Lately, I haven't been taking many photos for fun. I have a series in my head that I will be putting into action... eventually... but I am mostly just enjoying the freedom of NOT having a business and NOT having to take pictures at all times. The things you love can lose their charm when you do them for monetary gain. I shot my final wedding on the books last weekend. It was lovely and I really enjoyed it, I LOVE the bride and groom and their families... but I am glad to step away from that capacity. It just wasn't ME.
The actual writing I've been up to has been on a little bit of a hold as I delve into research and, of course, continue to read insane amounts of fiction. I have an addiction to fiction. I admit it freely and without shame. I have no plans of going into remission, or seeking help in the matter. Don't judge me.
Bear and I are trying to quit smoking. Again. We have these nifty little futuristic electronic cigarettes that give us a dose of nicotine without all the tar and other chemicals of a traditional cigarette. Bear is doing really well, having completely switched over. I still have two "real" cigarettes a day, one with morning coffee, one before bed. If I don't have a pack in my possession (it doesn't have to be ON my person, just so I know I can have my two smokes at home) I literally have a panic attack. So this addiction is hard to kick, but I am proud to have dropped from a pack-a-day smoker to a two-cigarettes-a-day-and-a-few-drags-if-nicotine-from-an-ecigarette smoker. It's not perfect, but it IS better.
I've also been trying to eat healthier. I have never had a large appetite. Ever. I am lucky if I remember to eat a meal in a day. So I have been making that one meal I typically eat something that is better for me, with more balance. I limit the amount of soda and crap I drink, I don't drink a lot of alcohol (sometimes I go through "I hate booze" phases, too), and I try to make myself walk places more often and do physical things. My energy level is up and my pants size is down two sizes (almost three)!
It's a LOT of change. But, it had to happen at some point. It's really hard to try to keep it all up at one time, although I keep telling myself I CAN do it and I WILL do it. I WILL meet my NaNoWriMo goal for 2012. I WILL create a comprehensive art photo essay and I WILL submit it for a gallery exhibition. I WILL stop smoking. I WILL lose the last 15 pounds I want to lose. Why? Because I CAN.
What things are you trying to change in your life? What are your goals for the year? Best of luck!
tOtally relate to the eating healthier challenge. There is nO reason why I can't buy organic or from the Amish aLL around me. Our problem right now is budget, but mostly it's my hate-to-shop attitude. I hardly eat either. For instance today I had water until I couldn't take it anymore, then I had a slice of garlic bread, and later a small slice of cake someone offered me. And I'm going to bed on that stomach. My other half is the opposite and constantly wants food. I need to get set up on one of those planned meal programs.
ReplyDeleteBeing camera-less has been less difficult than I was prepared for. While I still cannot wAit to get her back, I have become that much more selective in the moments I capture.
Goodness, that is a lot of change! Good luck! I'm trying to eat healthier too.
ReplyDeleteAnd I get what you mean about the camera. I find that the more portraits and/or weddings I'm doing, the less I want to capture my own moments. Sad but true.