Well, I must admit, 2010 is over and I couldn’t be more ready for 2011! Last year was a challenging year for me and my family for many reasons. Today, on January 1st, 2011, I’m filled with a new energy and spirit and look forward to all life has to offer. As always, I tend to make my new year “resolutions”… some will be easier than others, no doubt, but one of them is to kick start this neglected blog into HIGH gear! I have lots of new ideas for the new year and I’m excited to share them with everyone in the coming weeks and months.
I decided to share a mini 2010 recap…
The year started with a BIG move from Florida to Texas. This was a big mix of emotions. I grew up a “military brat” and lived all over the South, however, I really considered Tampa “home” after 7 years.
We’re finally feeling more “settled” into our new little Texas town and will actually be moving to a new house about 5 minutes away in the next week or so! I’m excited for the new place, but I am dreading the boxing and I must confess that I’ve recently been approached about being the next star of “Hoarders”! haha! I kid! I kid! (tho, don’t ask any of my friends who helped me box up the first time and and questioned if they were supposed to bag my “decoration beach sand”…. um, YEA?? duh! I brought it back from Anguilla and Tobago! haha!)
On a serious note… While I know I am extremely blessed that I have grown up having all four of my grandparents my entire life, two passed away this year. My maternal grandpa Baker died in May. A World War II and Korea military veteran, he was such a sweet, sensitive & caring man.
Then in September, my beautiful little Grandma Savage passed away as well. She was a firecracker military wife who raised five kiddos including my dad.
They are missed by so many….
Onto another “mixed” event… I finally had neck surgery in September to repair a ruptured disk which had collapsed and was pinching a nerve to my right arm/hand. I was in a hard neck collar for several weeks and unable to drive or work at the computer. Those of you who know me, know I don’t sit STILL very well, so it was a LONG 6 weeks! I tried to take it in stride and took on the “Savage Stormtrooper” attitude!
I’m on the mend these days, but I am the new “bionic woman” with a titanium plate and screws in my neck. Amazing what science can do these days!
On the subject of science and technology… on the flip side, I’ve been having quite the war with computers, servers and iPhones! I went through 3 iPhones this year between cracking one, dropping one in my cup of Sprite and then finally a waiter spilled a HUGE glass of Diet Coke on me and my phone (luckily it was time for the iPhone 4 upgrade on that disaster!)
In addition, I’ve been fighting with “spam” and servers and computers all year it seems. It was almost a blessing in disguise when my computer just finally decided to DIE last month and force me to start from scratch. Although it’s a pain to reinstall everything and serial numbers, it’s sort of refreshing to have it all “clean” again.
On a side note… I always have my files backed up on external drives, however, I’m also now using a new company for online backup called Carbonite. It’s only about $55 a year and will back up your computer including your pictures! I know I have lots of clients who don’t back up their snapshots or print them, so be sure you have some form of backup!
In summary… I’m really looking forward to 2011! I’ve got lots of new ideas and plans that I am excited about so stay tuned!!
Last night while driving, I pulled over to take this picture. This was the last sunset of 2010 and it was breathtaking. I went to sleep last night feeling blessed and excited for all 2011 has to offer. I wish you all a wonderful and amazing year!
Be sure to check back to see the latest updates. I’ll be posting some of my past sessions that I loved but never got the chance to post, some upcoming specials, new products, new speaking dates all around the country, specific Tampa dates for 2011 and more! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
First off… HUGE apologies for not getting this posted yesterday… I am in the middle of a HUGE move to my new “digs” and it took longer than I anticipated. At any rate, as a “redemption”, everyone who has entered will receive a $25 gift certificate towards a future session, regardless of the final winner! 
