A look back at 2011
My accomplishments and special moments of 2011 in no particular order. While I’ms sure I left out some others it was an interesting and challenging year.
Clean Start Challenge – Reinvent Your Dreams Event
This year I participated in the Clean Start Challenge on Lifetime and had the opportunity to crawl out of my comfort zone with video confessions and hosting a networking mixer. While I wasn’t the winner of the challenge I walked away with a better understanding of whom and what I want to be and a decreased fear in on-camera work (decreased not diminished).
Interviewed Karen Walrond of Chookooloonks.com
I managed to muster up enough courage to request an interview with Karen and was so happy to take the leap. I was immediately drawn to her blog, not just because her photography is amazing but because she is living what I’m trying to achieve. She is doing what she loves and owning it 100%. Visit her at Chookooloonks.com.
My favorite quote from the interview, “Do something that lights you up.”
I actually was standing right next to Karen in the Shutter Sister suite at Blogher in Chicago a few years back – but was too intimidated to talk to her. At BlogHer San Diego – I finally met her in-person, it was brief but so glad that I said hello.
Attended the Me Ra Koh Confidence Workshop
After several attempts of entering myself as a candidate for the the “Running on Empty” seat in Me Ra’s workshop – I actually won! I attended the Sacramento workshop and shared a room with one of the most amazing moms I ever met, Karen Bohnsack Diffley. I have to say I was extremely nervous about going, after all owning the name “photographer” has been a challenge for me.
“Are my pictures good enough – to earn the label?” I was pretty comfortable shooting in AV mode and Manual but during the workshop I finally “got” metering. I can’t forget that I also met some of my fellow Soar sisters in Sacramento. I’m more confident now then I was before the workshop.
Experienced Disney World with the Family
I was lucky enough to get an invite to the launch of the HP Hands on Experience at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The trip was amazing and the technology HP added is sure to be a hit. I was so happy we were able to attend as a family and visit all the different parks. I had no idea how much there was to do and how many parks there were. Next time I’ll bring a swimsuit because all my daughter wanted to do was swim in the hotel pool!
I inadvertently lost most of the pictures from the trip due to some “cloud confusion” but I’m thankful that we went and hope to go again when the kids are little older.
Re-launched/Re-branding BizzieMommy
As I’m sure you are all aware of it by now but I changed my site to BizzieLiving.com. The concept was sparked by an Intel event I attended this summer, Upgrade Your Life. On my train ride back to Sacramento (from Palo Alto) I managed to develop the entire concept of the site. While I’m still working out tweaks I’m proud of the new site and new changes.
Became a Work at Home Mom
While it wasn’t necessarily the way I dreamed I became a work at home mom for the second half of the year and during the stint I realized that I would rather work outside of the home. I’m not looking to debate about it or anything I just realized that I enjoy the social aspects of working and I really miss getting dressed in more than jeans and a t-shirt.
Launched my Photography Services Website
Okay it’s kind of a soft launch but I did manage to squeeze in a few family sessions and a lifestyle shoot before the year ended. More details are available on BizziePhotography.com.
This year has been filled with the good and bad and I’ve had my share of struggles. But the year is almost over and it’s time to start with a clean slate. It’s time to sweep the negative energy out of the front door and start the New Year with positive vibes. Cheers to a New Year and a New Beginning.
What are some of your 2011 accomplishments? I would love to link up with everyone and start a virtual toast to an even better 2012!