12 by 2012 Update

Do you guys remember when I told you I was participating in the 12 by 2012 challenge?

Well, I updated the list today. Check out my progress HERE!

Hope you're having a fabulous Christmas week : )

Photography Inspiration

With the holiday colors, the beautiful decorations and lots of family activities, I have plenty of reasons and motivation to get the camera out and use it this season! Lately I have been trying to further develop my technique and expand my abilities, so I've been following tutorials and reading lots of websites. Once I pick up the camera I use many things as inspiration: my surrounding, colors I love, people (strangers and friends), and a lot of random items. Mostly I use what means the most to me. I loved taking pictures of the cotton field a few months ago. Why? I've always been a huge fan of history and cotton's a big part of the south and it's history, so it felt magical to me (corny, I know!). I've always known about cotton, but it was never RIGHT THERE for me to see...or touch...or photograph! I guess my imagination took over and I used that to motivate myself to take those photos. It may seem silly to some, but it worked for me!

If you remember, one of my 12 by 2012 goals was to complete one photo session with PEOPLE. Although I really enjoy taking photos of nature and stationary items, I definitely want to take more photos of people. There's so much to learn about capturing people and what better way to learn than to DO?

I'll admit that I'm definitely a little scared that once I try, I won't be able to capture those important, sweet moments that other photographers are able to capture. And I know it takes practice to get to that point, but I would feel goofy if I didn't think I was capturing at least SOME of that right from the beginning. Hopefully one day I'll get to know a professional photographer so that I can learn more from them and ask lots of questions! A girl can dream big, right?

Here are some photos that inspire me to get out there to take more photos and to practice.

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What's something you'd like to get better at? Do you practice a lot?

P.s. If you read through my recent posts, you'll see that I've been making Christmas wreaths lately. Because they're becoming popular with people I know, and I've been making a bunch, I thought I'd offer to make them for anyone who might be interested! If you are interested, check out my NEW etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ampars01

12 by 2012 : My Project of Goals

I really put some thought into this and I've come up with my 12 by 2012 list! As I said in my previous post about the 12 by 2012, I want to participate in Danni's "project of goals" and make a list of things to accomplish before we ring in the new year. I have a mix of serious and not so serious goals...I've gotta keep it realistic, right?! : )

Here they are (no order of importance)!

1. ETSY || I want to learn as much as I can about opening an Etsy shop. I need to do more research and get more insight in order to decide if I want to go for it in 2012!
Update: I now have an Etsy shop! Visit here!!

2. BUDGET || I budget. A lot. So, that isn't the hard part. The hard part is sticking to the budget. Normally I don't stray too far but the main goal is to budget for Christmas! I usually go overboard and I don't want that to be the case this year. I want to put some time into it and make out a realistic budget and STICK TO IT.

Update #1: I made the budget and I'm well on my way to following it! I'll update after the final gift is purchased

Update #2--I followed the budget and actually came in a little under what I thought I would! : )

3. GIVE || The holiday season is the easiest time to give to others, but what about the rest of the year? My goal is to research local organizations that I can volunteer with. I want to volunteer at least once before 2012 and build a habit that will continue through 2012!

Update #1: (My team at work is planning on a group volunteer event! Yay!)

Update #2: I volunteered with the Second Harvest food bank! I organized a group trip with my coworkers. We completed it last night and there are talks of making it a monthly thing for some of us. I had an awesome time! : )

4. GET HEALTHY || I have a long way to go with this. No, I'm not unhealthy, but I'm definitely not healthy by any means. I don't exercise enough and I eat way too many sweets. My goal is to establish an exercise pattern for myself and get started on it before Jan. 1!

Update #1: Well, I didn't start exercising (unless you count fruit ninja!) and I don't have a concrete workout plan, BUT I do live closer to the fitness center and plan on going. We shall see!

5. LATE FEES || I am terrible about returning most things. Which is why I don't borrow them :) I need to head to the library so I can pay those late fees off from the summer.

Update: PAID! : )

6. READ || Yes, this does depend on #5 so I really gotta get to it! I want to read at least 5 books by Christmas!

#1 Hunger Games

#2 Jackie as Editor

#3 Two Kisses for Maddy

#4 Little Bee

#5 11/22/63

Update #1: I have 4 of these 5 books in my possession!

Update #2: I have read 2 books so far! I'm waiting to see if I get the 2nd or 3rd Hunger Games books before I start reading the 1st one (per the advice of a good friend).

Update #3: I have still only read 2 book so far, but I have started on the 3rd one (#5).

7. PICTURES || With the exception of a few, most people in my life release a loud *sigh* when my camera comes out. Well, it's time for me to get past it and take some pictures of people! I want complete one photo session with PEOPLE by 2012!

Update #1: I still haven't done this, unless you count the group shot we took on Christmas day. I'll have to keep working on this one!

8. BLOGGER MEET UP || I envy those people out there that get to meet up with their blogger friends all the time, so it's time that I take the plunge!

Update #1: I'm signed up for the Nashville Blogger Blitz on December 28th!

Update #2: I made it to the meet up and met some sweet bloggers! So excited to have done it :)

9. LOAN || I want to make one extra loan payment before Christmas as a present to myself!

10. BANKING || I need to find a new local bank (that doesn't charge me for using a debit card).

UPDATE: Regions decided to refund all banking fees and get rid of the debit card fee. No need to change now! Yay!!

11. TABLE TUTORIAL || I have all of the info needed to put my handmade dining room table tutorial together, but I have been putting it off.

Update #1: I haven't done this yet, but I'm putting it on my list of things to do in 2012!

12. OPRYLAND || Of all the time I've spent in Nashville, I've never been to Opryland hotel. I hear that it's amazing inside, especially during the holidays. I think it's about time to go :)

Update: I went this past weekend! Yayyyy! I can't wait to post some pics for you : )

Alright, with a mere 66 days to go, I've gotta get a move on!

What would you put on your list??

Check back in later to see if I can make it through them all by 2012!

Updated on 11/1/2011

Updated on 11/21/2011

Updated on 12/21/2011

Final Update on 1/1/2012

12 by 2012 : A Project of Goals

I'm still covered up at work and busy in the evenings, so I thought I'd share with you my next project/post. I've decided to participate in Hello, Friend 's 12 by 2012: A Project of Goals!

 

Danni and I have a few things in common, including our need for lists and having a tendency to put things off...yes, I just admitted it (first step, right?)! So, she is aspiring to create a list that she can stick to and accomplish by 2012. I'm going to play along and take care of some much needed business before I ring in the new year :)

Go over and check out the project here. Would you be interested in joining? What are some things that you want to do before 2012 gets here (that's only 72 days)? Brainstorm with me and come back to see my list this weekend!