Thank you to Gary Blair for his insightful listing of the top ten New Year Resolutions.We  have added links to Orange County Business Listings to help you in your quest to achieve your goals.

New Year’s is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. Perhaps that’s why, as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Inevitably, that introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making resolutions, which offer the first of many important tools for remaking ourselves.

The following list is the result of our extensive survey, which consisted of over 300,000 responses worldwide.

1. Lose Weight and Get in Better Physical Shape

Physical activity builds physical vitality. With every year of your life, you have more to gain from being physically active; as your age-related risks of chronic disease increase, regular exercise generally slows or reverses that trend.

In fact, you’re even more likely to notice the benefits of regular exercise if you already have a chronic condition.

Are you ever going to be fit again as long as you live? The answer is unless you make a resolution to get fit – you’re never going to be fit – ever. The choice is yours; it begins by opting for the stairs instead of the elevator, fruit in place of chocolate, and active rather than sedentary activities.

2. Stick to a Budget

It’s been said that the best defense is a good offense. Developing and sticking to a realistic budget is a brilliant offensive move as it prevents overspending and ensures peace of mind.

Many people find it very difficult to stick to a budget. It does take hard work and a lot of self-discipline, at least in the beginning. The good news is that most people find the longer they can stick to a budget, the easier it becomes.

3. Debt Reduction

One of the first things you have to do before any debt can be eliminated is to stop using charge accounts. If you continue to use the accounts, you are only fueling the problem, and building on it, not solving it.

Make a resolution now to stop charging anything and to get financially stable. If you can’t pay cash for it, you don’t need it, make it just that simple and you will find yourself out of debt in no time at all.

Keep a diary of all money spent, whether it is by cash, check, credit card, etc. Once you know where your money is going, then, and only then, can you take the steps needed to prepare a good budget that you can live with and make huge strides to budgeting your debt away.

4. Enjoy More Quality Time with Family & Friends

More and more people are resolving to spend more quality time with family and friends this year. This means you must consciously decide to actively and purposely work on improving your family situation every day.

You may need to do such things as reschedule business activities to make time for your kids, help your children set and achieve worthwhile goals, and setting aside an hour a day for the family, every day.

Starting right now, you can begin to make choices and take day-to-day actions that will create nothing short of a phenomenal family. You can choose to have one if you just resolve to do it and know where to put your focus. Making our families stronger and healthier is important to our communities, our state and our world.

5. Find My Soul Mate

Romance is alive and well as more and more people are looking for that special someone, their soul mate who lights their fire, the ONE whom they love unequivocally and who shares their worldview.

Soul mate relationships are the sort of romantic relationships most of us dreamt of when we were young and innocent: loving and erotic, committed and inspiring and best of all – lasting.

Soul mate relationships give both partners the fulfillment that deeply satisfies them and makes them feel that they have found the most wonderful person in the whole universe.

6. Quit Smoking

Becoming a non-smoker is probably one of the best decisions you can ever make, and is a life changing as well as a life saving decision.

The benefits to your health, relationships, finances, vitality, the environment and to your sense of self-esteem for having conquered a really hard-to-kick habit will make any and all of your efforts and determination more than worth while. The resolution to become a non-smoker will also help you to live longer and enjoy the finer things in life.

Once you’ve made the resolution to stop, acted upon it and succeeded, you’ll feel great about what you have achieved. Resolving to give up is your decision, and will improve your life from that moment on. No one can make you quit, and no one can help you make the resolution. You have to do it yourself, you have to want to do it, and you need to do it now!

7. Find a Better Job

A new year provides a sense of getting a free do-over, so you can try again and get it right. Many people resolve to find better jobs or to take a new approach to the jobs they’ve already got.

It’s corny, but true — most of us get reflective at this time of year and if we are in jobs already, we begin thinking: Am I on the right path? Do I like where my position and my company are headed? Am I even in the right career?

So you’ve been hearing that voice again, the one that says you’re not doing what you were born to do. That may be true, but how do you figure out what you should be doing?

To begin answering this question, examine whether your current career path matches your core interests, beliefs, values, needs and skills. Resolve to ask and answer those essential questions before making any new career changes.

8. Learn Something New

People throughout the world are realizing that a strong resolve to lifelong learning is more than just education and training beyond formal schooling. A lifelong learning framework encompasses learning throughout the life cycle, from cradle to grave and in different learning environments, formal, non-formal and informal.

Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language or musical instrument, or just how to become a better cook? Whether you take a course or read a book, you’ll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating and beneficial resolutions to keep. Challenge your mind in the coming year, break out of currents routines and challenge every comfort zone and watch your horizons expand.

9. Volunteer and Help Others

A popular, non-selfish New Year’s resolution, volunteerism can take many forms such as spending time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house to name a few.

Volunteering has risen sharply in the years since we began collecting resolutions. This suggests the possible emergence of a new civic generation and a resolve to make a bigger and better difference with your life.

Resolve to replace the pursuit of success and materialism with the pursuit of contribution and generosity. For this to occur, the critical question must move from, “How can I become successful?” to, “What can I contribute that will significantly impact other people’s lives?” By focusing on what we can contribute, we automatically become successful.

10. Get Organized

Resolve this year to plan your days, reduce interruptions, clean off your desk, say “No”, and make detailed lists. The benefits of getting more organized include being able to save time, as you no longer look for the same things over and over again or need to replace things you can’t find at all.

You will reduce stress because when you know where everything is, there’s no last-minute rush to find what you need and get out the door on time for school, soccer practice, or that important business meeting.

You will also find yourself being much more productive, as all the time you once spent looking for things can now be used to do more important or more enjoyable tasks.

Most people define being organized as quickly and easily able to find what you need. While this is certainly true, organization is so much more. The ability to staying organized lets you focus on accomplishing your most important goals. That’s the true benefit of being organized.

Reprint Policy: You can freely reprint this material with the following reference source:

Gary Ryan Blair is the inspiration behind New Year’s Resolution Week. This annual event was founded on the premise, that a single resolution can positively and profoundly create lasting change in your life and help to make the world a better place. To become part of the world’s largest personal change initiative, visit www.GoalsGuy.com.

93% of Americans report that they are not prepared for an emergency.  Are you included in this abysmal number? 

President Barack Obama has proclaimed that September 2010 is National Disaster Preparedness Month! 

Here is a portion of his proclamation:

“By empowering Americans with information about the risks we face, we can all take concrete actions to protect ourselves, our families, our communities, and our country.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign provides simple and practical steps every American can take to be better prepared.  At the community level, Citizen Corps enables volunteers to contribute to homeland security efforts by educating, training, and coordinating local activities that help make us safer, better prepared, and more responsive during emergencies.  I encourage all Americans to visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov for more information and resources on emergency preparedness, including how to prepare a family emergency plan, create an emergency supply kit, and get involved in community preparedness efforts.

My Administration has made emergency and disaster preparedness a top priority, and is dedicated to a comprehensive approach that relies upon the responsiveness and cooperation of government at all levels, the private and nonprofit sectors, and individual citizens.  I also encourage Americans to get involved with the thousands of organizations in the National Preparedness Month Coalition, which will share preparedness information and hold preparedness events and activities across the United States.  By strengthening citizen preparedness now, we can be ready when disaster strikes.”

Are you ready to take charge and be prepared? 

Ready.gov   recommends  the following items be included in a basic emergency supply kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.Extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit: 

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the EFFAK Emergency Financial First Aid Kit – PDF, 277Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part   bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Orange County Resource Guide has more valuable information in their listing “Emergency Numbers”.  Come on Orange County, Let’s Be Prepared!

Yes, it is that time.  School is either in session or just about to start.  Lynn O’Shaughnessy is the author of The College Solution, an Amazon bestseller, and she also writes for TheCollegeSolutionBlog.  She shares the 20 worst and best-paying college degrees in 2010.

20 Worst-Paying College Degrees in 2010

College Degree                     Starting pay     Mid-career pay
1. Child and family studies          $29,500                 $38,400
2. Elementary education             $31,600                 $44,400
3. Social work                                   $31,800                 $44,900
4. Athletic training                         $32,800                 $45,700
5. Culinary arts                                $35,900                 $50,600
6. Horticulture                                $35,000                  $50,800
7. Paralegal studies/law              $35,100                  $51,300
8. Theology                                       $34,700                 $51,300
9. Recreation & leisure                 $33,300                  $53,200
10. Special education                    $36,000                 $53,800
11. Dietetics                                       $40,400                 $54,200
12. Religious studies                      $34,700                 $54,400
13. Art                                                  $33,500                 $54,800
14. Education                                    $35,100                $54,900
15. Interdisciplinary studies      $35,600                $55,700
16. Interior design                          $34,400                $56,600
17. Nutrition                                     $42,200                $56,700
18. Graphic design                         $35,400                 $56,800
19. Music                                            $36,700                $57,000
20. Art history                                $39,400                 $57,100

Here are the top 20 best-paying college degrees in 2010:

College Degree               Starting Median Pay   Mid-career pay
1. Petroleum engineering               $93,000                $157,000
2. Aerospace engineering               $59,400                $108,000
3. Chemical engineering                  $64,800                $108,000
4. Electrical engineering                 $60,800                $104,000
5. Nuclear engineering                    $63,900                 $104,000
6. Applied mathematics                  $56,400                 $101,000
7. Biomedical engineering             $54,800                  $101,000
8. Physics                                              $50,700                 $99,600
9. Computer engineering               $61,200                  $87,700
10. Economics                                   $48,800                  $97,800
11. Computer science                      $56,200                  $97,700
12. Civil engineering                        $53,500                  $93,400
13. Statistics                                        $50,000                 $93,400
14. Finance                                          $47,500                  $91,500
15. Software engineering               $56,700                  $91,300
16. Management info. systems    $50,900                 $90,300
17. Mathematics                               $46,400                 $88,300
18. Government                                 $41,500                 $88,300
19. Information systems                $49,300                $87,100
20. Construction Management     $50,400               $87,000

Orange County has a variety of community colleges and universities to offer educational opportunities to its residents.  As Yeats said, “Education is not filling a pail but the lighting of a fire.

Last Month Welcome To OC invited its readers to participate in a contest held by So-Cal Solar on “How Green Are You?”  Take a look below to read about the winners and their great ideas on being green.

Green Contest Winner…The Komar’s Impact

March 18th, 2010
So-Cal Solar Inc. ran a contest last month on how green are you. After many entries we are happy to announce Nick and Brooke Komar as our winners. This couple really has made saving our planet a priority in their household and together their contributions make a positive impact on our environment. Below is their story on how they work together to reduce, reuse and recycle.

“Reduce: For the past 6 years I’ve been reducing the amount of plastic bags in our landfills by shopping with fabric grocery bags. If I forget them in the car, I ask the grocer to put my cart aside and I run and grab them (they’re only 50 feet away! no biggie!); at malls I reduce shopping bags by asking subsequent stores to place their merchandise in my initial bag; I do all my shopping on one day to reduce emissions; we keep our A/C and heat as low as possible and just put on or take off layers to regulate our temperature; recently I’ve learned my hubby limits himself to just a few squares of toilet paper per bathroom pit stop!

Reuse: I’ve always been a fan of reconstituting items. As an artist, I will repurpose objects and make them into new things (clothing into a purse, curtains into a canvas, wine corks into a trivet); our wedding day was even green! Our e-vites/RSVP were virtual & I went to antique stores to purchase the centerpieces (candelabra’s) and have used them to decorate our home since then. My wedding dress will be re-worn by a friend and then I’m having it turned into a quilt!

Recycle: I began recycling in 4th grade after I completed a school project on ozone layer depletion and greenhouse gases. It impacted me greatly. I thought I wouldn’t live to see my 18th birthday because of pollution! Thankfully I am still here, and our earth is here too! But that made a big impact on how I live my life. My husband and I thankfully now live in a town/city that encourages living green! Plano, TX accepts all plastics, papers, glass, and metal and they collect them at our doorstep biweekly! However, before that, I lived in Germany (where they enforced recycling) and in Indiana where I would have to take separate recyclables myself and then transport them in my car to the local recycling plant.”

Recycling, reusing, and recycling are a great way to start your quest to care for our planet.  There are many Orange County businesses who have gone the extra step and have “greened” up their business practices.   Check them out HERE!

Prepare your Pet  with a Pet Sitter or Boarding Kennel

Spring Break is quickly approaching.  We look forward to reconnecting with family and friends or taking a much needed break from our busy lifestyles .  But with  travels in the near future, have you thought about what you are going to do with your pets?  Pets are such an important part our families, but sometimes for a variety of reasons it just make sense to leave them behind.  Happily, there are options. Some swear by boarding their pets.  Others want the security of knowing their pets are in the comfort of their own homes.  Here are a few benefits of both options…

Hire a pet sitter:

• Reduced stress to your pet as they stay in an familiar place
• Tailored care
• Less exposure to illness from other animals
• Personal attention, play time and love 
• No guilt from imposing on family members or neighbors
• No transportation concerns
• House sitting bonus
• Crime deterrent- newspapers and mail are brought in.

Use a boarding kennel:

• Kennels are run by professionals who have the skills, experience, and time to properly care for your pet.
• Secure, welcoming environment
• Playtime each and every day
• Receive plenty of attention
• Many offer grooming services so your pet is fresh and clean upon your arrival to pick them up

Whether you ultimately choose a pet sitter or a kennel, be sure to do your research.  Visit the kennel, interview the pet sitter.  Ask about insurance and hidden costs.  Check references.  Your furry, feathered, or scaly family member deserves the best you can offer.  To get started to learning about your options in Orange County, visit  Pampered Pets at Orange County Resource Guide

So Cal Solar wants to know “How Green Are You”. Tell us your story on what you do to impact the environment in a positive way. No impact is too small or large and we want to hear about it to share with the world and continue increasing awareness. If you recycle we want hear about it. If you have a solar electric system we want to what your system’s environmental impact has done. If you stopped using plastic bags we want to know how you adjusted from plastic to eco-bags. If you do it all WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT!!!!

Bringing environmental awareness to our readers is a top priority for So-Cal Solar Inc. That is why we have decided to run a contest and hear how our readers have changed their lifestyles to help the environment. The “How Green Are You” contest will be from February 22-March 17, 2010.   Details of the contest can be found on http://tinyurl.com/ygktxgr.

Another great way to express your environmental savvy is to patronize green businesses.  Every step toward reducing our carbon footprint is a step in the right direction.  Make your first step by visiting Going Green in OC!

When looking for an Orange County dentist, it is imperative to search out one who utilizes the most up to date technology.  Dr. Bin Hoang is one such dentist.  Dr. Hoang can restore damaged teeth in a single appointment using a high-quality ceramic material that matches the natural color of other teeth using CEREC®, an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.

How does the instrument work?

CEREC® uses CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology, incorporating a camera, computer and milling machine in one instrument. Dr. Hoang uses a special camera to take an accurate picture of the damaged tooth. This optical impression is transferred and displayed on a color computer screen, where Dr. Hoang uses CAD technology to design the restoration. Then CAM takes over and automatically creates the restoration while the patient waits. Finally, Dr. Hoang bonds the new restoration to the surface of the old tooth. The whole process takes about one hour.

What does this innovation mean for a patient?

A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings discoloring smiles. The filling is natural-looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. Dr. Hoang no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit has been eliminated. The CEREC® has over a decade of clinical research and documentation to support the technology. The restorations have been proven precise, safe and effective

Read this outstanding review from a satisfied customer:

“I am continually amazed at the state of technology as it relates to advancements in the field of dentistry.  The “while you wait” crown is such a time-saving device – and a very cool thing to observe.  As I sat in the chair, the dentist worked his magic with a cad-type of program.   He deftly molded a perfect rotating polished white 3-D crown graphic from what started out looking like a “sand-castle” version of my tooth–all with the clicks of his mouse.  When finished, he sent it to the printer–er I mean CEREC crown-manufacturing machine–where we watched in awe as 2 tiny diamond-drills popped out from each side and rapidly carved my crown out of a rectangular chuck of square ceramic–all according to the parameters he had drawn.  All that was left to do was to pop it into my mouth and glue it down to the (previously-prepared) area. So much nicer than having to squish that yucky clay-like mold stuff for 5-minutes and then have to spend a week without steak–while wearing a temporary crown.  No double visit, no temporary crown, no molds – just the instant gratification that our society has come to expect.  It sure is a nice change from the old days.”

Are you looking for the best quality dental care in south Orange County, California?  Welcome to San Clemente’s Radiant Smiles Dental Care.

One of the top ten stressors in a person’s life is moving.  Whether the move is across country or across town, there is so much to do, so much to consider, so much to remember. Coming to the rescue for the harried homeowner is the Orange County Directory . The Moving/Relocation tab has much needed resources to make the entire process run more smoothly. 

Take a moment to pursue the following articles:

* Watching Out for Real Estate Scams – Stop and look both ways before being “hit” by these real estate scams.
* Where Do Most Americans Want to Live? – If given the choice of living in any state, most Americans would choose California
* Living in the OC – Museums, shopping, camping, beaches…OC has it all
* Time to Move – Are You Ready? – So you’re serious about moving—obviously an important decision.  What do you need to consider as you are making plans
* Moving Check List – Making a list and checking it twice… there’s so much to do when it’s time to move. From researching the new community, choosing a moving company, turning on utilities, and even keeping kids and pets happy, the tasks can seem overwhelming. Keep this checklist handy to stay on track and ease the stress.
* Move Yourself or Hire a Mover?- Moving can be a physically and emotionally exhausting experience.  Is it better to hire a mover or can you go it alone?
* Relocating & Taxes – Tax time can certainly be confusing, to say the least. Relocating, like most major events in life, comes with certain tax ramifications. Your tax professional can give you in depth information, but here are a few tips!
* Preparing Your Child to Move – Moving is hard work, both physically and emotionally. And for children, moving can be particularly difficult. They will have many questions and concerns. So before the packing begins, parents should start preparing their child for the big day.
* Packing Antiques and Art Work -Whether moving across town or across the country, it can be challenging to safeguard such fragile items as antiques and artwork. The key to arriving with all your precious pieces in one piece is to take your time in packaging your possessions and to use the correct materials.
* Registering Your Vehicle Upon Moving to California – Find out what’s required to register a nonresident vehicle as well local DMV offices.
* Organizing the Dreaded Garage – It’s time to get organized!  Find out the best way to tackle that crazy clutter that is clogging your garage.
* South Orange County’s Traffic Relief Alternative – New homeowners don’t just purchase a new house or condominium; they invest in a lifestyle. In South Orange County, the Toll Roads have been a boon to the community’s quality of life and have provided significant traffic relief for residents and businesses throughout the region.

Orange County weekend events sometimes need to start at home. It’s time to get organized!  The piles of Christmas decorations yet to be put away and future garage sale items still sitting on the garage floor are getting harder and harder to ignore. It is easy to turn the other cheek to the whole idea of cleaning out and organizing your garage when there is ANYTHING better and more fun to do! After all, when you live in Southern California, you don’t have the cold and snow to force you to face the “inside” chores that simply must get done.  Eventually, something usually inspires us to want to organize and clean!

The garage is typically the largest room in the home. In most cases it also represents the most unorganized one. It is the most overlooked and underutilized space. In fact, for some, the idea of tackling the garage can be so overwhelming that it is easier to just shut the door and park in the driveway instead. With home improvement being high on everyone’s list these days, why not take some time and energy to organize the garage.

The garage should be more than a place to park your car. It should be well organized and functional. There are organizing services available or just call a friend who owes you a favor. Either way, having someone to assist will help you to accomplish more than you would have on your own. Inevitably, there will be many distractions along the way, but staying focused is key. This is where the person who is helping you comes in handy. While you may be fixated on your great, great grandmother’s dishes, the person helping you isn’t. As you are sorting through your treasures, create categories such as “donate”, “keep”, and “throw away”. Once a decision has been made to get rid of an item, do it right away. If you haven’t opened a box since the last time you moved, you probably don’t need whatever is inside it anyway. Once you have embarked on the garage cleaning journey, it will be hard to stop. Just think of all the wonderful things that can be done with all that magnificent space. Flooring, cabinetry and specialty organizers are all waiting to be installed to make your garage more organized and functional.

The flooring in the garage is no longer regulated to dull cement. Today there are numerous choices available to the homeowner. One of the most popular is Epoxy coatings. An epoxy finish usually looks like granite and comes in different variations of colors. The finish protects against oil, chemicals and bleach, and any spills can be wiped right up. Another option is an acid stain that goes over the cement. The stain comes out looking like marble and the color choices are unlimited. This finish protects against spills in the garage and can be wiped up as well. There are many companies that offer these services. As always, make sure that the company’s products and labor are backed by a warranty.

When researching cabinetry for your garage, keep in mind what you need now and what you may need in the future. It is important that the cabinetry you choose can withstand heavy loads and extreme temperatures without sagging, warping or peeling of the lamination. The cabinets should be easy to clean and the shelves adjustable. When designing the cabinetry in your dream garage, keep in mind the idiosyncrasies of your garage. When it rains does your garage flood? If so, it may be necessary to raise the cabinetry six to eight inches off of the floor, avoiding the possibility of water damage. Many companies have modular cabinetry systems that can be designed to specifically fit your needs.

Another great addition to your garage is hanging wall organizers. Many times homeowners want to place often used items where they are readily available, but out of the way. Organizers are a great solution.  Steel grids attached to the garage wall can hold everything from gardening tools, ski equipment etc., to specialty designed accessories for golf equipment, sports equipment.

Updating your garage to become a functional, well organized part of your living space will not only make your life easier but it will also increase the value of your home.  Let Orange County Resource Guide help you in your quest to organize with its Orange County Business Listings.