Thought Spill: Every photo tells a story. But your story is what most people wonder about.

Every photo tells a story. But your story is what most people wonder about.

— Jackson Lo (@jackson_lo) March 31, 2012

I had this thought cross my mind and I think it speaks true to a lot of things. We often see inspiring visuals, often once, twice, or multiple times a day. I'm starting to see a bridge between tech and social, but also visuals and art. Some argue that art is social, other say that social is its own thing.

Pinterest is a great example where technology + social + art play well with one another. You see something cool, interesting, inspiring - you pin it. You create your own pin boards, and others can follow it. Everything is visual on Pinterest, and that's why draws the 80% of females to be so highly engaged on that platform.

I created a pin board for "Words" because I often get inspired with quotes. If I like it, I repin it to my board. I can go back and review and look at it whenever I want. It will always be on my pin board, yay!

But often you will come across photos with no words, and no description, no story. Not sure about you, but I like photos with captions for two reason: (1) it tells the story the photographer intended to portray and (2) doesn't require me to think about what is taken :) I say "Every photo tells a story. But your story is what most people wonder about." because I truly believe that a lot of people in this world are into story telling. Some examples are those photos you find on Facebook that raises the awareness of the relieve in Japan during that devastation earthquake, or the event that took place in Haiti. Those photos all have a story, and they are told. People like, reshare, and comment. This shows high engagement.

I think, if you can tell a great story, you can do well in life. So put a story to your imagery. Tell your story, and let your viewers decide whether they agree or disagree with you? They may leave a comment, then the dialogue starts. Always think on the positive side, even if the comment may end up to be disgruntling and rude (hopefully that won't happen).

This is just a thought spill... ok I'm done here...

New Windows and Balcony Door, with New Blinds :)

Fiscal Year End...

No... I don't work in the government, but many of the clients that I work with everyday are. Projects are coming to a close... 10 more days to go!

It's been an extremely busy month and I haven't had a chance to blog here so I'm writing a short not to update you what is happening.

Earlier this month, I had new windows and doors replaced in my unit. When I bought my place back in July (wow... shocking how it's almost been a year!), one of the commitments was to sign on to a 3 year project (it was about 1 year in when I signed) to replace the old and worn windows. The balcony door was also part of the project. This assignment was not a cheap one; additional $200 per month to the condo fees. Luckily it will end in a bit over a year once the project is complete.

Here are a few photo of the new balcony door and windows, it's quite attractive ;)

Everything about the newly installed sliding doors I like... the old doors (and windows) were hard steel painted in brown. So the likes:

• It is white
• The left window used to be only half, now it is full height!
• The metal frame that the door slides on is very smooth
• There is a clean screen door (it will only get dirtier over time, oh well I guess that's part of the tasks of keeping your place 'clean')
• The install took one full day. Basically the contractors for this project were tasked to do one side of the building this year, and the other side next year. I'm lucky that I'm on the south side :)

After the windows and door was installed, it was obviously time for me to shop for new blinds and curtains to replace the ones left by the previous owner.

I picked up some faux wood blinds at Home Depot. They didn't have my size which was 57.5" x 68", so I have to take on a special order to get it cut exactly right. I was hesitant on giving my measurements but the lady explained that if you have the metrics for the side to side and top to bottom, then you are safe. Often, window frames / sills or whatever you call it, will have curvatures, or sometimes you pick up the measurements on what you calculate would fit. Don't do it! Measure it from end to end and the blinds will be cut exactly to fit those measurements you give them. So in the end... they fit!

Here are some photos of the installed blinds in the two bed rooms:

Here were the blinds I bought from HD:

The blinds were not hard to install. I found that the screw it came with were way to long, so I replaced them with shorter one and they work fine.

Hope I taught you a thing or two about blinds, ha! Now off to the races to find some curtains for the balcony door... any ideas? Share in the comments below! :)