Explorations and Folly in the Crescent City
The picture above is the result of two very important, totally related circumstances I found myself in last week. You see, I was in New Orleans for work and while days were filled with meetings, nights were spent eating delicious food and drinking in excess. The last night I was out, a couple coworkers and myself went out and walked around the city. After getting beignets, we walked around the surrounding neighborhoods. In one of those neighborhoods, we found ourselves walking on the same street as a a post-wedding ceremony parade. Having only been to one wedding before, this was a pleasant, albeit unexpected surprise. After that, we decided to search for the area with the biggest concentration of ridiculously huge homes so we headed towards the Garden District. For a trip meant to be for the sole purpose of photographing the company meetings and hangouts, I’m glad I managed to get out and see some of the city. I may have not been able to see everything, which is to be expected, but from what I did get to see, I was thoroughly impressed.
Wanderlust: It’s A Powerful Thing
via Rick Mereki
The video above is one of the biggest motivators I have seen in quite a while that has given me an insatiable feeling of wanderlust. True, in the past I have claimed time and time again that I was thinking of going somewhere. I’d even go as far as to inquire other friends about going on a trip. Alas, it never worked out, primarily because I wasn’t serious. Fortunately, I’m in a position where I can: 1) Actually afford to save up for something as momentous as my first vacation and 2) I have a job that I can take with me wherever I decide to go. The biggest benefit to my new job is the flexibility.
While I do plan to take a few domestic trips back home and to the East Coast to see family and friends, I have yet to decide on the destination of choice. What I do know is that I would like to set a goal of going SOMEWHERE next spring. I have been out of the country, but it wasn’t by my own doing and it wasn’t to visit. Traveling, to me, conjures up ideas of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The biggest (and most frightening unknown) for me is the idea of traveling solo or with a friend. Many of my closest friends have all traveled on their own or for a school related trip in high school or college to a region outside of the US. Thinking back, I wish I made travel a priority but it was never something I felt I could do for whatever reason. Now, with my current job status, my ability to save up for a trip and – this is the biggest one – my unwavering wanderlust to see the world, I feel like there’s no time like right now. I have no kids, I’m not in a long term relationship and I’m physically and mentally ready and open to exploring new cities, meeting new people, trying new foods, and learning more about myself through travel.
You Can Count On Me
Four months ago I quit my job to discover if I could make it in LA doing what I wanted: photography. From Malibu to Manhattan Beach, from Hollywood to Downtown LA, and from Burbank to Pasadena, I’ve taken it upon myself to get out and see the city I live in. Anyone new to a city should do the same, not only to learn how to get around their new home, but also to see people, places and things they might not otherwise have a reason to see. Since leaving my last job, I took on a position as a contributor for an online magazine, working as a photographer and writer. Over my hiatus I’ve discovered I really have no desire to work as a full-time photographer. Instead, I plan to continue in working on a freelance basis. I’ve been luckier than most. In an economy where so many people are out of work, I chose to quit a secure job in pursuit of my passion.
In retrospect, leaving my job was the best decision I ever made. I was able to figure out what I wanted, figure out where I wanted to go and set myself on a path that would realistically get me there. While it wasn’t until early July that I really ramped up my efforts to find a job, it took another month before I received a job offer for a company that I was actually excited about. I could’ve had a job earlier, in fact, I could’ve been working after a few short weeks of quitting my last job, but I was looking for more. This may sound crazy, but I was adamant about finding a job that I knew I’d stick with long-term. I wanted a job that would teach me skills that I’d be able to apply in later years. Thankfully, with patience and mad tenacity, I got the job I was gunning for.
I’m in a much better place now than I was five, six, even seven months ago. I’m happier, more energetic and more eager to learn and explore than ever before. I’m not sure what else the rest of this year has to offer me, but I know that with a job on lock, a continued position as contributor and possible photographic jobs lined up, I know the next four months are sure to be eventful. If there’s anything this break has taught me it’s that I shouldn’t count myself out for anything. I’ve got more talent and passion than most people and I’m not willing to give up on myself or the things I want to do in life. I’m going to soak up everything my bosses tell me. I’m going to work on being more approachable and seeking out more friendships. Really, I’m just going to take the reigns on my life and go after the things that matter.
While I may have not been able to sit back and enjoy the good times, I’ll make sure I do whatever it takes to enjoy everything life has to offer, especially those cool ocean front views.
