The start of each new year offers the opportunity to reflect on the good things in our lives and make promises about the things we would like to change.  Oh yes, the dreaded New Year's resolution.  If you're like many, the energy and enthusiasm that comes with a New Year's resolution lasts about as long as it takes for stores to change their aisles from Christmas decorations to Valentine's Day candy.  

If you'd like to make this a year when your resolution makes a real change in your life, listen to what Greek philosopher Aristotle said about 'Excellence:'

"We are what we repeatedly do.  

Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."

(See the full quote below)

New Year's resolutions often fall by the wayside because we don't make the necessary change part of our routine.  We don't make the change a habit!  

This year, make whatever it is you would like to do a habit so it makes a real and lasting change in your life.  A desire to excel, to be excellent, requires it.   

Steve G. Winistorfer, PE

Analysts from Wells Fargo Securities believe there has been a great deal of excitement surrounding the housing outlook for 2012.  Last year ended on a fairly solid note, with sales appearing to improve, inventories apparently declining and builder optimism posting four increases in a row. 

The latest data, however, are a little less heartening. New home sales for December showed sales weakening somewhat, and the latest reading for the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index showed a larger-than-expected decline in
November.