An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. " ~ Bill Vaughan

Whether you're excited to see 2010 end or happy to welcome 2011, one thing is clear – people have been looking forward and back on New Year's since early days. And most cultures or religions have some arbitrary date to start the new year and have some sort of ceremony to mark the change in years. For most of us in the Western world, that day is January 1. And many of us make promises to ourselves, “resolutions” to bring something that will make us happier, healthier or wealthier.

That's the case with many Baldwin County residents. Here are a few of the responses random residents gave when asked the question, “What's your New Years' resolution?”

“To set a wedding date,” was the partially tongue-in-cheek answer Scott Richey of Fairhope gave. He explained that he is engaged, but has not set a date for the big day.

“My fiancee is getting on me about that,” he said with a smile.

For James Johnston of Summerdale, the wish was physical.

“I really don't know,” he said, “probably get a cornea transplant.” He explained that his left eye was injured while cleaning up oil after the BP spill.

“For me, it's the same old, same old,” said Harold Schultz of Bay Minette, saying that he does not usually make resolutions.

“I don't usually make them any more,” said Melodie Perrone of Foley.

I haven't even give it a thought,” said Ernie Seemann of Foley.

Jennifer Shadtuck of Gulf Shores is also on the “no resolution” bandwagon.

“I don't usually do that,” she said.

Julie Bindtus, interviewed while holding her pet raccoon, “Winnie,” wants to be a “very supportive wife” this coming year.

Adrienne  Jones the Director of Planning in Daphne, said in a e-mail, “My primary New Year’s Resolution is to live more of a purpose driven life. The other resolutions are: To show “more” love to my family and friends; to be “less” overly protective of my children. (I’ll start with “less” rather than go cold turkey. Life’s a process, gotta take one step at a time!); To strive for excellence by doing “better”; To stop being so shy and move beyond the confines of my comfort zone; 6. To speak up when I need to speak up and to shut up when I need to shut up. I doubt that I would have thought of making any resolutions if you hadn’t asked. Now, I’m talking to family members and the wheels are turning.”

Lynne Williams of Bromley hopes the New Year will bring a job. “I just graduated from college,” she said. “I am praying for a good job to make life better for me and my kids.”

Money was also on Martha Fitzhugh's mind. The Elberta woman said, “ My resolution is to make more money.”

Cindy King, Finance and Administrative Services Director for the City of Gulf Shores, had some thought for her residents: “For the City of Gulf Shores – work on maximizing revenue collections, minimizing costs while providing optimal customer service to the community.”

One Daphne business owner is looking outside the area to lift spirits.

“I am hoping business will improve,” said Alex Manci. “I am hoping we get that tanker contract.”

Matt Broadus of Daphne says he “hasn't given it much thought,” but when pressed, he said that he would like to “start exercising.”

That goes well with Charles Harris, Jr. of Loxely's resolution to “get skinnier.”

And Ginger Grant of Robertsdale says that,“Diet is the number one thing.”

Broadus' brother, Dean is from New Orleans, and gave a common resolution. “I want to better manage my money,” he said.

Mitch Carpenter of Robertsdale came up with one quickly. “To be nicer,” he said.

And Jennifer Patterson of Foley had one for the coming year. “To make people smile,” she said.