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I've been reading about people's New Years Resolutions for 2010, and of course, they are the same old predictable promises people make, but then usually forget about by January 31st.

2009 was a difficult year for me, with the loss of my father, and it made me reflect on what's really important in life - what makes a difference.  I read numerous books and articles on living a better life, and, after each article I read,  I made notes on the one or two points that I believed really made a difference.  After reviewing this list of thoughts, reflections, and advice, I've made my own list of areas to focus on in 2010.  These are actions that, in my opinion, are achievable, and, if done consistently, will make a big difference in your life, and in the life of others. 

I've taken my original list of almost 100 points, and consolidated it down to five -  It was actually much easier to do than you would think.  Here it is, hope it helps you like it has helped me.

1) Spend quality time with family and friends:  Create memorable moments. 

• Throw a  (no special occassion) "theme" party and invite family and friends.
• Take a week-long road trip and include things for everyone
• Take a someone on a trip with you to someplace quiet, uncrowded - use the time to take hikes, play games, talk

2) Look for the positive in people and in situations.  Any situations could be looked at positively or negatively.  It's really your choice how you want to think of it.  People who look at situations generally more positively, tend to live longer and heathier lives, and even more importantly, effect others around them positively as well.

• If you loose your job, think of all the new possibilities to do something new - and go after them with all you've got!
• If someone close to you has died - reflect on all the good things they did and meant to you
• Look for the good in people, and tell them - often
• Always honor your word - it's all you have in life that's really yours
• Say "hello" to compete strangers - but say it like you mean it
• Give you job 100% of what you've got - If you can't do that, then you are in the wrong job.

3) Live below your means.  Trust me, this works.  People who live below thier means are happier, healther (physically, mentally, and financially).  Living below your means gives you flexibility in life, freedom (from worries, bills, etc), and opportunities to take care of things when the need arises.  2 of the top 5 most common New Years Resolutions for 2010 (and 2009, and 2008...) are: pay down credit card debt, and save for the future.  Living below your means allows you to do both.

4) Treat your body better.  I love to eat, but I also understand that you only get one body in life.  No matter how much money you have, you can't buy a new model.  And, I'm not talking cosmetic stuff, I'm talking about what's really important - what's inside, what keeps you alive.  And you CAN be healthier - without it being an obsession.  Just taking a few positive steps can make a huge difference in your life.  Here are a few simple steps:

• Cut down on processed sugar - limit sweets to only twice a week
• Drink water, real fruit juice, milk.  Cut soft drinks out completely
• You can have a glass of wine (preferably red) each day
• Try to eat fish (not fried) twice a week
• Substitute :Sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes, brown rice instead of white, granola and berries (blueberries, unsweetened dried cranberries, blackberries) instead of cereal, salad at lunch instead of sandwich
• Limit fried food to once a week - max
• Have two servings of green vegetables daily 
• Walk briskly (2 miles / 4-5 times per week), or get a treadmill
• Get a physical exam

5) Help Others - Do you really want to feel better about yourself?  Then help others. There are many ways to do this, but you need to do it - more than once!

• Help out at a food pantry
• Volunteer at a homeless shelter, church, or facility for the disabled
• Contribute & donate; choose a couple of charities or organizations you wish to support - things that you are interested in, and donate time, talent, money - or all three.
• See an older person on the street struggling with their bags? Don't just feel sorry for them, go help them.  But you're in a hurry?  So what, what's more important than helping your fellow man in need?  Just do it - you will feel better.
• Help a fellow co-worker who you know needs help or support

So, there they are - five steps that you can look back on at the end of 2010 and actually say - "Wow!  I am much better off than I was a year ago".  These 5 steps WILL change your life, because once you start them, you won't stop.  They are all designed to make you feel better, happier, and healthier.  And once you start doing that, you inspire others around you to do the same.

There in nothing in these steps about buying a bigger house or nicer car, nothing about religious beliefs, nothing political, no new job - or big promotion resolution - they are simply steps that will make you a better person.

Hope you try them - you can be certain that I will.

We celebrated New Year's Eve at our Vermont cabin, Hazenwood.  It was a quiet but fun way to ring in the new year.  During our 4 hour ride home today, Christie entertained us by reading from the year-end edition of "People" magazine.  It was chock full of lists.  Top 10 Googled people in 2009, the top 10 movies, Top 10 songs, etc.

As I was listening to her, I started thinking of the many emails I receive from Ultimate Family Road Trip readers, asking for my "top picks".  By far, the most common request I receive is for my list of top road trips itieneraries.  But on occasion, I will receive an email asking me for some of my more interesting lists. I've received requests for my list of the top "man made U.S. wonders", the top "off the beaten path oddities", my top "places to avoid" and my top "one-of-a-kind roadfood joints".

So, in the spirit of the season, which seems to be a pile of lists for every category imaginable, here are two of my lists based on some of your requests.

First, my Top  "Off The Beaten Path" Roadtrip Attractions - Each of the sites below, are places that I have personally visited, and they are unique, fun, and out-of-the-way. I guarantee that your children (and you) will remember visiting these attractions for many more years than you will remember most museums, parks, or beaches you will ever visit.

Unforgettable Attractions

1) The House on the Rock, Spring Green, WI

2) Wall Drug, Wall, SD

3) The SPAM Museum, Austin, MN

4) Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX

5) South of the Border, Dillon, SC

6) Four Corners, AZ/UT/NM/CO

7) Jolly Green Giant Statue, Blue Earth, MN

Crazy Horse memorial, Crazy Horse, SD

Where to Eat?

I am oftenb asked about my most favorite unique places to eat - one-of-a-kind "Roadfood joints".  These are local places, not chains.  What qualifies any of these restaurants for my "best of" list is that a) They are unique to a specific part of the country, b) they are typically known for a particular menu unique menu item, and c) They have the "total package" - a unique building, good food, friendly people, and great value.  These days, between the Travel Channel and the Food Network, many of these well kept secrets have become toursit attractions in thier own right.  But way before any of these television networks began making these places famous, my family and I were including them in our Road Trip itineraries.  Now, it is virtually impossible for me to put these in any sort of rank order - so here is my list, in totally random order - Brace yourself, there's a lot of them, and these are only the top ones that come to mind - there's many more where these came from!

Wright's Farm Restaurant, Harrisville, RI 

Louis Lunch, New Haven, CT

Katz's Deli, New York City

Harrow's Chicken Pie, Reading, MA

Woodman's, Essex, MA

Eagle's Deli, Brookline, MA

Frank Pepe Pizzaria, New Haven, CT

Geno's, Philadelphia, PA

Rutt's Hut, Clifton, NJ

Nick Tahou Hots, Rochester, NY

Primanti Bros, Pittsburgh, PA

Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, PA

Loveless Cafe, Nashville, TN

Doe's Eat Place, Little Rock, AR

Georgia Pig, off Rt 95, GA

Varisty, Atlanta, GA

Ted Drewe's, St. Louis, MO

Kopps Frozen Custard, Glendale, WI

Skyline Chili, Cincinnati, OH

Nu Way Cafe, Wichita, KS

Superdawg, Chicago, IL

Big Texan Steakhouse, Amarillo, TX

Roscoe's Chicken & Waffle, Los Angeles, CA

Randy's Donuts, Inglewood, CA

VooDoo Dounuts, Portland, OR

Pea Soup Andersons, Buelton, CA

Buckhorn Exchange, Denver, CO

Cafe Du Monde, New Orleans, LA

ACME Oyster House, New Orleans, LA

Phillipe the Original, Los Angeles, CA

The Stinking Rose, Beverly Hills & S.F., CA

Polly's Pancake Parlor, Sugar Hill, NH

That's all for now - safe travels in 2010...

Here it is, my first Blog entry.  Over the past couple of years I've received emails from readers of The Complete guide to the Ultimate Family Road Trip, who asking me to start a blog.  So, I've finally gotten around to it.  Here I hope to update you on trips we've taken, answer questions you might have about a specific place you are thinking of traveling to, or just give you my thoughts on whatever comes to mind.

In 2010 I will turn 50!    To try to make the event somewhat memorable I've decided to set a goal to take one trip per month, every month of the year.  It can be a long weekend, a vacation, or even part of a work related trip, as long as I go someplce different every month of the year - by making this goal public, the chances of it happening are much improved.

So far, I've got a few trips planned - In January, I'll be going to Las Vegas for four days, then in February, I am planning a trip to Morocco.  March is still open, as I might need to go to a work offsite (hopefully someplace warm).  If the offsite is cancelled, then I plan to go to Florida for a few days to attend a Spring Training game.  The plan for April is a long weekend in New York City with my Sister-In-Law and her kids.  In the Summer, I am planning a long road trip through Texas.  That's 5/12ths  of the year already accounted for - pretty good start !