The eating has finally subsided over the holiday season and I now have a chance to reflect a little on what has gone by…
Wow, I can’t believe the first decade of the 21st century has gone by. I could sit here and write about what an amazing 2009 I had, but in all honesty, it kinda seemed like a blur to me. It was crazy hectic between the weddings and the adjustments at home with us moving and all the traveling we did. All I know is that it was awesome !
Instead, I’m going to look back at some key moments and historic events in my life over the last decade.
- I graduated from Country Club University (a.k.a. The University of Western Ontario) with a degree in Biology (what a joke !)
- I did a complete 180 and worked in the financial industry upon graduating (I accepted the fact that I was never going to be a Doctor)
- I witnessed 9/11 unfold right in front of my eyes (on the TV in my office). No doubt, one of the most tragic events of all time
- I went through 5 mergers in a row. They say a person averages 4 career changes in their lifetime. I did that before I was 25 !
- My sweet and amazing grandmother passed away
- Student loans paid off !
- My younger brother married…before ME !
- I bought my first residence
- My 16 year old golden retriever was very ill and we had to put her down
- I did another 180 and launched JW Photography and have photographed weddings all over the world..FIJI, Greece, New York, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Vancouver, Jamaica to name a few (Thank you to my amazing family, couples and friends for their support !)
- I met some amazing people through the wedding industry (I also met some people with big EGO’s too !)
- I bought the car
- My parents finally retired
- Left the rat race (i.e. corporate world) to focus on my photography business and parenting full-time
- OBAMA-NATION ! I’m so not into politics, but it was fun following his road to the Presidential Office !
- Big MAMMOTH Give 2009: Holly and Matt
- completing my most successful wedding season ever in 2009 !
However, the biggest moments in my life were (1) marrying the girl of my dreams – Jeanette and (2)+(3) the births of our amazing and beautiful boys, Ethan and Brandon, to complete our family (for now hehe). I am so blessed and would not be complete without them. I love my family so much.
What can I say…it was a very eventful last 10 years and I look forward to what’s to come in the next 10 years…if things go according to plan, I should be retiring before the next decade is over !
2010 is going to be another amazing year with my wedding season kicking off in Florence, Italy in May ! Can’t wait for that one ! Between now and then, I’ll be spending as much time with my family as possible.
Happy 2010 everyone ! I wish you all good health, wealth and prosperity in the coming decade !
-Joee
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