It's the end of December, so it is resolution time. As I ponder my personal list, which includes finishing my book, doing more convention speaking, blogging more often, and reading at least one business book a month, I find myself wishing I was in charge of other people's resolutions. Call me cranky; maybe it's because my birthday falls in early January and as a Boomer, I'm now on the other side of fifty. But, if I were in charge of other people's resolutions, here's what I'd resolve:

That people with cell phones use them judiciously, not in public rest rooms, not at the top of their lungs, and that when I'm in earshot they would avoid personal topics, including (listen up, Realtors!) putting together deals with financial and other personal data.

That the various real estate commissions and agencies which approve real estate education, both online and live, would resolve to make the process quicker, easier and friendlier for course writers.

That the next time I attend a wedding, bar mitvah, college reunion, or other event where I would enjoy talking to the other attendees, that the band would resolve to keep the decibels somewhere low enough to allow this.

That just once in awhile, a Realtor asking about a topic would resolve to not say: "But do we get CE credit for this?" Some things are just worth learning, regardless of CE.

That the airlines would resolve to be honest with passengers about delays and cancellations, and not string hapless passengers along for hours, until finally shuffling us all off to indescribable hotels (and I do mean indescribable!)

That the Appraisal Institute would resolve to make its peace with NAR, and rejoin the Realtor Family. Appraisers need the political muscle NAR can provide, and I'm afraid appraisers may be set up to take some of the grief from the mortgage debacle playing out.

That real estate agents would resolve to understand and practice agency--on both sides--buyer and seller. If you don't get it, take ABR and SRS--and get it!

That politicians would resolve to stop their posturing, finger-pointing, name calling and blaming and actually solve some problems.

As you can see, I've now ventured into Fantasy Island! Happy New Year to all and good luck with your resolutions--whatever they may be!

Melanie J. McLane, ABR, CRB, CRS, ePRO, GRI, RAA, SRS, SRES, 32 year veteran of the real estate industry. Offering training, speaking and consulting throughout the industry, I teach everything from ABR to USPAP. Certified ePRO Instructor. To contact me, email me at: melanie@TheMelanieGroup.com or visit my website: www.TheMelanieGroup.com