New Year's 2007!

Greetings Everyone!

Now that Christmas is over and all the chaos has subsided, it's time to reflect on the past year, and make plans for the next one. Take time for yourself between the December holidays and New Year's. Go for a walk; sit alone by the fire or in a favorite spot. Decide on some goals that you would like to accomplish in the coming year. Now open your new year's calendar or planner and write these three goals on the page for each month. This will not only provide a monthly reminder to check your progress but will also allow you to see how far you have come. Select a time for yourself each week or month and pencil it in. While it might not always work out, the idea that you deserve some time for yourself will still be there to act on as you are able.

Now it's time to focus on the next, very important holiday...New Year's Eve! And as usual, there is plenty going on around the area...and if you don't have that perfect outfit picked out yet, don't panic...you still have 2 shopping days left.

Here's what's happening in our area to ring in 2007:

BRUNSWICK COUNTY

If you're in the search for live music to bring in the new year, you might do well by cruise-ship entertainer and seasoned Elvis impersonator Eddie Miles. Miles has the charms and style of fat Elvis, but the mobility and swagger of the fitter version. Details: 9 p.m. (show continues past midnight) at Odell Williamson Auditorium, 50 College Road NW, Supply. Tickets: 755-7416.

DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON

There's nowhere quite like City Stage (21 N. Front St., fifth floor) on New Year's Eve. For the fifth year in a row, the theater/bar is staging a musical on the Big Night; this year, it's The Full Monty. Tickets range from $60-$70, and that gets you the show, a buffet, open bar and a champagne toast at midnight. Details: Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting about 8. 342-0272.

MIDTOWN

The David Pray Trio, well-regarded locally for its poppy world jazz, will play the newly opened Nicola's (5704 Oleander Drive) for a show starting at 10:30 p.m. The restaurant will offer a five-course meal earlier that evening, but the night will be capped off with the music. Reservations are required. Details: 798-2205

MAYFAIRE AREA

Stylish restaurant and sofa bar Zooi (1211 Military Cutoff Road, Suite L) is keeping up the elegant factor with three seatings - at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. - for a four-course meal (prices for the seating times vary; call for details). Details: 509-3876.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

Local-adored beach front restaurant 22 North (22 N. Lumina Ave.) is throwing a semi-formal affair. There's no cover, and midnight will be welcomed with a champagne toast. They're taking reservations and will be offering a special event menu. The Internet jukebox will provide the night's soundtrack - a laid back, classy eve. Details: 509-0177.

*Information courtesy of starnewsonline.com*


And now for another edition of Wendy's Helpful Hint of the Week:
10 tips for keeping your New Year's Resolution...

The best way to keep your resolution is to plan ahead.

Chances are, at some time in your life you've made a New Year's Resolution - and then broken it. This year, stop the cycle of resolving to make change, but not following through. Here are 10 tips to help get you started.

1. Be realistic: The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to never eat your favorite desserts again could be a bad choice. Strive for a goal that is attainable.
2. Plan ahead: Don't make your resolution on New Year's Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mind-set that particular day. Instead it should be well planned before December 31 arrives.
3. Outline your plan: Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip the exercise class, or just have one more cigarette. This could include calling on a friend for help, or practicing positive thinking and self-talk.
4. Make a "pro" and "con" list: It may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time, and ask others to contribute to it. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve.
5. Talk about it: Don't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better. The best case scenario is to find yourself a buddy who shares your New Year's Resolution and motivate each other.
6. Reward Yourself: This doesn't mean that if your resolution is to diet you can eat an entire box of chocolates. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that you enjoy.
7. Track your progress: Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated.
8. Don't Beat Yourself Up: Obsessing over the occasional slip won't help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take them one at a time.
9. Stick to it: Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality.
10. Keep trying: If your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-February, don't despair. Start over again! There's no reason you can't make a "New Year's Resolution" any time of year.

Fast Facts About New Year's Resolutions

• 63% of people are keeping their resolutions after two months.
• 67% of people make three or more resolutions.
• Top four resolutions:
  1. Increase exercise
  2. Be more conscientious about work or school
  3. Develop better eating habits
  4. Stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs (including caffeine)
• People make more resolutions to start a new habit, than to break an old one.

*Information courtesy of www.about.com*

Good luck with whatever your resolution may be and have a SAFE and wonderful New Year!

**Don't forget to visit my NEW and IMPROVED website www.wendyinwilmington.com**