Quality time with my mentee at the New York State Capitol!
Worked up an appetite walking around the Capitol. Next stop, one of my favorite spots in Albany: Bombers Burrito Bar!
Personal & Travel
Awww.. It's Prom Season!!
The weather broke 70 degrees here in Upstate NY this past weekend, and I couldn't have been happier! (Well.... unless I was on an exotic beach somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere). But for being in Albany, 70+ degrees and sunshine would make anyone's mood improve :) Students at Bethlehem Central High School certainly lucked out with the perfect weather for the evening of their junior prom! My friend Sarah asked me to take some photographs and do her makeup for her special day! She and her friends looked fantastic... I loved that they opted for bouquets instead of traditional corsage.
-lya[gallery type="slideshow" ids="193,198,190,191,196,194,192,195,197"]
Push
There's something about that feeling you get when things that you once only dreamt about actually start to become more than a floating idea in your mind. When they actually start to become real! It's one of the most powerful, energizing, and scary feelings ever. When you think back to a year ago, a month ago, or even a week ago and can recognize and appreciate that you've come along way, it motivates you to keep pushing forward!
I am pushing.
However, I can get frustrated that I'm not exactly where I want to be yet.
"I don't have the lenses I want." "My computer's too slow." "I don't have enough clients." "I don't have enough time." "I don't have enough space."
"I'm not good enough."
I really try not to be consumed by that type of thinking. But, I'm human. It happens.
Finding the time to pause, reflect and appreciate where you are is extremely important. Give yourself credit, pat yourself on the back, and acknowledge the fact that you're not where you were a year, a month, or a week ago. Show yourself some Love!
I'm growing, and my business is growing. I'm currently working on creating a small studio in my home, and I'm really excited. But also kind of scared. Not quite sure why -- once I figure it out, I'll blog about it lol -- but there's fear there. And butterflies. And a hint of anxiety. Perhaps it's because I'm not accustomed to dreams coming true. I do know, though, that the fear won't stop or even slow me down; the excitement outweighs it. I've come so far since last year, I've improved in this past month, and I've learned new things this week. So why stop now?? :)
--lya
Calamari
It's been a roller coaster of a week for me. I'm pretty sure I'm going through a severe quarter-life crisis -- with full on hot flashes, rough sleep, frustration, and anxiety. I go through a phase like this about one or two times a year. No biggie 0_o
But seriously. The feeling of being torn about a heavy decision, not sure which direction you're meant to go in, the ever-present battle between head and heart. It's like having those two little people sitting on your shoulders, representing your conscious. But instead of a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, the two little people are different versions of yourself. Not good, nor bad, just you. And which do you turn to for direction?
We all go through this in different ways and regarding different aspects of our lives. For me, right now, I'm facing a major conundrum about my career. I know that no one else can solve this puzzle for me but myself. But I'm blessed to have several pairs of listening ears that allow me to vent. And I'm even more blessed to have patient mouths to speak to that give me feedback.
I'm sure I'll wake up one morning and the burning questions that I have will be answered. A sign will reveal itself. Someone will give me the perfect bit of advice. I'll have an epiphany and all will be clear. (That happens right?) But for now the only thing I need is some delicious calamari, a light beer and good conversation with a friend :)
Have you been torn between a good choice and another good choice? How did you make your decision? I'd love to hear about it!
--lya
