Cara Loverock
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, January 2, 2008

YELLOWKNIFE - With all the food, drinks and spending during the holidays, many usher in the new year with extra pounds and a lot less cash.

It's no wonder so many people make an annual resolution to change their ways, most commonly to get in shape, stop spending so much money or improve at work.

Trevor Martin pumps some iron at the Racquet Club on Friday afternoon. Martin has been working out for 20 years and says he's never made exercising a resolution. - Jessica Klinkenberg/NNSL photo

Some Yellowknifers had some more interesting goals for the year.

Alyssa Hoeft had a simple, but admirable promise to herself.

"My resolution is to be a less selfish person," she said.

Students are promising to spend more time focused on school.

"My resolution is to not miss any classes," said Aislinn Stirling, a student at Nova Scotia's Acadia University.

Aurora College student Raylene Porter said she's planning to hit the books more often.

"I want to be a better student," she said, adding, "I do well, but I would like to do better."

Engaged couple William MacLeod and Gabrielle Martin are making a big resolution, as both said they resolve to buy a house in the next year. MacLeod added he also plans to have "a longer vacation." Martin said she is also planning "to stay healthy."

Despite the fact most people make resolutions, believing a new year is the chance for change, by February those credit cards start to get more use and that gym membership begins to go to waste.

One man, who didn't want to give his name, said he thinks new year's resolutions are silly and had a more philosophical take on things.

"I don't believe in (resolutions)," he said, "I just live life day by day."