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.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Strange Days
On Monday, I took a slightly different route to school. I was 2 minutes down that road when a man stopped me. A man in a wheelchair. A man who didn't appear to speak English. Actually, he didn't seem to be able to speak at all.
He motioned for me to push him. I'm a nice person I suppose, so I did.
His approval was punctuated by ho hoooooing (that's the only way to describe it) and by thumbs up. I figured he wanted a ride down the street. But once we were at the crosswalk, he motioned that he wanted to go up the hill. Have you ever pushed a person up a hill? It's a lot of work. Plus I had two bags on me.
I got up the hill and he motioned, ho hoooed me and thumbs uped me to continue. Suddenly the thought crossed my mind that I was saddled with this guy.
About 6 blocks later, he made me cross the street. Which was fine because I was going that way. But then he wanted to continue. I had to go to the film store. I told me I had to leave him there. It made me a little nervous. I live near a mental health facility. Did I just help him escape??? He took my hand, shook it and then gave it a big kiss. I turned and quickly made MY escape into the photo store.
When I came back out, he was gone. Guess he found another willing pusher.
S.
He motioned for me to push him. I'm a nice person I suppose, so I did.
His approval was punctuated by ho hoooooing (that's the only way to describe it) and by thumbs up. I figured he wanted a ride down the street. But once we were at the crosswalk, he motioned that he wanted to go up the hill. Have you ever pushed a person up a hill? It's a lot of work. Plus I had two bags on me.
I got up the hill and he motioned, ho hoooed me and thumbs uped me to continue. Suddenly the thought crossed my mind that I was saddled with this guy.
About 6 blocks later, he made me cross the street. Which was fine because I was going that way. But then he wanted to continue. I had to go to the film store. I told me I had to leave him there. It made me a little nervous. I live near a mental health facility. Did I just help him escape??? He took my hand, shook it and then gave it a big kiss. I turned and quickly made MY escape into the photo store.
When I came back out, he was gone. Guess he found another willing pusher.
S.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
A little bit of a size difference
I'm not entirely sure when we all became adults. Long ago, it was when you finished high school. You graduated, you got a job, you got married, you were grown up. But my generation is different. We flit around for years, blowing in the wind as it were. Or perhaps it is just me. Because one day, I woke up and it was 10 years from high school. 10 years. I was still blowing around but a quick glance around at my friends, and instead of the young-ins that I once knew, there were adults in their stead.
Scary.
Houses have been bought. Vows have been said. And now, the first baby of my close friends has been born.
There is no denying it. At the tender age of 28, I just can't get away from the fact that I am indeed an adult.
Last weekend, I headed up island to celebrate the birth of Cale. It's very strange to think of Rina as a mommy but when there is a baby in the room, there is no denying the fact. Cale was very quiet and basically slept through the shower. And I was relieved to find that my friends didn't go all "gooey" on me. The shower was basically adults hanging out with two babies in the room and presents for Rina.
At the end of the shower, I did a quick shoot with RIna. Didn't get exactly what I wanted but I got some salvagable images.
S.
Scary.
Houses have been bought. Vows have been said. And now, the first baby of my close friends has been born.
There is no denying it. At the tender age of 28, I just can't get away from the fact that I am indeed an adult.
Last weekend, I headed up island to celebrate the birth of Cale. It's very strange to think of Rina as a mommy but when there is a baby in the room, there is no denying the fact. Cale was very quiet and basically slept through the shower. And I was relieved to find that my friends didn't go all "gooey" on me. The shower was basically adults hanging out with two babies in the room and presents for Rina.
At the end of the shower, I did a quick shoot with RIna. Didn't get exactly what I wanted but I got some salvagable images.
S.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Busy busy busy
Gosh, it's hard to believe how busy one can get just like that. School started, it seemed like another easy breasy semester and then boom... assignments up the ying yang.
One of these days I'll actually have something funny happen to me that I can blog about that does not have to do with Photography. Maybe.
Until then ... check out my student website. I'll make a fancy flash one when I finish school but for now this is it. www.sharinak.com
Must go. Photoshop class today. Then 6 hours of studio time.
S.
One of these days I'll actually have something funny happen to me that I can blog about that does not have to do with Photography. Maybe.
Until then ... check out my student website. I'll make a fancy flash one when I finish school but for now this is it. www.sharinak.com
Must go. Photoshop class today. Then 6 hours of studio time.
S.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Advanced Lighting
The school brought in one of the top photographers from Vancouver to teach us advanced lighting techniques. Which would have been super cool if people hadn't talked all the way through the 4 days! I'm turning into one of those students... the ones the snap at the youngin's . Well... it was bound to happen one day.
Jan 5
Jan 6
Jan 7
Jan 8
Jan 9
Jan 10
I figure it's easier to upload them once a week. The guy from Vancouver has 3 intern positions for Western students in April and goddamn it, I want one!
S.
Jan 5
Jan 6
Jan 7
Jan 8
Jan 9
Jan 10
I figure it's easier to upload them once a week. The guy from Vancouver has 3 intern positions for Western students in April and goddamn it, I want one!
S.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Hello 2009
Ah, the first new post of the new year. This is invariably the moment where one does the "New Years Resolution" Thing. A friend remarked the other day about how hostile people seem to New Year's Resolutions. It seems to me that the hostile ones are probably the ones who tried, failed and now want to poop on everyone else's parade. Well, this is my parade and only I can poop on it if I wish.
The reason people fail at NYR's is that they make them too broad or too life changing. You want lifestyle altering. Make that a goal, not a resolution. Yes, there is a difference. Goals are constant, attainable, subject to setbacks and ongoing. Resolutions require you to do something that moment and for evermore with no failing allowed.
Please. We're human. Thus, we fail.
So my ongoing goals of being healthier, school, work etc are something I discuss ongoing with my mentors. Resolutions, I figure, for me are a little different. Just changing a small outlook on life.
1. Don't take out the Ipod so much.
There has been much said about living in the moment. But when you live in a bubble of music, then you fail to see moments around you and you fail to connect with those around you. Sure, they may be weird old men who think you are Japanese and want to take you for coffee and chase you through the mall... but really, if I had my ipod on I would have missed such a good story.
2. Take more pictures. Love your camera more.
That is the resolution. The goal attached to it is my 365 project. One photo everyday, for one year. I started on the first.
Jan 1 , 2009
Jan 2, 2009
3. Don't say no to opportunities to have more fun.
I don't think I need to explain this one.
So, hello 2009. I think you may be bound to be an interesting year.
S.
The reason people fail at NYR's is that they make them too broad or too life changing. You want lifestyle altering. Make that a goal, not a resolution. Yes, there is a difference. Goals are constant, attainable, subject to setbacks and ongoing. Resolutions require you to do something that moment and for evermore with no failing allowed.
Please. We're human. Thus, we fail.
So my ongoing goals of being healthier, school, work etc are something I discuss ongoing with my mentors. Resolutions, I figure, for me are a little different. Just changing a small outlook on life.
1. Don't take out the Ipod so much.
There has been much said about living in the moment. But when you live in a bubble of music, then you fail to see moments around you and you fail to connect with those around you. Sure, they may be weird old men who think you are Japanese and want to take you for coffee and chase you through the mall... but really, if I had my ipod on I would have missed such a good story.
2. Take more pictures. Love your camera more.
That is the resolution. The goal attached to it is my 365 project. One photo everyday, for one year. I started on the first.
Jan 1 , 2009
Jan 2, 2009
3. Don't say no to opportunities to have more fun.
I don't think I need to explain this one.
So, hello 2009. I think you may be bound to be an interesting year.
S.
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