As January comes to an end, I realize that 2009 is moving forward in full-swing, and I never wrapped up 2008 on a personal level. I started the Spiderman 3-Week Challenge in early December, made it 13 days in, pulled my hip-flexer and totally left you hanging (not that you didn't have anything better to do than read my next iPod play list and mediocre workout that day). So... what happened next, you wonder?

After a little R&R (to heal the hip), some holiday celebrations, and much-needed family time, I was ready for a more consistent, and full of self-improvement 2009. Jake and I started going to yoga, and I began visiting the gym the way I had envisioned when I started the Spiderman 3-Week Challenge. Rather than paying homage to the workout gods by hanging out in the cardio room now and then, I committed to a more regular class-only routine. I always get a much better workout when someone else is leading me, and a bit of competitive nature ensures I just cannot slack. Currently, my weeks consist of alternating days between yoga and spinning. No weights yet due to tendinitis in my shooting arm (which acupuncture is currently helping). I aim for 5 days a week, but typically workout 4 days. I feel good. I am happy.

Just after the new year had passed, one of my yoga instructors had said it best. Create New Year Evolutions. Not resolutions. Resolutions can often be set-ups for personal disappointment... things we hope to achieve, but often fall short of for whatever reasons. Instead of recognizing your good attempts, you feel bad for having failed your goals. Who needs that?! So instead of setting goals, her advice was to do your best to commit to evolving into a better you. Whether that means healthier eating choices, more physical activity, or reevaluating your relationships and overall happiness, celebrate each good choice you make. Celebrate your personal evolution. This, I can commit to.

At COSA BELLA FOTO, we are looking into lots of ways of evolving our company this year as well. There are many good things in store, and we'll be sure to let you know when they happen :)

Sign up for the COSA BELLA FOTO email list, by clicking here and putting "mailing list" in the subject line. Also feel free to let me know what you want to see and hear about on the blog this year!

And, a few photos from my winter vacation to enjoy as well...