2011: How I Stacked Up This Year

2011 was an incredible year to say the least. You might recall a list that I posted about a year ago in the hopes that I could accomplish these things, however random, strange or unfathomable they may have seemed.  There were many items on this list that I didn't think would be possible to achieve and I literally threw them on the list not expecting them to happen.

I'm pleased and very content with how God orchestrated this year-there are times I feel that I could wrap my arms around 2011 and give it a huge bear hug. I feel stronger as a wife, woman of God, photographer and educator. As I look towards 2012, I can trust the Lord to work amazingly yet again, as He always has.

Everything achieved, by His grace, has a slash line through it.
1. Increase photography income by 25%.
2. Solidify knowledge on umbrella lighting for wedding family portraits (thank you Austin for the tutorial!) and remote lighting for receptions.
3. Invest in a 90mm macro lens
4. Have CD covers professionally printed.(No longer use CDs-all my clients are directed HERE to download or purchase their images)
5. Print sample album
6. Go garage sale-ing 4 times whether I buy anything or not.
3.8.11,
living room chairs--Craig's List,
7.17.11
an auction!
7. Go to a Farmer's Market 3 times this summer.  6.16.11
8. Attend 4 concerts that are above the high school level.
-Luther College Wind Symphony (10.29.11)
9. Read 10 books off my Classics List
10. Photograph Camden Olivia (you can view her 6 month portraits from my spring break trip-I love being an Auntie!)
11. Grow piano studio to 10-12 students. (I don't think I could handle the load of 10-12 students right now. God knows what I can or cannot handle and has provided as much as is necessary to provide.)
12. Improve wedding day photographer wardrobe.
13. Photograph sessions in 3 new places/locations
NHS Prom,
Nicole & Luke,
Melissa & Kevin & more!!
14. Pitch Perfect stationary cards for Thankyous professionally printed. I loved doing this so much and sending my clients a thank you after each session that I will be printing an updated design for 2012. Super pumped!
15. Save $500 this year through coupon cutting or shopping during sales for only necessary items.
16. Plant things in our garden that Gerard will actually eat! (potatoes, peas, tomatoes, and green peppers!)
17. Photograph 5 new families through referrals.
Melissa & Kevin;
Amy & Trey;
Ann & Jason;
Lindsay & Clint;
Stacy & Chris
18. Advertising? Facebook Fan page? A wise photographer suggested only doing advertising that benefitted someone else as well. So, I supported the Norwalk Music Boosters by putting an ad in their music program brochures that the district's music department uses for all the concerts K-12.
19. Commit a new verse of scripture to memory every month.
20. EXERCISE to tone muscle.
21. FLOSS. I stink at this one.
22. Improve my posture.
23. Landscape side yard.
24. Photograph 6 weddings (6.10; 6.11; 6.26; 7.23; 10.15) Check out the weddings page to see the wonderful couples of this year! We almost got to 6, but I love the 5 that I was privileged to photograph.

I'm crafting 2012's list this week, but I might have some distraction. A particular 15 month old might be taking up a lot of my time this week. ;)  Here's what she looked like the last time I saw her: