Iqaluit (Jan 03/05) - Dana Mahe works hard as a travel agent and mother in the capital city. She wants to enjoy life even more in the New Year, which is why when asked her wishes for 2005, without hesitation she said, "Win the 6/49!"

Even if this dream comes true, Mahe said wouldn't quit her job. She would simply do it in more style.

"I would come to work in a limo," she said with a laugh.

As a travel agent Mahe knows most of the world's hot spots, and said that her dream in 2005 is to visit Italy.

That wish may very well come true. But it has yet to be seen how well her plans for quitting smoking in 2005 are going to go.

"It's too cold out to smoke," she said. "I'd like to quit, at least until the summer!"

Paul Dorion who works at DJ Sensations in Iqaluit calls himself a "Grinch" and says the only New Year's resolution he has ever kept was the one he made in 1978 -- never to make another New Years resolution.

"It's the only one I ever kept, and I want to keep it that way," said Dorion.

Sisters Okalikand Evie Eegeesiak were shopping for gifts last week and listed happiness and health as their main wishes for 2005.

But Okalik wishes to travel more, and like Mahe, she has her eye set on Italy.

"I was there for work a few years ago, promoting Inuit art," said Okalik who works for Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. "But I want to spend more time there."

Evie wants to quit smoking, a habit she has held on to for far too long. But it's not going to be easy, and she knows it, as she tore the plastic from a new pack of Player's Light.

"I want to quit," Evie said. "But not today."

Dennis Shappa, originally of Arctic Bay now living in Iqaluit, may be one of the friendliest guys in the capital, always quick with a smile, a handshake and a funny comment to lift your spirits.

But Shappa said he hopes to be even kinder to others in the New Year.

"Sometimes I feel I don't give 100 per cent to people," he said.