Resolving to use exact change for the new year

Last year I made a New Year's resolution to use exact change while out shopping. It was easier than trying to lose weight or being kind and understanding to all humanity. Every time I had to come up with 39 or 17 cents I dug around in my purse until I counted out every dime, nickel or penny needed. Each time I did it I realized I was taking a little more time than necessary to pay for my purchases, but I was also reminding myself of something.

While counting change cashiers became more real to me those few extra seconds I stood at their counters. I noticed people in line out of the corner of my eye. Could they easily wait those seconds more to make their purchases? Or did they shift their weight from foot to foot like nervous horses, thinking we are busy, busy, busy, we don't have time for this?

My resolution, exact change. Take the time to think about what I was doing. Notice the people around me. Be nice to all mankind by trying to get the change out as quickly as possible. And if I felt guilty about the length of time I was taking counting out my coins engage the uninterested cashier and listening parties in line by explaining my New Year's resolution is easier than losing weight and trying to be kind and understanding toward humanity. The irony was not lost on many and they gave a chuckle to acknowledge the information.

Interestingly, I lost weight, in my purse by not having to carry around those heavy coins that add up so quickly.

And usually after my brief explanation most people found my resolution humorous because they thought it ridiculous yet true.

And if they thought about it for a minute more, if they had time in their busy, busy lives, they noticed the humor and my small attempt to be kind to humanity.

Which for the last six years has been tough for me.

See, for the last few years I've been a bit disappointed and cranky with humanity. Been thinking people were crazy from fear. Creating busyness to not have to think. Disengaging themselves. Then this last November a light, albeit a small one, and not too bright in Nevada, was lit indicating people are thinking.

Donald Rumsfeld was asked by all branches of the military to be removed from his Cabinet position. Dick Cheney continued in seclusion doing whatever a vice president does during a time of war after shooting a lawyer without a license and getting ready to testify about his part in the Valerie Plame CIA leak. Karl Rove failed to convince all Christians the Republican Party was the only source of power they had, not the free will God gave them. And our man, President Bush, started looking for a leader, an obvious thing to do when his mirrors didn't show one, to fix the mess in Iraq.

In this new year maybe these boys should resolve to use exact change when they go out shopping. It is easier than losing weight or understanding humanity.

This year I resolve to exercise more, eat less and never give up on humanity.

n Marie Johnson is a Carson Valley rancher.