5 Things Tuesday

Welp. I kind of missed my Tuesday deadline but technically I’m still awake from the lingering of yesterday … so yes. Here are 5 things going on with me:

MY FIRST DODGER GAME - I got to do something totally Californian this past weekend. I went to my first Dodger Game! 

Granted, baseball is my least favorite sport to watch and I’m not a fan of any LA based teams but what the heck - as long as I’m in good company I’m down for a game. 

It was classically filled with most general of baseball elements: people watching, the wave, frozen margaritas, stadium hot dogs, etc. Good times - but I do have to say, if it has to be any team M’S ALL THE WAY!

REWATCHING SCRUBS MAKES ME LOVE SCOTT FOLEY ALL OVER AGAIN - So I like to rewatch TV shows on Netflix while I work or go to sleep (it’s great background noise) and right now I’m flying through Scrubs. I’ve seen this show many times over and it’s one of my favorites, but I do have to admit that my heart goes a little pitter-patter whenever Scott Foley makes an appearance.

Seriously. Scott Foley. Sigh.

He’s one of my earliest heartthrobs - dating back to my Felicity watching days. Hmmmm. I might have to put that on the docket to watch again. It’s so good.

SHIFTING PHOTOGRAPHY GEARS - Here are I am, yet again shifting gears when it comes to photography. It’s been taking longer than anticipated to figure out this thing. Considering there’s so many avenues you can take this career and however much you want to pursue, that’s what you need to become great at. It’s the deciding that’s the hard part. And the pursuing the even more difficult.

I’ve decided to hang up weddings altogether after the ones I have this summer. And take only a limited amount of portraits. Those types of projects don’t really make me happy.

So I’m thinking about pursuing lifestyle and fashion photography. How to get there is still a puzzle in itself, but I’m trying. Building a strong book and finding an agent are the first steps. 

So here’s hoping.

LOST MY RAYBANS - So I lost my Rayban sunglasses last week. And I’ve looked high and low for them. In the apartment, throughout my car. I’ve retraced my steps. Everything.

Ugh. I can’t find it and it super annoys me.

LA is so bright that having sunglasses is a necessity. Plus, they’re expensive and they were a birthday gift. And after 8 months of never losing them, I’ve somehow misplaced them.

I’m sad.

ON THE JOB HUNT - I think I’ve been living the self employed dream for too long that I’ve forgotten what it’s like to make a real buck. Or to pay real bills, ie. student loan bills. That are coming off deferment.

Whoops.

Yeah. Wake up call. It’s time to buckle down and either a) really hustle and get some photo shoots coming in or b) find that waiting job like yesterday.

I chose the latter. Seems a bit more immediate.

I hope I actually have a chance of getting hired. The overqualified crap is getting old. Yes, I did go to grad school but I still have to pay for it. Please hire me. Thanks.

Ugh, it’s been an annoying few years. But their not hiring me eventually led to freelance photography. So I guess it’s not completely a horrible thing. But for now, pray I’ll get a job soon. Thanks!



Rest

Learning to rest was probably one of the hardest lessons that I learned over the years. But it’s so invaluable. There is def something happening when you take the time to stop and rest. God does some mighty inner work there. I highly recommend it. Word.


PHOTO CHRONICLES (Vol. 12)

This may be one of my favorite pictures ever. 

Last summer, a bunch of my friends and I walked on over to Plan Check (one of our favorite burgers spots) to celebrate a birthday. And that night I only took a few photos, mostly of Allegra because she sat right in front of me. That’s what you get.

But that’s OK because the camera loves her.

And well I think this moment was captured beautifully. The colors. The composition. The facial expression. The food. Mmmmmmmdelicious.  

I really want a Chef Burger now. And some sweet potato fries. With peach ketchup!!

Another reason I really like this photo - this was the day I first mentioned Help Portrait to Allegra. Six months out and we didn’t even know what an amazing event that would play in our lives and in those around us.  

Sometimes great ideas and blessings start over great food.


5 Things Tuesday

Sorry I was MIA for awhile folks.  I seriously had to take a break of sorts, but I’m back.  So here are 5 things going on with me:

SUPER INTROVERTED BREAK - So I’m an introvert by nature. What this means is that at times I need to severely get away and have some “alone time.” This means different things for different people.  And usually I can get my regular recharge just by spending an afternoon at the bookstore or coffee shop.  But I don’t know what it is, I needed more than that lately.  And I’ve had these false plans to go to Portland to explore by myself or New York/DC just because or even just go hiking nearby just to physically get away.

But I didn’t do any of that.  Because money is so tight lately, I just stayed home. It was good though. Saying “no” to a few outings is actually really healthy for me.  And so I’ve been cutting back out dining out, skipping out on movies, and just chillin at home. 

Which in my case, meant a lot of FNL and riding the Indo Board (a board balance trainer for surfing).  I know what you’re thinking and I’m going to stop you right there - I’m so not a Californian.

Anyways.  I’m recharged for the most part.  And I should be around more often now.

AWKWARD RETURNS TONIGHT - Dude. I’m super excited for this. Mostly because this is one of MTV’s few good exports (this along with The Challenges).  But I’m ready for this filler since most of our regular TV shows are winding down soon.

Are you a Jake or Matty fan?  I’ve always been a Jake Rosati fan.  Always go for the nice guy.

TIMMY & SARAHBETH GOT MARRIED - So my RELEVANT friendos keep getting married and even though I’m super excited for them, it makes me sort of sad to keep missing the celebrations.

Timmy was our resident graphic designer who played his music way too loud but it was OK because you liked him. And marketing guru Sarahbeth is the chopsticks to our Chinese. Plain and simple. I’m so happy that the two of you are together. Many years of love, laughter, and happiness ahead of you!

SISTER’S BIRTHDAY - Yesterday I attempted to call my tax baby sister to sing her a Happy Birthday Song. Instead I laugh wheezed for about 2 minutes straight without getting a word out.  Classic Jo style.

Happy 22nd birthday little sister!  I was going to use a kiddo photo of you but found this one instead. Money shot.

PRAY FOR BOSTON - My heart goes out to Boston and this tragedy that happened.  Between friends traveling to the area and one whose husband was actually running the marathon yesterday morning - you never know how close an attack across the country really effects you.

Praise God my friends are OK. But still - stuff like this shouldn’t happen. Lord, send Your peace and comfort on that city. In Jesus Name.

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