It's a new year and the traditional time to take stock of our lives and see what needs improving.

I think as I'm getting older, however, I'm getting less enthusiastic about New Year's resolutions.

Perhaps I've seen too many of them fail, particularly my own.

Looking at my messy office, I think it might just be time to accept the fact that I'm a messy office type of person.

My kitchen is clean, for the most part, so I do have my priorities. Clean kitchen counters make me feel good, a clean desk doesn't do much in the self-fulfillment area.

I'll try to go to the gym more this year, but looking at my past record, I'm not holding my breath on that one, either. I do make it once a week and that feels good, so that's a start.

I'm really trying to cut down on my sugar and carbs this year, for health reasons, so maybe that one will stick.

There are two events coming up that might help me in that regard. One is a class on "Breaking up with Sugar," from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Pine River Library. I love sugar, but it's time to boot it out of my life, so a breakup is in order!

Then on Jan. 14, the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce will meet at 6 p.m. at Raw Synergy, a health spa in the Bayfield Center. Happy hour starts at 5:30, and all are welcome! This could be another good way to get 2016 off to a healthy start.

So maybe with some new information and guidance, I'll make some improvements.

I don't smoke and I don't drink much, so at least those are two vices I don't have to worry about.

Spend more time with the kids - yep, better work on that one, because they're both wanting to hang out more with their friends and not with their mom!

Write more letters. Nice thought, but I'm afraid I don't do it much. I'll keep trying.

Read lots of books - yep, I am good with this one! I just don't have enough time to read as much as I'd like to!

Thanks for reading, and may your new year be a good one.