It's officially a new year, which means it's time to try new things, make new promises, find new experiences and in general build a new better you. 

Here's what the OnMilwaukee staff is resolving to do in the new year ... at least for a few weeks or so. 

Lori Fredrich
Senior writer, food & dining

There has always been something about the pressures and constraints of making New Year’s resolutions that doesn’t sit well with me. They’re somehow itchy and oppressive, a bit like wearing a jacket that’s slightly too small. After all, there’s a world of possibility birthed in each new day, and we never know what’s around the next bend.

So, rather than resolving to change one thing, I’d prefer to open myself up to all the possibilities, to begin each day with intention, do the best that I can and then do it all over again. And that’s precisely how I plan to approach 2019. 

Matt Mueller
Culture editor

For me, New Year's resolutions are typically like birthday wishes: I half-heartedly come up with them on the spot, and as soon as I make it, I instantly forget it. If any of my past resolutions made it past noon on January 1, it'd be a miracle – and a complete accident. 

But not only have I committed to a thought-out resolution this new year, I actually started it three weeks ago: I'm giving up soda.

Anyone who knows me even a little bit is likely shocked by this development. In my first 28 years of life, it's quite possible I've consumed more soda than oxygen, and there's been times my veins have run with Dr. Pepper instead of blood. My doctor last described my blood pressure as "oof," and my dentist cries during all of my visits. So yeah, probably time to take some action.

But so far, it's stuck. I haven't had a sip since mid-December, mostly filling my fizzy cravings with Emergen-C drink powder (it's not pure sugar AND it's healthy!) with the hopes of continuing going cold turkey through 2019. I definitely still have moments where I miss it, like at the movies or wanting a Mountain Dew Baja Blast during a Taco Bell drive-thru run. But as that last sentence shows, I've got plenty of holes in my health game, so maybe I can at least do something about this one. 

Molly Snyder
Senior writer/editorial manager

I'm ringing in 2019 like it's 2009 and pledging to listen to more podcasts (and not just the awesome FoodCrush, created by OnMilwaukee). I have dabbled into podcasts in the past, but never really found a place for them in my daily life. However, I have identified ways and places to listen up – while on my treadmill, in my car once I get an updated stereo system – and I can't wait to finally check out the podcast list that have been keeping and updating on my computer for eons. First up: My Dad Wrote A Porno. P.S. I'm also taking recommendations.

Bobby Tanzilo
Senior editor/writer

In 2019, I will try – and likely fail – to curb my tireless appetite, especially for sweets. I’m also aiming to continue to be ever more conscious of how I use resources like water and electricity and gasoline and paper, and to make efforts to cut my usage. Yeah, I’ve become that annoying person who follows people around turning out lights as they leave rooms.