I can’t believe it’s already 2013, a brand-spankin-new-year! But, I’m excited, as always, for the possibilities that a new year and clean slate provide. Both for my business, and personal life. It’s such fun to have 12 unused months ahead, with so much potential for accomplishment and joy. But, as I’ve realized that I do MUCH better with monthly goals than I’ve ever done with year-long goals, instead of listing everything I want to accomplish in 2013, I’m going to continue to post them a month at a time. I’m making note of a few things in a notebook that I want to aim for over the whole year, but the process of actually completing them will come month by month. So, without further ado, let’s take a look back at December, and what lies ahead for January!

December was full of a lot of mixed emotions for me, this year. My Grandma passed away, which was so hard. But I got to see cousins and family that I rarely get time with, which was wonderful. I had hard drive issues and lost a bunch of photos that took hours and hours to recover, which was stressful. But I got to be in Indiana with my family for the first Christmas since being married, which was fabulous. And then Aaron had breathing issues and we ended up in the emergency room and ultimately an overnight hospital visit, which was scary and strange. But he’s all right, which is an answer to prayer. I also got to see lots of friends that I haven’t seen in a while, had tons of fun playing games with family, and finally got the KitchenAid Stand Mixer that I’ve been wanting since our wedding! So, like I said, it was a whirlwind month. But, I’m so grateful for an overall amazing 2012!

PERSONAL

– Send out Christmas cards
– Finish DIY Christmas gift
– Send gifts to Florida for Aaron’s family
– Make at least one batch of Christmas cookies (I made chocolate cake batter cookies with peppermint on top!)
– Photobooth for Community Group Christmas party
– Watch White Christmas, the original Miracle on 34th St, and While You Were Sleeping before the month is over! (So SAD that I didn’t watch these others before Christmas was over. They’re favorites.)
– Read at least 3 chapters in Wuthering Heights 

BUSINESS

– Finish editing 2012 weddings (Sooo close….)
– Submit at least 2 shoots for publication (I submitted one…)
– Design at least 2 more client albums
– Write out blogging schedule for Jan
– Brainstorm/write out 2013 business goals/dreams
– Send out gifts
– Watch The Big Next with Justin & Mary on Showit Live

Not a bad month! I still have the editing and albums to get caught up on, but I WILL in January. And one of my overall 2013 goals is to get more consistent with submitting weddings to be published. So, here’s what I’m hoping to get done this month, in spite of being gone for a week to join Aaron for a work event.

PERSONAL

– Begin working out again, at least 2 days a week
– Drink at least 3 glasses of water a day
– Take down Christmas decorations
– Read 3 more chapters in Wuthering Heights
– Have coffee with one new friend
– Skype with one far away friend
– Sort through clothes
– Actually take things to get rid of to Goodwill
– Finish Season 3 of Downton Abbey!
– Enjoy a week with Aaron at TeenPact event

BUSINESS

– FINISH editing all 2012 shoots
– Design 2-3 Albums
– Order new iMac
– Begin working on Welcome Packet
– Total mileage for 2012
– Submit 3 weddings
– Create monthly task list/”duty day”
– Photos at TeenPact event

What are YOU aiming for this month/year? Do you prefer monthly/quarterly goals, to year-long ones, or vice versa?

Here’s to a new month, in a new year, and new opportunities to get things done! I hope you are all having a fabulous New Year’s Day and that January kicks off to a great start! :)