Were you a Drunky McDrunkster on New Year's Eve? When you see that lucky (or unlucky) midnight-kiss guy or girl again, will he or she acknowledge the kiss even took place?

Either way, you still got that kiss off, so no worries. It's a new year, dangit!

And with the new year comes change. How are you trying to change this year, a new chapter in your life?

If you're one of the many people who are feeling frustrated in the dating arena, I'm sure there are other things in your life you could be worrying about besides which loser isn't paying attention to you. It's time for self-improvement! And no, the darkness isn't affecting my mood; why do you ask?

Now's the time to do something you've been meaning to, but have been putting off for one crazy reason or another.

What have I been putting off? Ice caves, a Spanish class at the University of Alaska Southeast, muffins at Paradise Café on a Saturday afternoon. I guess I can make the time, if just to be a model for all you employed peeps reading this when you should be working.

How about hitting the gym after all that holiday weight gain? Fun. Poor, year-round fitness fanatics - fighting the throngs of New Year's resolutioners. Sucks to be you, Mr. Abs of Steel! Yeah, I'm not bitter.

Tired of being shy and want to try your hand at getting out there? Now's the time. As of Jan. 2, no more smoking in certain fine establishments. No more suffering in smoky silence for you. Oh, no, no, no! Now you can suffer in clean-aired silence. Speak! Say something! Juneau's an easy town to meet people, you just need to be open to it.

Tired of meeting shallow folks? Stop being shallow yourself! If you're someone who relies solely on physical attraction, you have absolutely no room to complain. Branch out. Maybe meet that guy or girl who doesn't drink. Get a plan - a strategy even. Life's more fun when it's a game, wouldn't you say?

OK, OK, I wouldn't quite say that, but my best friend does!

Whatever your pleasure, don't delay. Get on that ish! Don't regret what you "coulda got did." As this year begins, look at how last year went in terms of life and dating. Think about the changes that you can implement, how to change your life for the better.

Remember, it's always that first step that's the hardest.