Wow, what a year this has been for me on and offline. I can’t imagine that 2010 will even compare but I’d be tickled if it did. When I first started blogging, I never expected to fall in love with it like I did. I never expected to find myself blessed with the opportunities that have come my way or to meet as many amazing people that I have. I truly have been blessed this year and am grateful for every bit of it.
I felt like all year, I remained true to myself. I represented myself in a manner that I’m proud of; whether that be personally, with my blogs, with other bloggers & friends, or with brands. I hope that they feel the same way.
THINGS I WANT TO SEE IN 2010
Blogging
- 1. Bloggers choosing quality over quantity.
- 2. PR folks choosing quality over quantity.
Me
- 3. So cliche I know but losing weight.
- 4. Expanding my community, successfully.
- 5. Staying organized.
- 6. Emails–replying in a more timely manner.
- 7. Spend more time with friends.
- 8. BE a better friend, mentor, mom, wife, sister, Aunt, and daughter.
- 9. Enjoy offline time a little more with my favorite things like crocheting, photography, family, and quilting.
- 10. Say thank you more.
THINGS I WANT TO SEE LESS OF IN 2010
Blogging(ers)
- 11. “top” lists. I hate them. They are high school and biased.
- 12. Copycats. Come on guys, get your creativity on.
- 13. Bloggers who see other niches doing well so they dive in and do it too, regardless of whether they love it or not. aka copycats I suppose.
- 14. Bloggers rushing to use their blogs to attack a company.
- 15. Lame PR pitches.
- 16. Less drama for crying out loud. Grow up already.
- 17. Whining–aka jealousy of what others get. You want it too? Work for it.
I have always been content with what I have. I don’t want to be famous, to be on the Today Show or a speak at major conferences. I just want to do what I love to the best of my ability. So aside from the few things I mentioned above that I want to see in 2010, I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing. Being me.
Now for a roundup of some of the more popular posts here at A Cowboy’s Wife.
BLOGGING POSTS
- Blogging with Cents: Bloggers, What Does Your Disclosure Say?
- Blogging with Cents: Avoiding Bloggers Debt
- Blogging with Cents: Tips on How to Buy a Domain Name
- A Blogger’s Will — Preparing Your Blog for Your Death
- Setting Blog Goals and Defining Success
- The Importance of a Demographic Survey for Your Media Kit
PERSONAL POSTS
- The Importance of “Real Life” Friends
- Just Said No
- Taking Five to Focus on Family
- My Biggest Fear Could Have Came True
- Believe
- Finding Faith — Believing and Reaching Out
MISC POSTS
- Not Quite an 8 Second Ride
- 1000+ Photoshop Actions, Plugins, Presets, Tutorials and Brushes
- The Many Looks of Lori
- Shaquille ONeal and A Cowboy’s Wife on a Plane, Together
- MY Fashion Favorite — FLIP FLOPS Cowgirl Style!
- Day 1 of Rattlesnake Hunting on the Ranch
- One of 25 Texas Social Media Award Winners
- Brooke Burke, Mel B in LA with Me and the Girls AND us on the Insider
- Hold on, Steers in the Yard
- No Longer a Starbucks Virgin
- Almost Wordless Wednesday: A Panasonic LIHD Family
FAVORITE PRODUCTS I REVIEWED
- Dyson, Oh How I Love Thee
- Why Do They Motivate Me So?
- Clarisonic Really Does Work!
- A Few of My Favorite Things
I had a blast attending Blogher this year.
One of my favorite events was with TJMaxx.
Had a BLAST at SeaWorld!!
Proud to be partnered with Lifetime and OfficeMax this year.
4 of my FAVORITE PHOTOS (don’t want to make the page load slowly but i have so many more I love.)
WHAT ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES MOMENTS OF 2009?
If you wrote a post, share the direct link here with us!
Annie says
Oh my goodness I love those photos!!
I agree with your goals – quality over quantity….that is so hard to actually live out though. But yes, if I just said yes to the pitches that are worth my time I could do better reviews.
Here is to a wonderful 2010!
Audrey - Mom Generations says
Lori, I love this post! And I love your lists! Those photos are beautiful… the hand in hand is my favorite.
And I have to admit… TJMaxx was my favorite, too. I will never forget how giddy we were running around the store – with the ladies saying, “Time is up!”
Kasey @ All Things Mamma says
Lori,
Great post – probably my fav 2009 wrap up! I started blogging mid-2009 and have fell in love as well. I look forward to meeting more bloggers and getting to know you better!
Jenny of UBetcha Apparel and "In A Mini Skirt" says
Lori,
Great roundup of all your wonderful posts. Many of these I hadn’t yet had a chance to read, and a few I’ve read several times.
Looking forward to reading your blog in 2010!
Jenny
Cat says
Lori, you’ve had an amazing year, with amazing posts, photos and food! I’m so glad I was able to “meet” you this year.
.-= Cat´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday — Princess Party Planning =-.
Andrea Cook says
I love this!
I used to always enjoy the turn of the year overview and trend watch on TV but lately, the past couple of years I have found them so dated, washed out, trite. I enjoyed your points very much, so fresh!
Here is a link to a post I wrote about dreaming and making your resolutions happen! I would love to include photos like you did. Your photos are also so terrific!!!!
– Good times in 2009 to the end of time!
Andrea C
.-= Andrea Cook´s last blog ..Planning Ahead for Next Year’s Resolutions =-.
Andrea Cook says
Whoopsies…. here is my correct twitter acct…. :)
.-= Andrea Cook´s last blog ..Planning Ahead for Next Year’s Resolutions =-.
To Think Is To Create says
I love this, those are some of my fav pics as well!
.-= To Think Is To Create´s last blog ..The Tunnel =-.
Andrea @ MommySnacks.net says
You had a great year, Lori! I am so thankful to have finally met you in person and to get to really know you. But, c’mon, you gotta admit that partying at La Deux was a pretty sweet memory, girl!!
I love how you included what you want to see less of in 2010. I agree with every single one too! I really hope that our community shows more support and exemplifies the true meaning of being a blogger, in general. There are so many great people!
The only thing I think you missed in your pictures are the shots of Toby and Tyler (that are in your header). I know you couldn’t include them all, but I really love those too!
Here’s to 2010!
.-= Andrea @ MommySnacks.net´s last blog ..Reflection on 2009 =-.
rachel-asouthernfairytale says
Lori,
I love this post and I agree with everything you said and the pics you’ve posted.. love them.
I haven’t done a round up yet! That’s for tomorrow, sigh :-)
Cannot wait to see you in 2010!! xo
.-= rachel-asouthernfairytale´s last blog ..Blackeyed Peas =-.
Musings of a Housewife says
Love this. And I heartily agree with 1 and 2 and 11-17. I linked up a meme that I did today. I know, memes are so last year. But I’m packing to go out of town and that’s the best I’ve got! :-)
Also, had a blast with you at TJMaxx!
Victoria says
Beautiful post! You have inspired me. I hope that 2010 brings you MANY good things, my friend! :)
Misty Dawn says
Your #9 really hit me, because I’ve been struggling with that decision. I work full time, then I come home and work two jobs on the laptop. I spend all my time in front of a computer working, and I’ve recently realized that I’ve kinda ‘lost’ myself when it comes to the things I used to love so much like photo-walks, reading, crafts, etc.
Oh, and I really, really love those first and last photos!
Katja of Skimbaco says
Great post and I agree with everything but I won’t be doing more quilting – don’t know how :)
.-= Katja of Skimbaco´s last blog ..The Story How Gary Vaynerchuk Saved My Life =-.
ConnieFoggles says
Nice walk with you down memory lane. I love everything that you had to say about what you want to see less of too. But there’s one thing I don’t think is possible – being a better friend and mentor. Lori, you’re there for everyone. No worries about that hun. Keep being you! Happy New Year and more of good things for you because I know how hard you work. (((HUGS)))
.-= ConnieFoggles´s last blog ..Colgate Wisp Simultaneous Kiss New Years Eve =-.
alyssa says
I agree with you on so many of the blog thoughts…aka copy cats. I do think best of lists (for books and toys) can be helpful for parents! I love the pictures and want to come back as your child. It must be so much fun and I love the horses. Happy and healthy New Year to you and your loved ones.
.-= alyssa´s last blog ..Favorite Books From A Four Year Old Perspective =-.
A Cowboy's Wife says
Totally agree about products Alyssa, I was referring to the all the top bloggers, top moms type of lists. ;)
Dana says
Happy New Year, Lori!
Great List, too!
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Crazy in Love with Michael Buble =-.
Tiffany says
That was such a wonderful, well thought out post. I would also love to see PR really do their research and work with people based on quality, not quantity. I agree on the top lists and don’t pay much heed to them. They are only one or a few people’s opinion and sometimes we care too much. I love the personal goals that you set for yourself, that’s always awesome.
And as for the photos, just beautiful.
.-= Tiffany´s last blog ..Need for Speed Nitro for Wii — Review =-.
Petit Elefant says
Love this! You’ve been a busy girl this year honey! Here’s to a happy, healthy, and successful 2010, hope to see you soon!
Christine says
HAPPY NEW YEAR, LORI!
Love ya. :)
Amy says
I love, love, love these photos. Couldn’t agree with you more on all your resolutions and aggravations and triumphs for the year. I am so proud to call you my friend. Love you!!