2014 is here and I’m ready!  Before I start posting about 2104, I want to take a few moments to reflect on 2013. As most of you know, 13 is my lucky number so I knew that 2013 would be my lucky year and it was on many levels. I had  an abundance of fun, exciting, educational and memorable experiences that I’ll cherish forever. To highlight a few things that happened both professionally and personally, this is my 4th annual year in review.

*JANUARY*

I used to be quite the runner in high school. I ran cross country and varsity track all 4 years! As an adult I have cut back on running but still love accepting unique opportunities to run. I kicked off my January by running a fun 5K on the beach! YMCA Camp Surf hosted the run for employees. I teach yoga for the YMCA and am grateful for the many cool events they offer employees. What made me so happy about this run is that I was running outdoors, on the beach with the sun shining bright in the winter!

 

*FEBRUARY*

I have been teaching and creating Social Media Marketing classes at National University for over 2 years now. I learn so much from my students so I’m grateful for this job. I was invited to host a special workshop at the National University San Diego Spectrum campus. I was honored to speak to an ambitious group of entrepreneurs, staff and students at an event titled, Social Media for Entrepreneurs. This really motivated to continue my career as a professional speaker.

The Online Marketing Summit comes to San Diego every year. I was once again honored to be invited. This is one of my favorite educational events because not only is it hosted right here in beautiful San Diego, I always connect with many ambitious leaders in my industry and I learn so many new things that I can apply to my career. I also love sharing what I learn. Here are the top 5 things I learned at the Online Marketing Summit in 2013. One of the favorite things I learned, that I still plan to do is to brand my laptop!

 

*MARCH*

This was my second year attending SXSW Interactive. In 2012 I was hired by AT&T to run a social media promotion. In 2013 I had the honor of being invited as a speaker. I hosted a wellness meetup, taught a yoga class and a meditation class. I am truly blessed that I had an opportunity to teach yoga to fellow tech-crazed and social media savvy attendees at the conference. It was so great to be surrounded by so many like minded people in the technology space and even better to create a deeper connection with those who are also interested in yoga. SXSW is one of my all time favorite conferences, here are my top 10 favorite things about SXSW 2013.

 

*APRIL*

Foursquare Day on April 16th tops the list of my favorite geek holiday (other geek holidays include Pi Day on March 14^th and Star Wars Day on May 4^th). My fourth year hosting a Foursquare Day event was very special. The event was bigger and better than ever  because I was able to partner with some of San Diego’s top social media organizations including the Social Media Club. The event had an educational session, a Foursquare check in crawl, food and drink specials, prizes and best of all, great company.

I always say over and over again that social media is to thank for my many memorable adventures. Klout Perks has rewarded me with things such as an all-expense paid vacation at Terranea Resort and this year they gave me another offering I couldn’t refuse. Klout partnered with Sony to create an experiential event for influencers to try out the Sony Nex 3 camera and Sony Action Camera. We had a full day which started with a photography workshop, then a shooting adventure at the Birch Aquarium and then we went up in the air paragliding! The experience of flying  was surreal. I’m so happy that I was able to capture my adventures of flying in San Diego on film.

 

*MAY*

In 2012, I set the intention of combining my passions of  marketing and yoga into my career. I’ve been living out my intention by educating the yoga industry on how they can use social media to grow their business. I hosted a Digital Media Now for Yogis workshop  at Bird Rock Yoga.

May was a busy month for my speaking career. I was a featured speaker at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital Symposium where I taught Veterinarians  how to use social media to promote their business. I’m grateful  for being hired to speak at different types of conferences and my ability customize my workshops to fit the needs of each audience.

 

*JUNE*

I successfully hosted another Digital Media Now for Yogis workshop at Riffs Acoustic Music and Yoga Yard. Riffs is very unique. It’s both a music shop and a yoga studio right on the beach! I’m definitely looking forward to hosting more workshops at yoga studios in the new year.

 

*JULY*

I was honored with an invite to be the featured speaker by at the Asian Business Association’s Rice Club Luncheon. I spoke on social media’s importance for business in the 21st century. It makes me happy that I’m able to share my knowledge on marketing and social media to many diffrent groups, including this one.

I am surprised that I have never mentioned Comic Con in my blog. Well, there’s no better time than now. I love having this event in my city. San Diego is transformed into a fantasy land every July  and there is so much positive energy downtown. Some of the things I experienced included a rooftop party hosted by Mashable, connecting with my awesome LA friends while watching one of them present a panel and overall just being exposed to so much creativity in my veryown city.

*AUGUST*

Fitness is a very important aspect of my life. I volunteered at the IDEA conference where I connected with many successful fitness leaders. I also learned about the newest fitness products, ideas and work outs such as yoga on a surfboard!

I am always interested in opportunities to learn more and expand my list of skills so when the YMCA offered a  Cycle Training, I didn’t hesitate to sign up. I earned my certificate to teach cycle classes and I’m  happy to add this feather to my cap.

*SEPTEMBER*

One the things I’d like to do in the near future is join the University Club. I’ve been invited  there a handful of times for events and  was invited to lunch here by their membership director . The view is breath taking. The food is delicious and everyone I’ve met who is a part of this club is very smart, successful and inspiring. I have not joined yet because it has not been a priority in my business budget, but I did want to put it out there into the world  that I do want to become a member so what better place to share that than on my blog?

Oh September and the previous months since April were also filled with attending Padres games to cheer for my home team!

 

*OCTOBER*

I took my favorite Vegas trip which was made possible by Tech Cocktail. I was the lucky winner of their Twitter contest. I won a full pass for the Tech Cocktail Celebrate conference and also the first annual Life is Beautiful Festival. I spent the entire trip in Downtown Las Vegas, which is quite a change from the strip. Tony Hsieh of Zappos is leading the “Downtown Project”. He’s investing350 million dollars into reviving Downtown Las Vegas. The Tech Cocktail Celebrate conference was focused on showcasing innovative startups. As always, I love to share what I learn. Here are 6 tips for effectively marketing your startup. Tech Cocktail Celebrate and had a partnership with The Life is Beautiful Festival. The event was filled with art, food and music. I love watching the Food Network and had a chance to meet my favorite celebrity chefs including Iron Chef Cat Cora!

October was also a very special month for me because it was National Eczema Awareness Month.  I have had Eczema my entire life and for the first time, I felt compelled to share my experience and raise awareness so we can come closer to finding a cure. I worked with the National Eczema Association to create posts online, pass out stickers and bracelets.

 

*NOVEMBER*

Although Eczema Awareness Month is in October, I want to make sure this disease continues to get support and awareness all year long. I created an Eczema Fundraiser called ITCHING FOR A CURE to raise money so that we can finally find a cure for Eczema! So far I have raised over $700 from many generous individuals and I will continue to spread the word and raise money until the day I see a cure. I have even told many people that if I ever win the lottery I will invest my winnings into finding a cure. I really believe it can be done and I’m thankful for every single person who has made a donation to support my cause. Donations for Itching for a Cure are still being accepted here.

 

*DECEMBER*

Fit X is an amazing fitness company that I’m fortunate to be part of through having them as a marketing client and also teaching yoga for their organization. I ended the year with an invite to speak at their all staff meeting. I created an interactive workshop called Digital Media Now for Fitness Pros- How to Pack Your Classes and Inspire Students, where I not only got the staff moving with a good work out, but also taught them marketing and social media tips at the same time.

As soon as I found out “Selfie” was named word of the year by Oxford Dictionary, I decided that it was time to share my own selfie experience and tips. Here are tips to usher in the new year with sensational selfies.

December is always a month to remember because I celebrate being alive for another year, which is a miracle in itself.  I had another amazing birthday filled with luck, love and wonderful friends. My birthday wishes are already coming true!

Well, the highlights of my 2013 are up! This post doesn’t even begin to describe all the things I experienced and emotions I felt .  While I’m sad my lucky year has come to an end, I am excited for new beginnings in 2014. May you all have a wonderful, happy, healthy and prosperous 2014. Happy New Year!