Work-Life Balance

Mar 15, 2010 by Chubs    1 Comment     Posted under: Featured Articles, Project:Carlos, Realizations, The Daily Grind

As I find myself sitting at my desk, quietly contemplating the events of the weekend and how I got to this point I end up with a smirk on my face. Not so long ago, I was madly in love with the compulsion to take it to another level as a dumb teenager who was high on hormones would only contemplate about.

And now I find myself, enjoying the solitude of tranquility as I sit at my desk staring into the empty office and the steady drone of the A/C unit as my music.

People start to file in just as the 9AM mandatory log-in time approaches and I start to pound away at my keyboard eager to get this blog post pressed and released before I start my morning tasks. The packs of coffee in my drawer beckon to be made.

How did I get to this point?

Last Saturday, I was able to run 10kms. A few months ago, 10kms seemed like forever. But today, 10kms took less than an hour and a half. Thanks to Wil and Ginie. This new passion for running and staying fit and healthy is somewhat new to me. I used to run. I got lost. Now I found the trail again. More than anything else, I love the feeling. I maybe be packing the distances and times under my belt but at one point I quit measuring altogether. As long as I could still move, I ran. Coupled with an epic nap as soon as I got home, my Saturday rest day was one of the best so far this year. I’ve always enjoyed the company of people and last Saturday I mixed both the quality time I spend with friends as well as the all-important “me” time that I have recently come to enjoy.

Having some down time allowed me to play with my new strobe kits. Deciding to make sushi and take pictures of it was one of the highlights of the weekend. In a non-pressure environment, I was able to play with the angles, control the amount of light, but I have so much to learn. Next pay check I will buy the Food Photography book I saw at Fully Booked. That is a promise.

Home Made Sushi

I’ve also decided to dabble into portraiture. Those amazing pictures that you see online or on magazines are not really the ones I’m after but rather I love the play of light and shadow. How light illuminates only certain accents on the face and how shadows add that touch of elegance and beauty that silhouettes  and quietly traces the curves of the human anatomy. I am in love with this kind of photography. It demands an entirely new way of looking at things, of seeing things, of seeing light and dark. Dark pictures are not necessarily bad. Sometimes they are even more beautiful.

Zel

Xena

As you can see we have a new Husky. Her name is Xena. I decided to make her the model for my shoot. The play of the drak on the lightness of her fur and her wide-eyed expression that is only captured at such a young age is priceless. I used to post about Latte and how he was so playful. (He still is!) But he’s growing really fast and really big. He’s a very big boy now.

Latte

Latte

And much like a proud parent, I am proud of how Latte has grown. Still playful as ever and stronger too, yet never lost his curiosity. He sits there with a goofy look on his face ready to be let loose. And to think he’s only 8 months!

You see, I have very little things that I am truly proud of. My ability to continuously learn and develop my skills in a chosen field is something I am truly proud of. My photography has improved by leaps and bounds and I really am thankful for the people who have continually inspired me, taught me, and gave me words of encouragement as well as advice, but most of all to those who have given me opportunities more than anything else. Opportunities to allow me to grow and to learn but more than anything else gain some experience.

I am also proud to have found a suitable balance between Work and Life. Weekends are, now more than ever, sacred to me. Not only for the running and photoshoots, but also because of the ALONE time I now enjoy so much. I get to do my passion and enjoy what I am passionate about.

And to think, this was just one half of my self-tastic weekend. (yes I said Selftastic) I’ll post the other later on!

Got anything to say? Go ahead and leave a comment!