Puerto Rico: Fort San Cristobal

Puerto Rico: Old San Juan

Naples Botanical Garden

Happy Thursday!  I went to the Naples Botanical Garden at the end of last year with my sister.  It was a hot day, but it was the first time I've been there since they revamped it.  I loved it!  It is just gorgeous now, check it out.  I highly recommend it if you are ever in Naples!  I would love to do a formal shoot here, there are so many great backgrounds.  All shot on Kodak Portra 400 with my Nikon F100 and developed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab.

St. Louis On Film

Happy New Year!  Here are my personal photos from St. Louis on Kodak Portra 400 developed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab.  Note:  I was not the photographer for the wedding; the bride was one of my college roommates and these are just my snapshots.

Goals for 2012

Happy New Year! The year 2011 started off with a lot of potential.  See my list of goals for 2011 by clicking here.  Now that we are at the end, there were some very low lows and very high highs. I tackled fear after fear, started a business, and got engaged.

Travel: We started the year off by going to Disney. Then had a quick trip to Tampa to watch Team USA soccer and go to MOSI. Jesse took a trip by himself to Milwuakee and I took a trip by myself to St. Louis for my college roommate’s wedding. We both travelled somewhere new when we went to Puerto Rico and had a beautiful time!

Photography: I started a business!! I’ve even had a few clients. I have not had as much time to work on the business as I thought I would, but it’s still really fun and I’m so proud I haven’t given up. I also rediscovered shooting film and hope to incorporate this into my professional work next year.

Fear Fighting: As many of you know, I am a shy person. I don’t like to talk about myself nor do I like to talk in front of people. It is because of this fear that I decided to take a local Dale Carnegie course. The first week I cried! Yet I still returned and completed the 12 week course to get a certificate in Human Relations and Effective Communications. It was super scary every week, but I did improve and still apply things I’ve learned. I have used this strength I found to apply to other times when I’ve been scared this year…like kayaking at night in Puerto Rico to see the bioluminescent bay. I overcame my fear and thoroughly enjoyed myself!

Relationship: After another magical year, Jesse and I got engaged! He has been amazing this year, as always, with his never-ending love and support. He always knows what to say and is so much fun to be around. I am definitely the luckiest girl in the world!

Other Events of Distinction: I got my ears pierced. I found a new favorite book: Game of Thrones. I got a promotion at work. I started cooking meals at least once a week. I no longer purchase frozen meals to eat for lunch. I’ve started eating healthier. I dont go into my shell as often and I am much happier.

While there were a lot of great things that happened this year, I think 2012 is going to be even better! Make it a great one!

My 2012 Goals

1. Find a house!  (completed August 1, 2012)
2. Find or create a science club  
3. Take a dance class 
4. Be happy with the present and not worry about the future  (completed by 2013)
5. Work out three times a week
6. Try a new restaurant once a month with Jesse
7. Plan a responsible wedding (completed by 2013)
8. Deserve a raise and get it!  (completed November 26, 2012)
9. Travel somewhere new 
10. Try 30 days of a Clean Eating Lifestyle  (completed January 2-31, 2013)
11. Communicate with friends at least once every two weeks  (completed by 2013)
12. Create a vision plan for my life (completed by 2013)