buried

went outside this morning, actually thinking i was going swimming (at the local indoor pool), and was surprised to step out into more than 10 inches of snow. i knew it had been snowing nonstop since sometime early yesterday (and it's still snowing!!) but i had no idea it'd be so much. from up here, on the third floor, it doesn't look all that bad.

i walked out to the car, which happens to be right in front of our building, threw my duffle bag inside, started it up, and started clearing it off with full intention of still trying to go to the pool. as i was clearing, shuffling around in near calf deep snow, i realized that not one car on my block had even been attempted to be cleared or had moved an inch. usually by the time i leave for swimming at about 8 am, the streets are pretty much clear of cars because everyone has left for work. it started to sink in - everyone has stayed home today. it just isn't fit to drive in, especially if you don't have to. i finished clearing the car realizing that i wasn't going anywhere. if anything i'll walk around the block a few times to burn some calories. am sure it'll be beautiful and tranquil - that certain quiet the city gets whenever it snows.

after coming back upstairs and peeling off my soaked jeans - i did wear boots but had my jeans out over them - i realized that i should probably cancel my volunteer interview at the botanical gardens. silly me had scheduled it yesterday for today at noon, not thinking that it'd be this bad. i really hate canceling plans. even though the gardens are a good 45 minutes away from here on a good clear driving day, it'd probably be more like three plus hours today. i called and left a voice mail, explaining that it'd be better to reschedule. shortly after the lady called me back and told me that there was no way she would have expected me to come out and that she had wanted to call me last night to reschedule but didn't have my number with her. i felt slightly relieved and we had a good laugh and rescheduled for sometime next week, but i still have that little inner nagging voice saying "you should have figured out a way to make it happen." plus i'm sure the gardens are looking absolutely beautiful right now.

on any other week this is the kind of day where i'd throw on some comfy clothes (which i do have on) and curl up on the sofa with some hot tea and a good book. but, damn it, i am not supposed to be reading this week!!!! so that leaves this whole wintery day laid out before me with no real plans or ideas other than to stare out into the snow and write. a lot.

i did go through all of my photos last night, pulling out all the ones i deemed to have artistic quality and worthy of printing larger than an 8 x 10. the only probably is that many of my earlier shots, which also happen to be the really good ones, weren't shot at the highest resolution so i'm not sure how they'll do being really blown up. guess i'll have to try one and see. i'm not sure how large i want to try to get them. i think i'll need to look at frame and matting options to figure out what would make the most sense for me right now. maybe peek at other photographers and get a sense of normal sizes. i'd love to put together a portfolio as well. even a few photo books. i am so behind on printing out my personal photos. like over a YEAR behind! not good.

well - that does sound like a plan. a day of photos. preparing my portfolio, figuring out printing sizes, maybe finding a great place (online) to buy mattes and other related items. looking at possible photo outlets - like galleries, art fairs, etc., where i can showcase my work. really put it all in action.

i've been wanting to redesign my websites but am feeling like the photo stuff needs to come first. will just go with it and see what happens.

wow...not reading is really forcing me to do my "real" work. i have to admit that i fell victim to the tv yet again last night - felt somehow that i needed it - but besides watching my very addicted to show this morning at 10 (gilmore girls, if you must know), i plan to keep the tv off for the whole day!!