The EU choice? 1990 levels.
Canada? 2006.
What a crock of sh*t.
S.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Our leader sucks!
Did you read about the G8? That they decided to cut back emissions by 80%... but governments could pick their starting points.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Funky Times
I haven’t post in a while. Actually, that seems to be the running theme of this blog. I used to be on the ball per say but after being home for two years, I’ve come to the point that I just don’t think my life is that interesting anymore. Or maybe it’s just that I’m in a bad mood lately. One of the two.
School finished on the 10th and it was a mix of emotions. Portfolio was way more stressful than I anticipated (and more expensive - $500 for 13 photographs and a book). So, I was happy to be done. But in a way, I was also sad. It was a great year that pushed me in ways that I never would have imagined.
A week later and I was in my program manager’s office to find out if I passed or not. I had pretty much convinced myself that I failed. I suppose that is a force of habit. Can’t be disappointed if you are a pessimist. But, I had passed. I didn’t get the greatest grade but really, photography is subjective. That’s what I keep telling myself anyways. I haven’t had the urge to look at the judge’s comments as of yet. You can view my portfolio on my professional blog http://www.sharinak.com/ . I will have them up on my website http://www.sharinakagawa.com/ soon but websites take so much more time than blogs to look pretty. Even one that is a template like mine.
So, yes I’ve graduated. For the third time. And now I am in a complete funk. As I sat and stared at the ceiling yesterday, it dawned on me that I am not good with change. Well, to be more accurate, I am not good with change that I did not initiate. When I decide change needs to be done, it is fantastic. But when someone else pulls the strings on me… deep and utter funk.
It’s a good thing that this is the year of yes otherwise I probably would only leave my house for work. Did I ever mention the year of yes? I decided as one of my 2009 goals that when someone invited me out to an event or whatever, I would go no matter what. If I went and it wasn’t my scene, I could definitely leave but I had to at least go. And thus, I’ve gone to some strange things over the last few months.
Where was I going with all this? Except for the photography classes I have been teaching, I haven’t really picked up my camera since I finished my portfolio. Which is bad. Which is why I’m going to give my 365 project another go.
On another note, I’m a bit creeped out by how much the planets align for me. When I returned how from Japan, there just happened to be a position at my best friend’s company starting within a week of me looking for a job. And there just happened to be a cheap apartment available the day before I was to start work. When I decided to go to photography school, there just happened to be a part time position that worked perfectly with my school schedule. And finally, just as I was starting to freak about working this part time position because of a total lack of money, a position in my old department opened up. Before I knew it, I was signing a contract.
Yay.
One final story before I leave work. Oh yeah, writing blogs at work. So productive. I went to a bar on Friday night to watch a friend’s band. All the people I went abandoned me for a smoke break (when did I become friends with smokers?). I’m playing with my cell phone. And this old dude (who I have my back to) tries to start up a conversation with “konnichiwa”. Seriously. SERIOUSLY! Does that sh*t even work?
Meh. If I was in a better mood I’d probably think it was hilarious. As it stands, meh.
S.
School finished on the 10th and it was a mix of emotions. Portfolio was way more stressful than I anticipated (and more expensive - $500 for 13 photographs and a book). So, I was happy to be done. But in a way, I was also sad. It was a great year that pushed me in ways that I never would have imagined.
A week later and I was in my program manager’s office to find out if I passed or not. I had pretty much convinced myself that I failed. I suppose that is a force of habit. Can’t be disappointed if you are a pessimist. But, I had passed. I didn’t get the greatest grade but really, photography is subjective. That’s what I keep telling myself anyways. I haven’t had the urge to look at the judge’s comments as of yet. You can view my portfolio on my professional blog http://www.sharinak.com/ . I will have them up on my website http://www.sharinakagawa.com/ soon but websites take so much more time than blogs to look pretty. Even one that is a template like mine.
So, yes I’ve graduated. For the third time. And now I am in a complete funk. As I sat and stared at the ceiling yesterday, it dawned on me that I am not good with change. Well, to be more accurate, I am not good with change that I did not initiate. When I decide change needs to be done, it is fantastic. But when someone else pulls the strings on me… deep and utter funk.
It’s a good thing that this is the year of yes otherwise I probably would only leave my house for work. Did I ever mention the year of yes? I decided as one of my 2009 goals that when someone invited me out to an event or whatever, I would go no matter what. If I went and it wasn’t my scene, I could definitely leave but I had to at least go. And thus, I’ve gone to some strange things over the last few months.
Where was I going with all this? Except for the photography classes I have been teaching, I haven’t really picked up my camera since I finished my portfolio. Which is bad. Which is why I’m going to give my 365 project another go.
On another note, I’m a bit creeped out by how much the planets align for me. When I returned how from Japan, there just happened to be a position at my best friend’s company starting within a week of me looking for a job. And there just happened to be a cheap apartment available the day before I was to start work. When I decided to go to photography school, there just happened to be a part time position that worked perfectly with my school schedule. And finally, just as I was starting to freak about working this part time position because of a total lack of money, a position in my old department opened up. Before I knew it, I was signing a contract.
Yay.
One final story before I leave work. Oh yeah, writing blogs at work. So productive. I went to a bar on Friday night to watch a friend’s band. All the people I went abandoned me for a smoke break (when did I become friends with smokers?). I’m playing with my cell phone. And this old dude (who I have my back to) tries to start up a conversation with “konnichiwa”. Seriously. SERIOUSLY! Does that sh*t even work?
Meh. If I was in a better mood I’d probably think it was hilarious. As it stands, meh.
S.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Whhhheeeeeeeeeeeee
I finally got my portfolio. The book that is. I ordered one... decided it was the wrong size, ordered another one... waited... nothing... panicked... looked at a local store... nothing.... ahhhhh... clerk found one in the back of the pile. Yay!
Got some of my prints back today. Makes me feel... like a real photographer.
I'm almost done!
The heat makes me want a patio... I need a drink.
S.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
My other blog...
I'm cheating on my blog. With another blog.
www.sharinak.com
This one goes with my website.... and will have pictures from photo shoots. Check it out.
S.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Ha~!
I've been super busy.
School has ended and I am facing portfolio. It is a bit scary as if you don't pass portfolio you don't get your diploma. And portfolio is judged by three people who don't know you. Basically, your photos speak for you. Which is cool but also makes my knees quake.
I have done 9 shoots in the last 3 days. I'm exhausted. So last night Jason persuades me to go out. Which is fine. I had had about a bottle of wine already by myself so I was okay to go out.
So we head to Soprano's, where Jason's sister works. The place is ... strange. It is a karaoke bar and it is full of older people. A guy from work's band was playing. They are called Oh Snap. I did their press pictures.
The night was clicking along as all nights out drinking click along. Drink, have small talk with your friends and people watch. Then this dude sits down. I'm putting him about 50ish. First Nations. He proceeds to have a long conversation with Jason. Then, just as he was leaving.... he leans over to talk to me. Grabs my hand in a homey grip (you know... thumbs intertwined). Tells me that minorities need to stick together.
Mmmmm-hmmmmm.
A little while later he finds me again. Puts his arm around my shoulders and tells me that I am a hot woman. Which is nice enough but dude... you are not going to kiss me. Seriously. No. Ew.
I had to perform the under the arm maneouver. You know... where you duck under the guys arm to get away from him.
Then Ashlea told him to leave her friends alone.
It's always interesting when you go out....
S.
School has ended and I am facing portfolio. It is a bit scary as if you don't pass portfolio you don't get your diploma. And portfolio is judged by three people who don't know you. Basically, your photos speak for you. Which is cool but also makes my knees quake.
I have done 9 shoots in the last 3 days. I'm exhausted. So last night Jason persuades me to go out. Which is fine. I had had about a bottle of wine already by myself so I was okay to go out.
So we head to Soprano's, where Jason's sister works. The place is ... strange. It is a karaoke bar and it is full of older people. A guy from work's band was playing. They are called Oh Snap. I did their press pictures.
The night was clicking along as all nights out drinking click along. Drink, have small talk with your friends and people watch. Then this dude sits down. I'm putting him about 50ish. First Nations. He proceeds to have a long conversation with Jason. Then, just as he was leaving.... he leans over to talk to me. Grabs my hand in a homey grip (you know... thumbs intertwined). Tells me that minorities need to stick together.
Mmmmm-hmmmmm.
A little while later he finds me again. Puts his arm around my shoulders and tells me that I am a hot woman. Which is nice enough but dude... you are not going to kiss me. Seriously. No. Ew.
I had to perform the under the arm maneouver. You know... where you duck under the guys arm to get away from him.
Then Ashlea told him to leave her friends alone.
It's always interesting when you go out....
S.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Kiva
In December I made my first donation to Kiva. Kiva is a microcredit non profit organization that lends money to people who would never qualify for a bank loan. By lending these small amounts, people are able to drastically improve the quality of their lives. The repayment success is over 98 percent.
I lent 25 dollars to a woman in Uganda. Kiva took my money and the money of others and lent Benna Akiya 4500 dollars to help expand her beer business. The money was repayed by April (which to me is amazing, as I couldn't repay that much in four months).
Kiva gives the money back to the lenders to do with what they wish. You can either relend it or take it back. I relent. Here is the email about it.
S.
Hi!
I just made a loan to someone in Uganda using a revolutionary new website called Kiva (www.kiva.org).
You can go to Kiva's website and lend to someone across the globe who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the entrepreneur is going.
The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva's loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.
I just made a loan to an entrepreneur named Prisons B Afeku Getrude Group in Uganda. They still need another $325.00 to complete their loan request of $600.00 (you can loan as little as $25.00!). Help me get this entrepreneur off the ground by clicking on the link below to make a loan to Prisons B Afeku Getrude Group too:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=106210
It's finally easy to actually do something about poverty - using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they're using it for. And most of all, I know that I'm helping them build a
sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.
Join me in changing the world - one loan at a time.
Thanks!
---------------------------------------------------------
What others are saying about www.Kiva.org:
'Revolutionising how donors and lenders in the US are connecting with small entrepreneurs in developing countries.'
-- BBC
'If you've got 25 bucks, a PC and a PayPal account, you've now got the wherewithal to be an international financier.'
-- CNN Money
'Smaller investors can make loans of as little as $25 to specific individual entrepreneurs through a service launched last fall by Kiva.org.'
-- The Wall Street Journal
'An inexpensive feel-good investment opportunity...All loaned funds go directly to the applicants, and most loans are repaid in full.'
-- Entrepreneur Magazine
I lent 25 dollars to a woman in Uganda. Kiva took my money and the money of others and lent Benna Akiya 4500 dollars to help expand her beer business. The money was repayed by April (which to me is amazing, as I couldn't repay that much in four months).
Kiva gives the money back to the lenders to do with what they wish. You can either relend it or take it back. I relent. Here is the email about it.
S.
Hi!
I just made a loan to someone in Uganda using a revolutionary new website called Kiva (www.kiva.org).
You can go to Kiva's website and lend to someone across the globe who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the entrepreneur is going.
The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva's loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.
I just made a loan to an entrepreneur named Prisons B Afeku Getrude Group in Uganda. They still need another $325.00 to complete their loan request of $600.00 (you can loan as little as $25.00!). Help me get this entrepreneur off the ground by clicking on the link below to make a loan to Prisons B Afeku Getrude Group too:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=106210
It's finally easy to actually do something about poverty - using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they're using it for. And most of all, I know that I'm helping them build a
sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.
Join me in changing the world - one loan at a time.
Thanks!
---------------------------------------------------------
What others are saying about www.Kiva.org:
'Revolutionising how donors and lenders in the US are connecting with small entrepreneurs in developing countries.'
-- BBC
'If you've got 25 bucks, a PC and a PayPal account, you've now got the wherewithal to be an international financier.'
-- CNN Money
'Smaller investors can make loans of as little as $25 to specific individual entrepreneurs through a service launched last fall by Kiva.org.'
-- The Wall Street Journal
'An inexpensive feel-good investment opportunity...All loaned funds go directly to the applicants, and most loans are repaid in full.'
-- Entrepreneur Magazine
Saturday, April 25, 2009
It's been awhile...
It's been awhile since I last blogged. It just seems the more you have to do, the less you actually want to do.
I am a week and a half away from being done classes. Then I have one month to complete my portfolio and then ... done. Done, done, done. It feels like it should have gone on for longer but seeing as how broke I am, it's probably good that it isn't.
Classes are overall good. Some good marks, some okay. I managed to get the top mark in business class. Apparently, even if I don't become the best photographer, I may actually make it in this business. Here's crossing my fingers.
The photo I did above is for lifestyles class. Had to direct two people (okay, so maybe I only directed the one) to convey an emotion.
I rearranged my house last week. That is a classic sign of "Shari doesn't want to be here". Something about rearranging makes it feel like I'm in a new place. But, having no money means I will be stuck here for the time being.... going to have to make due.
S.
I am a week and a half away from being done classes. Then I have one month to complete my portfolio and then ... done. Done, done, done. It feels like it should have gone on for longer but seeing as how broke I am, it's probably good that it isn't.
Classes are overall good. Some good marks, some okay. I managed to get the top mark in business class. Apparently, even if I don't become the best photographer, I may actually make it in this business. Here's crossing my fingers.
The photo I did above is for lifestyles class. Had to direct two people (okay, so maybe I only directed the one) to convey an emotion.
I rearranged my house last week. That is a classic sign of "Shari doesn't want to be here". Something about rearranging makes it feel like I'm in a new place. But, having no money means I will be stuck here for the time being.... going to have to make due.
S.
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