PROJECT: 365

I’ve written a few things here or there, but I thought I’d answer a few questions some people have asked or might ask about this #Project365 I do every day/month/year …

What is #Project365?

That’s a good question … I’ll tell you …

I don’t know.

Sorry, couldn’t resist quoting a line from one of my favorite movies.

Basically, it is a photography project where you take one picture a day (usually 365 days a year, except for leap years). This not only helps you remember your life, but also get more comfortable with your photography equipment. I’ve even used an HTC Evo 4G phone, as well as a Samsung Galaxy S3. The GS3 is spectacular, at least for me.

I wrote a blog back in 2011 describing “Project: 365”. Wow, was that really three years ago? My how much time does fly past us?

Anyway …

The blog can be found here: “Introduction”  (http://snapshotsandproject365.blogspot.com/2011/09/introduction.html).

How Did This Start?

In 2009, I was introduction to “Project: 365”. I was on the website of a radio station (likely there to redeem some points for a prize) when I read about “Project:365”.

This man described that in a crisis, we watch our lives flash before our lives. He said most of the moments were blurs and some were things he had forgotten. He decided, after that moment, to take one picture a day, every year.

I lost sight of the article after a while. I wonder if he is still doing this.

When I started, I soon learned that most of the time we are so busy living our lives, we forget to document them as they happen. Memories are told, rather than shown. Key things might be forgotten and chances are missed. Those are memories and chances that will never happen again – so, document them while you can.

The premise is basic – take a picture for each day of the year. Either with a digital camera or a camera phone. I’m sure you could do a 35mm camera, but that could get expensive – buying filming then transferring it to DVD.

The pictures can be anyone (with their permission of course), anything (that isn’t sensitive or private in nature), any place (where you legally can).

I usually plan for a few “selfies” throughout the year to see how I’ve changed – hair color, weight, and fashion sense – maybe I have different glasses to show off!

I also plan for vacation highlights (sometimes resorting to Fotor for collages), gas prices (we all know how up and down they are), and certain landmarks (as they come or go).

And, once I year I have the NASCAR race in March. That is a LOT of opportunity right there to take and/or post one picture per day.

There is also #WBW (Way Back Wednesday); #TBT (Throw-Back Thursday); and #FBF (Flashback Friday) where you find an old picture and post it, take a picture of something old, or scan one of those OLD pictures.

That has definitely been fun. I’ve got a lot of #WBW, #TBT, and #FBF stuff to do until the end of the year, if not well into next year. Going through my stuff that has been in storage over 25 years is definitely fun and exciting.

It can be an old t-shirt you loved, a shirt from school, something you’ve had “forever”.

But, if you have a family, you can document first/last days of school, field trips, whatever you feel comfortable with. Even if there is a new restaurant you go to. Perhaps one you do monthly?

My pictures don’t really have a theme. On October 14, 2014 – I took this one:

[I still have no idea what this is]

Kind of silly isn’t it?

In 2012, a friend of mine had an “Instagram” challenge for the holidays: “Christmas Photo Challenge”. There were things like:

Christmas Decor

Something Shiny

Red

Holiday Texture

Star

By now, you should get the idea … you can read that blog here:

“Christmas Photo Challenge” (http://snapshotsandproject365.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-photo-challenge.html).

It was a fun and exciting challenge. Adding in the fact I was playing with “filters” in the app … it made a memorable month’s worth of photos.

I also took picture of items I’d won on Twitter through re-tweets or trivia replies. As you can see … there are a lot of opportunities for taking a picture.

You Take/Took Them, Now What Do You Do With Them?

When I started this project, I uploaded them to Facebook and Twitter with a caption. I then started sharing on Google + (G+) and 365org. After realizing that managing four (4) social networks was a bit of a time-sponge, and there was limited interaction on two of them – I opted to stick to Facebook (where family and friends are), and Twitter (where some other friends are).

I was also backed them up on USB flash drives as well as DVD in case something happened to my computer. I also put them on my back-up laptop as well.

But, I wanted to do something else – I wanted to put them in an album or make a “photobook” of them to have a physical copy for those who were not on social media.

For the 2009 “Project: 365” book, I decided to use some “Snapfish” credits to make a photo book. That was time consuming and expensive as I was limited by their templates, and felt a bit creatively restrained.

But, several years later, I became a Heritage Makers Consultant where I can literally design it from the bottom up. And, it is a “small business” as well, so I’m helping mothers (mostly) and friends, not a corporate CEO.

While the company (HM) has changed slightly, the goal remains the same – document and preserve your stories, memories, and heritage.

So … I started working on my own “from scratch” photobooks (note “started”, not anywhere close to being done). That is definitely taking some time. Picking out the perfect “page” background, and arranging the photos in the albums (for framing) is quite time consuming since I have decided to re-do 2009 and haven’t started 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, or even 2014.

But, after I get them done, it will be quite worth it. This way if Twitter or Facebook were to ever shut down, I’d have something to pass on to my children and their children … a “heritage” of sorts. They can see the things I saw, and I can put stories with the photos to tell them what was going on at the time.

To check out what Heritage Makers is all about, go to my website:

http://heritagemakers.com/me429

Now, if you like doing it the old fashioned way, with “prints”, you can always sign up for Shutterfly (you get free prints for signing up) and redeem MyCokeRewards for prints (through entering Coca-Cola product codes). You might get an occasional “FREE 100 Prints” email from Shutterfly. I got one in July just after an amazing trip I took (took advantage of that). Then, after Labor Day, I got another email (wasn’t able to take advantage of that).

Usually the emails follow major holidays. You could get enough credits to cover the prints you need and only pay for shipping. Finding a suitable photo album is another thing as most only have spaces for 200 (the one I used for my trip), 300, 500 prints. And, you have to either find a photo album with a space to write captions, write on the photo, or on the back (meaning taking it out to show it to others). But, whatever works. No one way is right. I do what is easier for me … and what I have room for.

This project allows me to “re-live” certain moments and memories. In addition, I am getting quite familiar with my photography equipment, though I do need a new camera for obvious reasons:

[Camera and cord falling apart, literally]

How Long Should Someone Do This?

As long as you like. I’ll do it as long as I possibly can. Providing I am able to and have the equipment to do it.

A man by the name of Jamie Livingston took a single picture nearly every day with a Polaroid from March 31, 1979 to October 25, 1997, the day of his death. That was some dedication. According to the articles, that was eighteen (18) years. And, I’m technically in my sixth (6^th)? WOW!! I’ve got a long way to go. I’d be almost 50!

Here are some articles about that:

“Daily Polaroids Detail Last 18 Years of NYC Man's Life”  [3-31-2008] (http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/05/31/daily-polaroids-detail-last-18-years-nyc-man-life/)

“The Days of His Life” [10-10-2008] (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/nyregion/thecity/12day.html?_r=2&ref=thecity&)

I know a few friends who started off with it but haven’t been as vigilant as I have. One stopped because their camera broke (despite having a good camera phone), another friend stopped due to lack of interest, and one had found it was increasingly difficult to find new things every day.

I’ll admit, after about six (6) years (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and now 2014) … it can be a challenge. Some pictures have been food themed, travel related, school related, and downright silly.

The point is … you don’t have to have a theme or be a professional! You can just take one picture. That’s all. In the first year, I took 1-6 per day. Last year, I found some free software that allowed me to do collages, so that makes everything easy when dealing with multiple photos I want to post. I still get one picture, but I might have 2-6 items in it. The point is to take a picture of something, anything, etc.

How Do You Keep It All Together? 

Taking the pictures, documenting what it was, and documenting what network I posted to can seem like a challenge. And, the longer you wait to update the project, it can seem complicated right? Wrong.

It’s rather easy.

As part of my yearly Christmas gifts, my mother gives me a yearly/monthly planner, like this:

[Some are fancy, some plain – either way, they work] 

I begin using it on January 1^st and up to December 31^st. I aim for taking the gas price pictures as the last day of the month: 28^th, 30^th, 31^st. Anything else falls in where it should. Naturally the major “holidays” and events take precedence over anything I might see. If I see something weird on that day, I might post it in a status.

I’m a bit creative in the planner. I make a “bracket box” and high light it to write it in the “subject” for the rare times I cannot immediately post the picture:

[There are times you can only make a note of your picture for the day. Here is how I do it.]

I have either use the camera’s file name (last four digits), “phone”, or “collage”. Then, I write down a brief note. The longest I’ve gone is about 10 days, which was due to being sick and having quite a bit of errands.

Because I used the planner, it was quite easy to manage even DAYS after I took the picture.

I use a green highlighter for “F” (Facebook), and a blue for “T” (Twitter). At one point I needed pink for “G+” (Google +), purple for “3” (which was the website 365 ORG), and orange for “S” (Snapfish).

By using “F” and “T” in the “date space”, I know I’ve uploaded those photos.

I also have a “template” in word (and have it saved) for “copy-righting” and for the standard Twitter post:

“#Project365 – October 15th – ” [just need to fill in the caption/description of the photo].

For Facebook, I usually just choose this: “Project: 365 – November 2014” for the album name. That way in the description, I only have to list the date and caption.

As you can see, after this length of time, I’ve got this down to a science. It could seem complicated, then again it seems rather easy.

As far as uploading them to Heritage Makers … that I will work on … later.

How Rewarding Has This Been?

For me?

It’s definitely helped me through quite a few bad times. It has helped me look back and see things that were going to happen long before they did.  It has helped me be a better photographer, and it has helped me document my days better. Definitely helps with memories, not that I have a problem, but it is amazing how this project works like that. I can sometimes reflect on the entire day.

It gives my family and friends a look into some of the things they might not see any other way. They get to be a part of my life that was at one point unavailable.

Photography has always been a hobby of mine. With a digital camera, I have an unlimited resource to take pictures.

So, I’d say that while there are no financial rewards (I don’t sell my pictures for money) … there are unlimited experiences when doing this.

How Does One Start “Project: 365”?

Starting is easy, grab your camera. And, I would recommend a planner. You can get them from about $5-$20 at Walmart, Staples, Office Depot, Target … most major retailers. I usually go for Walmart first as I’ve gotten them as low as $4. But, if there is a special one? I’ll pay up to $20. But, no more.

After that? Snap, document, and upload. Remember to mark it off. If you need highlights, I recommend using “Sharpie Accent”. You can usually get them one at a time in a bin, or in the packs. I use blue for Twitter because of the bird, so by default I can’t do it for Facebook. I use green as it is also a dark color and easy to see. But, any colors you choose are fine.

I’m now doing a “monthly” review, as well as “weekly” highlights to spotlight some of the most unique and positive moments of the month.

Also, it helps in tracking gas prices.

Then, anytime of day – day, night, evening.

Of course good sense dictates you don’t take pictures of sensitive, proprietary, or potentially identifying information.

Children at school okay, not WHERE. The mall, but watch out if you have a “professional camera”. Look for the blog on that. Just anytime you can squeeze off a good round of pictures. I’ve gotten a “one and done” because that moment was so quick. And, taking my camera in my purse or pocket is essential next to my license, phone, and keys.

Back about 10 years ago a former friend quizzed me on why I brought my camera to work. I explained that I might see something interesting coming to work or going home. As a result, I carried my phone in my purse as a habit. 

Of course I wouldn’t have to because of my camera phone. But, when the battery goes on that? I need a back-up.

When Do You Start The Project?

While I never like putting things off, I would highly recommend that you “practice” as soon as you can, but I’d start off with the New Year (at the beginning) – make it a New Year’s resolution or goal …whatever you call them.

It makes sense to start on January 1^st as that is when the year begins and it is easy to track. If you forget a day or two, you can still take a picture of something that came in on that day or something you got on that day.

The point is to have fun, document your life, and get familiar with the camera equipment.

And, in my case? It gives me a reason to stay out of the house longer than just taking my mom to and from work.

It also gives me great “footage” for my personalized calendars:

[One of the many things I do with my pictures. This is my 2013 calendar]

Don’t Forget the Cheese!!!

As of the last few months, I have been shopping at stores other than Walmart, as the pocketbook allows. Also, there are items and/or brands that Sprouts and Trader Joe’s do not have, so I can’t rely on them 100%. Sprouts gets about 35% of our money, Trader Joe’s about 15%. The rest is divided between Walmart, Smith’s, and Albertson’s. Usually Albertson’s only gets less than 5% of our grocery funds. Personally, I think they are on the way out of business. The stores are mostly empty no matter what time of day or day we go in.

Anyway ...

Today, I had to do what I call a “supplemental grocery run” … meaning “get items we forgot”; “get more of the items we tried and liked”;  and “if there is extra money … get something we haven’t tried”.  The “we” is my mom and I.

This is how the grocery shopping is usually done during the payday weekend, the week following payday, and sometimes … the week leading up to the next payday.

Today’s “fun” was forgetting an item I kept reminding myself to get.

I’m not old! I resist the idea that I’m old, because … I am not old!! For the record: I am under the age of 40, but over the age of 30. 

Now, that we’ve established that …

Today I had some simple tasks:

** From Trader Joe’s – pick up some Shrimp Nuggets (basically huge pieces of shrimp in a bread coating)

** Return some Sprouts Pumpkin Barbeque Sauce (had items that were too spicy and I am allergic to – BUMMER, sounded good) – pick up some Sabrett Hot Dogs (the only ones we can eat) and pick up some ground cumin (cheaper buying it from the “bulk bottles”)

** At Walmart, pick up some Heinz Cocktail sauce (for the shrimp nuggets), some Ball Park Hot Dog buns for the Sabrett dogs, and … GET SHREDDED MOZARELLA CHEESE for the Trader Joe’s Ziti purchased on Friday (FYI: I LOVE cheese … and stuff like that NEVER has enough)

[The TJ Ziti I was reminding myself to buy cheese for]

Simple enough:

Trader Joe’s: Shrimp Nuggets (x2)

Sprouts: Return Pumpkin Barbeque Sauce; get Sabrett dogs and a few ounces of Ground Cumin

Walmart: Ballpark Hot Dog buns, Heinz Cocktail Sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese

[not the actual product I was going to get, but a "visual" aid of what I needed to buy]

I even wrote out a small list and put it in my wallet. I took my mom to work and we even went over the list … simple enough.

After dropping her off (and before leaving the parking lot), I attached the cable from my car stereo to my iPod, selected my play list, and … I was off to run my errands. I specifically designed my route to take me where I needed to go so nothing was out of the way. I’m blessed in that the way I travel, I pass by SO many grocery stores, so shopping at all of them at once really isn’t a chore at all. And, we do save money.

I took a specific side street that would get me in and out of TJ’s pretty darn easy. I parked out of the way, giving me a better way to exit the parking lot and went in the store.

Got my Shrimp Nuggets (x2) and looked for cheese. Sorry, a bit too pricey for me, and I did need to go to another store. I found something for lunch though. Got in line. Wrong line, the checker and the customer were taking their time with a full basket. Finally, a kind older gentleman (praise be for them) offered to let me go ahead. I hated to cut in front of older folks, I refuse to do it. He said “you’ve been waiting there forever, go on” (and he sipped his sample of coffee).

I was checked out before most everyone as I used my AMEX pre-paid “Serve” card. In/out … out to the parking lot. That chore was done. Bag in the basket in the trunk, me in the car … glasses off, sunglasses on, put cable in iPod, turn iPod on, get settled, start the car … and … we’re off to Sprouts!!

Got to Sprouts. I returned the Pumpkin Barbeque Sauce and got a few ounces of Ground Cumin that cost me … 13¢. Yup, big spender I am. I would have gotten more, but their jar was empty after that. Back to my car I go … 

Put the cumin bag in the TJ’s bag in the trunk. Me, back in the car … glasses off, sunglasses on, put cable in iPod, turn iPod on, get settled, start the car … and … we’re off to Walmart (well, the neighborhood market one)!

Got to Walmart, got a good space to park too! Got out … go to head in.

FORGOT THE SABRETT HOT DOGS AT SPROUTS!!

$%#&!!

Okay, I can handle this … go into the neighborhood market get the CHEESE. Do not forget the cheese!! I text my mom to let her know I will be late getting home, have to go back to Sprouts. 

“OKIES”

I go into Walmart … got the Heinz Cocktail Sauce and Ballpark Hot Dog buns, do self checkout. Whew!! I need refreshment … I stick the items in the TJ’s bag in the trunk. Me, back in the car … glasses off, sunglasses on, put cable in iPod, turn iPod on, get settled, start the car … and … we’re off to Wendy’s. I need a large Frosty (plus I have my free Jr. Frosty key-taggy-dealy-thingy).

Get to Wendy’s, ordered at the drive-thru (maybe the last time too). Go to pay. Problem with card. He says it was entirely declined. I show my phone to show it is “pending”. He says it only paid $0.01. 

That is one penny, one cent, 1¢. 

But, after looking at my phone to clearly see the transaction is pending … “oops, we don’t know what happened. It wouldn’t take off the last cent”. After handing me the receipt, it only processed $2.36 NOT the $0.01 he said. Had I just handed over $2.37, I would have ended up paying $4.73 for a large frosty! Yikes!!

They covered the last PENNY because after all, they had no clue what was going on and almost had me pay twice. I don’t know what was going on either. I had to ask twice for a straw. 

Okay, got a few sips of the Frosty in, throat is happy … back to Sprouts.

I find a better parking space, run in, get the hot dogs … toss them in the TJ’s bag in the trunk. Me, back in the car … glasses off, sunglasses on, put cable in iPod, turn iPod on, get settled, start the car … and … we’re heading home!!

Thank goodness.

Mom texts to ask if everything is okay, I tell her I’m checking the mail (she sometimes has good timing). No mail yet. Pull into garage, get everything out, lower the door, lock garage (by turning off the circuit switch at the breaker), and put groceries away.

Proudly text her that I got everything. She acknowledges … just as I put everything away … and read her text; I came to a frightening revelation:

I FORGOT THE DAMN CHEESE!!!

[No, no cheese here ... EXPLETIVES ABOUND!]

How is that for a laugh? Don’t forget the cheese, I need to get cheese, look for cheese … DAMN IT!!  I FORGOT THE $%#&#!^ CHEESE!!!

Well … guess what I will have to stop and get after I pick mom up from work? You guessed it …

THE DAMN CHEESE!!

At least I can laugh … it’s not like I needed it right now. Oh, and the thingy I got from Trader Joe’s for lunch? Pretty good, and the Frostys were great!!

So … how’s your Monday been? 

Legal Stuff:

I don’t own the Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, or Sargento logos, so if you need them ... look on Google like I did. I do own the picture of my groceries though so please do not share them.

And, FYI ... although my mom may text while I am driving ... she knows that I might be a few minutes in replying. I will either pull into a parking lot or wait until I get home. 


UPDATE:

As of 7:27pm 10/20/2014 (Pacific/West Coast/California time) ... I got my cheese!! Praise be. Of course, after all that trouble, I decided to cherish it and use it another night!

[Photographic evidence that I got the cheese. Better late than never, right?]