moving forward

People wonder why it is necessary (for me) to take two months off from photography. One major reason is that Mother Nature sees to it that the Midwest becomes the North Pole covered with snow every week and freezing, cold temperatures. Today is a great case in point. With that said, it is a bit difficult to convince people what an excellent idea it is to get out of their homes and get their picture taken in the snow...including myself. Another major reason is for me to take some time off to get refreshed for another busy yet exciting year! However, my idea of relaxing lately is spending Sundays watching guilty pleasure shows like Courtney and Kim take New York and reruns of Jersey Shore. In my sweats and a side ponytail. Internet, this is NOT good! At least I throw in some HGTV, Food Network and a college basketball game or two in the mix.

In between my guilty pleasure shows and drooling over what Guy Fieri is making for the Superbowl, I jotted a few goals, both personally and professionally that I hope/dream of accomplishing this year:

1. Read more. For photography and for myself. I absolutely love reading on Sundays but watching the drama Situation causes seems to be more entertaining at times.

2. Learn to step outside of my comfort zone at portrait sessions and take my photos to another level this year. And try new things.

3. Forget about the past and move on.

4. Cook two different meals each week. I actually heard through casual conversation, if I have to eat tacos and pasta con broccoli one more time, I might throw up.

5. Attend one or two photography workshops this year.

6. Learn to say no more often.

7. Kiss in Cinderella's castle, celebrate/drink wine/eat cheese in the middle of Sonoma and see the ever so famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree this year.

8. Shoot a themed engagement session.

9. Photograph for fun more often.

10. It is my dream/goal in life to write and get at least one book published. I have ideas of what I want it to be about, but I would like to spend this year really brainstorming ideas.

11. Learn to balance work, photography and my personal life better.

12. Do something absolutely spectacular for Bryan. He totally deserves it!

13. Volunteer once a month.

14. Learn Italian with Bryan.

15. Be a better friend i.e. pick up the phone more often and call my besties!

16. Make it to at least one Cardinal's game this year with my Dad! I think I just lost some KC points for writing that publicly on here. Keepin' it real, people. Keepin' it real.

17. Spend an entire day of doing nothing. Together with B.

18. Go on one really nice date night a month. High heels and a tie are a must!

19. Pamper my mum for an entire weekend in KC with good food, a spa visit and shopping. And wine. Duh.

20. Buy tickets to two concerts we have never been to!

21. Take our nieces out for a day of fun with Uncle B and Aunt Shef in St. Louis. That and give my brother-in-law and sister-in-law a night out to themselves.

22. Skype my brother more than once a week. Darn time zones.

23. Try one new restaurant a month.

24. Buy a house and get a puppy. I just had to take a deep breath in while writing that one.

25. Love harder everyday.

I am stoked for an exciting and adventurous 2011. Now, if only I could turn off the TV and start with goal number one on the list...