Oh, January // a personal blog

January is always a very emotional month for me. Lots of ups and downs. It is very hard for me to get motivated and often I have been known to not even get out of my pjs - or even bed for that matter - for a few days (or weeks. . .who's counting though) in a row..
In 2010 on January, 30th, I got to marry my best friend in the world. Kyle was truly the "peanut butter to my jelly" + I'm really not kidding when I say soul mate. We had that strange love story that every girl wishes for - but better.

Thanksgiving 2006

Winter 2010

January 30, 2011

I was in heaven from that day, until June 26th, 2011 when he was killed. Now, January seems to be a reminder of everything I had dreamed, + that we had dreamed of together, but never got to see come alive. So basically it is very easy for me to succumb to just not wanting to accomplish a thing.
I've done a lot of thinking + have talked to God a lot, and decided that I needed monthly goals + a resolution list for 2014, I need to follow my heart more, and I need something to help push//force//help me out of this funk. And January, you're up.

January goals:

Re-think and "soul search" for exactly where I want Callie Ann Photography to be, and what it's about for 2014.
Begin branding research for Callie Ann Photography
Update website + include an investment / FAQ page
Organize life a little more by de-cluttering the medicine cabinet + bathroom
Finish re-tiling the kitchen
Make the bed every day

New Years resolution:

Make a personal post on the blog + include monthly goals for each month (I know, I'm doing great so far!). I want to have a more personal connection with my clients. To me, photography is very, very personal. It captures more than the way things look - and so, it just seems fair that you get more into my life as well.
Attend a workshop.
Network with other photographers with the same passion.
Simplify life - it's not required to be chaotic or stressful.
Have my own pictures taken.
Go on a relaxing, unplugged vacation- but bring the camera of course.
Home renovations: 1 at a time + complete before starting new ones. I hate how my house is always in shambles!
Continue receiving good grades while enrolled full time in college.
Have more home cooked meals at home (Cracker Barrel was amazing to me in 2013).
Trust my heart more.

I'm a girl who needs her lists and a agenda. I'm thinking 2014 should be a good, productive - not toooo stressful - year.
I have also been thinking of doing a contest at the end of this month -  with winning a one hour session for a couple. I desperately wish I had professional pictures done of Kyle and I while we were married. What do you guys think?