How many of you have written checks since last Tuesday and still wrote “2012” in the upper right hand corner? Many of us will finally get the year right by Easter.

It has been a marvelously restful time off since a few days before Christmas. I am not dreading going back to work on Monday. Classes begin next week and my morning class has 90 students. I’ve never had that many hungry minds in one class – I’m figuring its going to be similar to herding cats. Kennesaw State is expecting 25,000 for the Spring semester.

A tip of the top hat goes to Danny Welch and everyone involved with the Monday night Possum Drop. The entertainment and fellowship was terrific. A lot of hard work went into the event. Former Mayor Bagwell was one of those volunteers who helped construct the stage. There were 80-inch monitors up and everybody seemed to enjoy the way our town rings in the new year.

Have you noticed television advertising with Terry Bradshaw, Jessica Simpson, and others selling diet programs that are running every five minutes? Losing weight is the No. 1 resolution for most people. Smoking cessation products are also advertised heavily in the early weeks of January. Bowflex wants you to shell out hundreds for an exercise device that will give you six-pack abs. I have had my share of tread mills and stationary bikes that made great coat racks after a few weeks of gentle use.

I have resolved to do more exercise in 2013. On Wednesday I rolled the trash to the road, and Thursday I did a load of towels. I’m not sure how much I raised my cardio but I did almost break a sweat both days.

I once again vow to eat healthier this year. More vegetables and fruits in 2013 and to drink more V-8 juice and drink less gravy. I resolve to eat more organically grown products and cut way back on processed food. Less cheese in a can and more apples that cost $3 a piece.

I’m giving up reality television. I wear a bullet proof vest when watching most unscripted TV shows these days. Did you know that a typical prime time television drama has six murders an hour? To quote the late Wendy Bagwell “it’s a fact with my hand up.”

I also plan on cutting way back on social media. Facebook and Twitter as well as a lot of Internet Web sites are time-wasters and addicting.

This year, I want to be as good a dad as I can be, as well as friend, neighbor and colleague. I want to grow spiritually. I want to live life to its fullest and leave this world as beloved Tallapoosan C.W. Hart did several days ago. I never saw C.W. without a smile and a positive word. He was active with the First Methodist Church choir, and now he’s joined a bigger congregation. On another note, Monday can’t get here fast enough. Roll Tide!

Rhubarb Jones is a Tallapoosa native and distinguished lecturer at Kennesaw State University. He can be reached for comments or questions at rhubarbjones@aol.com.