2008- A Year in Review

Oh My Goodness!! It's Nearly the New Year!

With this year nearly over, I thought it fitting to kind of gloss over a year that has been full of incredible highs and unbelievable lows, surprising triumphs, and devastating loss. It's been a long year, and one that even though a lot of good has happened I can't say I'm sad to see it go.

I'm ready for a new number, a new time, and a fresh start.

When the year began it was a Groundhog's Day type situation, with each day much like the last. I got up, dropped the baby off with her daycare provider, and went to my desk job. I did it in robotic motion, just kind of showing up but not engaging. Mostly because all I really wanted was to go pick up Betty and get her home.

Fast forward to April. I lost my job. I really hate that term "lost"....it sounds as if I got up one day and just forgot how to drive to work. In reality, my "zeal" for the position (or lack there of) had become, by that time, quite apparent. I wasn't happy. I needed a change. I needed to be with my daughter. April was a huge turning point. I was improving on my photography skills and starting the small idea of perhaps turning it into a full time career.

I never thought that Type A Images would take off as fast as it did. I can't begin to tell you how fortunate I feel when I wake up knowing I get to do what I love every day. I have met some wonderful families and couples this year and it's been a complete pleasure to be a small part of their day, capturing moments and making memories.

2008 was a big turning point for me. I launched a new career and said goodbye to an old one I had known for 5 years. I spent a lot of time with my daughter, which made me happier than I could ever explain.

However, sadly, 2008 will probably always be overshadowed by the loss of my grandmother. It's a loss that has changed me, altered the way I look at life, and one that follows me every day. I was incredibly close to Grams Betty. We spent a lot of time together and her absence colors everything I do. I'm sure, over time, the grief will diminish but at this point it has painted a black cloud over an otherwise wonderful, change-filled year. I miss her every second of every day. I feel that with her death, the very last of my childhood went with her. It took a bit of the wonder and magic out of life.

So when I go to people's homes or to their events to capture things on film, I always hope that the memories I am building for them become great reminders of happy times. I am forever thankful that I took as many pictures of my grandmother that I did, even when she was at her sickest. To steal a line from one of my favorite movies, life moves pretty fast....if you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it. I love what I do...because I freeze bits of time and allow people to revisit them again and again. It's a great job, and I hope to expand on it and do more exciting events in 2009.

I hope everyone's New Year is filled with happiness and joy. I hope 2009 brings good things for all of my clients, past and future, as well as friends and loved ones. I am hopeful for a better year. I graduate this year (finally!!!!) and my daughter will turn 2 (scary!). And I plan on continuing to put my all into Type A Images. I don't normally make resolutions, but I do hope to concentrate on improving my craft, spending more quality time with my family, and making 2009 a great year.

Happy New Year!