For those of you that don’t read my message board on my website, here is my Top Ten List for 2008 and what I’m most looking forward to in 2009…

Top Ten List for 2008…

1.  Finding my soul mate in a friend.  Sometimes that someone could have been there all along and neither of you realized it.  As they say, “it’s all in the timing.”  I know that some of you don’t like to hear it, but I’m open and honest and it’s a very important part of my life.  My entire being has never been better and I’d have to say that it was the most important part of my 2008.

2.  Re-launching the members area of the site.  It was long overdue and took half the year from start to finish, but it was definitely worth it!  I’m sure that you’ll agree with me that it was a change for the better.  It’s nice to have a smoothly running website that encompasses everything that I hoped it would.

3.  Finally partially figuring out what is ailing my dog.  Guess it really pays to go to a specialist…in this case an animal dermatologist.  He’s not 100% better but he’s doing so much better than he ever has.  When my dog is happy, I’m happy.

4.  Starting up snowboarding again!  I hadn’t gone since high school and was missing it.  So I started up again in January…got new gear and had a blast.  Can’t wait to go later this month…I’ve got the itch!

5.  Finding software that makes my life so much easier by saving me time.  There are a few programs that I discovered this year that really makes my life easier and helps me to work more efficiently.  All are in regards to running my site and working with my content, but I would have to say that I probably found 6 or 7 new programs that I use on a regular basis and I can’t imagine working without them!

6.  Moving to Northern California.  This was a huge move for me after living practically my entire life in LA.  But I’m happier than ever and am enjoying the slower pace of live and the peace and quiet.  LA can get to you after a while and since I’m down there so much for work still, I don’t really miss it.

7.  Finally finding a place I can call home.  I’ve moved around a lot in my life…20 times exactly.  11 of which occurred during my adult life.  Obviously you move around during college…just happens when you’re almost living in a new place every year.  But since getting out of college I just haven’t been able to stay put in one place for at least two years…it just never feels like home and I get restless and pick up and move.  But I can truly say that I’ve found home.  Don’t think I’ll be moving again for a VERY long time.  And I have a great house to live in right now so, once again, I couldn’t be happier!

8.  Going to Amsterdam and Munich.  I had never been to Amsterdam and had a great time there.  Europe is always fun and exciting.  And I hadn’t been to Munich either…I’ve been practically all over the rest of Germany but since I don’t have family in Bavaria there was never a reason to go.  I went to Oktoberfest a few nights while there and had a blast drinking and eating.  Can’t wait to go back this year!

9.  Making the final payment on one of my cars!  Always feels good to pay something off and not have to spend that money every month anymore!

10.  Going to Cabo for the first time.  I’d never been to any of the nicer parts of Mexico…the farthest south was Rosarito.  I had a great time and now understand why everyone that goes wants a vacation home there.

What I’m most looking forward to in 2009…

1.  Going to Hawaii for the first time in my life!  Less than two months to go…I can’t wait!  Don’t worry…you’ll all be there in spirit!

2.  Continuing to move forward with my site.  I still want to add a few features but right now it’s one thing at a time.  I’m going to try to shoot a lot more content this year to get ahead on things even more and I’m also stepping it up on the marketing front.

3.  Getting fit again…but more fit than I’ve ever been.  I’m making a conscious effort to really take my health seriously and get back into shape.  I know I’m not overweight, but I want to strengthen and tone my body and hopefully start taking Yoga again.  I just find it really important to take care of one’s body and I think I lost that for a while.  For the past year I’ve been doing really well with my eating but wasn’t going to the gym or taking Yoga and I decided it was time to get back into it.  I want to be more active.

4.  Obama taking office and the hope of improvement in our economy.  There’s so much going on with our country today and I’m anxious to see what’s in store for the US in 2009.  I’m looking forward to it…but to what that is, I’m not sure yet.

5.  Confessions of a Shopaholic…the movie I’ve been waiting for.  I’m a fan of the book series (weird, I know…because I don’t even like to read much and the characters are so unlike me, but it’s my guilty pleasure) and I’ve been excited to see the film.  Comes out next month and you can believe me when I say that I’m dragging my boyfriend to it!  Hahah!

6.  I’m hoping to go to Paris and London for work this year.  I’ve never been to either country and would love to visit them as well as work for a few photographers over there.  Aria is headed that way and I’m hoping to go with her…we’ll see if it can all work out.

7.  The second season of True Blood.  I got hooked on the show and can’t wait for summer to get here so I can commence viewing pleasure.  And as always, I can’t wait for CSI to start up again.

8.  Our backyard to be finished.  Hopefully by the end of the summer the pool and backyard will be finished and I’ll have a nice quiet outdoor area to relax in.

9.  Learning new things.  I’m constantly learning and wish to continue to do so.  This year I’d love to learn not only educationally but physically…maybe learn a new sport or two.  Just become a better, more rounded person.

10.  For once I want to go somewhere on vacation that is only VACATION…no work involved at all.  I haven’t done that in 3 1/2 years and I think this year will be the year that it finally happens again.  Cross your fingers for me!

xo
j