2011. The Year of Social Media.

Well I cannot believe this year is almost over. When I look back at when I started this year, I would have never in my wildest dreams imagined myself where I am today. Right now.

Last year I rung in the New Year with my man cooking Veal Cannelloni and drinking what else, but champagne! Those that know me know that I will use any excuse to drink champagne! 😉 And well… this year I will be ringing in the New Year as a single lady with what else, but champagne! Whoa. I put it out there. Heavy.

But ever since my big life changes started off with a bang, or rather, a break, I have seen opportunities open up before my eyes. But before I get too excited about 2012, let’s look back on 2011.

I have deemed 2011, “The Year of Social Media” and that indeed is what it is. 2011 marks a year of FIRSTS for me.

1. I started this blog as well as the Chico Locker blog (http://chicolockersausage.com): Let me tell you… Those of you on the fence about starting a blog, DO IT! I cannot express to how rewarding of a feeling it is to watch something of your own creation take off and flourish. It seriously makes me so happy to know that people actually READ my blogs, share them, and even discuss them with other people via social media! When I first started, it felt like I was talking to no one. Now when I write, people notice. And that feels good. So thank you to anyone and everyone who ever sat down to read what I had to say. I appreciate your support so much!

2. I joined Twitter: This is a decision that I can say, without a doubt, forever changed my life. People always look at me funny when I talk about someone I met via Twitter but unless you are living it, you don’t understand it. The people I have met on Twitter are by far some of the best people ever!! I have developed so many friendships with people who are always willing to pour out support for me, let me rant, encourage me, make me laugh. I wish so many of these people lived closer because I know without a doubt they would be the people I’d be spending my time with. It’s weird to consider someone you’ve never met in real life a best friend but many of the friendships I’ve established via Twitter, I consider those people to be closest friends to me. So to all my Twitter readers here… You are so near and dear to my heart, I love y’all!

3. I took on photography as a part time job: This was a huge step for me. Everyone always tells me, “oh you take such beautiful photos, you should do it for a living”. But to be completely honest with you, I didn’t want to ruin it for myself. Photography for me has always been a hobby, an outlet, a form of self expression. I feared so much that taking photographs in exchange for currency would take the hobby out of it for me. But I took the plunge and although my year in photography wasn’t by any means going to pay the bills, it was indeed a start into the whole world of it. And let me tell you, although I have a lot to learn, I loved every minute of it. And I am so proud of myself for going out on a limb. In the beginning, putting myself into that uncomfortable situation was a huge leap for me but I made it through it and took steps to strive towards being the best I possibly can. I haven’t figured out yet what is in store for my photographic journey, but I know that I am not putting my camera down any time soon and that I look forward to what’s to come through my lens in 2012.

4. Alright, here is the biggie, the one FIRST I’ve been avoiding… I ended my long term relationship and stepped out in the the world of “single” for the first time in a long time… I will spare the messy details and emotions but there is no denying it’s what happened in 2011. I’m not one to publish my very personal details on the internet but when I sat down to write this wrap up of 2011 I promised myself that I was going to lay it all down, put it all out there. So there it is. It happened and let me tell you, I made the decision for me and I feel completely confident in the decision I have made. And Mr. Who Shall Not Be Named, if you are reading this… I only wish the best for you! Find yourself, discover your dreams, strive towards them, and stand on your own two feet! When I started this, I said that never in my wildest dreams would I imagine I am where I am now.. This is what I am talking about. But let me tell you, I am happy and focusing my eyes towards what the future holds for me!

That said, onto 2012. So far 2012 has been shaping up to be an amazing year! Opportunities have been opening up to me left and right and it is beyond blowing my mind. Life has an amazing way of working itself out and bringing to you some amazing opportunities in ways I’d never thought possible. Some of them are crazy, scary, and exciting all at the same time! And I wouldn’t have it any other way! I have some big things in the works and I can’t wait to spill the beans with y’all.

Sending out my love to all of you who were there for me in 2011, throughout all my trials and tribulations. Lord knows if I can make it through everything I did in 2011, I can make it through ANYTHING! But none of it would have been possible without the support of my family, my friends, my twitter-verse… You all know who you are and tonight, I will be toasting to you and to my new life! I will be celebrating with my family at my Uncle’s barn party amongst my family and friends. Happy New Year Everyone! And here is to 2012 blowing 2011 out of the water!

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