Dedication

I always sound like such a broken record in my head, making promises to myself that I never keep. Like working out at least three times a week, eating healthy, and not spending so much money on shit I don’t need. And as if my body and bank account weren’t harassing me enough, there’s that sad little “I’m part of Post A Week 2012″ icon glaring at me from the right side of this blog. If I could personify it, I’d imagine it’d be wondering why I’m such a liar.

Flashback to January 1, 2011 when I took my first picture as part of my ambitious “365 Project” — one photo every day for a year. My three-month-old Canon DSLR had already been collecting dust like a forgotten photo album because I had no reason to use it. Or I did but didn’t feel like carrying the bulky thing around. Either way, I was neglecting my newest possession and needed to do something about it.

My first “365″ photo, taken on January 1, 2011

The “365 Project” wasn’t just because I hadn’t been using my $500 camera; I also felt as though I needed to set a goal for myself. If I can do one simple task every day for a year, I’ll consider myself accomplished. That was my logic.

So why did I only last 180-some days? A few reasons, I think:

• Life. I wasn’t always home because I was working and taking classes.
• My photos became monotonous, as it was difficult finding new original subjects and scenery for my photos. (I live in Cleveland, after all.)
• I wasn’t putting in enough effort. My creativity was half-assed, which is probably why I became bored and eventually gave up.

Now, nearly two years later, I’ve decided to stop making excuses. It’s time that I make a plan and stick to it, which is why I’ve decided to embark on yet another “365″ project. I really don’t know why it’s something I feel like I have to do. It benefits no one, and I think it’s an ego issue if anything. But mark my word: I will either write or post a photo every day for a year. And if I don’t manage to make it all three hundred sixty-five days, I hope I can say it’s because I was too busy working out and eating well.