Friday 5: March 30, 2007

Advice, Please!

What specific advice would you give to someone moving into your neighborhood?
watch out for my neighbor to my left (facing the building) because she tries to get people to do favors for her & then expects that you will keep doing them forever. don't try to do laundry before 8pm, unless you live right across from the laundry room, or you will find yourself trekking back & forth with a full laundry basket when all the machines are in use.

What specific advice would you give to someone beginning a job at your workplace (or attending school where you study, or, if you’re neither a student nor employed, doing whatever it is you do with your days)?
don't park in the office manager's spot. and please don't hang out at my desk.

What specific advice would you give to someone who wants to begin an online journal or blog?
be yourself. remember that not everyone shares your opinions, so try to respect others' when you comment, but keep in mind there are some people whose comments aren't worth the time they took to type, so don't let them affect you adversely. think before you type -- never forget that your words are powerful & someone may be taking them to heart in a way you never intended.

What specific advice would you give to someone who wants to take up a hobby you’re really into?
i'm no expert & i don't even play one on tv, but this is what i would say: play with your camera. learn how it works, not just "by the rules" or "by the manual," but your specific camera when combined with your specific skills & the outcome you desire. look carefully at the photos taken by others that you admire, figure out what it is that you like about them, and then take those qualities & try to give them your own unique translation. don't be afraid to experiment. zoom in. zoom out. try different angles. and take several shots. even the best photographers will tell you that for every shot you love, there are twenty that didn't catch what you were trying for.

What specific advice would you give to someone who wants to marry your closest, unmarried friend?
don't just be good, be *exceptional* because this person deserves no less. be aware of the fears & insecurities caused by others, and be gentle when faced with them. and please, please do not break this person's heart, because i will be there to pick up the pieces, but it will kill me...