I'ts funny where life takes you....
I made the move to LA back in August 2004 to pursue my dream of becoming a fulltime working photographer & I've had a roller coaster of a journey so far. I moved here with dreams of shooting fitness, fashion, magazine work & famous celebrities (what a nighmare that last one turned out to be). Now I love shooting family portraits (Zero Drama, good money & no matter how you shoot them pregnant mom's & babies always come out perfect in pictures).
I've met some great people, a few users, a couple of assholes, one psycko, someone who made me cry, someone who has made me happy, a real best friend with so much moral fiber (yes Cameron I'm talking about you) I can't believe he actually lives in LA, 3 chicks that are my new family & a selection of wonderful characters I am glad to call friends.
Having roommates in LA (I have had quite a few in 3 years) has been an educational experience for me in human behavior. They have come & gone. A few I really miss (Jeff we need to get together soon) & others I really don't. One was a best friend, a couple were boobs, a few who were totally self centered & self absorbed (I have found LA seems to attract these types) & some were really amazing.
Overall the last 3 years have been a real eye opener. I've learned to grow, evolve, watch out for stupid people (LA attracts a lot of stupid people), be patient, not take shit off anyone, understand I deserve better & to surround myself with people in my life who actually enjoy my company & think I'm wonderful for who I am, just as I am (a big opinionated dork, HA HA HA!!).
Friendships: I am loyal to a fault, there in bad times & good, will do anything to make you laugh, are not always convenient, truthful even if it hurts (it's how we grow as people), forgiving (again it's how we grow as people), Don't take a good friend for granted.
Romance: I believe in Monogamy, Long kisses that last for hours & leave you weak, holding hands in public, open communication, holding each other, saying "I love you" for no reason at all. It's about being best friends, partners in life & falling asleep wrapped around someone you really like & love.
Money: I've noticed especially in LA money drives people. What I have found is money makes things nice, comfortable & allows for a level of status, but in the end it really doesn't buy happiness. Money comes & goes, but true friends, loyalty, commitment & love are things money just can't buy.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge & controversy.