Ten New Year's resolutions you can keep

Do you remember what your New Year's resolutions were last year? Even if you do, did you keep them? If you're like most, the answer is "no" or "for a month or two." Why not start the new decade with something that will make you feel good and is fun and achievable? Who knows, if you're out having a big time, you may experience less stress and actually be able to quit smoking, drinking or eating so much. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1 Get out of town. Getaways don't have to be expensive or long, just refreshing. Visit the manatees near in Apollo Beach during our colder weather. Or drive to Dade City for antique shopping and Lunch on Limoges, a charming lunch place with some of the finest food imaginable.

2 Find a new hobby. Learn how to decorate cakes, restore old furniture, weld an artistic sculpture or collect beer cans from around the world.

3 Play games to improve your mind. Do a daily crossword puzzle or try out the newest rage, sudoku. There are numerous online versions that offer solving solutions and tutorials. One to try: dkmsoftware.com/sudoku.

4 Volunteer. Help out animals, the sick, children or the elderly. You will make friends, learn new skills and perhaps land a new job. A good place to start: pinellascounty.org/volserv.

5 Drop the remote and perhaps a few pounds, too. Instead of spending time watching others play sports on TV, be the star of your own life, mastering the art of kayaking, ballroom dancing, hiking or playing bocce ball. Your loved ones will adore you for the extra time you spend with them.

6 Start making plans for a Florida-friendly landscape. Who knows, by spring, you might be able to sell the lawn mower. For ideas start here: floridayards.org.

7 Reconnect with your family. Talk with loved ones, especially the older ones, now before they are gone. It takes only seconds to say, "I love you."

8 Treat yourself to a massage. No time or money? You can get a 10-minute chair massage upstairs in the Westfield Countryside mall (while you're making your returns) for $14.

9 Take your dogs on a Honeymoon. Let them swim in the surf and bask on the beach at Honeymoon Island State Park. Or take them to the new Enterprise Dog Park at 2644 Enterprise Road near U.S. 19 N. It features an agility course and looped trail. Your dog will thank you for the extra exercise and attention with good behavior.

10 Get rid of clutter. The start of a new year is a great time to clean out the closets and donate the goods to a charity.