Technically, this is still the first week of the new year….so, technically, this post isn’t really late. AND, technically, I wrote it in my journal on New Year’s Day….so, technically, it’s definitely not late. Technically, I think my New Year’s resolution should be to not procrastinate ever. Or to not be busy. Ever.

It’s the beginning of a new year, a new decade even. It’s hard to imagine where I’ll be in 1 year, let alone 10. Ten years ago, I was in high school, wondering with hopefulness and mystery at what the future would hold. And here I am now, a college graduate, married, with a house, dog, and cat, working with teenagers, full-time job at a bank, and pursuing my dream of becoming a photographer. Oh, that last one is still a bit scary to put out there. I’m still plagued by the thought of failing, the overwhelmed feeling that I get when I feel like I’m not doing enough, or the right things.

But, what kind of dreams would they be if they didn’t scare me a bit? Thanks, Jasmine, for daring me to dream and to fail.

In looking ahead at my goals and dreams, I find it helps put things in perspective when I look back at the last year and all I’ve done. I looked back at my New Year’s post from last year and it was interesting to see what I wanted at the beginning of the year, where I had been the previous year, and where I’m at now. So, without further ado, here are my “3 things” (or maybe more): 3 things I’m proud of, 3 things I could have done better, and 3 goals for this year.

Things I’m Proud Of:

–Starting, and sticking with, a photo a day project. Learning loads and loads about exposure, focusing, lighting, camera shake, noise, using flash, editing, and much more through this project. One of the things I had written about last year was wishing I had had more meditated, planned photo outings. I definitely did this in 2010!

–Being asked to participate in my first art show, and selling 2 pieces! I learned a lot and had fun.

–Improving with every photo shoot. My last shoot of the year is the one I’m most proud of yet because of constantly learning and improving.

–2nd shooting my 1st wedding! Oh. my. goodness. I remember how incredibly nervous I was, then how critical of myself I was after my first round of culling/editing. In the end, I learned quite a few things and am proud of how I did.

–Writing honestly and well. I enjoy telling stories, both with words and photographs, and I was reminded of that this year. I’m proud of many of the posts I’ve written. (…see below…)

–Reading fiction again! Gotta love Mary Higgins Clark and her mystery novels. I remembered why I used to love riding my bike to the library in the summer and checking her books out.

–This isn’t something I did, but I am SO proud of Rich for recording and releasing a worship album (that he wrote) with his band Illuminate! It is so incredibly amazing to watch someone you love do something they love!

Things I Could Have Done Better:

–Written more often. I’m proud of the posts I did write, and I don’t feel quantity is more important than quality, but I know I’ve got more. More inspiration inside me, more creativity and thoughts waiting for my pen or my camera. My camera had lots of love this year, but my pen did not.

–Had a consistent, more organized schedule, filled with the things I need and want to do.

–Been more organized in general. Records, finances, time…I’m already working on that for this year with ListPlanIt.

Goals for 2011 (some of the details are remaining in my journal for now, and posted at home to remind me):

–2nd shoot lots more weddings

–Shoot portraits. Lots of them.

–Tell an amazing story of our trip to the Dominican Republic (July) through my photographs.

–Use ListPlanIt’s tools to get more organized! I’m sure I won’t be able to never procrastinate again, but so far I’ve been able to plan out dinners for a month as well as plan some blog posts out. Here’s to cutting back on procrastination.

–Learn manual flash

So, friends, what are your 3 things? It’s not too late to reflect on last year and the upcoming year! And just for tradition’s sake, here’s a picture of that adorable niece of mine!

*And, for those who were going to correct my mistake, it really is the beginning of a new decade this year, as there was no year zero. Each new decade or century or millennium year ends with a 1. *