Have Done/Will Do.

This weather is killer on my moods. It's been raining practically nonstop for the last week and a half, and looks to keep on raining next week as well. I'm pretty tired of the clouds and rain, and wouldn't mind a little sunshine. It looks like I'm getting my wish on Sunday at least. J's brother and sister-in-law are in town for the Steelers game, and I'm lucky enough to go freeze my patookis off in the predicted 38 degree stadium. I can't decide what's better: 50 and rainy, or sunny at 38. Blah. I am, however, very stoked for the next couple of weeks because of several things. First, I'm going home to my mom for Christmas. 5 days of being home. Then as soon as we get back, I'm having what will be a fabulous New Year's Eve shindig, which I'm really excited for just because of all the things already planned, much less the actual events that go down.

Show the local artists some love and check out the free show tonight at East Gallery around the block from my house. Their show was originally last week, and got bumped up to tonight, so if you're interested in art and want to see your city's very own talented folks, head on over between 6-10pm. It looks like there are going to be a lot of really cool pieces there. M and I are discussing volunteering with them after the holiday madness is over, and that way maybe we can present our own pieces later on. They meet every Wednesday evening if you're interested.

So if you haven't noticed, Christmas is next week. I honestly have no idea where 2008 went. We were just ringing it in a hot second ago, and it's gone. In honor of the upcoming new year, I think I'm going to make an "Accomplishments" list of all the things I got done this year, as well as a "Goals" list for 2009.

In 2008, I:
Got a moneymaking, better scheduled job. Moved downtown to a house. Made really great friends, including one in Rome, as well as a close knit East Nashville niche. Got a proper camera for photography. Started photography blog and sites, as well as this blog(!). Joined a gym (and went!). Created--photos, gifts, paintings. Made some solid contacts in regards to said photography. Reconnected with a long-lost sibling. Finally learned my mom's chocolate chip cookie recipe!

In 2009, I will:
Take the photography class at Watkins School of Art & Design in their Community Education Program starting in February. Take the intermediate Italian course with Patrizia starting in January. Travel. Market and establish my photography to start a side business. Create more--read, write, paint, learn, study. Learn Photoshop and my Mac. Recycle more! Eat meat less. Go to the gym more. Learn and execute delicious recipes. Volunteer with Untitled Artists Group Nashville.

I know there are so many more I'm forgetting or not anticipating. It's an ever growing list, both in the things I've done, and want to do, and I think that's a good thing. I never want to stop learning; I'm forever a student of life and it should only get better as it continues.

In case you don't hear from me until after the new year, safe travels and happy holidays to you and yours.

LC.