New Year’s is here! Time to make those New Year’s resolutions. Time to write out that list of things you plan to do for the entire year or at least the next day. To help you start your own list, I’ll share a few of my family and friend’s New Year’s resolutions.

• Less shopping! My friend Jen told me her resolution is to stop spending so much time and money at the mall.

• Be nice to your brother or sister! My friend Abby, promises not to use duct tape on her younger brother this year. I overheard her tell another girl she’s sticking with plain rope.

• Get a new hobby! My pal Lindsay is taking up cooking classes in 2008.

• Exercise! My mom decided to start watching the work out programs on early morning TV.

• Redecorate! My mom wants to buy a bigger dog bed.

These are just a few suggestions. Whatever you choose to do with these new days, be sure to thank God who gave you these days!

Remember that nothing in life is guaranteed . . . except the fact that if one twix bar is left alone in a room with me, it won’t be there when you get back. God doesn’t promise us the next day, so make the most of the one He’s given you right now!

If none of the above resolutions sound good to you, I’ll also include my personal New Year’s resolution list for 2008. Maybe one of these will inspire you.

1. I’ve done this before, and I’m going to do it again. I’m resolving to read the Bible through in a year. It’s really not hard at all. You can follow a plan for reading it through in a year or simply read three chapters each day and five on Sunday. In one year, you’ll have read the entire Bible. This is important to me, because I want to spend time every day with my best Friend and Creator, reading the stories He left for me and seeking His guidance.

2. I’m trying to eat healthier (which means cutting out cake for breakfast and cookies for lunch)

3. I started a prayer journal and I am going to really try to specifically pray for my friends and family and be more involved in their lives.

4. I’m taking up a new hobby-snow skiing. I’m scared to death.

5. Try to not get so distracted surfing myspace and facebook while I am trying to work!!

Kathleen Walsh and Anita Mothersbaugh Vanishing Creatures Chocolates

Kathleen Walsh and Anita Mothersbaugh created awe-inspiring chocolates in the shape of three endangered species to benefit the WSPA. The works of art are almost too pretty to eat.

Vanishing Creatures Chocolates

Koala bear: I can’t believe we’re dead.

Hippo: I know. It stinks.

Gorilla: At least we’re immortalized in chocolate.

Koala: It’s just an adjustment. I used to be cute and furry. But now I’m delicious.

Gorilla: We owe everything to Walteria Living. It was their idea to make animal game heads out of chocolate. They cast pygmy hippos, mountain gorillas, and koalas — all endangered species. It’s a real statement.

Hippo: A tasty statement. I’m made of dark chocolate and hand-poured in L.A. by a fancy specialty chocolatier. My statement is fancy pants.

Koala: No, doofus. The statement is about ending animal cruelty, protecting endangered species, and promoting animal welfare. They donate partial proceeds to the WSPA, the world society for the protection of animals. It’s a global movement.

Hippo: Oh, I get it. We’re ironic.