DC to Nashville

January 6: I didn't get much sleep the night before, as it took me awhile to pack. I wanted to make sure I had everything I needed for a six day trip in the Nashville, TN area. I was going there to visit relatives and go to the Imaging USA conference at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center.

My flight from DC to Nashville only took about 90 minutes. I'm always amazed at the beauty of the skies when taking a flight, and it's amazing how you can travel 568 miles in such a short time. It was nice to have my relatives meet me at the airport. I always look for the welcome sign at an airport to try and get a picture. It was great to see the welcome that Nashville gave for Imaging USA attendees. It was great to see my uncle's kids, and we ended up playing Wii for a bit. They even made me a character. How fun. I didn't stay up too long cause it was a long day and I had to be up early the next day.

It'll Be My First Time at WPPI and in Vegas!

January 6: I've heard about the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) convention and trade show and have been interested in going to it for a couple years. I'm excited to say that I'm registered for it and received my information packet from WPPI in the mail. I am looking forward to being there in early March and becoming a better photographer. It's also another opportunity to see others within the industry, be inspired, and learn. It will also be my first time in Vegas, so I can't wait to check this place out!

DC United's New Coach

January 5: It's a new year and a new coach. At BlackFinn restaurant in Washington DC, there was a meet and greet to welcome D.C. United’s new head coach, Curt Onalfo. President & CEO Kevin Payne, Owner Will Chang, and front office staff were also in attendance. BlackFinn provided free appetizers and happy hour drink specials throughout the event. It was crowded and highly charged event, seeing that the fans came out to cheer.

"Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, ooooooh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, ooooooh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, ooooooh
Come on Dee Cee ee ee
Uuuu niii ted"

New Year's Eve & Happy New Year!

December 31: There are so many ways and places to celebrate New Year's Eve and ushering in the New Year. I decided to check out a couple places. I went to Professionals in the City's Passport to the World event at the Washington Hilton. They had nine themed party areas celebrating different cultures of the world. Last year they sold over 3,000 tickets and this year was promised to be hotter with their celebration. There was certainly a lot to see and do at this party.

Just before Midnight I headed to Park Hyatt Washington to ring in the new year with a few media and social blogger personalities such as Angie Goff of WUSA9, Makeda Saggau-Sackey of The Glamazon Diaries and Emily Nolan of MLEstyle. We were fortunate to have DJ Neekola spinning the tunes for the night, helping us stay in the celebration mood. It was an elegant lounge environment replete with delicious food, drinks, and balloons. We watched the countdown and celebrated with champagne. More photos of my evening are on my website.

May you have a great new year, being thankful for what you do have, and striving to live the best life possible in following your passion and calling in life.