Dream On, Dreamer

I've got an optimistic outlook for 2010 and I'm ready for a fresh start. It's kind of cheesy and cliche to think of a new year as a new beginning, but that's exactly what I'm doing because I feel it's exactly what I need. In reality, "a fresh start" could happen any day of year that constitutes significance. But the timing just happened to work out that I'm starting over on this day January 1st, 2010.

I made a few New Years Resolutions last year ( Found Here) and completed about 1.5 of them. haha. Resolutions have just never really been my thing. Or maybe it's the fact that I've been lacking in the motivation/drive department. I plan on re-attempting all the resolutions I made last year along with a few more personal ones.

2009 definitely had some ups and downs for me. But I learned some life lessons along the way. I met some great new people and have realized who my true friends are. I've concluded that I should only be spending my time around those who make me happy and encourage/support me. And that's exactly what I'll be doing in 2010.

Here are some of those people (in no specific order):

Spenser DeWees: My true best friend. I may not see you or talk to you as often as we'd both like but I know you will always always be there for me. I can't even begin to explain how thankful I am for that. You've always been the best shoulder to cry on (literally or figuratively). You have an endearing way of telling me like it is without hurting my feelings, no matter how brutal the truth may be. You know I have issues when it comes to keeping long-lasting friendships, but I'm so grateful that you've been one to stick around. You're my big "little" brother, best friend, and advice giver. I love and cherish you so much.

Jessica Wilde: I'm soooooooo thankful to have met you this year and grown so close so quickly. We are so much alike that it's almost frightening. I love how silly we are and how we end up in our own little world together. Nothing would be the same without you. Thank you for all the laughs, conversations, and memories. I can't wait for all the memories we have to come, and I look forward to getting to know you so much better.

Liz Pena: I don't know how I would have survived this year without you. You've been there by my side for every up and down. You're the most caring, genuine person I know. Words can't even begin to describe the gratitude I have towards you for never getting sick of my venting (or at least not showing it. haha) and always listening when I need someone to talk to. I love that we can be around eachother all day at work, hang out on days off or after work, and yet I still can't get enough. Thank you for being you.

Kim VanBeveren: Never a dull moment with you! I always have so much fun when you're around and you bring out an even sillier side of me. I'm so happy that we can relate to eachother so much when it comes to our experiences, I think it's brought us much closer. You've been a big part of the memories I have of this year and that makes me happy!

Bryan Goni: Ohhhh Bryan. If I would have never met you my life would be sooo much different now. You've introduced me to so many people that have turned into great friendships (yourself included of course). Even though we have a love/hate relationship (you love to love me, and I love to hate you. haha!) we always remain close. We have our little "fights" and then move on like nothing happened. I cherish our friendship because it's so different than a lot of others. You're definitely one of a kind. Thanks for always being protective over me, even when I hate it. I know you always mean well.

Spencer Pyatt: You're one of the kindest, biggest hearted people I know. Thank you so much for always caring about me. I think of you as a little brother and I'm so glad you're comfortable coming to me for advice and talking to me about personal things. You're the best.

Karina Lopez: My partner in crime! I love looking back at all the laughs and memories we share. And our conversations... the best ever! I adore your sense of humor and constant optimism. You're never one to complain or dwell on negative things and that's been such an influence on me. Thank you... for everything.

Andrea Gudiel: My little Andrea. Oh how I adore you. Thanks for always listening to me when it comes to things I can't really talk about with others. You're always so understanding and non-judgemental. I think of you as the little sister I've always wanted. And with that said, please know that means I'll ALWAYS be here for you.

Eddie Tolentino: Mama Eddie! We've gotten a lot closer this past year and things definitely wouldn't have been the same without you! You're so smart and good hearted. Your amazing attitude always makes me happy to be around you and gives me a better outlook on things. Can't wait for more memories to come!

Sarah Long: I miss you SO much. We don't speak nearly enough, but I know you're always there for me. And I hope you know I'll always be there for you as well! I need to plan a trip up to Reno so we can create some good times, and great memories. I love you!

Megan Yurovchak: It's so funny to think back to when we first met and how we didn't speak at all. Now, 6 years later we're great friends and still co-workers. I look up to you so much and am so proud of everything you have going for you in your life. Even though we're in different phases of life, I know we'll always be good friends.

Kira Larson: We were close, drifted, and got close again. I'm so thankful to have you in my life. You're like a "little sister", but I look up to you at the same time. Even though you're younger than I am, you're always understanding and can relate to things I'm going through. Thanks for being there, and thanks for being you.

Mike Sanchez: You're the most down to earth person I know. I've never ever heard you say a bad thing about anyone. And definitely never heard a negative thing said about you. Thank you for being so neutral and not taking sides when it would have been very easy for you to do so. I love when you make me laugh and smile, but I also have a soft spot for our serious one on one convos. Thank you for all your kind words and gestures.

There's so many more friends that have added to my year to make it more memorable, so please don't be offended if I haven't mentioned you. These are just the key people that stick out in my mind. I've been wanting to write something like this for a while, but never really got around to it. This feels fitting now though.
I just want everyone in my life to know how thankful I am to have them in it. Life is too short to not say how you feel. I love you all, here's to 2010 and making a million more memories together!

So I finally made a website for my photography... and even though it's at the beginning phases and it's not much to look at right now, I'm really excited about it.
A lot of my friends and family have always asked why I don't do something with my love of photography and I never really have a good answer. I guess I'm just afraid of not doing well. But I decided I need to practice more to get better, and I figure a good way to start is by shooting people I know. At least I'll be more comfortable that way.
Then maybe eventually it can turn into a more thriving business. My plan is to always have it be something I do on the side, a hobby to have, and a way to make a little extra cash which is nice. And who knows, maybe one day I can become successful enough to have it be my full time gig! =)

Check it out when you have a chance. Like I said, not much... but I plan on adding to it and making it more appealing once I figure it all out.

http://www.AimtotheEphotography.com