Resolutions for your new year

1). Be nice to my co-workers! Please don’t treat people in our newsroom as if they are your staff, or punching bag. You may have ideas you think are fantastic, but we operate in the real world and not everything can get done right away and in the way you want. And also, it’s quite possible your idea wasn’t very good. The punching bag thing is for anyone who is generally upset with the world, the state of the media or whatever, and then decides to take it out on us. We’re just people doing a job, not customer service agents for the world.

I know that last sentence will draw some people out to do exactly what I said not to do, but that’s OK too. Thanks for reading!

2). Drive faster in the fast lane! I know the speed limit is 65 mph on highways, but that doesn’t mean you should drive that speed in the fast lane. For those unfamiliar with the term, the fast lane is the far left lane. Being that it’s now the express lane on Highway 101, that means the number 2 lane (second from left) is now the fast lane. Because people drive slowly in this lane, the far right lane can become the fast lane for passing, and that’s just dangerous. Drive 80 mph in the fast lane please.

3). Don’t litter! There are literally cans all over the place, especially in or near downtown areas where people seem to lose their ability to perceive them. Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of cotton swabs on the street, which is just about the grossest thing ever. Just put your trash in the can!

4). For elected officials: Please stay away from issues not under your purview. I know it can seem like an easy win, but making proclamations about issues related to state, national or international situations that don’t directly affect the people you serve actually takes away from the work you were elected to do. And it could cause controversy where none is needed.

5). No more cyberbullying. People who say just awful things to one another online should think about whether they would say it to someone’s face. Probably not, since they would probably get their teeth knocked out or make someone cry. Before you become a keyboard warrior, consider the impact on the person reading it.

6). OK, this one is a bit selfish but, read news! Especially local news. Any local news. You like the Post? Great! The Chronicle? The Mercury News? Super! You like us too? Even better. Be informed of what’s happening in your local community, and reach out when you have an idea (just don’t get mad if we can’t get to it right away).

7). Don’t jump on your phone immediately if you have a few minutes. It amazes me when I see people waiting anywhere, and their first instinct is to fill the void with social media or whatever app. When getting a shot, I had to wait 10 or 15 minutes before leaving. In that time, I actually solved an issue with our new bathroom tile. You’d be amazed at what you can accomplish by spacing out.

8). Bag your own groceries. There is no reason why you can’t place your products in a bag at the register. It used to be that the baggers had special skills, but those days are over. Chances are you will take greater care in placing the products in the bag, and you will speed the line for others. If you need bagging tips, here you go: Build a base with cans and boxes and place lighter items on top. Eggs also go on top, not the bottom.

9). Stop with the tipping when there is no service being provided. Picking up a to-go order? No tip. Tipping a robot at a kiosk? Crazy. Exceptions for locally owned-and-operated places apply, especially if your tip is a way to provide a little extra support.

10). Be nice generally. Smile at strangers, hold the door open, be aware of your surroundings. Say hi to neighbors, listen to people, assume positive intent and be useful to your community.

So there you have it. And just what was my resolution for the new year? Putting away the Christmas decorations before Jan. 6. New year? New me! Mission accomplished.