As 2011 fast approaches, one of the first orders of business is to give some thought to those pesky New Year's resolutions that tradition dictates we adopt for the coming year. Or not.

In a random downtown sampling, Patch discovered two consistencies: making resolutions "ain't what it used to be" and those who actually did give it some thought, took the high road, all the way, with sincere wishes for a better year for their fellow humans.

We asked those we contacted to list their current resolutions, last year's resolution and "did you keep it?" and if given the opportunity, what resolution would you suggest to someone else?

After a moment of deep thought, Sarah Rosenkrantz answered from behind the counter at Fiske's General Store.

2011: "I resolve to leave the past behind, move on and be happy."

2010: "I didn't make any last year."

For Someone Else: "Someone I know - they shouldn't waste time being angry or resentful."

Rosenkrantz's friend, Carry D'Agostino, echoed her friend's 2011 goal.

2011: "I want to move from the past and not regret anything."

2010: "Last year I resolved to do better in school and to lose weight."

(She left us to wonder at whether she accomplished her goals).

For someone else: "I think that people (in general) should admit your mistakes and just be happy."

Michele Johnson and her daughter, Taylor, were interrupted as they discussed the merits of one of several stuffed animal toys. "We're spending some Christmas money," Michele explained.

2011: "I'd like to go back to school," said Michele.

2010: "We (she and her husband) wanted to settle down and set some roots. We bought a home, so we did!"

For Someone Else: "Umm … for my kids, I guess. That they continue to be kind."

At The Bird In the Hand gift shop, Hillary Meers was almost certain of her answer.

2011: "I don't usually do resolutions. But … I'm a vegetarian, so if anyone asks me, I usually tell them that I made a resolution not to eat meat," she joked.

2010: "I didn't make any."

For someone else: "One of my brothers smokes and I'd like him to give it up."

Ellyn Cohen didn't plan on making any resolutions and explained why.

2011: "I don't make resolutions because they're impossible to keep."

2010: "No, I didn't make any."

For someone else: "I'd love for my son to work hard in school so that he can get into the college of his dreams."

Pam G. shrugged off any thoughts of resolutions, explaining that "after a certain age, it's not worth it."

2011: "No … because I can't commit."

2010: "I didn't make any."

For someone else: "I'd like it if my husband would lose 20 pounds."

The younger generation was well represented by the staff of Pejamajo Cafe: Millie, Dominique and Brook. While two of the ladies were forthcoming, Brook noted that she'd rather people not know about her resolutions. "They'll hassle me if I don't keep them," she explained.

2011: "Do things as they come and don't procrastinate." (Millie)

"To stop complaining and be more positive." (Dominique)

2010: "I didn't give it much thought." (Millie)

"I resolved that this year would be a better year." (Dominique)

For Someone Else: "I'd like my sister to stop stressing out and quit the road rage." (Dominique)

Michael Giobbe and his wife Beth thought long and hard about the question.

2011: "There's a creative project that I've been working on for years and I'm giving myself until the summer to finish it." (Michael)

"I gave up making resolutions (per se) a long time ago, when I realized nobody ever kept them. Instead, I try to change aspects of my life all the time. It's not a resolution, but it's a step." (Beth)

2010: "I didn't make any last year." (Michael)

"No, I didn't either." (Beth)

For someone else: "I wish that the president, congress and the political parties would put the people first, before themselves and their parties." (Michael)

"For those who claim a relationship with God … I'd like to see them pay more attention to their own walk with God than worrying about the lifestyles of those who don't claim a relationship with God." (Beth)