2011: It's a Wrap!

What a year it's been--filled with changes, surprises, and sometimes stress.  When I think about 2011 for our family, I think of a few events:  Ryan turning one, Tyler going to kindergarten, and Toby passing away.  What a bittersweet year.  There is not a week that goes by that I don't look at Ryan and Tyler and think how fast it's going and not a day that goes by that I don't miss our sweet dog. 

When I look back at everything I have done this year, it leaves me feeling fairly fulfilled at least in the job department.  Though it took quite a journey to find a new career path, I've found one...two actually.  My new full-time position in proposals and marketing has taken an interesting start.  I think I just jumped and took a leap of faith hoping that it would work out.  Sure, I was stressed at my old job, but I had fabulous coworkers, managers, and benefits.  Leaving that was, for a lack of better words, weird.  It was really weird.  In fact, I felt like I was only here temporarily and would be going back.  I catch myself perking up when someone mentions Duke because its...well, Duke, and I definitely still sulk about not getting the Duke Children's position.  It took a while to get used to a new process, or lack of, and the new people.  But before long, I met friends and discovered that many of the things I enjoyed about my old coworkers are here too.  And I've been able to help bring processes and new ideas to the company.  Still, I often sit and wonder when I will ever "get it" ---meaning understanding the industry.  Time will only tell.  The good thing about this change is that I get to use my creativity way more than I did before.  I am the editor and designer of the new employee newsletter that goes out to 400 employees.  Having that "break" in my job really makes a huge difference!  I was given free reign of transforming it to whatever I wanted. My first issue will go out Tuesday!

Speaking of creative outlets, at the same time I started that job, I started my photography business which was a harder leap of faith to take in all honesty.  I've been taking pictures for people for several years but never trusted my ability to take it further.  It was never about time management, because I knew I could make it work.  It was about my own confidence in my skill.  With a firm push, I just did it.  I jumped out there, branded myself with a logo and website, and started booking families.  From September to November, I booked 21 photo sessions.  Of those, 19 were paid customers.  It was certainly a learning period for me with trials and errors.  There were sessions I thought went great, and then there were some I thought failed.  And then I had to pick my confidence back up and remind myself that I'm still learning.  As a hobby that I turned into a side business, I brought in quite a bit of extra money this fall.  While that's not the sole focus or need of my endeavors, it certainly does not hurt.  I'm still trying to figure out if I want to focus on children and families versus couples...or both.  And just within the past 24 hours, I've been considering accepting two offers to do small, low-key weddings.  I'm exploring workshops and classes and always investing in equipment.  Will this turn into a full-time job?  That's what everyone loves to ask me.  No, it probably will never do that unless we hit the lottery.  I need benefits and a secure paycheck each month.  Plus, I like the excitement of photography, and I wonder if I did it all the time if it would diminish a little. 

Aside from two careers this year, I never focused on my own health.  When I stress, I eat.  So, instead of losing weight this year, I gained, and it was strangely right after I accepted my new position.  While I know it won't be easy, I have this strange new outlook on health after witnessing a few unexpected passings just in the past months.  I started realizing that in the time that I sit on the computer at night, I could be doing a 30 minute exercise DVD.  And, like many other Americans, my portion sizes are way out of control.  So, 2012 is going to bring some change to that area.  While I want to lose 15 lbs and exercise more, above that I just want to feel healthy and energized.  With a leap of faith, I registered for a one mile run in March and a 5k in May.  It's insanely crazy how excited I am about it, too. 

You might be wondering why I'm not including my kids in this 2011 wrap-up post.  Obviously, they achieved quite a bit in 2011.  Well, of course they did.  I post about almost each and every achievement they have!  But, sometimes you just have to self-reflect.  That IS what this blog started off as.  Kids have a way of changing that, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  :) 

Happy New Year!