So, what are you going to do with your extra second? As reported recently by the Associated Press, scientists delayed the start of 2006 by one second, a timing change needed in order to keep up with the Earth’s rotation.

The second has been added to atomic clocks worldwide at midnight Coordinated Universal Time, the accepted international standard for timekeeping.

“Enjoy New Year’s Eve a second longer,” the institute said in an explanatory notice, according to the AP. “You can toot your horn an extra second this year.”

A second may not seem like much of a time allowance, but there are several things you can do to take advantage of the extra second this new year.

n Kiss your husband, wife, or child twice instead of once.

n Light a candle for world peace.

n Offer a simple prayer.

n Flip a light switch off to conserve energy.

n Say something nice to a complete stranger.

n At a party, hand your car keys to a friend.

n Turn off the television.

n Hold that hug a second longer.

n Pet your dog or cat.

n Smile.

n Think of a loved one.

The simple things in life we often take for granted and they take but a few seconds out of our day.

Start your New Year right and resolve to make the most of that extra second in 2006.