The New Year is upon us…time to reflect back on the year we just finished. What we did well and what we could have done better. I always hope my list of what I did well can somehow overshadow what I could have done better but often they are too close for comfort!

Anyway, I am not a big New Year’s Resolution kind of gal but I do have a list of things I want to strive to achieve in 2009 and here they are:

1. Be more patient…not my strong suit at times

2. Take more time for myself…not feel like every minute I need to accomplish something (sure… this one is an exceptionally long “long shot”)

3. Cherish every minute with my children, both are in High School and the minutes are ticking until they are both out of the nest (I am truly dreading that time in my life)

4. Stay as focused on the company as I have been to date…I believe the success of Bigelow Tea is very much based on my 100% commitment (and a cadre of outstanding team members). I don’t want to ever think I am not giving these employees everything I got!

5. Never lose my love of life and people…it is truly a gift that I need to appreciate daily

6. Keep drinking lots and lots of tea…it is my business and it feels good

Okay lets review these in 12 months and see how I do!!! I feel pretty good about 3, 4, 5 and 6…but 1 and 2 …well it is a new year…

Cindi Bigelow

Being an in-demand actor can take its toll on the body. Film star Tom Hanks has gained (and lost) weight for a number of his roles, sometimes purposefully and other times not. But after packing on several pounds, he ultimately turned to tea for a dietary solution. 

According to AskMen.com, Hanks became hooked on gourmet coffee during filming of Steven Spielberg’s The Terminal, in which he co-starred with actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. “I had to give up coffee because I was drinking too many lattes,” he’s quoted as saying. Luckily Hanks found a sensible substitute, noting “I drink tea now instead.”

For details on Tom Hanks’ next movie, check out this Sundance review of The Great Buck Howard featuring Hanks, John Malkovich and Emily Blunt.