Like I mentioned 
when I shared my 2012 motherhood resolutions with you, I love New Year’s Day. I love looking at a blank(ish) calendar (you should see my January!) and imagining the possibilities of a brand new year. I always thought it would be really cool to have been born on January 1st (like my grandma). What a great birthday to have!
I accomplished a lot in 2011. Here are some of my hopes, dreams, and plans for 2012. Listen up, Universe!
* Make some real progress in becoming a full-time blogger/writer/photographer by making connections, securing some freelance work and a blog column(s), doing more work for Clever Girls, taking on sponsors for Inward Facing Girl, and really diving in to my first novel in the time travel series I’d like to publish.
* I know everyone says this, but I want to eat healthier and start exercising regularly. I was doing well with going to the gym before I started all of my summer travels, and I need to get back to that place.
* Work hard, but give myself a break. I am super stretched for time. It’s extremely difficult to juggle being a wife, mother, working a full-time day job, and trying to build a new career as a blogger/writer/photographer. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Sometimes I feel resentful of whatever happens to be getting in my way at that exact moment. Sometimes I feel sad because there are so many things that I want to do, but literally see no physical way of being able to do them all. Sometimes I feel guilty because I’d rather be doing something other than what I’m doing at that moment. In 2012 I’d like to spend less time in these emotional realms and more time trying to figure out practical ways to make things work more smoothly.
* Cross a few items off of my Mighty Life List. Visiting Barbara in Hamburg would be a great one to fulfill!
* Visit my friends Courtney and Kenny in Austin.
* Continue to make friends online, and get out more here in Seattle and meet other bloggers/writers/photographers/artists to stalk befriend.
* Figure out ways to be more organized and efficient with blogging – map out my posts on a calendar, be at least two days ahead in having posts ready to go, create a few go-to image layouts.
* Be more present when I’m doing things with my family – put down the iPhone, stop staring at Twitter, and stop obsessing about all of the things I have to do later.
* Find a new apartment/house to rent that has plenty of room and a space for Drew and me to at least share an office. You know, a place where I can write or edit photographs that has a door that can be closed, and is a space that isn’t covered in blocks, singing toys, or Cheerios that have been licked.
* Have a date night with Drew at least once a month.
* Read more books.
* Get rid of clutter – recycle, donate, or sell as many things as possible.
Okay…I think that’s enough for one year. I’d love to see your plans for 2012, if you’re the type of person who writes up these things. Post a link or tell me your plans in the comments section if you have something to share!
Happy New Year! Thank you so much for reading my blog in 2011. Your comments and support mean a lot to me. xoxo