Happy 2011 | Philadelphia Area Wedding & Portrait Photographer

My goodness, happy new year everyone! I can't believe it's already a new year! And yet, I'm pretty darn excited about 2011 -- I have a feeling it's going to be a really great year.

Speaking of a new year, we are now nine days into 2011, and in those nine days, I've spent time in three different cities... and only two of those have been in the city I actually live in.

The first four days of January, Josh and I were still in Seattle, visiting my family for the holidays. We flew back to Philadelphia on January 4th, were I spent one night at home. Upon waking very late the next morning (we were still used to Pacific time, after all), I promptly found my way to New York City. I spent the next four days in NYC packing. Yes, packing!  My dear friends, Lydia & Joao, are moving to LA, and reluctant as I am to let them go, I'm excited for them and wanted to help out. Plus, I'm kind of an expert packer. ;)  

Now I'm back in Philadelphia, and ready to get back into the swing of things! I know, I know -- it's already almost "mid" January, and I'm just starting to kick things off. Honestly though, I think I've determined that for me, the part of the new year that I associate with goals and projects and change usually just starts in mid-January. Leading up to the new year I'm also excited and preparing for Christmas... then recovering from Christmas and enjoying time with my family. Then suddenly it's January 1st, and a "new year" has begun. So I start thinking about solidly identifying things I want to change and try and do... and by the time I really get things going, it's January 9th. =)

However, there is something I distinctly enjoy about a new year. While I'm not necessarily the kind of person who sets goals like losing 10 pounds, or spending less money, or things like that, I definitely am a goal-driven person, and I enjoy marking the occasion of a new year as one when I can evaluate where I've been, where I am, and where I'd like to go. I know there are different lines of thought that value each of those: "learn from the past", "live in the present", "look to the future"... but honestly, I think the best is simply a balance of all three.

With that said, in 2011 I hope to...

1. Reflect on the ways in which I've grown and still need to grow, recognizing God's love and provision for me each step of the way...
2. Thoroughly enjoy living each day as it dawns anew,  actively and intentionally finding or creating joy each day, doing my best to love Jesus and in turn let his love shine through me as I love, serve, and build relationships with others...
3. Give myself permission to dream -- and dream big -- reveling in the life I have been given and the potential and possibilities it holds...

Now, I hope you all help hold me to that. =) What are your hopes, dreams, goals, or resolutions for 2011? And once again, happy new year!