So much can change in 4 years

So, looking at the calendar today, I realized that four years ago on this day I was working as a photojournalist for my city’s local newspaper. Four years ago today was election day, and I can remember that day so vividly. It was a cold, rainy day, and I was running on empty after weeks of being completely over-worked. I returned to my journal to see what I had written on November 2, 2004. Much of what I found was so full of expletives that I don’t want to post it here, but there are a few passages that are pretty revealing about my life during that period:

I feel like I’m gearing up for battle. I am off to vote now, then to work to begin what will probably be an endless night of local (and national) election coverage. I have been assigned to the GOP camp for the night, and well, I hear that at least the food will be good. At this point, after 7 days and some 80+ hours of work logged, I just want to be comfortable.

And later that day:

You know what? i am really proud of our paper today. I have a photo that I consider to be really, really strong on front page, and an awesome sports feature as well.

It was such an intense time for me. I was worked into sickness, but there were moments that were so rewarding. I will never forget what it felt like to wake up daily and see my photography on the front page of the newspaper; I am still really proud of that.

Filed under: Life