I can't believe I just celebrated my second year with the company this past January. It feels like I only relocated here last week from California and now I'm on year two? Anyway....yep, that photo is me trying to reason with my buddy, Abe. I kept telling him to stop gambling away his chips on gut shot straight draws...but, hell he's a stubborn one, but very amusing and fun, especially after a couple glasses of scotch! And he's one aggressive poker player!
The year was generally all work...busy at the office, but hey, not all the time! :)
South Dakota
This was probably the highlight of my year. I actually took a weeklong vacation, believe it or not. The last time such a thing happened...I can't even remember. Yes, I'm that bad about vacations. My old boss teases me that I'm probably the only person she knows who does not know how much vacation time I'm entitled to or have...which is true. Anyway, the South Dakota trip was a photo expedition that was really more than about taking pictures in magnificent and historical places. It had bits of awareness and soul searching throughout the experience and I think I really came home renewed and fulfilled.
Digital Printing
I've finally found the courage to venture into digital printing. Technology in this area has improved so much that high-end printer capabilities are now available for desktop use. The third party industry has also thrived with black and white printing and I've really enjoyed discovering carbon-based printing. The low point of this one I guess is when the printer manufacturers began to take notice and I know Epson has started its legal battle with third party cartridge makers. Anyway, personally I think this has helped keep me encouraged in photography and I look forward to improving in this area in 2008.
Commute
The company I work for promotes using public transportation and provides us with free bus passes. I've made an effort to ride the bus every now and then, but honestly not as frequently as I probably should. Riding public transport gives me memories of when I was a heavy commuter back in the Philippines...where it's anything but dull when you compete with the masses for all the trains, buses, jeepneys, and tricycles during rush hour. Every day was an adventure :)
So 2008 doesn't look like a long year for some reason. I feel like I can already see 2009 in the horizon...strange, huh?
