The end of the year is always crazy for me. And I’m sure it’s like that for most people. However this year was reallllly crazy. Since I’ve moved to PA, this year I  had to prepare for the holiday travels, aka NJ Turnpike. For those of you who never traveled on the NJ turnpike, due to recent construction it tends to turn into the Giants stadium parking lot – chaotic. Thankfully, Jorge and I left late enough that roads were pretty decent. Phew!

Now that the holidays were over and I had a week off from work, I had absolutely nothing to do. It drove me nuts. I enjoy having a daily schedule, I feel like I get more done.  So with spare time on my hands, I created my new year’s resolution list. Honestly after looking at my list, I feel like such a procrastinator…

Connect with family & friends – I can’t say that I don’t talk to my family and friends, but I am guilty of getting a message and not responding until days later. It’s not that I don’t want to catch up and gossip about the latest Kim Kardashian show. Most of the time I’m busy that moment. But yet, I can respond to the game Words with Friends… hm….

Finish household chores – Seriously, no one likes painting. Your back aches, the fumes get you high, and it takes 2 days to get it out of my hair! I have my kitchen and office space to paint still. I need to suck it up, get my head band on and get crackin’.

Book at least 5 weddings on my own – I need to be realistic and know I’m not going to book 12 weddings in one year. I’m still in the process of growing and need to remind myself of this. I’m grateful enough that I’ve met some awesome photographers that I will have the chance to second shoot for. Just patience child… patience…

Stick to a healthy eating habit – Ok, this is easier said than done! Sure, I may weigh under 1## lbs, but I’m not healthy. I eat so much junk, it’s ridiculous.  Oh that didn’t sound like a porker…

I cook homemade meals whenever I’m home, but I snack horribly. I love snickers, salt & vinegar chips with pickles, and cookies & cream ice cream. This year I’m seriously going to try to snack on more fruits, veggies, and those health bars… sigh… It’s just not fair. All the good stuff is bad for you! Wah!

Before closing off on my own personal goals. Guess what came in the other day?! Drum roll please…

Exposed by Jasmine Star

I was so excited when it came in. I got a few judging looks from Jorge as I jumped up and down yelling, “It’s here! It’s here!”.

Jasmine is one of my role model. Not only as a photographer, but as a person who’s always giving back, a person who cares for anyone that comes across her path, and her passion & love for her work. I’ve been following her blog since a year ago. When I heard that she released a personal magazine, I was thrilled. I want to find out if she felt the frustration I’m experiencing? Or if she ever questioned her self, was all of this worth it? How do I start and where do I begin?

I’m going to start reading today. I’m a bit nervous because I’m sure there will be some things that I can’t avoid. And I know it’s going to be hard. I need to stop quitting before I even try.

So here’s to my last resolution, stop doubting myself. I will stop comparing myself to other photographers and find a  unique style of my own. Even if everything doesn’t fall into place instantly, I will learn to be patient and continue to work hard towards my goals. I can do this!

Happy New Year!