As the ball drops at midnight, people all across the county will make promises to themselves - many of which will be long forgotten before spring even arrives.

But for most, resolutions are still a fun way to ring in the New Year and maybe, just maybe, a few will be able to keep up with their own good intentions.

Common New Year's resolutions include losing weight, eating better, exercising more, being kinder to others, giving up a bad habit or changing some other undesirable trait.

All these ideas sound good in theory, but most do not stand up to the test of time.

Dr. Dan Evans, dean of Ohio University Southern, said he is living proof that they just don't last.

"The one that I have every year is that I will pay closer attention to my health and wellness. I try to pay attention to what I eat and exercise more," he said. "It usually lasts about a month. I remember it the whole time, but the behavior stops."

Ironton resident Deotis Conwell knows that nobody keeps them, but it is the thought and effort that count. He decided to stick with the same one he made last year.

"Try to do what is right and do better than you did last year," he said.

Conwell joked that he isn't sure if it worked for him in 2003, but said he is ready to give it another shot.

At least one Lawrence countian honestly plans on keeping her resolution. Dr. Kim Keffer, director of enrollment services at Ohio University Southern has been preparing for hers for quite a while.

"My New Year's resolution is that sometime this year I want to parachute out of a plane. It is something I always wanted to do," she said. "When I was younger I convinced myself I had plenty of time. Then I got older and thought that it was (immature). Now I am at the age where I am a grown up and can do whatever I want."

If all goes well, Keffer said she will accomplish her resolution by spring break, even though "my family thinks I lost my mind."

"I don't want to just jump," she joked. "I want to live through it."

Mayor John Elam said he is confident he will be able to meet his resolution that will last much longer than just for 2004.

"I normally don't make one, but if I did this year, my New Year's resolution would be just to continue to work for the betterment of the city."

Joe Coburn, owner of KC Joe's Pennzoil Service Station and affectionately known as the "Signmaster," said his resolution is to continue the work for which he has become known.

"There are more powerful, more exciting signs to come," he said. "Nobody is safe."