35 before 35 update

Just in case you were wondering, I haven't forgotten about my 35 before 35 list. I revised it a little based on some changing goals (for example, I added things about my pet photography business and removed a lot of things about this blog), but it's still a good list!

So, without further rambling from me, here are my recent 35 before 35 accomplishments:

8. Redesign my pet photography website
Admittedly, this is still a work-in-progress, but I've got a new brand identity and an updated website. I used SquareSpace instead of Wordpress to design it, but overall, I'm pleased with the experience and how the site is shaping up. You can check it out here. I'm still working on updating the blog, though.

9. Lose that last 15 pounds
It's gone, people! Gone! But I've been getting more and more into boot camps and training, that I'm probably on my way to losing another 10 pounds, which is just fine with me!

32. Watch LOST from beginning to end again
One of the more frivolous goals on my list, but it's done! Man, I forgot how much I love that show. And since I crossed this one off early, I have enough time to watch it again before I turn 35!

I also added a few fitness goals, like run a Warrior Dash and do a Metro Dash. I'm already on my way to the Metro Dash since I start training for that this Saturday (that's 5 hours at the gym, kids, wish me luck!).

And it's not on the list, but I'm considering renaming and redesigning this blog. I have no idea what I'd rename it at this point, but I want a name that's less location specific and I just want an entirely new look (because really, I feel like this one is a little half-baked).

So there you have! A few goals accomplished and a ton more go! Have a great Thursday!

35 before 35: displaced no more

Photo by zzmartinj

I know I haven't talked much about my 35 before 35 list lately. I've been working on it, and to be honest, it needs a serious revamp as priorities have changed (mostly swapping out all things jewelry design for all things pet photography, and also removing anything related to this blog and its page views). I'll get around to that update soon, but first I am super ridiculously pleased to announce that I can now cross number 1 (yes number 1!) off my list. Yep, I'm moving out of PA!

Without getting too specific, an opportunity came up in Charlotte, NC for D (with promises of more opportunity in the future) and we just couldn't say no. So off to Charlotte we go!

I'm still looking for a job and hoping to land one very soon so we can get settled, and of course, I'm thrilled to be heading to a larger urban area again. And yes, I'm taking my pet photography business with me. Word on the street is that there are lots of pets in Charlotte. :-)


Photo by kanpai80


Photo by hardingphotos

35 before 35 No. 7: work for a company i believe in

Just to refresh your memory, I created 35 before 35 back in June as a way to challenge myself to meet some of my goals. And while I have been quite busy lately with work and grad school (and clearly not posting on my blog), I'm happy to cross the first of my goals off the list! That's right, I'm crossing off goal number 7, work for a company I believe in. The caveat? It's volunteer work, but hey, it's my list and I never said it had to be paid work, right? Right.

So anyway, said company is my local Humane League where I volunteer as a photographer (and website writer when/if I have time). And I couldn't be happier! I get to play with adorable dogs and take pictures of them to help them find forever homes! It's perfect. So perfect that I'm considering launching a side gig doing pet photography because taking pictures of them is so fun. Here are a few of the pictures I've taken of these precious puppies:

Nene (adopted!)



Duke


Melvin (adopted!)




Rockstar



To see the rest of the pictures I took, visit my Flickr page. Visit The Humane League of Lancaster County to see adoptable dogs, or like them on Facebook for the most up-to-date news and photos.

35 before 35

I'm ready for a challenge. Life has been sort of icky lately, with me getting laid off and some other unfortunate incidents happening concurrently. And honestly, the series of unfortunate events didn't stop after that- there were some petty hate issues (in real life, not just online) and then my beagle, Meadow, partially tore her ACL and has been on vet's orders to rest for a few weeks.

But you know what? I don't need to be shut down by those things. I'll admit, I did a good amount of moping about the job situation (mostly because of the circumstances surrounding it, not necessarily because of the loss of the job itself), and I also found myself extremely down after we came back from our trip to Los Angeles (I'm homesick for that place every single day).

But then I realized I needed to pick myself up off the floor, dust off dirt of depression, and start moving forward again. Opportunity doesn't always knock politely on our doors. Sometimes we have to chase it down and beat it into submission. And so, I created my 35 Before 35 Challenge.

This isn't a new concept. In fact, lots of people and bloggers do it, whether 30 before 30, 25 before 25, or something else. Two bloggers I love who inspired me to take on my own challenge are Brandi of Brandi Girl and Kate of Divergent Musings. Both of them are doing a 30 before 30 challenge. (Check out Brandi's challenge here and Kate's challenge here.)

Since I'm already past 30, the next big age for me is 35. I'll be 32 this August, so that gives me three years to get in gear and get my life moving. I think I'm ready to grab some opportunities. Whenever I hit a goal, I'll post about it here, so I hope you'll join me in my journey. And don't forget to check out my full 35 Before 35 list right here (I also added a link to the list in my top navigation).