about anyway.

So maybe I have one (and only one) resolution after all.

I resolve to be a human being first and a human doing second.

And there are times you can do both at the same time. Not too bad.

Rye is a Farm News staff writer and farmer from Hanlontown. Reach him by e-mail at crye@wctatel.net.