So, as most of you know, I've joined the roomie in an attempt to document the year photographically. In no way considering myself a photographer, and having neither the skills, knowledge or tools that the roomie has, I set out to use my Year In Pictures as an extension of my blog. A photo journal of 2008, in essence.

And that's is very much what it started out to be. And in many ways, still is.

But it's become a lot more. I've enjoyed unleashing my inner artist again. She's mostly been stored away since my days as an art student at MSU. Even then, I never had the least bit of interest in photography. Of all the art forms to which I have been drawn... photos were just never on the list.

I still have pretty remedial knowledge, but 139 days later, I think I've learned a lot. For starters, I'm learning how to actually use my camera. I'm learning to predict my roomie's critiques. I'm learning what types of photos garner the interest of others. And, more importantly, I'm learning a lot about myself, and my own aesthetic and what it takes for a photo to catch my breath or make my heart race with glee.

And while I enjoy looking at my pretty pictures, what I have enjoyed most is taking them... and all that goes along with that. Suddenly, on my day off, I can't wait to get out of bed and go for a long solitary walk. I've nearly been late for work on multiple occasions because I couldn't stop snapping shots of the clouds. All day long, no matter where I am or what I am doing, I see the world through different eyes. I'm framing shots and looking at colors. I'm taking pictures in my head.

Anyway, I'm afraid this all sounds a bit cheesy. And I know I have a long way to go if I really wanted to take photography seriously, which I doubt would be the eventual result of all this. I also know I tend to obsess about things and sooner or later lose interest when a shiny new hobby comes along. And as I am typing this I can already hear most of you mocking me in that loving way you do.

But I think you all can stand to see me excited about something every now and then rather than going about my humdrum existence, living day to day, bored and uninspired. So, voila!