(spoiler: YES!)
Last night I was semi-watching part of 60 Minutes while Mister Melancholy (that's what I'm going to call him from now on; "my husband" sounds too smug and weird, and the "DH" blogging custom is just icky) had it on. There was a short blurb saying that after a segment aired on a homeless family in Florida, viewer donations poured in, giving the family money, job offers, housing, and even college scholarships.
While it's good to know that this one family will be on their feet and much more comfortable, that after-segment still felt kind of gross to me.
This one family dealt with a lot of hardships, losing their jobs and home. Millions of families have dealt with just as many, or even more. Some families never even have jobs or homes to begin with. (Most homeless and people in poverty are women and children, by the way.)
So the fact that the viewers sent money to help one family (there may have been two or three featured?)--that is wonderful for that family and their future.
But I wonder how many viewers realized that the family portrayed was representative of untold numbers of people in similar or worse situations. I wonder how many people thought to donate to food banks, homeless shelters, shelters for battered women and children. I wonder if anyone was driven to get out and volunteer with one of those places. I wonder if anyone thought to write to their representatives in government to bring needed attention to the everyday life that so many people live in poverty (for years or just recently). I wonder how many people realized that helping this one family whose faces they saw is doing nothing to help the bigger problem. That it kind of seems like a selfish reaction, actually, to focus on the people on the screen, rather than all the people behind it. I also wonder if 60 Minutes did that thing at the end of the original segment where they say, "for more information about helping poverty-stricken or homeless people in your area, contact [food bank/charity navigator/national shelter information/something like that]."
This sparked an interesting debate between Mister M and me. I said all of this to him and then asked if he donates to charity. He said that he doesn't feel like him donating $50 or whatever really makes a difference; is he supposed to do that to feel good? That's a drop in a leaky bucket, or a raindrop in the ocean.
I stared at him. To me this sounded like he was implying there's no reason to give a little bit because it couldn't possibly solve anything. He clarified that writing a small check makes him depressed, because even if he donated his entire net worth, it still wouldn't do anything to solve a real problem. And that since he works in policy, he's kind of working to solve it that way.
I replied indignantly, You can't eat policy! If I were to donate $10 to a food bank, that would mean that one person or one family had dinner that night.
Him: Sure, but that's only 1/1000th of the problem for just the next year!
Me: Right, exactly! Every little bit helps!
Him: I would rather start working out a way to fix it on a large scale so nobody's hungry.
Me: But people need to eat today!
It's interesting; I'm a textbook pessimist at times. But apparently when it comes to the concept of giving back, I'm a full-on optimist.
I spent ten solid months doing service projects around the United States, and then I volunteered regularly for several years after that. I saw for myself that giving back is easy, and it's such a win-win for everyone. Giving back to your community is so much bigger than whatever small project you do for a few hours. You meet new people, you become proof that people care about other people, and somehow that spreads to the ether of feel-good. AND you get things done!
He's heard this from me before, but I said that I wondered how many people volunteered or even donated money. In all my years of being involved with giving back, I was never joined by anyone. No one I knew thought it would be worthwhile to join me and some others for a few hours even for just one day. Now, sure, perhaps they did other volunteering on their own that I never heard about, but based on the reactions I got talking about it and inviting people, most people were confused or put off by the idea.
That makes me sad. Volunteering is a lot of fun. No matter what you're doing. I've done things as mundane as raking leaves in the forest, and as meaningful as constructing walls for Habitat for Humanity. It's all a great time! And it all makes a difference! I hope that if you've never volunteered, you take the next opportunity that comes up. It will be worth it, to you and to the organization, I promise!
(Also, I'd like to state for the record that I think teachers give back to the community in a MAJOR way. So do nurses, doctors, people who staff non-profits, etc.)
I don't have a lot of money to spare. Really I shouldn't be sparing any. But if I can bring myself to buy two books from a local bookstore, or buy a Twix PB at the drugstore, I can find ten to fifteen dollars a month at a minimum to help with a worthwhile cause. In the past I've donated to TrailBlazers, Save the Children, the Nature Conservancy, and Heifer International. I've volunteered many times with the Hands On Network, in Seattle, New York, and New Orleans. Last December I participated in Help Portrait (though I didn't participate this year; it was last weekend). Recently I found this great list from Oprah.com: Spend a Little and Give a Lot. This year, I'd like to donate to the Food Bank of NYC, which is running a matching campaign for the holiday season.
I hope you will join me in helping the community--and not just because it's the holidays. I hope you'll join me in creating a culture of giving back. It's not about the amount, it's about the effort. Do you have causes you support, with volunteering or donation? I'd love to learn about new worthy organizations!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Christmas Tree!
Yesterday we bought a tree and tonight we finished decorating it! It smells delicious. I cannot get enough of that pine aroma!
Every year I make us a photo ornament from Snapfish. We try to buy an ornament when we go on vacation, too. We found a lovely, delicate one from Crater Lake in September, but we forgot to get one in Greece. So the photo ornament is one of us in Oia. I like adding ornaments every year and look forward to growing our collection of memories!
(This is a handmade bokeh filter in a heart shape.)
Sunday, December 04, 2011
field trips!
Tomorrow morning I'll leave for a three-day trip to Georgia, a state I haven't been to before. I get to rent a car and I'll drive around and explore a bit when I'm not working. I'm really excited! I love visiting new places and getting to eat out and running errands easily with a car if needed.
I just borrowed a big stack of books from a friend (I guess I'll have to choose two to take), plus I downloaded the Mindy Kaling audiobook, plus I'll take my Sudoku book, plus of course a knitting project. And...maybe a Netflix movie to watch at the hotel.
Think of the potential photo opportunities in a brand new place! And I like getting to work with schools too--I've had really good experiences working with teachers in other states thus far.
Next week I get to go back to Florida to meet with my colleagues!
Work trips are my favorite way of pretending to be a grown up. :)
I just borrowed a big stack of books from a friend (I guess I'll have to choose two to take), plus I downloaded the Mindy Kaling audiobook, plus I'll take my Sudoku book, plus of course a knitting project. And...maybe a Netflix movie to watch at the hotel.
Think of the potential photo opportunities in a brand new place! And I like getting to work with schools too--I've had really good experiences working with teachers in other states thus far.
Next week I get to go back to Florida to meet with my colleagues!
Work trips are my favorite way of pretending to be a grown up. :)
Friday, December 02, 2011
building business
Over the summer, I answered an ad on craigslist. It ended up being for a political candidate who wanted on-the-street candid photos. I did two separate shoots with him in one weekend, for no pay. I always like taking candids, and this was a new type of shooting for me. So it was a good experience.
A month or two later, he asked if I'd shoot another afternoon for him, but this time he would pay. It was twenty dollars.
A few weeks ago, he emailed me on my day off, asking for another shoot that day. I called him back and left a message that I could, and that my rate would be $75. Later he left me a message and said, "oh, I didn't want to pay that much, we'd done twenty before, but I understand if that's not worth it to you."
No, it's not worth twenty dollars for at least three hours of my time commuting and shooting, plus at least one more hour of editing. That's five dollars an hour! Even $75 for all that is barely worth it!
I'm not sure if he'll call me again, but I hope that if he does, he's prepared to pay appropriately for my time and talent.
--
Last week I got an email from someone. They were going to be coming to NYC and wanted some shots of them around the city.
I was really excited, because A)I didn't already know this person, so a stranger found my site! and B)that's exactly the kind of shoot that I would love to do!
I quoted $100 for the session, which would be about two hours, and include a credit for one 8x10 print. Then they could buy prints with a discount for the first week, or buy a disc with all the images for $200 if they wanted.
Sadly, they decided not to book the shoot, because they're concerned about money.
However, I am comfortable with that, because I think that quote is very reasonable. For a shoot like that, there's 3-4 hours of commute & shooting, and then at least two hours of editing. So $100 for six hours of my time is more than reasonable! But it's not reasonable to give away all the photos for that same $100, which is why they would need to pay for the disc or prints. Keeping in mind, of course, that more established professional photographers charge $40+ for an 8x10 (so do the big store studios, actually) and $500+ for a disc of images.
These rates/charges I've come up with make sense for where I am right now this year, and I'm happy with that. For now.
Another good note is that a friend in the publishing industry got me a referral to shoot a big conference in January! I shot one day of a conference in August, which was quite a day. This one will be four long days! I'm a little nervous but also excited.
I hope that I continue learning from the booking and non-booking of photo jobs, and I hope to start building up a client base in the coming year!
A month or two later, he asked if I'd shoot another afternoon for him, but this time he would pay. It was twenty dollars.
A few weeks ago, he emailed me on my day off, asking for another shoot that day. I called him back and left a message that I could, and that my rate would be $75. Later he left me a message and said, "oh, I didn't want to pay that much, we'd done twenty before, but I understand if that's not worth it to you."
No, it's not worth twenty dollars for at least three hours of my time commuting and shooting, plus at least one more hour of editing. That's five dollars an hour! Even $75 for all that is barely worth it!
I'm not sure if he'll call me again, but I hope that if he does, he's prepared to pay appropriately for my time and talent.
--
Last week I got an email from someone. They were going to be coming to NYC and wanted some shots of them around the city.
I was really excited, because A)I didn't already know this person, so a stranger found my site! and B)that's exactly the kind of shoot that I would love to do!
I quoted $100 for the session, which would be about two hours, and include a credit for one 8x10 print. Then they could buy prints with a discount for the first week, or buy a disc with all the images for $200 if they wanted.
Sadly, they decided not to book the shoot, because they're concerned about money.
However, I am comfortable with that, because I think that quote is very reasonable. For a shoot like that, there's 3-4 hours of commute & shooting, and then at least two hours of editing. So $100 for six hours of my time is more than reasonable! But it's not reasonable to give away all the photos for that same $100, which is why they would need to pay for the disc or prints. Keeping in mind, of course, that more established professional photographers charge $40+ for an 8x10 (so do the big store studios, actually) and $500+ for a disc of images.
These rates/charges I've come up with make sense for where I am right now this year, and I'm happy with that. For now.
Another good note is that a friend in the publishing industry got me a referral to shoot a big conference in January! I shot one day of a conference in August, which was quite a day. This one will be four long days! I'm a little nervous but also excited.
I hope that I continue learning from the booking and non-booking of photo jobs, and I hope to start building up a client base in the coming year!
Thursday, December 01, 2011
ooh! shiny!
I changed my blog template for the first time in probably five years!
Also, I successfully completed 30 days of blogging in November. Not much in the way of quality, but a few good things in there. I do have more ideas...sort of. I hope to get back in the habit of regular posting. We'll see. :)
Also, I successfully completed 30 days of blogging in November. Not much in the way of quality, but a few good things in there. I do have more ideas...sort of. I hope to get back in the habit of regular posting. We'll see. :)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
working conditions
I work in a great place.
I started in mid-October 2010 and immediately felt at ease with everyone that worked there. My weird sense of humor and sarcasm was right at home with my coworkers', and most days there is a lot of laughing. Really great people. Also sometimes there is cake.
Over the last thirteen months, a handful of people have left or moved, and a lot more people have joined us. They are all also good people, and there's still plenty of laughing. But it's still a little different, less of a small group/family kind of feeling as we expand.
Regardless, I feel very lucky to have this job where I get to hang out with smart, interesting, funny people. I don't make much money at all, but the environment and pace of the work make it almost okay.
In my last two years of teaching at charter schools, I knew that my colleagues were fantastic and interesting people too, but I never got to really see them. We were all penned up in our classrooms for ten to twelve hours a day. A good job--teaching or not--isn't about the money near as much as about how you feel when you're at your job, and how your coworkers get to interact and make you think or laugh. A good set of school supplies is an excellent perk, but it doesn't compare to a commiserative laugh.
I started in mid-October 2010 and immediately felt at ease with everyone that worked there. My weird sense of humor and sarcasm was right at home with my coworkers', and most days there is a lot of laughing. Really great people. Also sometimes there is cake.
Over the last thirteen months, a handful of people have left or moved, and a lot more people have joined us. They are all also good people, and there's still plenty of laughing. But it's still a little different, less of a small group/family kind of feeling as we expand.
Regardless, I feel very lucky to have this job where I get to hang out with smart, interesting, funny people. I don't make much money at all, but the environment and pace of the work make it almost okay.
In my last two years of teaching at charter schools, I knew that my colleagues were fantastic and interesting people too, but I never got to really see them. We were all penned up in our classrooms for ten to twelve hours a day. A good job--teaching or not--isn't about the money near as much as about how you feel when you're at your job, and how your coworkers get to interact and make you think or laugh. A good set of school supplies is an excellent perk, but it doesn't compare to a commiserative laugh.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
the best things about me
1. I'm good at ideas.
I love brainstorming. Occasionally I get these sudden visions or ideas, and very occasionally I get to see those visions carried out. I work for an educational/technology company and a few weeks ago I had some thoughts about new products. I took notes and added more details and I think they are super awesome. I shared it with a few people at work, including the person in charge of new products. He seemed happy to hear my ideas and passed them along. Not sure if anything will come of it, but I'm still excited about the ideas. I was sort-of put on the marketing team because of my ideas this summer. I have lots of photography visions that are much tougher to pull off, lacking certain geographical or costume elements. But I do keep a list in hope that someday I'll be able to realize it.
2. I'm honest.
Some people are fake and/or not genuine. It doesn't cross my mind to lie, so I tell the truth. Not at all in a "I say that I'm honest but really am just a brash asshole" way, more like "I'm too innocent and I follow the rules" way. So you know what you get with me, in a genuine way.
3. I'm passionate.
When I'm reading or thinking or talking about things I love (travel, photography, books, my ideas), I can feel my face light up. Sometimes I hop or dance in excitement. Often I continue to think/brainstorm about them while I should be sleeping or doing other important things.
4. I love to laugh.
5. It doesn't take much to make me happy.
Music? Something to read? Cozy chair or sofa with blankets? Maybe something to crochet and/or watch on tv? Someone nice and fun to chat with? A good hug? Pick any one or several of those things and I'm happy. Easy peasy.
6. I'm a cheap date/friend.
I don't drink very often, and I can't seem to stomach more than a few drinks when I do. I never order entrees and usually get just a salad and maybe one side (though I often want dessert), so even at a fancy restaurant, my portion of the bill is small. (Not that you'd be paying for me. But you know, for my husband, or if someone is footing the bill for a group, like a work event.)
I don't want fancy or expensive things (unless you count plane tickets?). I don't give a shit about status symbols, having the latest gadget or trendiest shoes or whatever. I don't want presents even; experiences are way better than things. Though if you want me to experience having a few more camera lenses, I guess I don't mind...
7. Do you need help? I can help you.
I like helping people. I also like teaching people to do things, if they need it. I like helping people figure out what they want.
8. I like learning things.
I've subscribed to National Geographic and Smithsonian since 2004 (actually, someone subscribed me to NatGeo that year, still not sure who--maybe my great-aunt?), and I love reading them and finding out small bits of information or in-depth looks at historical events, current events (though I can't seem to do this in newspapers or online news), or geographical features. I know this was one thing I did well as a teacher--made it clear how much I loved learning and reading, and that it shouldn't stop just because you're not a student.
Sadly no one else I know reads these magazines (I don't know why! They are so fascinating! You should read them!), but occasionally I can talk to people about a NYT article or a New Yorker piece that the husband tells me I should read.
I love brainstorming. Occasionally I get these sudden visions or ideas, and very occasionally I get to see those visions carried out. I work for an educational/technology company and a few weeks ago I had some thoughts about new products. I took notes and added more details and I think they are super awesome. I shared it with a few people at work, including the person in charge of new products. He seemed happy to hear my ideas and passed them along. Not sure if anything will come of it, but I'm still excited about the ideas. I was sort-of put on the marketing team because of my ideas this summer. I have lots of photography visions that are much tougher to pull off, lacking certain geographical or costume elements. But I do keep a list in hope that someday I'll be able to realize it.
2. I'm honest.
Some people are fake and/or not genuine. It doesn't cross my mind to lie, so I tell the truth. Not at all in a "I say that I'm honest but really am just a brash asshole" way, more like "I'm too innocent and I follow the rules" way. So you know what you get with me, in a genuine way.
3. I'm passionate.
When I'm reading or thinking or talking about things I love (travel, photography, books, my ideas), I can feel my face light up. Sometimes I hop or dance in excitement. Often I continue to think/brainstorm about them while I should be sleeping or doing other important things.
4. I love to laugh.
5. It doesn't take much to make me happy.
Music? Something to read? Cozy chair or sofa with blankets? Maybe something to crochet and/or watch on tv? Someone nice and fun to chat with? A good hug? Pick any one or several of those things and I'm happy. Easy peasy.
6. I'm a cheap date/friend.
I don't drink very often, and I can't seem to stomach more than a few drinks when I do. I never order entrees and usually get just a salad and maybe one side (though I often want dessert), so even at a fancy restaurant, my portion of the bill is small. (Not that you'd be paying for me. But you know, for my husband, or if someone is footing the bill for a group, like a work event.)
I don't want fancy or expensive things (unless you count plane tickets?). I don't give a shit about status symbols, having the latest gadget or trendiest shoes or whatever. I don't want presents even; experiences are way better than things. Though if you want me to experience having a few more camera lenses, I guess I don't mind...
7. Do you need help? I can help you.
I like helping people. I also like teaching people to do things, if they need it. I like helping people figure out what they want.
8. I like learning things.
I've subscribed to National Geographic and Smithsonian since 2004 (actually, someone subscribed me to NatGeo that year, still not sure who--maybe my great-aunt?), and I love reading them and finding out small bits of information or in-depth looks at historical events, current events (though I can't seem to do this in newspapers or online news), or geographical features. I know this was one thing I did well as a teacher--made it clear how much I loved learning and reading, and that it shouldn't stop just because you're not a student.
Sadly no one else I know reads these magazines (I don't know why! They are so fascinating! You should read them!), but occasionally I can talk to people about a NYT article or a New Yorker piece that the husband tells me I should read.
Monday, November 28, 2011
the worst things about me
1. I'm a Negative Nelly.
Seriously, I hate everything. I roll my eyes at everything else. So much makes me cranky. Traffic. Too many commercials. Slow-moving people. Trends. The word "trendy". Spoiled and/or entitled people. Children's names with excessive vowels or cre8tyve spyllinge. Toms Shoes. The smell of turkey. Hearing grown people say the word "totes" as in short for "totally." That one song, oh and that other one. 98% of reality television. This new Blogger format with the incorrect cursor. The Facebook "top story" bullshit. The term "social media." Incorrect use of the phrase "mano a mano"--it means hand to hand, not man to man! Sheesh!
I could go on for days...
I'm also highly suspicious of most everything.
2. I am bad at talking.
I am terrible at chatting with people. I listen but I don't know how to ask questions or something, to encourage more conversation. So I'm sorry. I really do want to talk to you, but I don't know how.
Either that, or I get started on a stupid topic and can't think of others. Like teaching. Probably half the people I know must think, "OH MY GOD SHUT UP ABOUT TEACHING ALREADY--IT'S OVER." If you're one of them, ack, I'm sorry!
Also, I am terrible at debating, because even when I have things to say, I can never say them right. Harrumph. Facebook politics make me itchy for this reason.
Even more, I only have like three stories. And two jokes. I'm terribly unoriginal and unwitty 99% of the time.
3. I'm a dumbass.
I do lots of stupid shit. (My last big one was locking my key into my gym locker.) I also say a lot of stupid shit, without realizing it. Sometimes I find out that I've offended someone or irritated someone, and then I am so anxious and sorry about--I promise, I didn't mean it! I'm just dumb! Sorry! I'm sorry!
4. I make excuses.
See? I should somehow know better than to say dumb things before they come out. Also, my knee hurts. And I have a headache again.
5. I'm lazy.
Can't go to the gym if my knee hurts. Can't I sleep in? Waah, I'm so tired. But instead of doing reading that could make me more interesting or more knowledgeable, I browse flickr. Instead of writing thoughtful blog posts, I flip through Jezebel and Gothamist on googlereader. I stay up late doing nothing important instead of going to bed at a reasonable time.
6. MY FACE
My face is crooked and my neutral expression looks unhappy. Also, it turns red. Like, all the time, any time. Sometimes I can feel it, but the horror I've learned this year is that my face turns red without me even realizing it! What the heck! Seriously, it's been making me really anxious lately. I hate my face. Also, it manages to be both shiny and too dry. Lovely.
7. I have trouble letting go.
Often I don't leave parties early because I don't want to miss out. I don't want to be the nineteenth wheel the next day when everyone is laughing about this one shared experience that you really had to be there for. I average over a thousand pictures a month, and many of them could be deleted. But...what if, you know? Maybe in a year I'll want three versions of that tree branch, and five versions of me standing in front of it. Argh. I have lots of books. I brought a handful with me when I moved here, leaving probably five boxes in my dad's garage. Now I have almost two full bookshelves filled with books. I've been able to get rid of the ones I don't like and that I know I won't read or read again...but that's not been very many. I hold onto books for probably too long, because what if I want to read them again?
On either the flip side or more of the same, I have trouble being in the present. I'm very guilty of only looking ahead, looking forward to something else that's different and therefore better than whatever's happening now. It's hard to slow down and experience things fully.
8. I'm basically an old person.
I hate loud noise and loud music. I hate crowds. I hate being out late on a school night. Half the time I probably can't hear you. I am often covered in aches and pains.
Seriously, I hate everything. I roll my eyes at everything else. So much makes me cranky. Traffic. Too many commercials. Slow-moving people. Trends. The word "trendy". Spoiled and/or entitled people. Children's names with excessive vowels or cre8tyve spyllinge. Toms Shoes. The smell of turkey. Hearing grown people say the word "totes" as in short for "totally." That one song, oh and that other one. 98% of reality television. This new Blogger format with the incorrect cursor. The Facebook "top story" bullshit. The term "social media." Incorrect use of the phrase "mano a mano"--it means hand to hand, not man to man! Sheesh!
I could go on for days...
I'm also highly suspicious of most everything.
2. I am bad at talking.
I am terrible at chatting with people. I listen but I don't know how to ask questions or something, to encourage more conversation. So I'm sorry. I really do want to talk to you, but I don't know how.
Either that, or I get started on a stupid topic and can't think of others. Like teaching. Probably half the people I know must think, "OH MY GOD SHUT UP ABOUT TEACHING ALREADY--IT'S OVER." If you're one of them, ack, I'm sorry!
Also, I am terrible at debating, because even when I have things to say, I can never say them right. Harrumph. Facebook politics make me itchy for this reason.
Even more, I only have like three stories. And two jokes. I'm terribly unoriginal and unwitty 99% of the time.
3. I'm a dumbass.
I do lots of stupid shit. (My last big one was locking my key into my gym locker.) I also say a lot of stupid shit, without realizing it. Sometimes I find out that I've offended someone or irritated someone, and then I am so anxious and sorry about--I promise, I didn't mean it! I'm just dumb! Sorry! I'm sorry!
4. I make excuses.
See? I should somehow know better than to say dumb things before they come out. Also, my knee hurts. And I have a headache again.
5. I'm lazy.
Can't go to the gym if my knee hurts. Can't I sleep in? Waah, I'm so tired. But instead of doing reading that could make me more interesting or more knowledgeable, I browse flickr. Instead of writing thoughtful blog posts, I flip through Jezebel and Gothamist on googlereader. I stay up late doing nothing important instead of going to bed at a reasonable time.
6. MY FACE
My face is crooked and my neutral expression looks unhappy. Also, it turns red. Like, all the time, any time. Sometimes I can feel it, but the horror I've learned this year is that my face turns red without me even realizing it! What the heck! Seriously, it's been making me really anxious lately. I hate my face. Also, it manages to be both shiny and too dry. Lovely.
7. I have trouble letting go.
Often I don't leave parties early because I don't want to miss out. I don't want to be the nineteenth wheel the next day when everyone is laughing about this one shared experience that you really had to be there for. I average over a thousand pictures a month, and many of them could be deleted. But...what if, you know? Maybe in a year I'll want three versions of that tree branch, and five versions of me standing in front of it. Argh. I have lots of books. I brought a handful with me when I moved here, leaving probably five boxes in my dad's garage. Now I have almost two full bookshelves filled with books. I've been able to get rid of the ones I don't like and that I know I won't read or read again...but that's not been very many. I hold onto books for probably too long, because what if I want to read them again?
On either the flip side or more of the same, I have trouble being in the present. I'm very guilty of only looking ahead, looking forward to something else that's different and therefore better than whatever's happening now. It's hard to slow down and experience things fully.
8. I'm basically an old person.
I hate loud noise and loud music. I hate crowds. I hate being out late on a school night. Half the time I probably can't hear you. I am often covered in aches and pains.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
humbug
Look, I enjoy the holiday season. I keep Christmas music on my ipod year-round because I like it so much. (My favorite songs are O Holy Night and Do You Hear What I Hear?)
I was alarmed to see Christmas decorations go up literally the day after Halloween. I saw a Christmas tree at the Atlantic Terminal mall two weeks ago. Gingerbread house kits at Costco several weeks before that! I have a problem with all this jumping forward and extending the consumerism of the Christmas season by the retail industry. It makes me cranky; it just shouldn't be this way.
I'm also kind of alarmed how quickly so many regular people (as opposed to the stores) are jumping into Christmas. The day after Thanksgiving, it seems like everyone started showing off their Christmas trees. I know that technically Christmas season can start after Thanksgiving, and that some people start decorating asap. But this year it seems like all the people. Like everyone's been holding their breath waiting until the first possible moment to hurdle into Christmas. I don't know, it's just weird. It's all too fast! Too much!
We'll put up our fake tree and buy a real one across the street. We'll take out our ornaments, adding special ones from this year to our collection. I'll starting gathering/replacing strands of fairy lights. We'll put out our Advent calendar that has treat boxes. I'll listen to Christmas songs on purpose instead of hearing them occasionally on shuffle. But it will be December when all this happens.
Please don't be offended; I'm a cranky old lady. Who will eventually get into the holiday spirit.
I was alarmed to see Christmas decorations go up literally the day after Halloween. I saw a Christmas tree at the Atlantic Terminal mall two weeks ago. Gingerbread house kits at Costco several weeks before that! I have a problem with all this jumping forward and extending the consumerism of the Christmas season by the retail industry. It makes me cranky; it just shouldn't be this way.
I'm also kind of alarmed how quickly so many regular people (as opposed to the stores) are jumping into Christmas. The day after Thanksgiving, it seems like everyone started showing off their Christmas trees. I know that technically Christmas season can start after Thanksgiving, and that some people start decorating asap. But this year it seems like all the people. Like everyone's been holding their breath waiting until the first possible moment to hurdle into Christmas. I don't know, it's just weird. It's all too fast! Too much!
We'll put up our fake tree and buy a real one across the street. We'll take out our ornaments, adding special ones from this year to our collection. I'll starting gathering/replacing strands of fairy lights. We'll put out our Advent calendar that has treat boxes. I'll listen to Christmas songs on purpose instead of hearing them occasionally on shuffle. But it will be December when all this happens.
Please don't be offended; I'm a cranky old lady. Who will eventually get into the holiday spirit.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
and we're back
Here are those stars I mentioned yesterday (they're a bit blurry).
There is no better guarantee that I will feel burning hatred for New York City than making me slog through Penn Station after getting back from a quiet, peaceful trip. Harrumph.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm thankful for many things this year:
--My husband, who is cute, funny, supportive, and gives great hugs
--My family, who are pretty great people
--My husband's family, who are all very kind and have taken me in as one of their own
--Their kitty, who is very cute and likes me a lot:
--My colleagues, who are fantastic, interesting, and funny people
--Various friends scattered about the country and globe
--My two jobs, for keeping me busy
--The water pressure that got fixed after four months
--Time to sleep in this weekend
--Anyone who still reads this blog!
I hope you are having a good Thanksgiving wherever you are!
--My husband, who is cute, funny, supportive, and gives great hugs
--My family, who are pretty great people
--My husband's family, who are all very kind and have taken me in as one of their own
--Their kitty, who is very cute and likes me a lot:
--My colleagues, who are fantastic, interesting, and funny people
--Various friends scattered about the country and globe
--My two jobs, for keeping me busy
--The water pressure that got fixed after four months
--Time to sleep in this weekend
--Anyone who still reads this blog!
I hope you are having a good Thanksgiving wherever you are!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
I'm on a train
We're heading out of state to visit the mister's parents. Look at all this room! I've totally overpacked activities because I'm always paranoid about getting bored. So I have four books and three craft projects, plus my new sudoku book. That should be plenty for four days, right? :)
If you're traveling for the holiday, have a safe trip! Happy Thanksgiving weekend!
If you're traveling for the holiday, have a safe trip! Happy Thanksgiving weekend!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
the state of my (online) library
Today I completed one of my big 2011 goals!
I completed my 100th book of the year. Goodreads happened to offer a challenge that would track everything for you, which was a big help so I didn't have to count up my written list all the time.
I chose Charlotte's Web for book #100. Somehow I made it through childhood without ever reading it. It was at the top of the 100 Best Children's Books the other year, and I figured it would be an appropriate book for this special position on the list. It did not disappoint. What a wonderful book! The writing is clear and clever, and even educational (I love the vocabulary that kids can learn from reading this!), and the characters really come to life. It is so sweet and I can just imagine how enchanted a child would be reading this. If I ever have kids, I will surely read this one aloud to him or her.
Other notables from my year's reading:
I read eleven nonfiction books this year, and eight of them were first-person memoirs.
- My favorite by far was Bossypants, in audio, by Tina Fey. She is awesome but also hilarious. I want to be like her when I grow up. (I look forward to listening to Mindy Kaling's new book; I have a feeling I also want to be her when I grow up.)
- Also very interesting was The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon, by David Grann. That book is about what happens when explorers stop being polite and start getting real--with plants, animals, and people that want to kill you.
I read a few grown-up literature books this year, including:
- Pamie's third book, Going in Circles.
- My favorite discovery was the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde (the first of which is The Eyre Affair). Fun adventures and clever wordplay? Yes please! I've read five of the books this year; the sixth just came out this spring.
Most of what I read was/is young adult literature. Don't scoff; some of it is amazing! (And some of it is stupid [I have never read Twilight, I don't intend to, and its very existence makes me angry].) I've read both types this year, some for the two YA book clubs I joined. Some of the ones I liked most were:
- the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan: Greek myths come to life, fast-paced adventures for middle-grade girls and boys alike. There are five books; I can't wait to read the last one!
- Beauty Queens by Libba Bray: a fun satire of modern pop culture mixed with a girl version of Lord of the Flies. Fun for any high schooler.
- Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales: The perfect girl becomes not-so-perfect. Excellent for teen girls feeling a lot of pressure to do everything and do it right.
Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson (sequel to Chains): A must-read by one of the best historical-fiction writers for young adults. Get an up close look at slavery and the Revolutionary War in the New York area.
- Al Capone Does My Shirts and Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko: You simply have to read these. Life on Alcatraz is fascinating enough, but the characters seem so real, and the plots are alternately touching and adventurous. Fantastic reads for boys and girls (and their parents!).
Other outstanding YA books that you should absolutely read no matter how old you are:
Monday, November 21, 2011
How to Find Your Passion
Sometimes the Oprah magazine has pieces that strike a chord with me, like the de-cluttering issue awhile back. The November 2011 theme was Find Your True Calling.
I grabbed a notebook and took notes on the section titled: O's 4-step Fulfillment Workbook:
When I was a kid, I dreamed of: gymnastics
I can't pass up a book or movie about: dancing?
If I played hooky from work for a week, I'd spend the time: sleeping in, reading, taking photos
Most people don't know this about me, but I really enjoy: singing, organizing things
I am the go-to person when my friends need help with: not applicable. no one asks me for help.
If I could star in my own how-to TV show, it would be about: travel
If I were to make a homemade gift, it would involve: crochet or baked goods
I've tried it only once or twice, but I really enjoy: dance classes
The closest I come to a runner's high is when I'm: brainstorming ideas; taking portraits
If I won first prize in a talent show, it would be for: what, right now? no idea
The next step is comparing each side by side and declaring a 'winner', then moving "round the world" style until you have one overall winner.
For one thing, this list was kind of hard for me. I've never been good at favorites, ultimates, or instant answers to these kinds of questions.
Some of the answers are pretty dumb, in that they're easy to eliminate from my "true passions." --Gymnastics was a pipe dream that I realized was futile at 13.
--Dancing is wonderful, I love it. But I don't have talent, time or money to pursue it. (I happened to walk past the Capezio store the other day and looked with longing at the photos and outfits.)
--I only sing when people aren't listening.
--I'm not always a very neat person. But I get such a kick out of making a big old mess, dumping everything out, and then sorting through, cleaning up, and making it all organized. But I don't have the drive or desire to make a hobby or career out of it.
--I'm not very good at baking or crocheting; they're fun hobbies to play with sometimes.
--Travel is definitely a passion of mine. I don't think it's a career possibility, though. Regardless, I will continue to 'pursue' it as a hobby. (We're talking about a late spring Europe trip for next year, in fact.)
--I love brainstorming. I don't think you can do that as a job.
--The big duh winner is photography.
See, I knew that already. Which rarely happens for me. But there are still problems. Observe:
(One)
I worry that I'm incompetent.
(Two)
I worry that this is just a phase and temporary obsession.
(Three)
On the other hand, I began photographing outside of hobby-land in early 2009, and it's almost the end of 2012.
(Four)
So Jesus Christ, shouldn't I be further along by now?
(Five)
Oh god, does that mean I'm terrible?
(Six)
I have a real website.
(Seven)
It probably sucks.
(Eight)
I don't have any marketing skills.
(Nine)
I can't bring myself to subscribe/read/buy all those internet marketing guides.
(Ten)
It's really beyond my purview right now anyway, as
(Eleven)
I don't have any clients.
(Twelve)
I want clients.
(Thirteen)
But I don't want just anything; I do believe I'm worth being paid fairly for my skill and time.
(Fourteen)
There are people paying thousands of dollars for photography. I'm not worth that (yet), but I think I'm worth at least hundreds or so.
(Fifteen)
I don't have an "in" to my target market with friends or family. And/or I'm too chicken to bug people about it.
(Sixteen)
I want to be successful.
(Seventeen)
You can't swing a camera in New York without hitting five photographers, at least three of whom are probably better than me.
(Eighteen)
I have seen some photographers' work that I am comfortable saying I'm as good as if not better.
(Nineteen)
But most of them are better.
(Twenty)
Should I beg and plead to become a free third-shooter?
(Twenty-one)
But when would I have time for that? I'm already working six days a week.
(Twenty-two)
And yet I'm still poor.
I grabbed a notebook and took notes on the section titled: O's 4-step Fulfillment Workbook:
When I was a kid, I dreamed of: gymnastics
I can't pass up a book or movie about: dancing?
If I played hooky from work for a week, I'd spend the time: sleeping in, reading, taking photos
Most people don't know this about me, but I really enjoy: singing, organizing things
I am the go-to person when my friends need help with: not applicable. no one asks me for help.
If I could star in my own how-to TV show, it would be about: travel
If I were to make a homemade gift, it would involve: crochet or baked goods
I've tried it only once or twice, but I really enjoy: dance classes
The closest I come to a runner's high is when I'm: brainstorming ideas; taking portraits
If I won first prize in a talent show, it would be for: what, right now? no idea
The next step is comparing each side by side and declaring a 'winner', then moving "round the world" style until you have one overall winner.
For one thing, this list was kind of hard for me. I've never been good at favorites, ultimates, or instant answers to these kinds of questions.
Some of the answers are pretty dumb, in that they're easy to eliminate from my "true passions." --Gymnastics was a pipe dream that I realized was futile at 13.
--Dancing is wonderful, I love it. But I don't have talent, time or money to pursue it. (I happened to walk past the Capezio store the other day and looked with longing at the photos and outfits.)
--I only sing when people aren't listening.
--I'm not always a very neat person. But I get such a kick out of making a big old mess, dumping everything out, and then sorting through, cleaning up, and making it all organized. But I don't have the drive or desire to make a hobby or career out of it.
--I'm not very good at baking or crocheting; they're fun hobbies to play with sometimes.
--Travel is definitely a passion of mine. I don't think it's a career possibility, though. Regardless, I will continue to 'pursue' it as a hobby. (We're talking about a late spring Europe trip for next year, in fact.)
--I love brainstorming. I don't think you can do that as a job.
--The big duh winner is photography.
See, I knew that already. Which rarely happens for me. But there are still problems. Observe:
(One)
I worry that I'm incompetent.
(Two)
I worry that this is just a phase and temporary obsession.
(Three)
On the other hand, I began photographing outside of hobby-land in early 2009, and it's almost the end of 2012.
(Four)
So Jesus Christ, shouldn't I be further along by now?
(Five)
Oh god, does that mean I'm terrible?
(Six)
I have a real website.
(Seven)
It probably sucks.
(Eight)
I don't have any marketing skills.
(Nine)
I can't bring myself to subscribe/read/buy all those internet marketing guides.
(Ten)
It's really beyond my purview right now anyway, as
(Eleven)
I don't have any clients.
(Twelve)
I want clients.
(Thirteen)
But I don't want just anything; I do believe I'm worth being paid fairly for my skill and time.
(Fourteen)
There are people paying thousands of dollars for photography. I'm not worth that (yet), but I think I'm worth at least hundreds or so.
(Fifteen)
I don't have an "in" to my target market with friends or family. And/or I'm too chicken to bug people about it.
(Sixteen)
I want to be successful.
(Seventeen)
You can't swing a camera in New York without hitting five photographers, at least three of whom are probably better than me.
(Eighteen)
I have seen some photographers' work that I am comfortable saying I'm as good as if not better.
(Nineteen)
But most of them are better.
(Twenty)
Should I beg and plead to become a free third-shooter?
(Twenty-one)
But when would I have time for that? I'm already working six days a week.
(Twenty-two)
And yet I'm still poor.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
happy sunday
I swear I have thoughtful posts in the hopper. If hopper refers to the edges of my brain.
This weekend I did baby shoots both days.
I'm really ready for some days off.
This weekend I did baby shoots both days.
I'm really ready for some days off.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
when are we?
I am terrible with time. Must stem from my terrible memory. I rarely know what day it is (kind of fun when I suddenly realize or remember that it's Friday; less so when I think it's time for the weekend on Monday night), and in my head I'm usually a few months behind.
So the fact that it's suddenly dark by 5pm is not only surprising, but downright depressing. How is it that late in the year already? I guess it's winter. This week I had to break out a hat, and on a couple days I needed gloves, at least in the evening. Except that tomorrow will be 63, what's up with that?
It's also a bummer for photos. Taking a picture every day is easier when there's still several hours of daylight to play with after getting home from work. Now that that's out of the question, I've been phoning it in. Literally, with my iPhone camera. Here's a shot from Friday morning, which was sunny and crisp and the perfect late fall day.
So the fact that it's suddenly dark by 5pm is not only surprising, but downright depressing. How is it that late in the year already? I guess it's winter. This week I had to break out a hat, and on a couple days I needed gloves, at least in the evening. Except that tomorrow will be 63, what's up with that?
It's also a bummer for photos. Taking a picture every day is easier when there's still several hours of daylight to play with after getting home from work. Now that that's out of the question, I've been phoning it in. Literally, with my iPhone camera. Here's a shot from Friday morning, which was sunny and crisp and the perfect late fall day.
Friday, November 18, 2011
hush your face, siri
The whole talking phone thing creeps me out. Here's why.
1. What, can't we talk to people anymore?!
2. It's called an encyclopedia. Or, you know, the entire internet. You're telling me that a kid who's curious about a particular animal is going to ask a phone-bot instead of looking it up on wikipedia?
3. It's like we're living in the future--the bad future. Didn't the Terminator movies teach anyone anything?! Is it really a good idea to start having conversations (well, two-sided ones; who hasn't yelled at their computer?) with our technology? College Humor once again nails it (NSFW).
1. What, can't we talk to people anymore?!
2. It's called an encyclopedia. Or, you know, the entire internet. You're telling me that a kid who's curious about a particular animal is going to ask a phone-bot instead of looking it up on wikipedia?
3. It's like we're living in the future--the bad future. Didn't the Terminator movies teach anyone anything?! Is it really a good idea to start having conversations (well, two-sided ones; who hasn't yelled at their computer?) with our technology? College Humor once again nails it (NSFW).
Thursday, November 17, 2011
nine years ago...
...the Thursday before Thanksgiving, our AmeriCorps *NCCC term ended.
I'm pretty sure I've babbled before, many times, about the crazy, incredible adventures of that year. It was the hardest and most amazing thing I'd ever done. My team put up with my weird and crazy self--I am much less crazy now, if you can believe it; I was pretty up and down all the time that year. And since I'd always had family issues, I couldn't believe how it felt to have these people as my new family. Through good times and bad, I knew they would be a part of me forever. God bless them, they still talk to me all these years later.
One of the boys always sends out an email at this time saying hi and giving updates. The other day after getting the email, I put up a note on Facebook. Most of my wonderful teammates responded with brief memories and snapshots from our year together. It made me so happy to read these--not just the nostalgia, but it was like suddenly hearing other people speak your own language again. NCCC lives mostly in my head and in all my photos (I took 33 rolls of film in ten months! Back then that was a lot. Now, of course, I take that in one long trip.), so to hear (well, read) other people referencing the same things, it's like, oh yeah, that all really happened, I didn't imagine it, look at these great people that I shared those things with. I was filled with love for my teammates.
Such a gift! Happy nine years, friends. I can't wait to see everyone all together again soon.
I'm pretty sure I've babbled before, many times, about the crazy, incredible adventures of that year. It was the hardest and most amazing thing I'd ever done. My team put up with my weird and crazy self--I am much less crazy now, if you can believe it; I was pretty up and down all the time that year. And since I'd always had family issues, I couldn't believe how it felt to have these people as my new family. Through good times and bad, I knew they would be a part of me forever. God bless them, they still talk to me all these years later.
One of the boys always sends out an email at this time saying hi and giving updates. The other day after getting the email, I put up a note on Facebook. Most of my wonderful teammates responded with brief memories and snapshots from our year together. It made me so happy to read these--not just the nostalgia, but it was like suddenly hearing other people speak your own language again. NCCC lives mostly in my head and in all my photos (I took 33 rolls of film in ten months! Back then that was a lot. Now, of course, I take that in one long trip.), so to hear (well, read) other people referencing the same things, it's like, oh yeah, that all really happened, I didn't imagine it, look at these great people that I shared those things with. I was filled with love for my teammates.
Such a gift! Happy nine years, friends. I can't wait to see everyone all together again soon.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
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