Resolutions that are made to be broken

Well, we're now one month into 2009 and I'm trying to remember the last time my New Year's resolutions didn't include some alteration to my eating habits (the dreaded "D" word). and the solemn vow to turn my treadmill from a clothes hanger back into a fully functioning piece of exercise equipment. Well, I hate to break a streak so I've decided to resolve to eat more fruits and less junk. I will limit my diet soda habit to no ore than one per day. And dark chocolate — which I consider a health food for its antioxidant power — will no longer be one of my primary food groups. And I promise to take my eager dog for more frequent walks, with the firm understanding that cold temperatures and foul weather are reasonable excuses for skipping those jaunts.

I don't know if I'm still feeling some residual warmth from the holiday spirit but I have also resolved to be a better businessperson. No, I wasn't visited by three spirits. In a time when businesses are closing their doors and people are losing their jobs and their homes, the community as a whole needs to work harder for the good of the whole, not just the one.

Price reductions are not the answer — at least not for ClearLake Furniture. The process of hand-crafting furniture with the exceptional quality we produce can't be compromised. To save money and reduce the prices, we'd have to hurry it up, move faster, and cut a few corners, and that's just not acceptable.

Instead, we are looking at ways to support both our customers and the people who are in need. In 2009, I will look to you for suggestions as to how we can be part of the solution to help those most in need. In future posts here, I will share some of the suggestions from our staff, customers friends, and colleagues, so please stay tuned! We can work together to regain the strength that has been the benchmark of this wonderful country.