Wednesday, December 31, 2008

goodbye 2008!


Day #312 (12.31.2008), originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man."
~Benjamin Franklin

new year's resolutions


sky concert 13 , originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

I know, I know...

It seems like everyone has the same kinds of resolutions. I have been known to do the same thing. This time I am really going to my best to set goals and turn those into realities.

So everyone, wish me luck!

New Year’s Resolutions 2009



1. Work out at the gym 3-5 times per week
(Todd and I have joined a new gym and had 8 sessions with personal trainers. My trainer, Lara, helped me to get stronger and lose 3% body fat. I want to keep the momentum going in the new year and keep seeing progress... I am really excited!)

2. Pay off credit cards again
(since Christmas is over, pay off those bills!)

3. Save money for Jamaica trip in 2010
Todd and I thought it would be a good idea to take another really good, all-inclusive vacation -the spot we spent our honeymoon- once again before children are a part of our future. I think it is a wonderful idea and now we're on a budget to make it happen! Jamaica here we come again!

4. Volunteer to help others
(I am a social worker at heart and other than photography, I find extreme joy in helping others. I really have a need to do more of that. I need to get involved.)

5. Start a blog about photography and life
(Wow. Already got started... that is exciting!!!)

6. Take lots of photos and do as much as I can get to get the “business” going.
(My dream job would to be a photographer. I need to get myself out there and start shooting! Anyone need an amateur photographer that is incredibly eager to learn???)

7. Eat more fruits and vegetables
(Sounds silly doesn't it? I am usually pretty good about making good food choices but I really struggle with eating enough fruits and veggies... I want to do better and tomorrow is a great day to start!)

8. Spend more time with my friends
(The last year has been busy and I love being a newlywed. I just need to learn to fit more time into my schedule with my friends. I miss spending time with them and I miss their smiles. I will have to do better in 2009.)

9. Clean my house!
(Okay... so our house is not horribly dirty or anything but we need to come up with some kind of plan to keep things in order around here... we have some organizing to do! I am the total planner and I need to write things down and check them off of my list. I need to make that list!)

10. Be nice and really appreciate what I have been blessed with.
(Sometimes in our everyday lives we can forget how truly blessed we are. I want to really make an effort to appreciate those around me and the many things that I am thankful for. I am a lucky girl and I need to remember that more often.)

It is still New Year's Eve so I'll update if there are any more that I can think of. Here's to a fabulous new year!!!

Here we go...


Day #311 (10.30.2008), originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

It is December 31, 2008 and it was one of my new year's resolutions to start a blog. Within the last couple of months I have felt such a strong passion and desire to pursue all things photography. I don't want anyone to think that I am not thankful for my job and all that comes along with that... however... I've always loved photography and would love to turn the dream of being a great photographer into a reality. That is my new year's resolution. I might be a few hours early in getting it started but what can I say... sometimes I can be an over-achiever!

So please wish me luck and check back often! I'd love to hear from you. I plan on blogging my photos and just documenting my life in general. I want to look back in a few years and remember all of the wonderful people and experiences that I have been blessed with.

Here goes nothing!!! Happy New Year to you and yours!