2009, The Year in Review
As we come to the close of 2009, here is a list of highlights and major events that transpired this calendar year in Louis' little corner of the world:
- The year got off to a great start with the end of George W. Bush's 2nd term as president. I voted twice against him, but the fucker still stole the election (both times). Now, we have a president we can be proud of instead of a war-mongering idiot.
- In January, I learned that Jamie, the girl I developed a crush on in 2007, became engaged. It hurts, but I suppose I'm happy for her.
I was very excited to be the January featured artist of the month at my local Starbucks. I had always wanted a coffee shop exhibit, and I finally got one. As it turns out, my one month exhibit was held over for another month, then six, and eventually, it stayed up for all of 2009. (It's still up right now.) I don't know that it's been very good exposure, but I know people are seeing my work every day.- I went on a fun road trip with Monika & Aaron and several others to Grand Rapids. We enjoyed a fine dinner and hit several bars.
- In March, I bought a brand new camera; the Nikon D300. This was my biggest photography upgrade since I went digital in 2005. A few months later, I acquired an awesome 50mm prime lens to use with it.
- A week after getting a new camera, I upgraded to a much larger and faster computer; a 26" iMac. Now editing photos is much easier and faster than before.
- For the 5th year in a row, I volunteered for the East Lansing Film Festival. This time, I took a more active role by serving on the film selection committee. (I watched a ton of movies for months before the festival.)
- I started seeing a new allergist. This has made a huge difference in controlling my asthma, allergies, and recovery from colds.
- In the spring, I had a very annoying customer who could not be satisfied with portraits of her son. I dropped her like a rock and I haven't had any trouble with her since.
- I had a milestone birthday. I turned the big 40.
- I was hired to shoot two weddings and one birthday party for an 80 year old. All were paid gigs that went over very well.
- I attended the Festival of the Sun and had a wonderful time. This year, I also volunteered with the Festival of the Moon.
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In July, my friends Bryan and Melissa generously gave me Bryan's old car. This is a huge convenience and a major change in my lifestyle. I dubbed her Zephyr, and I immediately fell in love.
- I had fun at the St. Johns Mint Festival, hanging out with my friend Josh and his family.
- I injured my knee forcing me to stay off it for a while, then limp for the better part of a month. (I'm getting old.)
- The MSU football team had another mediocre season. At least they beat U of M in their own stadium.
- My father's old girlfriend got in touch with me after being out of touch for the last six years. I had to break the news to her that my father had passed.
- I finally got back into the spirit of Halloween. I got my own costume and went to two parties.
- Like some kind of idiot, I lost my wallet the night before Thanksgiving. It was a big huge pain in the ass. It took me a couple of weeks to replace most of my cards and stuff.
- I reconnected with a girl from the film selection committee. It started to look fun, but then I started to see what kind of person she really is. This was very disappointing and to some degree, rather frustrating.
- I went on a couple fun road trips to Detroit and to Ann Arbor to see an exhibit at the DIA and visit with friends.
Overall, I think 2009 was a fairly good year for me. Getting a new car is certainly the highlight of it. I didn't see that coming, but I am very grateful to have it. Turning 40 was a milestone birthday, but I don't feel any different. There were a few minor setbacks, but nothing serious, and nothing I couldn't handle. I haven't been too active creating new artwork, but I did churn out some nifty HDR photos and I had a few paid gigs that went well. I'm pleased to still have a coffee shop exhibit, and I look forward to having a solo show in the fall.
As always, I retain a positive outlook on life and enjoy the days as much as I can. In fact, I look forward to whatever 2010 has to offer.
Happy New Year!