1. I think I'm really looking forward to sorting through all of my river shots as I (finally) edit and finalize the remaining photos of my 365 of 2013. I'll do a recap next week and give you a sampling, but I'm wondering, do I explore this special spot again in 2014? Are you bored? I'm not sure I am, and I'm kind of loathe to let it go.

2. I think I've pretty much decided that since we have so much to do this week that I'm starting the New Year on Monday. It's my New Year (observed). That's when I can get cracking on all my resolutions/guidelines/wishes whatevers. And Christine, since you plan to copy that list pretty much verbatim, please feel free to wait until Monday as well.

3. I think with a dusting of snow and a high expected of 30º today (although I'd kill for the storm the Northeast is getting), it's hard to imagine we were staring at palm trees earlier this week. Our mini vacay to join Neel's family in Orlando was so delightful in so many ways. I can't wait to tell you about it next week.

4. I think, heck, I know I appreciate all your support on my goals for 2014. They feel pretty achievable to me, and fun for the trying. The trick to #1 for example is in the first thing every day. I have no problem drinking water throughout the day. But getting started earlier, as in before my coffee, is trickier. Ahem. Judging less might be tricky too. And there I go, judging myself.

5. I think that while I'm sticking with leap as my word for another year, I want to add another word. Intent. So many of the good changes I've made in my life have come when I've practiced with intent, I want to grab it for how I look at things this year. From purchases I make to photos I take, I want to do these things intentionally. It seems a good place to start.

Hey! (Waves madly!) We're home! I missed you guys! My in-laws gifted us all with the most amazing trip to Orlando for Christmas, and I can't wait to tell you all about it. The only bummer was that Neel was sick and still is, poor man. We got back last night in time to run one load of laundry, order Chinese for delivery and watch the first Harry Potter before falling into bed. Pretty much the perfect New Years Eve in my book. Minus all the coughing.

I start every year with a new (and not-so-new) set of goals, so here we are for 2014. I think after I write this I'll see how I did with last year's goals (wink). I always pull out my favorite line from Pirates of the Caribbean at times like these, "They're more like guidelines, really."

1. Drink water first thing every day (wait, let me grab my water!)
2. Revamp my wardrobe with things I love, leaving behind impulse purchases and with an eye toward streamlining colors, lines, etc.
3. Study a technical aspect of photography each month (e.g. off camera flash, kelvin, etc. What should I start with in January?)
4. Do another 365 this year (more on this later)
5. Find a means (through book or class) to learn flower arranging.
6. Leave behind last-minute Lauren. (I'll probably start working on this one in November or December.)
7. Walk every day.
8. Clear the crap out of my house (8 weeks that Cal is gone, I'm looking at you for this)
9. Tend to my friendships and let go of what needs letting go.
10. Clear out my photography/blogging clutter. This means establishing an editing work flow, ditching old photos and getting straight with some web stuff.
11. Reach for more creative project and collaborations.
12. Find a volunteer project
13. Open my heart to love more and judge less
14. Leap. It was my word last year, and I didn't do it enough. I think I'll use it again. Leap.

So there you have it. Fourteen for 2014. We'll see how I come along with this list-o-rama, but it seems like a good enough place to start with a brand new year. That an loads of laundry and a trip to the grocery store. Life marches on, doesn't it? Last year was pretty good, wasn't it? Let's make this year even better.

five things, january 3 edition

happy new year! 14 in 14 {still + life}