I just wanted to post and wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year.

For all those who had less than savory 2011′s, may 2012 bring you everything you missed and more.

Also, for #resound11, we were asked to make a post with all of the links to our #resound11 posts. So here are all mine:

Day Two – Vices

Day Three – Virtues

Day Five – Theme Song

Day Six – Thelma and Louise

Day Eight – Catch Phrase

Day Nine – Best Photo

Day Eleven – Best Meal

Day Thirteen – Best Gift 

Day Fourteen – Home

Day Eighteen – Traditions

Day Nineteen – Then and Now

Day Twenty – Elevator Speech

Day Twenty One – Embrace

Day Twenty Four – Try

Day Twenty Five – Love

Day Twenty Six – Outro

Day Twenty Nine – Let Go

As you can see, the majority of my #reverb11 posts came from #resound11. But hey, the point is, I had a lot of fun with it this year.

Or last year, as it were.

reverb11 resound11 one last time new year post wrap

This post, One Last #resound11, was written by phillynikongal, and originally posted on esther fox [DOT] com. If you're reading this on a site other than esther fox [DOT] com, it has been taken and used without permission.

Today is the last day of the #reverb11 project. That being said, the prompt for today comes from the folks over at Geekin’ Hard:

Reflect - Take a moment to think back on your reverb11 responses.  Have you learned anything?  What surprised you about this experience?  Which of your responses was your favourite?

When I look back on #reverb11 this year, and compare it to #reverb10, this year was so much better. I admit, I was sad and annoyed when I received the inevitable email from Gwen Bell two days before #reverb11 was supposed to start about her stepping down and not doing it. But what I loved was all of the efforts to step up and make it a better #reverb11. Even though it was all done in a hurry and there wasn’t much planning involved, I definitely think this was a lot better this time around.

The variety of prompts, between all of the people writing them, was fantastic. I liked being able to pick and choose from various bloggers, such as Jaemie over at #resound11, Rebecca at Relish Life, Geekin’ Hard, and #WeVerb11. There was some overlap sometimes, but I found that if I went to another prompt writer, I’d find something I could get behind. So I want to thank them all for their wonderful contributions to the #reverb11 community.

I loved being able to rant more this time around. Not that I wasn’t able to last year, but last year’s prompts just seemed to be so forced. This year, I felt like I was blogging with a purpose, which is what it’s all about in my opinion. I could talk about anything, and I felt more comfortable about it. The #reverb11 project brought out some new thoughts for 2012, and it’s making me really look forward to the new year!

I am really really hoping that this community prospers into next year. I would hate to see it die a painful death like it almost did this time around. I may try my hand at some prompts next year, who knows. All I know is, I hope that this time next year, I’ll be wrapping up #reverb12.

Thanks for a great December, and I hope your 2012 is amazing. Happy new year everyone! <3

reverb11 resound11 relish11 weverb11 day thirty-one reflect

This post, #reverb11 and #resound11 day thirty one – reflect, was written by phillynikongal, and originally posted on esther fox [DOT] com. If you're reading this on a site other than esther fox [DOT] com, it has been taken and used without permission.

What was the most important, or potent, lesson you leanred in 2011? Who or what taught it to you? How will you use what you have learned in the future?

(damn! another prompt setup that I didn’t find until the second to last day!)

I learned a lot of important lessons in 2011, but there was just one in particular that stuck with me, even though it came to me toward the end of the year. I know I’ve talked about it before in previous posts, but not everyone reading my blog now have read my previous posts, so I will talk about it yet again.

My photography teacher, John Perez, and I had a meeting shortly after Thanksgiving about my experience in my PHOT 109 class (advanced studio lighting techniques). I had been worried and upset about what was happening in the class, and I was extremely worried for my grade. He basically told me that I needed to stop letting the letter grade define me, because it was the work produced that speaks for itself.

When it comes to school, especially college, I have strived to do the best I possibly could each semester. But when it comes to photography classes, my focus has shifted to making sure that I provide quality work at the end of the class, rather than coming out on top with an A. If I know what I’m doing, and I am using all of the techniques I’ve learned in the class, than the work at the end will speak for itself. I may have a disagreement with an instructor, especially if they give me grades and don’t explain why they gave me what they gave me. But at the end of the day, I’m not out to impress anyone else other than those that want to hire me. Sure, you could argue that the instructor is the “client” and if you don’t make him happy, than you won’t make any other client happy. But I learned this past semester that it’s subjective. Just because your instructor may not like it doesn’t mean no one else will.

So from here on out, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

reverb11 resound11 day thirty lessons learned photography school

This post, #reverb11 and #resound11 day thirty – lessons, was written by phillynikongal, and originally posted on esther fox [DOT] com. If you're reading this on a site other than esther fox [DOT] com, it has been taken and used without permission.

Wow, it’s hard to believe that December has gone by so fast! Two more days of #reverb11 et al, and it seems like it just started yesterday.

Today’s #reverb11/#resound11 prompt comes from Jaemie over at #resound11:

Letting go can be hard. We get comfortable in our current situation. We have a tendency to repeat the same behaviors and patterns even when we know they are not in our best interest. Sometimes we hold on to relationships, dreams, feelings, or stuff just because we can’t let go.

But letting go sometimes is what we need to do.

What did you let go of in 2011? What was the experience like? How is your life different today? Do you ever regret it?

If not, is there something that you need to let go of in 2012? What scares you about that possibility? What situation do you need to create for that to happen?

Hmm…

The majority of the last three and a half years, I would like to erase from my memory. One of my biggest mistakes in life (aside from my previous marriages) was moving back to Indiana.

Granted, there were a few good things that came out of being here. One, I wouldn’t have met and married Mr. Fox (although we’re convinced that we would have been brought together even if I didn’t come here, as we discovered we may have crossed paths before), and I wouldn’t have reconnected with an old friend from high school.

Unfortunately though, my time here in Indy has been filled with as much upset, if not more, than my time spent in Arizona. Which, previously, had been my other biggest mistake. I’ve been let down more times than I can count. I’ve been chewed up by people close to me that had no right to do so. I’ve lost friends over the stupidest things (though I suppose they were never friends to begin with). I’ve had my share of unsavory people enter and exit my life. I’ve put up with a bunch of crap.

A lot of my Indiana friends give me crap about my dislike for being here. Well, yeah, I hate it. I’m sorry if that offends people, especially those who have been there all their life. I am most definitely *not* a Hoosier. I may have lived here for a few years, but I absolutely don’t belong here.

I am Jersey born and Philly phlavored. And I can’t WAIT to let Indiana go. It shall be a painless break up.

reverb11 resound11 day twenty-nine let go indiana moving

This post, #reverb11 and #resound11 day twenty nine – let go, was written by phillynikongal, and originally posted on esther fox [DOT] com. If you're reading this on a site other than esther fox [DOT] com, it has been taken and used without permission.

Forgiveness - What’s one thing do you need to forgive yourself for this year?

A Letter to my Body – by Esther Fox

Dear body,

I am sorry that I’ve treated you pretty crappy over the last twelve months.

We were doing really good, you and I. I took you to the gym every morning and we spent time doing circuits and planks. Ohhh, remember those planks? They felt so good didn’t they? Oh and, how about those pilate balls? Sometimes you would kvetch about being stretched over those for long periods of time, but we worked through it. Ab crunches and free weights, those felt amazing. And the results we were seeing were equally amazing.

In 2010, much to your dismay, I stopped feeding you soda, primarily Diet Coke. You complained for a bit, and tried to get me to go back to it, but I stuck with it for over a year. It’s a shame we took that trip this past May to Philly, and I let you have that Diet Coke. It was all downhill from there. In my defense, we haven’t been drinking nearly as much of it as we were before we stopped in 2010.

I know you liked those morning walks we’d have with my mom at the gym. You were especially excited when I bought that heart rate monitor, so that we could see exactly how many calories we were burning. But unfortunately, money got tight, and we had to give up my gym membership. I know it was a mistake, but it was something that couldn’t be helped.

Body, I am making a promise to you. In 2012, we’re going to go back to the gym. Sure, we may have to start over from the very beginning, but it’s just you, me and the heart rate monitor. Back to basics. No more soda. Healthier choices. Real food. Three meals a day. And most importantly, I promise to treat you to a little TLC every now and then. I know your skin is dry and crackly, but I will fix it with some lotion. And maybe even some bubble baths, if you’re good.

For now, let’s just finish off 2011 so we can get to 2012. I hope you can forgive me for what I’ve put you through, because I am so excited to see what’s in store for us!

Love always,

Esther

reverb11 resound11 day twenty-eight forgive weight loss body transformation

This post, #reverb11 and #resound11 day twenty eight – forgive, was written by phillynikongal, and originally posted on esther fox [DOT] com. If you're reading this on a site other than esther fox [DOT] com, it has been taken and used without permission.

I’ve heard people ask what color is your parachute, or what color M&M would you be. But I’m asking what color would best hold this year for you? Is it a fiery, passionate color? Or a cool, peaceful shade? Is there something in your life that is that color that you can share?

2011 has been kinda gray.

If I had to look back at everything that’s happened over the entire year, I’d say it was pretty bleak. Not very eventful, not very exciting. Sure it had its high points, such as my immersion in photography, the death of the root of my marital issues, my two year wedding anniversary with Mr. Fox, and some pretty sweet purchases.

There were some pretty low points also, such as the Icepocalypse Meets Esther debacle back in February that landed me in the ER with a pretty nasty sprain, the death of my father in law that I never got to meet, the photography teachers from hell, the Little VW Bug that Couldn’t, and many other little bothersome things.

Since the year had it’s equal share of good and bad, that’s what makes it gray. Neutral. Not quite great, but still pretty annoyingly bad. The good didn’t really start happening until the end of the year, which means that 2012 will start off pretty bright and cheery. No car payment, no house payment. New city, new beginnings. Family, friends, love and photography. Minimal debt.

I don’t think I could really ask for much more than that.

reverb11 resound11 relish 11 day twenty-seven color gray

This post, #reverb11 and #relish11 day twenty 27 – color, was written by phillynikongal, and originally posted on esther fox [DOT] com. If you're reading this on a site other than esther fox [DOT] com, it has been taken and used without permission.

Earlier this month we revealed our theme song. Today, share with us the song you would like to be remembered by. Share with us your exit song.

Is that a little too personal or deep for you? Why not share with us the song that helps you leave 2011 behind and ring in the new year?

This one’s a toughie.

I can’t really be serious with this prompt. I can’t pick a song to remembered by.

The song I picked has a place and time, and should be held in high regard because of its awesomeness.

And that is Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO.

This song has become a favorite between my bestie Shana and I. But I’m looking forward to finding a new theme song for 2012. The hamsters in the Kia commercials hold a special place in my heart though.

reverb11 resound 11 day twenty-six outro song

This post, #reverb11 and #resound11 day twenty six – outro, was written by phillynikongal, and originally posted on esther fox [DOT] com. If you're reading this on a site other than esther fox [DOT] com, it has been taken and used without permission.

Who do you love unconditionally? Who loves you unconditionally? Who do you love despite their flaws? All is love.

Once upon a time, in April 2008, I met a guy online.

I was at the end of a failed marriage, and I wasn’t looking for anything more than a friend.

Right before I made the final decision to move back to Indiana, I came out here to visit some friends from high school. On my last night in town, I was browsing Myspace, looking to make some new friends before moving back here. I happened upon a profile that was generally bare bones, with a couple photos and minimal information. Normally, I wouldn’t have even given a bare profile like that a second look. Yet for some reason, this one spoke to me.

So I wrote a message to the owner, asking them not to delete my message, as I was not a typical Myspace “whore bot”. And he responded.

On December 4, 2009, I married him.

Best decision I’ve ever made.

Mr. Fox and I have had our moments. Sometimes we argue, and sometimes we get pissed off at each other. More often than not, the good outweighs the bad. We know how to look past each other’s flaws and make sure we appreciate each other for everything else. Yeah, sometimes he can be a total ass, and then other times he can be a total romantic schmooze. I’m sure he could probably say similar things about me.

But I love him unconditionally. And he loves me too.

Most days.

reverb11 resound11 day twenty-five unconditional love marriage

This post, #reverb11 and #resound11 day twenty-five – love, was written by phillynikongal, and originally posted on esther fox [DOT] com. If you're reading this on a site other than esther fox [DOT] com, it has been taken and used without permission.

What is one thing (activity, food, career, event, travel, etc.) that you’d like to try in 2012? Why haven’t you tried it yet? What makes 2012 the year to try it?

Real food.

If I could try one thing in 2012, it would be real food.

You may be wondering why it would be so hard to introduce real food into our diets and eliminate all the crappy stuff we eat.

In previous posts, I’ve mentioned the whole Italian husband thing. We love pasta. We love bread.

So my goal for 2012 is to learn how to make pasta and bread. In my quest to get the Kitchen Aid stand mixer I want, I will also be getting the pasta maker attachment. I like the idea of being able to make my own pasta, it seems like it would be a lot of fun. A lot of work, but a lot of fun.

I also want to make bread because, I would much rather know what’s in what I’m eating. That’s the problem I have with eating out at all the places I do. I never know what they’re actually putting in their recipes. Sure, the ingredients say one thing, but who knows?

I think that because we’re getting a fresh start in 2012, why not make it fresher by eliminating all the fast food crap and the processed food and the HFCS? I already don’t buy a whole lot that has HFCS in it, but I could definitely do with getting rid of it entirely.

So here’s to healthier habits in 2012! No more fast food and processed stuff. Say yes to homemade and organic!

reverb11 resound11 day twenty-four try real food

This post, #reverb11 and #resound11 day twenty four – try, was written by phillynikongal, and originally posted on esther fox [DOT] com. If you're reading this on a site other than esther fox [DOT] com, it has been taken and used without permission.

Travel - Did you visit anywhere new this year? Any plans to travel next year? 

Because of the nature of Mr. Fox’s job, we never got a whole lot of time to travel anywhere. Husband would get paid time off according to his hours at work, and we’d take off when we’re able.

In 2011, we went to Philly 3 times. The first time we went, we stayed at this really neat loft-style hotel near the airport called The Aloft. It was pretty snazzy, and certainly one of the more interesting hotels I’ve stayed at. Since it was at the airport, it was pretty much far away from everywhere we wanted to go. But we made do, and it was fun. The second time we went to Philly, we stayed at an extended stay place in Plymouth Meeting near where I used to live. It wasn’t as nice as the Aloft, but we had the ability to make ourselves breakfast in the room, and keep snacky stuff in the refrigerator. Most of that trip was spent running around.

Our third trip was the deciding factor for our move. We didn’t stay at any hotel, we got to stay in our house! And rip up carpet. It was a wonderful time. I got to meet some of Mr. Fox’s friends from high school, and hang out with some others. We also got to see some of my family that I haven’t seen in a few years. It was fun!

On a spontaneous note, when Mr. Fox and I got our new car, we decided to randomly go up to Chicago for the night. He had never been to Chicago before, so I took him to my favorite deli up there, Manny’s of Chicago. Since we went for the day/night, we didn’t get to do much, but that was okay! We stayed at the Aloft up there, and we went to IKEA, so I’d say it was a pretty fruitful trip.

As of right this moment, we don’t have much planned for 2012 yet. We’re planning on taking a trip at some point to Colonial Williamsburg, though I’m not sure exactly when. I know that I want to go down to Disney World for my birthday, and we’re going to try and go to St. Augustine to visit my brother John’s restaurant, Meehan’s on Matanzas. Here’s hoping our schedules permit!

reverb11 resound11 day twenty three travel vacation

This post, #reverb11 and #resound11 day twenty three – travel, was written by phillynikongal, and originally posted on esther fox [DOT] com. If you're reading this on a site other than esther fox [DOT] com, it has been taken and used without permission.