Beej:
Facebook brought up my ‘year in review’ this morning and as I flicked through the pictures and moments it had chosen, I realised there was so much more to my year than the story that facebook told. If you’d seen the first draft of this post you would have read what I thought were the highlights….and been reading for days…so instead here is the ultra condensed and less witty and whimsical version: resigned from one job, got two more, birthday in Melbourne with best friend, A grade netball + U/21 association representative, D Grade netball coach with unbelievable feedback from (most) parents, delayed honeymoon to dream location- Europe, parasailed, weekend trips, completed Agribusiness Management Diploma, deck out the back and verandah out the front (no rocking chair but 30m of fairy lights), tragedies and triumphs close to home and globally.
I ticked off my 2013 goals, including financial goals, renewing my first aid (a must do for all – at least learn CPR), getting my boat license, clearing the mental and physical clutter and saying no so I can have more me time + even more.
Not quite a romantic version of my year and doesn’t quite seem to cover it – but it was a big year nonetheless. And the biggest moment of all? Not long after our one year anniversary, Luke and I were so happy to share the news that we were expecting – we are unbelievably excited.
So with that in mind, I look to 2014 differently than I took on 2013. I always like to set goals, because I like to be working towards something, and I also make sure they are realistic because otherwise we just palm them off as another failed new years resolution. But realistic takes on a whole new meaning with a newborn on the scene come May and I’m not really sure what that meaning is yet!
In 2014 I look forward to my first trip to Melbourne with Luke alongside me and a visit to the Australian Open, as well as a long weekend in Streaky Bay when I turn 25 and celebrate a family wedding. Although I will miss my netball, I’m still working as sponsorship coordinator and will hopefully at least hit the training court at some point in the year. I will finish at the Cummins District Community Bank most likely in March, and continue working with Jade until the baby is born. I hope to not be gone from the work-from-home scene for too long, but as I’m taking on a completely different life, I don’t know what I can promise! I know that I want to continue to be challenged by the work we do and to help Jade reach her dreams while also enjoying every moment of being a first time mum.
Over the course of 2014 and no doubt well beyond, I will continue working on the committee that is working towards upgrading the Clubroom facilities at Kapinnie – a big project for a small community. Not only will I be celebrating my graduation for my Diploma with Regional Skills Training, but I will be joining them again to complete the Advanced Diploma of the Agribusiness Management course. I hope to be more proactive on the farm now I will be home to do so, and will most likely be needed as we nearly double the land we farm in 2014.
My main goal for 2014 is to nurture our growing family, continuing to share new experiences and adventures and living life by our ideals and values. I want to spend more time at the beach as I feel at home by the water. I want to get back to writing for fun, and playing the piano. I want to drop the vacuum and visit a friend for coffee instead. I want to plan our next big trip – this time with friends, but realise it is a long way off – especially now it will be harder for me to save money!
There is so much that I want to do, but first, I can’t wait to welcome in this year at beautiful Perlubie beach, followed by a wedding in the Clare Valley, with baby ‘Squirt Moroney’ kicking with joy the whole time too.
Happy New Year – may you look to your year with as much excitement as I do.
Jade:
Wow – doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun and working hard – luckily for me those two things go hand in hand, and that’s why I am forever fortunate that I am a photographer.
In 2013 I became an Aunty for the second time… Wonder what 2014 will bring?? I love Lacey and Chelsea so much; and love spending time with them. Lacey is at such a crack up age, the way she comes out with things so innocently.. She does so many cute things, not like I am bisas or anything! We are so animal orientated people and I love that she enjoys throwing the ball with Rayn (my dog) and giving Picaso (ummmm Lacey’s horse) a hug.
2013 was a big year, but 2014 is set to be even bigger at Jade Norwood Photography. There is always work happening behind the scenes and I am looking forward to so many new products coming out in 2014.
As always, I am looking to improve for a better client experience and quicker turn around time – a job that has become easier since employing people to work behind the scenes at Jade Norwood Photography with me. I have no doubt that my notebook is going to continue filling with new ideas for shoots, collaborations, locations, training and photography styles, and I can’t wait for all the new things that I am going to learn.
There will be a bitter sweet moment in 2014, when Beej takes some time off to bring into the world her first born child with husband Luke. I – and my clients – will miss her in her time off, but after meeting them and watching them grow since their engagement shoot with me, I can’t wait to be a part of their next chapter; and I am soooo super happy for them!
While we are all super busy our goal is to still book about 5 more weddings a year, so if you or your friends are getting married, check out our portfolio and see if we offer something you would like.
For the first time in a few years, I am giving myself some time off. Yes, I’ve escaped to beautiful locations for a ‘break’ in recent times, but I’ve always taken my computer to continue working, and haven’t had more than a full day off for a loooooong time. So I am unbelievably looking forward to a WHOLE WEEK off in February, and I hope to come back refreshed and with a renewed energy and enthusiasm.
The weddings and babies that are already scheduled in on the calendar for 2014 are just so friggin exciting, and without wishing time away, I just cant wait!!
As I have said above a goal for 2014 is to improve the client experience with quicker turn around times, and an even better product; and having better systems in place, including people behind the scenes helping me achieve those goals; but on the other hand of that, a more balanced life… my goal is to work 6 days a week, at some more reasonable hours, and have a day off a week to hang with Lacey and Chelsea, catch up with mates, and maybe one day just do nothing!! Imagine…
I haven’t had a TV in ages now, while I am working at the computer I normally just have downloaded TV series.. ummmm like Criminal minds and friends playing over and over; and netball that some lovely people have recorded for me! However I just LOVE tennis so had to buy a TV to watch this summer of tennis! Have I said how much I love Roger Federer?? What a true legend.. I think that word gets over used but Roger really is, his attitude to life and the game is just amazing, we all need to take a leaf out of his block!
I am hanging for ANZ champs to start; Im not sure if I will be able to get to any matches live this year, but cant wait to see how it unfolds. One of the biggest things I am looking forward to is how Nat Medhurst and Caitlin Bassette combine and continue to develop there combination leading into the commonwealth games, and the world cup in 2015 (which I just have to go to)
Personal goal is to spend more time being present!! Catch up with family and friends in person, and speaking on the phone rather than texting!!
Wishing you all an amazing 2014, dream big!
A quote that I always think is so true… and no matter how busy we get at times or whatever we are wrapped up in, it is always good to remember…
“People will forget what you said, people will forget
what you did, but people will never forget how
you made them feel” – Maya Angelou
