Lights

Yesterday, like we always do, my family and I went to Chicago for NYE. We've been doing this ever since I can remember and we stay at different hotels each year such as the Sheraton, Embassy Suites, the Intercontinental, and this year, the Fairmont. I've never done anything else for New Year's. I've never gone to any parties with my friends; I always spend this holiday with the fam. 

Our little one day trip this year including lunch at Flat Top Grill, shopping at Northbridge, cupcakes (vegan and gluten free chocolate peanut butter, might I add) from Swirlz Cupcakes, freezing half to death, Zoo Lights and the Lincoln Park Zoo, dinner at Heaven on Seven, seeing the movie Guilt Trip with Barbara Streisand, chilling at the hotel watching Gossip Girl, and finally watching the fireworks once the clock rang in the new year. 

I had fun this year because I brought my lovely new Canon Rebel T3 camera along. I got to playing around with the manual (M) setting while we were at Zoo Lights and during the fireworks, and well, this picture to the right happened. Well, let me rephrase that. A lot of pictures like the ones you see on the left happened, but I edited them down to my favorites and then made a collage out of them. Good thing, too, because I've had my camera for a week and I've already taken almost 2,000 pictures.... 

Moving on. 

Looking at these pictures here makes me feel happy because I took a picture (okay, picturessssss) that goes beyond just clicking the button on the camera (aka the shutter button). They're "artsy", if you must. I do have to give credit to my sister and my friends and my photo teacher for teaching me how to take pictures like this, though. 

Anywhoo. My point. 

These pictures go beyond everyday. They define me as a photographer. I care about the art of photography. (Okay, that sounded really cheesy and dumb. Don't judge me, I'm normal, I promise.) I care about my pictures and I'm happy when they turn out well. These pictures of the lights just make me want to take more and more pictures. I'm sure all my Facebook friends will love me for adding a billion new pictures every week, but I don't really care! Photography makes me happy, and I'm gonna do stuff that makes me feel good. Simple enough, really. 

So sorry. My actual point: 

With the new year (woohoo 2013!) starting today, I'm sure you all have made your New Year's Resolutions and goals and whatnot. Much like my pictures of the lights, you have to 'choose' a resolution that defines you, that makes you into a better person, one that you can actually achieve. Something that will eventually make you happy. What's the point in setting a goal for yourself that you know won't do or making yourself do something that you don't like? Don't try to become someone else. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that when you're thinking of how to better yourself during 2013, don't try to shape yourself into someone who you're not. Sure, you can aspire to lose that weight, to eat healthier, to do better in school. But don't wish too much or too big, or you'll change who you are. Be true to you! 

As for me, this year I don't really have a so-called 'resolution'. For now, I'll just stick with the lights.