adieu 2009

2010 is just hours away.  But before I can welcome the New Year, here’s a quick rundown of 2009.

Favorite Technology
My iphone, hands down. I know there are Blackberry and Droid lovers out there, hey whatever works for you.  Personally, I’ve had a Blackberry, and my iphone blew it out of the water!

Favorite iPhone Apps

Flickr app (free) – I’m a flickr whore.  Yes, I use this app every day, even if it’s just to explore!

Amazon kindle (free) – I read on the go and anywhere I am, so this works perfect for me!

Cows Space (.99) – a strategy game of awesomeness. Awe, it use to be free. Oh well, it rocks!

Skee-Ball (.99) – I have a permanent index finger cramp playing this game.

DoodleJump (.99) – I know…yes, I said it.  It rocks.

Zippo Lighter (free) – I have used the crap out of this thing at concerts this year! LOL

Best Camera (2.99) – photo editing, love it.

Around me (free) –  very cool if you’re on the go.

CheckPlease (free) – my waiters love me. This app helps you calculate how much to leave for a tip and even rounds for you.

U-Verse TV (free) – I can control my DVR from  my iphone. Oh yes.

Pandora (free) – anywhere I go, at the touch of a button, I have music. Take that, walkman!

Favorite Website:
I have tons, but one of my favorites is definitely: http://www.regretsy.com/ I love that site!  It cracks me up!  I’m telling you, one day I’m going to find something to sell on etsy just so I can get on Regretsy and become famous.  I’ve been looking for Jesus’ silhouette in my Starbucks caramel apple cider whip cream every morning.  It’s gonna happen people!

Favorite Music:

Earlier this year I was youtubing and I came across Mike on youtube.  Mike is from Austin and he does covers for like Tom Waits, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Whiskey Town, Wilco, etc.  So I sent him an email via youtube saying pretty much, “You fione, hollaaa.” LOL, okay maybe it didnt say that, but something like that.  The rest is history now and we’re buds.  He has the most amazing voice. I am in love with his voice.  Christmas came along and I got a CD of my own in the mail filled with greatness.  He had some personal songs (he’s a song writer too, haawwtt), and ofcourse, recordings of covers he does of his favorite bands.  Unfortunately,  my dumb butt left the CD at my grandma’s when I visited during Christmas. boo.  Apparently, I really misplaced it, b/c no one can find it. I wanted to add his youtube link on here, but he made it private b/c he’s working on a website.  I’ll be sure to link him later.  As far as 2009 goes, he’s definitely my favorite. I always have a YT video of his playing in the background.  I am deeply in love with his voice and he has really good guitar skills as well.  Guys who play giiitarss are hawwt!  Mike, thanks for the cd, you are my favorite evvvaaah!

Apparently, the most played song this year on my iTunes was Knock You Down by Keri Hilson, eh…what can i say, I was going through a phase earlier this year. “What we gonna have?  Dessert or disaster?”

The other song that tied was Madcon’s Beggin.

New music that I heard in 2009 that i recommend:  A Camp, Phoenix, Jack with one Eye,  Alo, Gotan Project, and Vitamin String Quartet.

Favorite CD: Jack Johnson’s En Concert.  I love him. Anyone want to go head to Hawaii to watch him at a concert with me. We can dig our toes in the sand!!!

Favorite Books:
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehance – Complete page turner.  I can’t wait for the movie!!

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman – Trust me, you think you know…but maybe you don’t even know your own love language.

Chasing Daylight by Eugene O’Keily – O’Kelly was the former CEO of KPMG, one of the largest accounting firms in the world.  As with most CEOs, his life was very busy. Over the course of a decade, he had managed to have a weekday lunch with his wife just twice. His calendar was booked 18 months in advance. He routinely worked 12-15 hour days. Most of his waking moments were spent thinking about the future.

However, all of that came to screeching halt when suddenly, at age 53, he was diagnosed with late-stage brain cancer. His doctors soberly told him he had maybe three months to live. He quickly came to the conclusion that recovery was impossible. A miracle was unlikely.

Over the next 90 days, he determined that he would die well. In true CEO-fashion, he created goals for himself. He made a list of important relationships he wanted to “unwind.” By this he meant that he wanted to bring closure to those relationships and communicate how much each person had meant to him. He also learned to meditate. And, most importantly, he tried to create as many “perfect moments” as he could.

According to O’Kelly, a perfect moment is an experience with others when time stands still. It is a time full of the present, when the past is left behind and the future is set aside. It is a special time of focused attention and heightened awareness. Interruptions and distractions are consciously excluded. Cell phones are off. Hearts are wide open. All that matters is this moment—the people I am with and the conversation we are having now.  I wept when I finished reading it. I highly recommend it.

Favorite Quotes:
What the Face?!

See….that’s why nobody likes you!

And i tend to use the “best evvvvah” quite often as well!

Favorite Tshirts:

My zombi(tch)es tshirt I created for halloween!

My, you had me at bacon tshirt!

I listen to bands that don’t even exist yet! tshirt!!

What did I do in 2009 that I didn’t do the year before:
Start my business and in the process of getting my DBA come first 2010.  *slept with a hanger in my mouth smile!*

What did I learn in 2009:
How to forgive. Yep, sure did! And you know what? It feels great!

That you don’t usually get what you deserve, but you do get what you earn.

Favorite moment
Meeting Remy. I use to be so scared of dogs until Remy came into my life. I mean look at this little tiny doggie:

He’s not tiny anymore!! This was taken today!

Favorite Restaurants
The Grape - Has the  number one burger in Dallas!

Kenny’s Woodfire Grill - the chef is so nice!

Kona Grill – Mmm, sushi!

Favorite TV Shows –
Due to my schedule as of late, my DVR is full of TV goodness I just haven’t had the chance to watch.  But there are 4 shows I’m all caught up on that I will wake up early or stay up really late to watch.

Mad Men – If Mad Men was an actual person, I’d ask him to marry me. That’s how in love I am with this show. (Joel, you better be ready for 2010 and our 50 page emails analyzing this show to death!)

Dexter – That last finale, hijole…that was some seriously good writing.  There are billions of writers out there, but very few had made me stop dead in my popcorn eating tracks.  VERY FEW.  Trust me; I watch a lot of TV and a lot of movies.  If I have a popcorn eating rhythm going, there’s like a .01 chance in stopping me, they did it this season.  And yes, I cried damn it, I cried a lot!

Barefoot Contessa – I love her. She’s my favorite chef. Her recipes are so easy.  And she MEASURES! that’s such a plus!!!

And lastly…wait for it…ahaha.  How I Met Your Mother.  Can i just say, I can’t get use to my dad saying, “Wait for iiiittt..”.  It’s still kind of weird. LOL

Favorite Movies –

500 days of Summer – sometimes you “need” a movie.  I “needed” this movie. Perfect timing.

Avatar – go see it now (in 3D!)

Star Trek – Greatness!

Favorite People

I am very blessed to be surrounded by the most amazing network of family and friends.  I love every one of you and I hope you know that if you weren’t listed it’s due to time constraints and because honestly, this entry would be a book.  Here are just some of the people that have helped me tremendously this year and I wanted to thank.

Vanessa is my favorite sister in the whole wide world. You know why she rocks? Let me tell you a quick story. So this one day I’m at work and I sneezed 5 times in a row…in the last sneeze I farted.  I was shocked. I had to quickly pinch myself to make sure i was alive.  Dont get grossed out, it wasn’t some kind of beer belly, gut wrenching fart, it was just a little tiny squeak of a thing. It had never happened to me before, the sneezing and farting at the exact same time.  I swore i was dead.  I quickly called my sister and she didnt get grossed out, no…she was totally Vanessa, “NO FREAAAKIN’ WAY! Can you do that?  Can you? I mean, u didnt bust into a million little tiny atoms and disappear into a black hole?” See! Not many people would respond that way. She’s totally there for me.

Vanessa, i love you. I have learned so much in working with you this year. I hope you know that I appreciate all the love and support  you have given me.

Imeldita – I know it has been a very long and hard year for you.  But you know what girl, we have known each other for so long and we have seen the worst and the best and we have stuck it through.  Your faith, hope and joy is amazing. I have the best times hanging out with you.  Even if it’s just a quick email, i know you will always be there to make me laugh or to listen when laughing is not what I need.  I’ve said this often, and I truly mean it, you are one of my soulmates.  There is nothing in this world you wouldnt do for me and knowing you love that much is truly a blessing. Otro año y aqui estamos chica. Todavia amigas…cuenta por algo, no crees?

Frank do you remember when we took this picture? It was when you were in town last year, January 3rd I believe.  You and Gema gave me a tiny little business card holder for Christmas.  I still have that and I have filled it many, many times…you guys are so awesome for always believing in me.  And seriously, you have no idea how  much you crack me up!!  Our daily chats of nothingness filled with ensued laughter is just what everybody needs on a daily basis!! Here’s to 2010 and many more awesome belly laugh moments to come!

Siiiillllviiiaaaaaaa! I love you dude. Thank you for being my number one fan always.  I know we both have been stuck in the same boat so many times and it’s so good to know you are there to listen to me and agree and then think, “What the hell do we do from here?” And does it truly matter?  I mean, we always work it out, haven’t u noticed that about our lives. We question…but we work it out!  You have taught me so much and you make me just laugh and feel so awesome about life, I’m going to miss you when you move, but I’ve decided that one of my new years resolutions is to bug you though IM 5-7 times a week. can’t wait!

Benny – Oh Benny…the midnight texts, I know you look forward to them. Hehehe. You know what stands out more in my mind than anything else, your ability to always want to help me out.  Whether in the photo lab or helping me earlier this year to get a job, that means a lot.  You are a true Mad Men my friend (ask Joel, that’s like the ultimate compliment!)  A gentleman indeed.  Thanks for being patient, for spending time at OUR coffee shop and teaching me a bit about accounting.  Thanks for understanding that even though any Joe Shmoe can go up and get a DBA, for me it’s mental, and it means so much more than that.  I wish you the best in this coming year.  And oh yeah, i still owe you 30 bucks for the other night.

Joey…ah Joey.  I am so extremely happy we are friends once more.

“Do you remember when we first met
I sure do
It was some time
In early September…”

You have no idea how much you have taught me this year.  Thank you for forgiving me and being my friend again.  There are people in this world that talk a lot of talk. You, my friend, walk the walk.  You lead by example and you have been there for me so many awesome mornings for our “Burritos for Breakfast” get togethers.  I swear, when you make it big in the music industry, i better be on that list of acknowledgments for the “Little People.”  Much love!

Hispanic Pundit I know some people think you’re an asshole (LMAO, did you laugh when you read that?  Don’t lie, you did, you did!).  Earlier this year, one particular day I got online and you asked me how I was doing.  That day you said something to me that I will never forget.  I have that chat saved on my computer and as much as I want to post it here for the entire world to read, it’s something that’s between friends.  You’re my Spock, I’ve told you once and I’ll tell you again.  You ground me to reality when I’m up in some kind of La-La Land that makes no logical sense.  Even though I’ll be the first to admit that it’s nice to dream and wonder, it’s probably best to do things in real life with both feet planted on the ground with a sound mind.  You have been there for me for many years and I’m glad we’re friends because I’m sure you’ll be there for many more years to come.  Thank you for sometimes being brutally honest and for all the support you’ve given me into seeing that I hit certain goals in my life.  You’re the best ESL student evvvah!

ROOOMMMAAN! Dude, why did it takes us so long to find each other again. I mean we’re practically touching elbows through social media.  I will never forget the day Vanessa found you on FB. I think we hung out that same day, didn’t we?  It’s been a long time and I’m so glad we’re friends and buddies and geeky together.  Love you Roman!! 2010…it’s almost here…you ready? You’re gonna rock this, man!

Joel, I personally believe that the best thing I ever did this year was convincing you to take photography as your elective.  Dude, I can’t wait until you move to Dallas and go to SMU.  Don’t forget your number one job when you start going to SMU!   I cant wait until we’re part of Obama’s analytical speech advisory panel.  LOL  Thanks so much for the photog talk.  For the advice. For helping me dot my i’s and cross my t’s.  Btw, if you move by January 2010, I can get you in that photography class I’m taking in a week.  Whadddya say? Beers on me!

Ron you are my favorite Mac Geek.  Thank you for being so geeky that it helps me out and you’re there willing to answer any of my questions when they come up randomly.  It was so awesome getting to know you this year and I love it when you get all excited with me talking about my photog business.  Hopefully you’ll be saying, “I knew her when…” in a couple of years.  Wishing you the best 2010 has to offer to you and your family!

To all the photogs, designers, creatives who have contacted me and have shot with me this year, it was awesome meeting you and getting to know you!  The ones that have helped with inquisitions and the ones that email me to ask me for help or an opinion. ..all of that means so much to me.  Even the bank where I bank at this year deserves kudos.  I don’t know where you bank, but my bank has helped out tons when it comes to setting up my business.  Always there, customer service is number one!  It has truly been an amazing year and I love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Looking at 2010

Last year at this time of year I wasn’t looking forward to the New Year.  I think it’s natural to tend to be sour on things when negative things start happening back to back.  That may be partly the reason as to why things actually went pretty good for me in 2009.  I had no expectations so when good things started to happen, it was a pleasant surprise that I truly believe I needed.  Little by little I started to realize, I wasn’t born to live a sad, unhappy life.  It’s okay to cry, but it’s not okay to give up, especially on myself.  It’s easy to dwell on the small things and remember the bad moments.  Maybe we shouldn’t do what’s easy.  I have failed at a million things in my life, and apparently failing doesn’t kill you.  I’m proof of that, my 4’11” self is still standing strong and tall.

I was born to laugh, I was born to create, I was born to learn and I was born to inspire.  For 2010, I hope to fill it with all those things as much as possible.  But I’m not going to expect anything, life is sometimes more fun that way.  One thing I’ll be asking myself daily (thanks for the gift Joey) is:

I want to live in the present moments and try to live as many unforgettable moments as I can.

I have other goals.  Photography wise, I’m stoked about some coming up 1-day classes I’ll be taking at a local studio.  Learn lighting, night time shooting.  Stoked!  I definitely will be investing in new equipment…stoked!!  Some of my goals are long term that will start to peak its head out come 2010.  I’m looking forward to taking certain trips and seeing some friends I haven’t in awhile.  But there’s nothing set in stone, just take it one day as it comes.

In 2010, go give the best of you that you have to give to the people you love the most!  Don’t take any one of them for granted. La vida es corta, disfruta de ella.

“May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”  Psalm 20:4

Happy New Year my dear blogger readers, I hope to see you next year!