So Long 2012..... LETS DO THIS 2013 !!!

The Good, The Bad and Fabulousness of 2012 via my Instagram

TWO WORDS TO DEFINE 2012....... HOLEY MOLEY!!!!

My goodness, this year was fun (of course), but boy o boy was it STRANGE LOL.  Dont get me wrong its always a blessing to see another year and 2012 of course is no exception. But my good grief!! Politically, Personally, Professionally , WORDLY its just been off the chain. Its been a while since I was able to really reflect back over all the good, bad and fabulousness that has taken place in a year. I usually just feel like okay a good year and try to make the next one better but not 2012 no way, I'm completely aware of all that has taken place this year and I'm hoping to bring that self awareness into 2013. Who knows maybe its because I turned 30, I mean thats a change in itself. A Change I'm looking forward to since everyone says that 30 is when things get poppin! Haha.  I do though, believe that this self awareness is really due to me constantly being in tune with the goals and plan to carry out those goals. So if you havent set up a strategic plan for yourself DO THAT ISH FOR 2013. Seriously using your plan as a living document that you refer to all the time.. Its super helpful! Okay I'm off my goal setting soap box, but would this be a New Year's blog if I didn't say something about setting goals? I mean come on..

So anyway, with all the changes that took place in 2012 I'm expecting BIG things for 2013 and I hope the same for you!

Cheers to 2013!! I'm so ready!!
Thanks for reading :)

T is for Transition

This past October I decided to step down from my position as the Midwest Regional Chapter Director with American Photographic Artists. I worked with them as the Chapter Director for two years.  Shortly after that I decided to also leave my board position with the Midwest Chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers too I was a board member with ASMP for four years. 

This wasn't an easy decision for me. In fact I didn't want to do it, I was having fun, I enjoyed planning events, engaging members  sharing information and being a resource to the memberships and helping out in the photographic community. I met a bunch of amazing people that I know I will remain in contact with for what I hope to be forever. I credit ASMP for helping be build alot of the leadership skills that I have now, and if it wasn't for ASMP I would not have been offered teh Chapter Director postion with APA or my advising postion with Harrington College of Design.

So then why did I stop? My own work was startting to suffer. *GASP* I know right!! How could I let me own work slip! It was messed up. My days were long with working at the college, then I would come home to work on things for the APA, then after a good workout, I would get some edits done for myself but not as much as I planned in my head and then its time for bed.  You know how the saying goes "If you dont love yourself, how can you love anyone else". Well, same thing here, I cant  help anyone with their business while mine is just sits and my list of to-dos just keeps piling up.  You have to take care of home. 
*Side note*- I was also turned 30 in October, a lot of restructuring priorities and the like was going on and what can I say, some things had to be given the chop.

                                                       THEN I WAS GIVEN THE CHOP!!!

After almost four years of  working as a career advisor at Harrington College of Design. I was laid off. Damn. I have never been in a lay off situation before. Harrington was my first "real" job. I had pretty much been freelancing ever since I graduated college so this whole lay off thing was totally new to me but more about that later.  This is oh so bittersweet. My finances are interrupted, no more students, no more faculty and staff and no more need to buy "The Editor Pant" from Express.  The whole experience was well worth it, and I wouldn't change a thing.

So back to the blank canvas.. The world is completely my oyster right now and I can literally do whatever I want. That is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. I've never been in such a huge transition like this before.  However I am expecting great things. I'm ready just to get back to focusing 100% on my own work and sharing it with you.

So with 2013 right around the corner you might want to check in with yourself and think about what you might need to give the big chop to and what your going to focus on. 2013 is getting ready to kick butt!! I for one can not wait!! 

Thanks for reading

Now I'm 30

@my birthday party with friends Chance and Lindsey :)

I recently turned 30 and I made big deal about it, I had several events.  I had a family party, a sequins in the daytime brunch, and a big bash. Alot of planning and alot of fun, but guess who will not be doing all that planning next year *puts hand in the air*. LOL It's all good though after all you only turn 30 once. 

On my Facebook page, everyone shared with me how my 30s are going to be soo aweome, so I'm expecting a MONUMENTAL SHIFT! It's exciting and overwhelming and I have goals and wishes for my 30s.

I'm incredibly thankful to all my friends and family for making my 30s soo freaking awesome!

So here we go!! Of course I will keep you posted.

Thanks for reading :)