Nikki's Christmas Card
from 
JoeUser Forums
JoeUser Forums
Happy Holidays everyone!!!
Well, this year has been an interesting one. I have had several ups and downs but many more ups then in the past. I think I am finally able to accept who I am (faults and all) and this year has been a wonderful growing experience for me.
To start things off, during the 1st 4 months of the year I seriously considered moving to Oregon. I even applied to the Oregon University and was accepted. That fact made me very happy and helped me to realize that I have lots of options open to me if I ever wanted to move. Anyway the Oregon move fell through (and no Lisa I am not mad... just keep reading) so I am still here in Fargo, ND.
Then in April I had my first portfolio review at school. Let's just say that it did not go well. I was very disappointed and upset and for a couple of hours, seriously considered giving up my studies. Then I realized that this review was based on my drawing and design work, NOT my photography. So I decided to stay with the program until I have my photography portfolio review in the fall of 2005. But since that day was so horrible for me you know fate had to throw one more thing my way. I was called into work by my bosses and they sadly informed me that they could no long afford to keep me. They were not going to hire anyone to take my place and if they ever did think about getting a new office manager that I would be the top of the list. So, lets just say that that day in April was my black day of the year. However, since things had gone so wrong that day, there really was no place to go but up. And thank the goddess that is what happened.
It turned out that being laid off was a blessing in disguise. My parents have a camper at Lee Lake and I was able to spend almost my whole summer there. It was so relaxing and I was able to just enjoy myself with no pressures on me. I did sign up with an temp employment agency and worked a couple of odd jobs here and there during the summer.
Then school started again. This was the 1st year I was finally able to start taking my photo classes. (see Lisa, I'm not mad about Oregon - if I had moved I would have had to wait at least another year before I could take my photo classes). I 100% enjoy school this year. It is surprising how not working and just focusing on my studies is actually fun. Also the fact that I am taking the photo class has helped to make school more enjoyable. I have been learning some wonderful things and can't wait to continue to learn more. I want to know how to do it all. Is that unreasonable? I don't think so.
During the day (8am-4pm) the photo students are unable to use the schools darkroom except during your class time. But between the hours of (4pm-8am) we can use it all we want. Since I did not really want to drive to school twice each day I went to the other darkroom that I have been using for the past 2 years. Creative Arts Studio has been my salvation this year. When I got done at MSUM I would drive to Creative Arts to work on my photography. Well, the coordinator of the studio asked me if I would be willing to teach some after school classes to kids. (Creative Arts is part of the Fargo Elementary School System) I was honored to be asked. So of course I said yes. This opportunity has been such a joy for me. I am able to decide when I teach/offer the "workshops" and what I will be teaching. I have taught quite a few classes and have learned so much from it. I even thought about adding 'art education' to my major but decided against that.
I have to say that this year has been one of the happiest years I have had in a long time. And I have some people to thank for that.
First, my parents. They have been there for me all through the bad times and now they get to see the good times. Without their help financially and emotionally I honestly don't know where I would be today. I can't say enough about how much I love them. When I was young I did not appreciate my parents and gave them a very hard time. Now that I am older and more mature I have a wonderful and enriching relationship with them both. I would not trade that relationship for anything in the world.
Second, I want to thank my roommates Marcie, Amber and Anita. I can't thank you all enough for the company and support you have given me.
and lastly I would like to thank all my friends. All of you have been so wonderful in the support and love you have given me. I hope that I am worthy of it. And I hope to continue the wonderful friendships I have now and to create more along the way.
I hope all of you have a wonderful and happy christmas and new year and that 2005 will be a great year for all of us.
Well, this year has been an interesting one. I have had several ups and downs but many more ups then in the past. I think I am finally able to accept who I am (faults and all) and this year has been a wonderful growing experience for me.
To start things off, during the 1st 4 months of the year I seriously considered moving to Oregon. I even applied to the Oregon University and was accepted. That fact made me very happy and helped me to realize that I have lots of options open to me if I ever wanted to move. Anyway the Oregon move fell through (and no Lisa I am not mad... just keep reading) so I am still here in Fargo, ND.
Then in April I had my first portfolio review at school. Let's just say that it did not go well. I was very disappointed and upset and for a couple of hours, seriously considered giving up my studies. Then I realized that this review was based on my drawing and design work, NOT my photography. So I decided to stay with the program until I have my photography portfolio review in the fall of 2005. But since that day was so horrible for me you know fate had to throw one more thing my way. I was called into work by my bosses and they sadly informed me that they could no long afford to keep me. They were not going to hire anyone to take my place and if they ever did think about getting a new office manager that I would be the top of the list. So, lets just say that that day in April was my black day of the year. However, since things had gone so wrong that day, there really was no place to go but up. And thank the goddess that is what happened.
It turned out that being laid off was a blessing in disguise. My parents have a camper at Lee Lake and I was able to spend almost my whole summer there. It was so relaxing and I was able to just enjoy myself with no pressures on me. I did sign up with an temp employment agency and worked a couple of odd jobs here and there during the summer.
Then school started again. This was the 1st year I was finally able to start taking my photo classes. (see Lisa, I'm not mad about Oregon - if I had moved I would have had to wait at least another year before I could take my photo classes). I 100% enjoy school this year. It is surprising how not working and just focusing on my studies is actually fun. Also the fact that I am taking the photo class has helped to make school more enjoyable. I have been learning some wonderful things and can't wait to continue to learn more. I want to know how to do it all. Is that unreasonable? I don't think so.
During the day (8am-4pm) the photo students are unable to use the schools darkroom except during your class time. But between the hours of (4pm-8am) we can use it all we want. Since I did not really want to drive to school twice each day I went to the other darkroom that I have been using for the past 2 years. Creative Arts Studio has been my salvation this year. When I got done at MSUM I would drive to Creative Arts to work on my photography. Well, the coordinator of the studio asked me if I would be willing to teach some after school classes to kids. (Creative Arts is part of the Fargo Elementary School System) I was honored to be asked. So of course I said yes. This opportunity has been such a joy for me. I am able to decide when I teach/offer the "workshops" and what I will be teaching. I have taught quite a few classes and have learned so much from it. I even thought about adding 'art education' to my major but decided against that.
I have to say that this year has been one of the happiest years I have had in a long time. And I have some people to thank for that.
First, my parents. They have been there for me all through the bad times and now they get to see the good times. Without their help financially and emotionally I honestly don't know where I would be today. I can't say enough about how much I love them. When I was young I did not appreciate my parents and gave them a very hard time. Now that I am older and more mature I have a wonderful and enriching relationship with them both. I would not trade that relationship for anything in the world.
Second, I want to thank my roommates Marcie, Amber and Anita. I can't thank you all enough for the company and support you have given me.
and lastly I would like to thank all my friends. All of you have been so wonderful in the support and love you have given me. I hope that I am worthy of it. And I hope to continue the wonderful friendships I have now and to create more along the way.
I hope all of you have a wonderful and happy christmas and new year and that 2005 will be a great year for all of us.
