The coming of New Year’s always signals the drafting of New Year’s resolutions, a list that is usually filled with things that have a negative connotation.

Lose weight... Drink less alcohol... Manage debt... Manage stress... Quit smoking... are all popular resolutions for the next 365 days.

Because What’s Hot is a publication about the positive things Cayman has to offer, we decided to look at the New Year as a way to get out and do something.

So this is a compilation of locals’ Bucket Lists, or things that people are going to do this year to grow, learn, become a better person, or have some good old-fashioned fun.

Sean Collins is the managing director of Mise en Place, the catering company that provides school meals for several schools on island.

“My New Year’s resolution is to entice as many school students to choose a healthy lunch each day. I would like to show youngsters that the alternative to high fat foods can be very enjoyable and make you feel great. I plan to follow my campaign by eating healthy myself. As for a bucket list... hmm... Have a child! I have no choice in the matter because my wife is five months pregnant. Other than that I like to travel so it would be to take a trip to a place I’ve never been. I understand that these two don’t go hand in hand so maybe I’ll be making my travel plans in a few years.”

Jean Eric Smith, known to all on island as Notch, manages the Craft Market in George Town.

“Personally, I would like to find time to do more leisure travel and explore more of the world. As for my bucket list it just grows and grows longer every year it seems, but I think first and foremost on my list now is to complete the work started on my family home, that seems to be the ultimate New Years goal.

Professionally, I would love to finally see some of my hard work paying off, materialising in the expansion of the Craft Market concept under the TAB to the West Bay Dock, and I would also like to see my efforts to source an office/home for the CMEA for the first time in its 25-year history come to fruition.”

For NRA Transportation Planner Marion Pandohie, the New Year is all about getting out more.

“One of my many New Year’s Resolutions for 2011 is to take my two year old son to one of Grand Cayman’s best natural features, the beach!!! In other words, I want to learn and relax and enjoy spending time with my husband, son and my ‘girls’ (our two dogs). I would love to go on a cruise (any type of cruise) with my husband for our anniversary.”

As with all sportsmen, local windsurfer Andrew Cousins has a bucket list based around his sport.

“My windsurfing resolution would have to be to land a forward loop without breaking any bones on my body!”

For 15-year-old Victoria Bise, who started a Christmas toy drive for underprivileged children, reaching out to others will not be limited to a toy drive.

“I’d love to learn a new language! Specifically, Honalu or Italian (or both)! I already speak French, English, and am learning how to speak more Spanish. I’d love to speak four languages perfectly!”

Samantha Shaxted works with the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, a non-profit organisation with a focus on marine sustainability.

“I would like to enter 2011 concentrating more on what is important in life -- family, friends that really care, good books, good music, good art, what a dawn looks like because you got up early rather than stayed up late, health and happiness. I may even finally learn to knit and maybe one of those good books may be mine?!”

So what’s on your New Year’s Bucket List?