The New Year is upon us, a time that signals new beginnings. Most would agree that 2009 was a heck of a year, to say the least, but who isn’t ready to start anew? Keeping with ritual, many of us will make New Year’s resolutions vowing to lose weight, stop smoking, get out of debt, find a better job, go back to school, be less stressed, or start enjoying life. Whatever the goal, change is not always easy, especially when it comes to self improvement. It’s going to take more than energized thinking motivated by New Year’s enthusiasm to get started and progress for more than a few weeks, if that long, without running out of steam. So, what’s your plan when failure comes knocking? 

One of my goals for 2010 is a writing project. I’m bound and determined not to live in a would’ve, should’ve’, could’ve mold, in essence - procrastination. Being in the same place next year without any progress toward this goal is NOT an option. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

New Year’s resolutions are seldom thought of in terms of community service. With all that’s going on in the world, consider getting involved in the community or charitable organization. Help out at a school, shelter, hospital or charity. Perhaps write a check with all of the money that will be saved from cutting back on the fast food, cigarettes and the rest.    

Let’s truly make 2010 a year of change. I predict that you will feel great when you start enjoying life, get out of debt and have a little extra money in your pocket, all while feeling pretty darn good about sharing yourself in the process.

Happy New Year!
 

Federal officials imposed new restrictions and heightened screenings that will likely lengthen lines at airports and change the routine of air travel after the recent failed terror attack on a US airliner.

Will these changes affect your plans and willingness to fly aboard US commercial airlines?

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Check out today’s story that is quite fitting on the eve of Christmas. www.TanyaFree.com 

Christmas is big business with the fantasy of Santa Claus and the swapping of a gift for a gift. Despite economic woes, retailers and merchants go to great lengths to lure shoppers with lower than low discounts, igniting the hustle and bustle that will have many people shopping until they drop and up to the hour on Christmas Eve.

There is nothing wrong with fantasies and giving as long as the true meaning of Christmas is not lost. Remembering as a child, before racing to see what Santa brought me for Christmas, my parents made it a “must” that my siblings and I said a prayer of thanks to almighty God for our gifts before we found out what gifts were awaiting us.

December 25th is the day set aside to celebrate and honor the birth of Jesus the Christ - a gift of love to all. In the spirit of Christmas, let’s reflect on the priceless gift of life before we begin to unwrap the gifts under the tree. Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

During an interview, President Obama gave himself “a good solid B- plus” for his first year in office.

Do you agree? How would you grade the President?  

How particular are you about food presentation? Check out this week’s ‘Wassup’ video and comment or share your thoughts on any story of your choice today. What's on your mind?  www.TanyaFree.com

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Five college age students from Northern Virginia were arrested last week in Pakistan, suspected of seeking training in jihad from an al-Qaeda linked terrorist group.

Do you think the threat of homegrown terrorism is on the rise in the United States?

Check out today’s interesting story and judge for yourself at www.TanyaFree.com   

Check out this week’s ‘Wassup’ video and comment or share your thoughts on any story of your choice today. What’s on your mind?

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Sensational stories of fame and shame have permeated the airwaves over the past few weeks.  There is nothing wrong with entertainment, but when disguised as legitimate news just to fill 24 hour news cycles - it’s senseless.  Remember the hours of major media coverage of what we thought was a boy drifting away in a balloon. Fearing the worst, we watched with anticipation as emergency rescue units scrambled to save the little boy only to find out that it was a stunt by parents whose goal in life was to be in a reality show and conquer their five minutes of fame. Then there are the Party Crashers, a far more serious issue that’s being down played in the media.  The wannabe socialites succeeded in crashing the President’s state dinner and actually got close enough to shake hands with the President.   Chances are, thanks to the media, the couple has turned into the next “Jon and Kate”. Now, for the next few weeks, we will be subjected to Tiger Woods TV 24/7!

While these candidates for the Hall of Shame are dominating our airwaves, we have had mass murder at a military base, Secret Service security lapses, the watering down of healthcare reform, ethical and criminal investigations of politicians and most recently the President of the United States has ordered an additional thirty thousand troops to war in Afghanistan.

We can’t get rid of sensationalism in TV. We all need a distraction every now and then, but in its proper place – entertainment news and the tabloids.  We are in trying times and knowledge is power! Be informed! Speak out on those issues that affect you and yours. Collectively, let’s stay focused and informed on the real issues affecting our lives.   

President Obama has announced his decision to deploy 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan.

Should we be sending more troops? Is the President’s timetable for withdrawal of troops by 2011 realistic?  

Watch the President 's weekly address on TanyaFree.com

How far would you stick your neck out for your boss? Check out this week’s ‘Wassup’ story and comment or share your thoughts on any story of your choice today. What's on your mind?

Despite being in the midst of an economic recession, the holiday shopping season is now in full swing.  Thousands camped out to take advantage of those wee hours in the morning Black Friday bargains.  It’s easy to get caught up in the commercialization of Christmas that have many people buying things they really can’t afford  only to find themselves knee deep in debt. Christmas will come and go and they will still be in a pool of debt. This is not a good position to be in with the uncertainty of the economy, wave of company layoffs and financial institutions tightening lending and being merciless on irresponsible borrowers. With housing down, rising fuel prices and consumer confidence flat, we should not allow ourselves to get caught up in the artificial hype of the season.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends making a list and setting a budget, shopping around and comparing prices online before buying. Visit the Federal Trade Commission website http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt082.shtm for the entire list of tips for Holiday Shopping on a Budget.

Avoid the hustle and bustle and remember the reason for the season. Be responsible - plan ahead, use cash when possible and be creative. Giving of your time and talents are much more valuable to family and loved ones than any store bought gift. Have a peace of mind well after the holiday lights have dimmed for another year.