Thoughts on the future

I was reading archives from a wedding photographer's blog over the weekend, and her words just spoke to me so clearly. I was humbled to learn that she had the same fears and worries as I currently do about getting into the business. It's been a dream of mine for the past few years and the thought of working for myself has been very tempting. But it's hard to take that leap of faith and JUST DO IT. I don't think I'm quite at that point yet, but I'm getting there.

Speaking of a leap of faith, I decided to e-mail said photographer as an informational interview type thing. The worst that could happen is that she never responds. But my gut tells me that she probably will, because she seems like that type of person. I'm excited that I decided to just do it. The last time that I emailed a photographer was probably a year or so ago and I asked about how she started out, and she replied back, happy to be of help.

I still need to work on composition and lighting a lot. I've got a good hang on retouching and processing in Photoshop thanks to my class. I would definitely start out with this being a hobby/job on the side until I was able to take it on as a full time endeavor. I'm starting to looks a some lenses and thanks to borrowlenses.com can try some out before I buy. And they are located in San Mateo!

#1: Victory is mine!

My first goal on my 101 in 1001 list was to blog everyday for a month. I've achieved a goal!

This being my 31st entry, maybe I should write about achieving a goal...

It feels pretty good to be able to cross off the first thing on my list. There are a couple more entries that are still to come, but those were started on the days of their post date. It's been difficult to come up with topics to write about every day, but at the same time I feel inspired daily by random conversations or interesting finds. I never really know what I'm going to write about.

I think that achieving a goal enables you to move forward with more goals. Discouragement is the number one killer of goals. Goals are easy to set, but so hard to complete. We get distracted, discouraged, and then the goal becomes irrelevant to us. The key is to keep goals relevant and worth working towards.

Here's to achieving goals set forth!

Just Do It.

Sure, it may be a slogan from Nike, but it's my slogan for the year.

Now, of course I would not recommend this attitude for all situations, but for many situations, it works.

What I'm talking about is for those who say "I'm going to..." or "I want to..." or "I would like to..." in terms of a dream or a goal like a diet or travel or some kind of change, I say, "Go for it!" There is no time like the present.

2008 feels different to me. It feels like a year when I will enact change and improve myself on the whole. And I believe that this blog, this outlet for expression, will hold me accountable for my actions and accomplishments, and of course, obstacles. I suppose it also feels different because I am making it so. I've written down goals and resolutions. I have had the chance to read and reread everything that I want to do. Since my goals are for the next 1001 days, I also don't feel like time is ticking, but since I am determined to make a dent in my list, I will work on each one.

I've spent the last few years saying "I will". This year, "I am". New motivation and inspiration that I am taking to heart and moving forward with. Maybe it's because I turn 25 this year. Maybe it's because I'm in a crossroads of my life. Whatever it is, I want to make the most of it. I want to be able to say, "Wow, I'm glad I did that" instead of, "Aww man, I wish I could have done that". And in most cases, money aside, there's only one thing that stands in the way. You. Me. Ourselves. I'm going to be my own best friend instead of my own worst enemy. Do it!

Seize the moment and live life.

New Budget

Just like the state, I have to rework my budget. I'm really glad that I created an emergency stash of money. I really needed it these last few days. And now, with a new vehicle in tow, I have to rethink my budget.

I feel extremely lucky to not have to pay rent to my parents. I know that some people would rather go broke paying for rent than living with their parents, but I value shelter. Warm home, clean bed, hot showers. Plus a house of people to talk to when I go home. Sounds great in my book. So for me, this line on my budget does not affect me.

It's the student loans, car payments, and credit cards bills that are making me juggle. I definitely have to cut unnecessary spending (I sound like the government!) and perhaps keep the plastic at home. Although, I think considering my monthly income and savings, I can do it. It's not that bad. However, I do know of one solution to get me through it.

A RAISE!

The sun still shines

I saw the movie Juno today. It was a cute and poignant look at teenage pregnancy, handled in a palatable and humorous manner. I especially liked the scene in which Juno was talking to her dad about love and the possibility of unconditional love. Her dad says that when you're in love you take the person for the good, the bad, the ugly, the stupid, and at the end of the day they "still think the sun shines out of your ass". Great line.

I think that line rings true in couples who have been together for a long time. How else would they stay together for so long? On so many levels there has to be that compromise at the end of the day. The "honey I love you" and "babe you're the best" statements of affirmation make the big difference. If there aren't those feelings after a disagreement or blowout fight, then there may be trouble brewing. The old saying of "don't go to bed mad" is really important. If there was a way to put a fight on pause or timeout, I think that would be a great tool. Sometimes discussions turn into disagreements or misunderstandings turn into brawls. And sometimes exhaustion sets in before it's all over. Pause would be great. I, myself, haven't experienced the need for the "pause" button, but if I plan for my love to still think the sun shines out of my butt years down the line, I'm going to have to up the ante. I love him, so it's definitely worth it. I believe I'll still be saying that when I'm old and senile.