2011
Ending this year I reflect on 2011, the changes, challenges, and many blessings.
In the spring I finished up college. It took longer than originally expected but I know have a degree. Seems like that’s all people care about in this age, though it has little meaning in the industry I studied. It’s odd not being in school when a majority of my friends are on that type of schedule and at times I felt like going back. School is such a predictive and safe place. I’m beyond that and needed a push of reality to move forward. But as I found out early on- I will never stop learning and enjoy every minute of it.
I’ve been freelancing in the commercial and feature film industry for about two years prior to graduation, but June is when I went full time freelancing. It was frightening- quitting my fast food job to start the lifestyle of not knowing when I will work next. But the fear has been rewarding, doubling my total income from last year with freelancing alone. I love the adventure of being in a different place everyday, the joy of having a week free on Sunday, but Sunday night that call comes with a solid week of work. Freelancing always has it’s downtimes, but those are great too- time to get caught up on reading, studying films, and planning the next season of the business.
The feature films that came to town gave me the opportunity to join the union. I was a bit skeptic at first, but it couldn’t hurt so I joined in August. It was a great decision that lead to the opportunity of being on a $40 million dollar budget movie. The experience was priceless- I learned a lot and finally got to experience a large union feature.
The past year I’ve experience many new things- food, places, and music. I love eating, but I generally stick to what I know. I’ve slowly reached out and tried new foods like sushi and thai and countless new restaurants. Some has been delicious, some hasn’t but I’m open to new places and keep a list of the good ones. Growing up in the country, I haven’t experienced much of the city till this year.
Many say Cleveland sucks, but I enjoy it. I keep finding new places to go and things to do. Road trips are another thing I love, though I only did one this year- Detroit for the day, seeing my last DC*B concert, and a few museums.
Music has always been a love of mine, but this year I found a new style I never thought I’d come to like: blue grass. I cannot stand country music, but somehow I like blue grass. Not quite sure why. Pandora is a great thing for finding new music, including dubstep, another new favorite of mine.
Did I mention I love light? I manipulate it for a living and keep finding new, inventive ways people use lighting fixtures in homes, restaurants and other locations. Let’s push the envelope in 2012.
