Christmas At Phillip Island

As you grow older in life, you start to embrace the most important things, and understand that irregardless of how many lemons the Universe throws at you, undying support from family and friends is most vital. This said, I thank the Universe everyday for opening up windows and doors for me, and allowing great people to cross paths with me. I am also extremely blessed to not only have a family back home in Malaysia who supports what I do, but to have known an amazing family here in Melbourne too. I think it would be difficult for someone to just drop everything they have back in their home country to move to a foreign land without a known comfort ground. Not to say that my journey thus far has been a breeze either. Yet, it is comforting to know that I have people who show love and care, and to feel 'at home' with them over here.

This Christmas we spent four lovely days in Phillip Island. Chris' family managed to book a house in Sunderland Bay, the more quiet part of the island, instead of the over crowded, more popular town spot, Cowes. It was mainly a lot of family time, great food, beach time, surf, and much pleasure being away from the city, with terrible mobile phone reception (not exactly complaining). Even driving south to Phillip Island was such an exciting part of our trip, passing by green meadows, live stock and clear blue skies.

Stopped by a dairy restaurant on the way and made a new friend

We've got a Wii in our room

When we were kids (my sisters and I), Christmas was about presents and finally being able to get something on our 'Wish List'. Now that all of us have grown up, it is about family time. Albeit not being able to spend the year's festivities with my family this time around, I gave them a call just to let them know I am surviving and ease them off their worries. Now, you must be wondering the cost of calling back home ... peanuts. In fact, I am trying to use up all my $1.3k worth of credit in my phone. So if you would like to receive a call from the blistering heat of Melbourne, give me your mobile number and I shall entertain you.

Chris' parents arrived before us and his mum decorated the place with a Christmas-sy feel.

No X'mas will be complete without some fairy lights

X'mas Dinner

Dessert and Movie Time!!

Since it was my first trip to Phillip Island, I took every opportunity I get to venture around the island. Chris ain't a fan of all the 'touristy' activities as he has been there many-a-times. On one evening, I followed his brother, sis-in-law, and mum to the Nobbies Centre on the other side of the island from where we stayed. We did a walk down the bridge overlooking breathtakingly beautiful scenery and views of the South Victoria and Seal Rocks. Apparently there are seals on that little island, tourist-telescopes are available at the Nobbies (with a fee) to look at them from afar, or some can even opt for the tours to the rocks.

Walk at The Nobbies Centre

Spotted some penguins hiding from the sun

The following day, we went to Cowes for morning tea, then I followed Chris' parents, brother and sis-in-law to the Phillip Island Wildlife Park. It was a really hot day and quite a number of animals were, I guess, feeling quite lethargic and taking an afternoon nap. I really wanted to see the Koalas in-action. Unfortunately, all of them were resting, except for one who was busy munching on the leaves on the tree. Ah, well.. better than nothing. The kangaroos and emus were out-and-about. In other words, they roam freely in the park (which spans across 60 acres of land). We were allowed to feed the animals (food provided at 50 cents a packet at the counter). I got pecked by a greedy black swan (thankfully it has no teeth! or not that I felt them) and a wombat farted at me while I was feeding it. Poo! Oh, speaking of which, we had to trample on feces; they are literally everywhere and you can't avoid them even if you wanted to. Free-range animals. Interesting day indeed!

My two favorite kangaroos

 

Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree

I'm the REAL Black Swan, B*tch!

Adorable WHATTT!!

It's like a soft toy!!!

Tasmanian Devil - not how Warner Bros portrayed it to be

On the day we left Phillip Island, the road heading into the island is so congested, it was pretty crazy. Well, suffice to say it was a great beach day, however, if I was driving towards the island and see such heavy (almost) non-moving traffic ahead, I'd have turned back.

It was a lovely Christmas away from the city. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the water, catching a few good waves. Ahhh.. the sea...

Oh, I needed to get crafty and made these gorgeous cards with cut-up snowflakes for Chris' family. They are quite the pain to cut through the narrow bits. Nevertheless, it was worth the effort doing so when I open it up and see the beauty displayed before me.

Hope you had a lovely Christmas break!

Everyday We're Shuffling

Early this month, I shot my second TV Commercial for Melbourne's Cheapest Cars - seriously, the cars are dirt cheap!! No kidding. Not because I am in the commercial. I spent the whole day at the garage in Moorabbin and was quite surprised myself at the low prices.

Anyway, here is the advertisement for their Rocking Summer Sale!! Trust me, shuffling in corporate wear and heels under the hot basking sun was not an easy task. Nevertheless, it was great fun working with the whole team from Brave Films. Extremely organised !! If you are looking for a highly reliable and organised production crew, they are your people. I have worked with quite a number of people in the industry to know that.

REFLEKTOR

Source

Last evening, I decided to give Chris his Christmas present because I-just-couldn't-wait. We exchanged gifts and.... he got me tickets to see Arcade Fire in Melbourne next month!!

AHHHHHHHHHH.....

I iz a happy kid.

By the way, we are catching Vampire Weekend early next month. So I will practically be OD-ed on music. Me likey.

Here's a video to tantalise your ear-buds! Can't wait to see them live!!

Someone Like You

Watching 'The Bachelor' on TV for the first time and personally, I find it quite ridiculous that a whole group of girls are competing over one ordinary guy. Apparently there was some drama last episode - pfft! Reality TV, ya know - it's so funny to see the girls act as such over a guy. I hope they are being paid for appearing in the TV program.

On another note, I kind of understand the need for them to find a special someone in their live, just that I wouldn't opt for it to be viewed and judged by the world. Well, I am happy I do not need to do so.

You know when they say, "The little things count"?, they do. It is always the little things that Chris do/did that surprises me and make me smile from within. On the last night of our performance, I got back to our apartment extremely knackered, showered, and just plopped on bed making my way to Slumber Land. However, my hair takes really long to dry when wet, and Chris actually took the hair dryer from the bathroom into our room and dried my hair while I snoozed on. Awww....

I guess I can say I am glad I made the move here. True, we have our disagreements though I think I understand him more when we talked things through. 

Now, if only he'd allow me to take more photos with him....

Sweet Like Lemons

Christmas is next week!! Can you believe how fast time flew by this year?? It is the time of the month/year where I normally sit myself down and reminisce over my accomplishments *crosses fingers* of the year and the numerous things I have to be grateful for, which I really am. It is also that time where I tick off goals I set for this year, and ponder about what I want to achieve in the new year. I will have to get back to you on that as I have not found the time to do so -excuses- though I will definitely get working on them this week.

My body is recuperating at the moment after the end-year fundraiser show with Bounczn Dance Company. I woke up this morning longing to dance, knowing that this is the last week for classes before every school closes for the holiday season. However, my right ankle is still in pain and I know I ought to let it rest after the weeks of rehearsals we had. On the other hand, my knees are feeling a bit weak too. I do not fancy these limitations occurring within my body. Times like this where I think being bionic serves its purpose - just oil 'em limbs and be ready to go again. 

Back in July this year, I was surfing the internet for possible work while getting to know the industry in Melbourne before I moved here. It was indeed a huge leap of faith, having to let go what I have attained back in KL, though a part of me still felt unsatisfied and was longing for bigger means. It was then that I chanced upon Michelle aka Mamma B's post on Facebook and shot her a message expressing my interest to be a part of the Bounczers. 

Unknowingly, I was welcomed with open arms and everyone in the company is so down-to-earth, talented and inspiring in their own ways. I met most of the dancers when I participated in BDC's Open Community Classes. It was a great initiative bringing such great choreographers each week to teach a one-hour class, at an affordable price! 

Through the open community classes and our first few sessions with Depart 3 choreographers, Jonathan and Gilbert, I rekindled my love for dance. It has been a pretty rough ride on-and-off, with me questioning my path in this line of work. At one point, I even thought of giving up, until I was reminded why I chose to dance.

BDC's got a pretty intensive warm-up, unlike the regular mild stretching/cardio sessions you get in other dance classes. Within the nine weeks of rehearsing for this show, I saw changes in my physique, and even have the strength to plank for no less than 3-minutes (well, exclude the occasional 'I-Can't-Do-This' moments).

Training with the group, especially the choreographers for the show, pushed me beyond my boundaries. I can sense major improvement throughout the training. Mentally, I have learned not to surrender to my slothfulness, knowing that I am stronger than what I think I am. Trust me, there were more than one evening during our routine run-through where I just want to cry and not dance anymore, because my body was exhausted and my legs/feet were aching. Hey! Hard work pays off, I guess.

BOUNCZN Represent with my girl, Beatrice!

Depart 3 - Bounczn Dance Company

SHOWTIME!

Bounczers Chillin' Before Show

A part of our routine got changed the day before our show. I was working on it continuously during rehearsals that the skin on my middle right toe split while doing so. It does not hurt a lot, though it is extremely uncomfortable while dancing. Hence I had to wrap it up during our performance with band aid and surgical tape to make sure it stays intact. Jacob fractured his toe on the first night too. We put our best foot forward and braved through the pain for the love of dance!

Stretching out

It has been a holistic journey participating in Depart 3. The last time I did a full dance performance was during Short+Sweet Dance 2012. Personally, these are the little things that keep that flame within me ignited, and to have people supporting us (me) throughout the process(es). I am blessed to have found my new dance family in Melbourne and can't wait to see what the new year brings for us!

BTS - Depart 3 Teaser

Keep in touch with Bounczn:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BouncznDanceCompany

Website - http://www.bounczn.com
Twitter - @Bounczn

INTERWEBS!!

We are FINALLY connected to the world at our new apartment. Excuse the lack of updates. Even so, I am finding it hard to write, trying to pack my days with productivity - hah! *excuses*

True in a way...

Life has been great thus far. Over the weekend, I booked my second commercial gig here - on my own. Yeshh!! I will reveal more deeds when the commercial is out. We were shuffling under the sweltering heat the whole of Saturday. I might have scored myself a tan too! Here is a behind-the-scene shot I found on Brave TV's twitter page (follow them @BraveAustralia):

Photo credit: Brave TV

On another note, I have been rehearsing for BDC's end-year show - THIS WEEKEND - for the past few weeks. My body is constantly sore, in a nice way (ask any dancer and she/he will tell you how good that feels, kinda). Depart 3 is a product of weeks of blood, sweat, and (almost) tears. There were days where I got so frustrated because I seem to be stuffing up the moves. There were also moments where I felt like giving up because my body was beyond exhausted, though mentally, I kept telling myself that I can push through it, and feel good after.

Planking Challenge

I am so excited for our show. I have not done a full dance piece since S+S Dance Malaysia last year. This is my first Contemporary/African piece too. So if you are in Melbourne on the 13th & 14th December, come check us out at Dancehouse. Tickets are almost sold out, get them online HERE>>

Scenic

We get great sunset views from our balcony when the weather decides to be nice for a change.

Here are some of the views that I'd like to share with you:

1st November 2013

15th November 2013

Derby Kart Street Festival

Spring/Summer means one thing - FESTIVALS!! And I adore the numerous most random (to me) festivals over here. One being the annual Eastment Street Derby Festival in Northcote on the 5th November. It was held in conjunction with the Melbourne Cup Day. Initially I was quite reluctant to checkout the street festival as it sounds like one where people get caught in a claustrophobic environment, get piss drunk and do silly things, which was what happened anyway. Nevertheless, I am glad I got to experience it. Though, as the designated driver, I did not get smashed.

The event starts in the morning with interested individuals signing up for the derby kart race. Basically, there is a mobile elevated platform at the top of the sloppy street (Eastment Street). Participants start from the top of the platform, and upon the sound of the buzzer, race down the slope. Winner is determined by whoever reaches the end of the street first. It was quite entertaining. People (participants, spectators and organisers) were dressed up for the day in quirky outfits. Wish I'd known so I can do so too - hey! It's an odd chance to be able to gear up in something silly.

Crowd playing jump rope after the race

The Smexy One

Grow Up And Blow Away

If one were to ask me how I felt about moving to another country this time three months back, I would say that I am not very comfortable with the uncertainty and not know what lies before me in foreign grounds. 

The first few weeks, even months, were quite tough for me as I was trying to adapt to this new lifestyle of mine. Having been a workaholic for so long, it feels quite unpleasant to be slowing down, stepping back and having so much time in my hands. I feel almost insecure about it. So I spent the last two weeks or so contemplating over my current position; maybe this was what I needed after all.

Most people are so caught up with society's expectations on the 'perfect life' that we tend to conform so easily into situations that are of little interest to us. I am guilty of doing so. Then I asked myself, why should I give in to what society thinks is right (or wrong)? One thing I love about Melbourne is the alternative side of life. There are groups of people who live their life without caring what others think of them, as long as they are not causing harm or be a nuisance to others. Let's talk about the day job for starters.

Financial security is vital, no doubt about that. However, I believe one can live in a minimalist manner, without the needs of a capitalist world. I am trying my best to apply that in my live at the moment, shying away from the branded, hip/trendy. Practicality is what I seek, most of the time.

Do I want to get a full-time job?

Yes, and No. 

In some ways, I am starting to accept and enjoy the way I live right now. I have finally stepped out of that bubble of mine and look at things in a different perspective. I learn to view things and situations in a different manner, show more gratitude, be kinder, be more conscious about my surroundings and lend a hand to people in-need (even though they think they do not need it). 

Every day I am surrounded by individuals who keep contributing 'good seeds' into my life, to nurture my soul, like my boyfriend and his family for example. They are genuinely nice and caring people, I wish the world has more individuals like them.

This chapter of my life is dedicated to soul-searching, to discover areas about myself that I seem to have forgotten or never knew I had within me. 

My stress level has reduced to almost zero, and I am seeing great changes in myself, holistically. 

To many, this post might appear pointless. Though I hope to some of you reading this, you can improve your life when you change the way you think. Remove yourself from your crazy lifestyle for a moment and ponder over life in general. Acknowledge the little things that are bugging you, and discover ways to curb them.

Did I mention that I turned into a green finger lately? Chris' mum taught me how to plant little seedlings. I went to Bunnings the other day and bought some potting mix and dynamic lifters (they are like multivitamins for the soil). The plants out on our balcony has grown so well, I am really proud of them. Can't wait for Summer to come.

Those two photos were taken in early November. Now, see how much they have grown ...

Petunias

Sugar Skull Delight

Few weeks back, I modeled for HMUA/Stylist, Pinar Polat.

There were five of us, styled differently for the costume-themed party in Williamstown.

I adore my look that night. I have always wanted to experience being face-painted ala sugar skull.

Working with photographer, Fred Zinggl, was a great experience too. He knows his stuff and communicates with the models, which is a vital for a photographer.

Here are some photos taken on the day/evening, along with the making of the Sugar Skull.

Enjoy!

Transition

Oh, Hello!

Hairography!

Got these killer shoes at the Camberwell Market

Pinar's Delectable Birthday Cake

Check out Fred's photography page HERE>>