As predictable as taking down the Christmas tree, is the forming of New Year’s resolutions in an attempt to make the new year a bit better than the old one. Here is a sampling of resolutions from area residents.

Bill Goebel is an avid hunter and outdoorsman from rural St. Peter.

His resolution begins with an explanation: “I didn’t get out hunting near as much as I wanted to in 2009. My wife might disagree with that ... 10 to 15 days less than last year, by my records. I resolve to make sure I get out in the field more in 2010. Even if the hunting isn’t good, it’s good exercise.”

Billy Steiner is a North Mankato City Council member, Minnesota Music Hall of Fame inductee, harmonica player, a member of the Lost Walleye Orchestra and City Mouse bands and a salesman with Radio Mankato.

“I resolve to continue to make music. (Even after getting into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame) it’s onward and upward!”

Kelli Thompson lives in Mankato and is a sales

associate at Snyders Drug Store in downtown Mankato.

“I’m getting a new attitude in 2010. I’ve got a new hairdo and a new workout program. I’m going to be happy this year. It’s a new beginning.”

Vicki Holm lives in Mankato and is a team leader at Pet Expo. She and her husband, Larry, moved into a new home in October along with beloved golden retriever, Maddy.

“I’d like to learn to relax at home more. I just can never relax.”

Tammi Leiferman lives in Mapleton and is a support plan coordinator and recycling

coordinator with MRCI.

“I want to lose weight. Imagine that! I’m just like everyone else. Oh, and maybe get more organized at home.”

Melissa Lines lives in Mankato and works as a teacher’s aide at World and Scholars Day Care Center. Found standing outside in the snow and cold, smoking, she says life is too stressful to resolve to quit smoking now.

“I want to lose some weight.”

Gordon Stevens is the owner of Independent Paint and Flooring, and co-owner of Brew-N-Wine in Mankato.

“I resolve to have a better year in business next year and to NOT have another year like this.”

Pam Hermanson is a police commander with the Mankato Department of Public Safety and lives in Mankato.

“I resolve to finish home projects, like the quilt I’ve been working on for a few years, now. I also want to spend more time with friends and family.”

Brian Severns lives outside of Good Thunder and works at Wis-Pak as an environmental and safety engineer. Severns’ resolution was inspired by a recent heavy snowfall. He found a woman trying to dig her car out of a snow-plugged alley way. He pulled her back from the ridge, then shoveled the snow she had been stuck in, out of the way. She offered to pay him, but he asked her to do something for two others instead.

“I resolve to do more random acts of kindness.”

Cheryl Barnard is the city clerk in Good Thunder, where she also lives.

“I resolve to be more optimistic and patient with things. I hope to have others do the same. We should all just get along.”

Judy Hiller of rural Good Thunder is the manager of the Happy Dan’s Convenience Store in Good Thunder.

“I resolve that I will be positive about everything, and everybody.”

Jack lives in a nice house somewhere out in the country with a couple of humans, some other dogs and a couple of bothersome cats. Through a series of coordinated yips, yaps and tail wags, he conveyed his New Year’s resolution.

“I resolve to lose a few pounds. Oh, and to continue to eat a lot of cookies.”