Happy New Year! 2015 is officially underway, and I am officially stoked! I have only one goal this year – make it the BEST year ever! (But no pressure, right?)
This January feels a *teeny* bit different from the past few years, in that my normal ramp-up time has poofed! into thin air. Whereas I usually have a month or two to get my bearings, send out pitches, sign contracts and line up work, I feel as though I’m already off to the races. And trust me, I’m not complaining! I’m incredibly grateful and so fortunate to know that my year is already shaping out to be a success. It’s a wonderful feeling!
So, what can you expect from me in 2015? As always, I’ll be multi-tasking to the extreme, and will be holding down a variety of “jobs”. I hope you’ll join me for the ride!
1. Mother: Employed since 2008, I will always have this role. It brings me the most joy, the most stress, and certainly the most fulfillment. (Although, I would never want to be subjected to a performance evaluation.)
2. Spouse: Employed since 2007, one of the easiest jobs I’ve ever had – but that may have something to do with the fact that I married my perfect match.
3. Writer: Oh blog, I just can’t quit you. Writing stories – right here on Listen to Lena, my favourite online space in the world – is something I can’t see myself giving up any time soon. Of course, this blog would be nothing without my readers. And to all those who take the time to stop by each day, I have nothing but love for you. Thank you.
4. Social Outreach: I belong to two amazing ambassador programs – #WalmartMomCA and #HBSocialKitchen. But, I’ll let you in on a not-so-little secret – I also manage both programs behind the scenes. Yes, they’re my babies! I conceptualized, presented and successfully negotiated the terms of both ambassador programs. And, working closely with amazing PR professionals and a talented group of online influencers, I’ll continue to lead the discussion and execute the monthly campaigns.
5. Social Media Consultant: Once again, I’ll be partnering with PR companies and brands to develop best practices for working with bloggers. With each passing year, blogger outreach becomes a larger part of a sound social strategy. (And, nothing could please me more!) In 2015, I’ll continue to champion bloggers who cultivate an honest following and use their influence with professionalism and intelligence. Wonder why I no longer collaborate with certain, ahem, mommy bloggers? Ain’t got no time for people who purchase followers and falsify their qualifications.
6. Twitter Party Host: After hosting / moderating over 100 Twitter Parties in 2014, and over 250 to date, it’s safe to say that I may have a party (or two) on the radar this year. Okay, okay – I actually have six (6) parties coming up in the month of January alone! For all those who join the parties, it wouldn’t be the same without you!
7. Family Travel: Of course I’ll be travelling with my family! As Transat Holidays’ Family Travel Expert, I’ll continue my press tour this season, encouraging Canadians to vacation in warmer climates. And, with an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World in February, the year is starting off on a magical note! (More details to come – look out for #MyMagic+ to follow our adventure.)
Thinking about it, I’ve never been more pleased to have seven jobs. Wishing you all a prosperous and productive 2015! As always, I’m only a tweet or comment away – be sure to stay in touch. I can’t wait to connect with you all and celebrate an amazing year filled with happiness! All the best, friends!
Tricha F.
Happy New Year to you and your family Lena! I wish you all the best in all seven jobs. Yours is one of the best blogs around and I always look forward to what you have to write about and I absolutely love how you interact with your readers.
Lena
Happy New Year Tricha! Thank you for being a loyal, wonderful reader. I enjoy interacting with you!
Judy Cowan
Wishing you a great 2015 and it sounds like it is already off to a great start. Can I sneak into your suitcase when you go to Disney???
Lena
Happy New Year Judy! Alas, I’m always too close to the luggage weight limit for stowaways :)
Margaret Imecs
Wow! Great achievements! WTG Lena! :)
Lena
Thank you Margaret!!
Stephanie LaPlante
OMG I have the same goal! Wonderful things are going to happen this year. Eff you 2014. lol
Lena
All the best to you Stephanie!
angie in my 30s
Disney in February?! Lucky Duck!
Lena
We are lucky! Thanks Angie!
Marissa
Lena, here’s wishing you a very successful 2015! Love your blog too. As always, may you excel in all of your seven job titles!
Lena
Thank you so much Marissa!
Florence C
Happy New Year to you and your family. 2015 looks like it is off to a great start for you. I will continue to read your blog and join your twitter parties.
Lena
Thank you so much for all your support Florence!
Anne Taylor
Happy New Year to you and yours! It sounds like you have a great year ahead!!
Lena
Happy New Year Anne! All the best to you and yours!
Emilia
Happy New Year and congratulations on so many years of blogging
Lena
Thank you Emilia!
jan
I am so glad this blog (and of course the other items mentioned) are working for you, cause your blog is working for me!
Lena
Love that! Thank you Jan!
Cathy C
Now I will think of you each time I see a tweet about HB and Walmart!
Lena
Please do! Hahaha, thanks Cathy!
AC
Happy first New Year to you and your family. ;)
Wonderful to hear things are off to a great start for you Lean! Wish you continued success this year and always. Look forward to reading about your upcoming trip to the Magical Kingdom!!
Lena
Thank you so much Adam! xoxo
Lynda Cook
Happy New Year to you and your family!!! I can’t wait to start the twitter parties with you, your such an amazing host!!
Lena
I truly appreciate that Lynda!
Yuen C
I didn’t know about the purchasing followers, interesting
Lena
It happens :)
Michael
You continue to surprise me, Mrs Almeida. Not bad Ms Corningston not bad. So proud of you! Looking forward to the exciting journey that awaits!
Lena
Love you xoxo
nicolthepickle
Congratulations on the Walmart Moms campaign. It will put your skills to good work. Have a lovely 2015, filled with little boy hugs, hot coffee, clean socks and maybe even a sticker or two.
Lena
That is just golden, Nicoline, thank you!
Ashley J
Happy New Year to you and your family <3 Wishing you all the happiness and success for 2015 & always xx
Lena
Thank you Ashley, same to you!!
Tammy @inRdream
Awe Lena what a wonderful post. Your first two jobs made me smile because I feel the exact same way in my own life. Congratulations on your success and happy multi-tasking in 2015!
Lena
Thank you Tammy! Wishing you much health, happiness and success!
Tea & Nail Polish
Happy New Year!
Looking forward to more twitter parties and post from you in 2015
Lena
Thank you so much!
Julia
Sounds like 2015 is going to be a fabulous year for you! I’m thrilled to be part of your team of bloggers for both the Walmart and Hamilton Beach campaigns. Thank you and keep up the amazing work.
Lena
I am thrilled to have you on my team :) Thank you Julia!
La Cuisine d'Helene
You should had: mentor. It’s such a pleasure to work with you and you are an amazing mentor Lena. That’s special! I wish you a fabulous 2015 year.
Lena
Thank you Helene, I truly do appreciate your kind words! Wishing you much success this year!
La Cuisine d'Helene
Thanks so much Lena, it means a lot to me.
La Cuisine d'Helene
Sorry I typed too fast. I meant you should ‘add’.
Victoria Ess
Whoa Lena, that list impresses and inspires me! Best wishes for continued success in 2015!
Melinda L.
Sounds like 2015 will be another fun filled and successful year for you. Happy 2015!
Chandra Christine O'Connor
you are a busy busy woman. —-> Ain’t got no time for people who purchase followers and falsify their qualifications. sometimes you just wonder why go to those lengths, for free product?
Kathy Fowler
Looking forward to a wonderful year – lots of travel. Also have just started following the Twitter parties – hope to join in lots
loucheryl
Your Twitter Parties are the BEST parties! :)
kathy downey
Sounds like 2015 will be another fun filled year, Happy 2015!
BobbiJo Pentney
You are very busy, definitely a multitasker.
Debbie White Beattie
You’ve got a really good blog and I hope your expectations were met 2 years ago. I can’t even remember my resolutions or expectations