Moving Forward

I've been thinking a lot lately about how I view this blog, and how I'd most like to communicate to all of you out there. In the past 8 months alone, I've been finding my footing in terms of what I want to say, and the things I'm most comfortable posting about.

Since the start of this year, that 'thing' has been movies.

More than anything, I'm most comfortable writing about film. My personal Project 365 movie challenge has been a delightful struggle, and I've learned so much about myself as an amateur critic—I can't imagine my feelings 2—6—10 months from now. Even the hardest reviews aren't as daunting as, say... talking about my weekend plans, or giving sage closet-purging advice. I'm not used to that, even though when I breathed new life into this space last summer, those are the posts I pushed to produce.

As difficult as they might be, they're also what make a blog personal—and special. The movies I'm watching aside, there's more to me, and this blog, that I want to share. That might mean posting successful or failed photographs of my pets, or asking burning questions like "What's Your Favorite Lipstick?"... or maybe just lamenting about that totally bogus $73 parking ticket I got this morning. *fume*

Whatever it might be, I'm sensing a sort of balance coming back into this space. I hope that any of you out there will continue to join me, support me, and provide feedback about what you might enjoy reading. Of course, there will be no shortage of movie reviews this year, so I look forward to prompting lively debate when I post something you vehemently disagree with. ☺

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday and weekend! Except that parking attendant, of course.

(photo via Sinjun Strom)

New Laptop!

It's been a busy few days with not much posting on my end. I kept trying to squeeze it in here and there, but the truth is, I'm going through a bit of a transition, technology-wise. This is because I actually got a new computer! Finally, I've been able to replace a personal laptop that I haven't turned on in years.

Up until now, I'd been using my work computer for blogging and posts, which just isn't conducive to editing photos, utilizing the programs I really need, etc. I'm very excited to have a significantly more portable laptop option, and it will make working on bettering my photo skills a much less overwhelming prospect. It is also a 2-in-1, which means it can convert into a tablet in a pinch, folding over ever-so delicately. Just have to get used to navigating a touch screen!

This weekend will be its real maiden voyage. This is very, very exciting for me. :)

{photo via Jovo Jovanovic}

it's all about balance.

How do you find balance between life and work when you're still just figuring out it all out? It seems bound to get out of balance, right?

For the first time in my life, I'm stepping out into the unknown and taking a risk on a new job, in a new place - something that isn't just to "pay the bills," but is also meant to inspire and help me grow in a career.  This is all just the beginning.

And while I have blogged for many years in various places, I wanted to start fresh here at Through the Reels.  A place to explore all the twists and turns of life by writing about it and sharing with you all.  I write to maintain my sanity, and carve out borrowed time from everything else in my life in order to do it.

Thank you for visiting me in this small corner of the ever-growing blogosphere.  ❤

(picture via magneticheart)