Resolute This!

Lose weight, quit smoking, get in shape, start a hobby and my personal favorite--save money. Why do we wait until a new calendar year to change our lives? Personally, I think it is a racket cooked up by gyms across America.

If losing weight is important, why not start the process in June or March or basically whenever you decide the time is right? It's almost like prepping for an exam the night before the test.

However, in keeping with the spirit, here are some basics we should all try to incorporate into our lives for the New Year.

Watch less NFL. We shouldn't be hasty and kickoff this goal at the first of the year. Let's wait until the 5th of February to begin. Deal?

Of course watching less NFL could also lead to several more common objectives. Having to put the beer down and get off the couch will help accomplish several goals. It's a win-win situation.

Attend more local sporting events. That right. Let's get out and cheer on the home teams. If you are waiting for a major league franchise or a national champion playing in T-town, give it up. It will not happen in our lifetime. But, in the meantime, we have good, competitive talented sports organizations in town that are worth your support. Take the kids, the nieces and nephews.

The times, places and dates can be flexible. In most instances the cost is much more affordable than a ticket to the movies or a concert. Sorry Corey and Gary (see Pages 18 and 35, respectively).

I'd venture to say the action is a bit more electric than the same old rehashed Hollywood ideas as well. The current sports venues are adequate.

Soon, we will be subjected to watching these teams in a half-empty or half-full (for those New Year's optimist out there) arena so enjoy the close nit watching while you can. Let's create a cacophony together.

Do Something. Anything. Watching golf on television passes the time. Playing golf makes your passing time enjoyable. Toss a football, shoot some hoops, kick a soccer ball around the yard--all of these help us fulfill our inter-child while promoting good health.

Take a swim, hurl a baseball or punch a neighbor. OK -- scratch the last one but you get the idea. If we have to lose weight or get in shape - these are fantastic options.

Would you rather sweat to the oldies with Richard Simmons? Perhaps rolling around on the floor with a Total Gym suits your needs? Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley not included.

Oppose the Opposition. Make Tulsa a place visiting teams loathe visiting. We can do so classily mind you. No need to call out someone's mother or drop 'F' bombs. We don't even have to start a riot although watching players and fans tangle... nevermind.

Let's have fun with the idea. A player gets yanked from the game - give him the business. A player misses a few shots -- let him know he couldn't play for your kid's team.

I am not suggesting we start the wave or anything but perhaps a few unison chants would get in their head. Besides, it'll be good fun for all.

In fact, each team should come up with their own flavor for this idea. Imagine being at a Oilers game and the Convention Center breaking into a -- you suck /clap clap/ you suck /clap clap/ chant while everyone is standing pointing at the goalie. Preferably the other team's goalie of course.

A Drillers game would be much more entertaining if the fans stood and screamed at the pitcher. Again, preferably the visiting team's pitcher. The chant could be as simple as -- Single A, Single A, Single A.

Talons and 66ers -- ditto. Not sure if the college crowds would embrace this idea. In fact, not sure if any Tulsa crowd would embrace this idea. The locals have a tendency to support front runners and sit on their hands when the home team gets behind.

Change it up, Tulsa.

Heck, I'm not even sure the chants are clever. Don't answer that. However, imagine the thoughts going through the others guys' heads. 'What the flip is going on in Tulsa?'

Travel. Take an exotic vacation. We should all explore a new destination. Why visit the same beach or touristy site year after year. The relatives will understand right?

Faraway locales don't necessarily cost an arm and a leg. If a vacation isn't in order just try something different. Spice things up a bit.

Travel could also include tailing your favorite team for an away game. OU, TU or OSU. Doesn't matter. We've all watched them play in front of the home crowd. Why not play the role of the infiltrator? You could be group cheering on the opposition in enemy territory.

Ah, who am I trying to fool. I am about to go sit on the couch and drink another beer. Afterward, I will plan a trip to Vegas so I can lose at blackjack and make ridiculous bets at 2am because I am feeling frisky.

Now if you'll excuse me. I have to move this Ab flexor out of my way so I can see what's on the NFL Network.