Old Photos

Going through my old photos on my flickr account.  I realize that most of them - the earlier ones - are crap.  Posted prior to much photo editing, me thinking - stupidly - that my photos could actually look good without any finishing.  The colours are muted, dark and murky, and not in a good, artistic way.

This was one of the few shots I took that I feel is actually any good, actually decent without post-production.  It's amazing how much a slight exposure enhancement will take your photo.

This was taken during my really long walk down Hollywood Blvd.  Spring Break, 2007, March-ish.  I was visiting a friend who happened to be my RA my freshman year, and a co-RA my sophomore year in college.  It was a hot day and I had to buy a really expensive 5 dollar drink on my walk just to stay cool.  Since this day, I have lived in Los Angeles for a year and a half, I have never been back to Hollywood Blvd.  I've passed it, sure, but once you "see the stars" there really is no need to go back.  It's too busy, too crowded, too touristy.  There's traffic, beeping, it's loud.  People have this walk associated with some kind of glamour, and though it was fun to be a tourist, once you are a "local" you really want to avoid it at all costs.

Two Years...

Barcelona, Spain - Two Years Ago

It's strange to think of how much can happen in two years... Even in one. Two years ago, about this time of year, I was still in Europe, probably around Rome, sick as a dog, wandering the streets, eating 10 times my weight in food to just stay awake. Walking with this guy that I knew I would probably never see again, though, at the time, I wanted to.

Since then... brief summary. I lived with my ex-boyfriend and his ex-girlfriend for the first semester of my senior year (and two other people). Somehow, I survived that drama fest. I got back together with on and off again guy from Los Angeles, and took a road trip with the guy I thought I'd never see again (Europe - ah, yes). Though, I didn't feel the same for him anymore, we remained good friends.

Moved to Los Angeles, became so homesick that I almost felt like giving up. My boyfriend couldn't handle me as the over-emotional person I am and gave me the boot. Worst time of my life being trapped in a city, knowing a handful of people that I have since grown apart from, and being completely and utterly... alone.

Graduated, drank entirely too much that week. Finally kissed the guy that I had crushed on for my entire college career - realized he wasn't a great a kisser. And after all that, came back to Los Angeles. Why? I don't know, but I am insanely happy with the move. Moved into a house, got some roommates, adopted a cat, worked at Barnes and Noble for a year, was diagnosed with pre-cancerous skin cells, got those removed, diagnosed with spinal arthritis, and through my meaningless coffee-serving day job, I met my current, and hopefully last (in a good way) beau.

Through the last two years of my life, I have never felt so isolated, I have never partied more, I have never been so scared, and I have never been so unfocused and lost. Was it worth it? Hell yes.

All the mistakes in the world to land me here. A great boyfriend, a supportive group of friends (completely different than those I set foot in LA with), a home away from home, and the strength to get through anything.

I feel pretty darn good since Europe two years ago. Most of it was downturn, but the final, and surprising upturn towards the end, has to be one of the best payoffs that I think anyone could ever ask for.