Ellie McHale Photography

Today marks the last day of 2008, a day that crept up on me far too quickly. Does everyone feel the same way? Perhaps it is the age that is making the time fly by. I have a theory that time speeds up after the age of 25. And, people say they’re the age they will be in 4 months just because life seems more real when you do so. (I’m convinced I’m 27. But, I’m not.)

Anyway, here are some highlights of my year:
-Trip to Oahu to visit Erin & Charlie for a week.
-Began my academic career at the Academy of Art.
-Had a phenomenal birthday bash.
-Drove 400+ miles to Coachella.
-Saw some favourites, like Gogol Bordello, Rilo Kiley, The Verve, The Raconteurs, Roger Waters, Portishead, and Prince at Coachella.
-Went through a series of jobs and learned a lot (like how to manage a store), only to end back at Sephora for the time being.
-Have started to build a collection of images, as well as somewhat of an inkling how to make them look presentable.
-Went to Washington state on a $5 plane ticket and did a quick roundtrip driving tour of some of my old haunts.
-Held to the three weddings per year tradition: Jared & Lacy at The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco; Shelbey & Mike in Seattle; Courtney & Joel in Portola Valley/Palo Alto. Never a dull matrimonal year for yours truely! (So, friends and family, help me keep this tradition alive!)

Low points:
-Loss of our dear friend, Damien early in the year. But, he was loved immensely, and it was amazing to experience how much love and support everyone had for him and his family.
-Car broken into; wallet, phone, library books, and $550 camera stolen; phone calls and charges made in the space of 3 hours; cops who didn’t seem to notice or care that this all happened a block away. (They claim the don’t have enough money to deal with a case like mine. If my tax dollars are going to be spent on having overweight, middle-aged men sit around and eat fried chicken, I’d really love my money back. Oh well, not bitter.)
-Like the highlight, went through a series of jobs only to land back at Sephora. While it was a great experience, I didn’t get paid enough for what I was expected to do. Sometimes, large, mulitnational corporations that deal with cosmetics are good to work for.

With that said, in 2009 I hope for good things. I am excited to keep on getting more photography experience and build my portfolio. My birthday and Coachella shall be highlights again. And, I hope for health and happiness, not only for myself but everyone around me. Yes, that is very cheesy, but I mean it.

And, here’s hoping that Mr. Obama can help put the economy in the right direction. I don’t expect him to snap his fingers and make it better, but as long as he can help point its nose in the direction of the yummy cheese, I am sure everyone will be grateful.

Many blessings and happy thoughts to everyone!
Happy New Year!

-Ellie