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>>

Ballet Tea

Body aches to the core.

I am on break from work this week, though not resting from everything else. This week is all for dancing - Contemporary to be exact. 

Last month, I signed up for a membership with Dance House, which is barely a ten minute walk down from where I live. As a new member, I get to do all the classes and workshops during this Tertiary Dance Week for free! My first class was yesterday morning with Russell Dumas. He spoke mainly on the fundamentals, the body, with very little/no dancing, which frustrated some participants as they were expecting a session that will make them move, not a lecture. I, on the other hand, find it really informative, and have been trying to apply it on my body. The most difficult thing about doing Contemporary Dance again after so long is having to break my ballet posture (also mentioned in Russell's talk as he was a professional ballet dancer).

Following the morning class, I stayed on for the workshop session with Steph Hutchinson, having no clue what I was about to receive from those two hours. Well, I briefly read the workshop details but did not plan to participate, hence did not have much of a thought about it. She started off with a bootcamp - great way to wake up my lazy ass and start my week, followed by .. TUMBLING!! It was my first time tumbling, and man, it is addictive!! I always have this fear of doing a handstand, though I just kicked up and flopped onto the mat (not gracefully, yet, unfortunately). Maybe it's because I knew I was in good hands, or maybe I felt pressured that the four other participants were actively going at it. Either way, I had to suppress my 'fear' and just went for it. No regrets! Then she gave us two highly advanced (for me) choreography, which I tried my best to catch up though my mind felt like mush at that time. Overall, it was a great session.

This morning, I did a class with Becky Hilton. She is HILARIOUS!! I wonder if she teaches regularly, I would love to do her class. I shall look on that in a bit. Google has been my best friend since I got here, that's how I discover all these workshops/classes. No doubt, I find it so much easier to move when I 'let go'. However, I am so used to having this sense of control over my upper body (especially), like what we were trained to do in ballet. I still lack coordination, though I am definitely improving (a lot!) from before.

In addition to Tertiary Dance Week, I am also rehearsing for Bounczn Dance Company's end of the year show, Depart 3. Last night, I opened up to the group on some struggles I am facing, having to literally drop everything I had back in Malaysia to move here with so much uncertainty. As highlighted briefly in my previous post, I have developed more than I did in the first half of 2013, which is pretty amazing, if I may say so myself. We are working with two great choreographers for the show. I admit, I lack the stamina needed and have to continue building my strength. Nevertheless, I am glad these guys pushed us beyond our limits. Did I tell you they are extremely welcoming and encouraging? It feels like being in a big family of dancers from different backgrounds.

That pretty much sums up my dance journey for the past two months. I am trying to upload some photos, but the internet connection in the library is pretty sucky at times (when some inconsiderate person watches Youtube or does something that requires heavy bandwidth).

Till then, I will continue updating about Depart 3 in weeks to come. 

If you are in Melbourne on the 13th and 14th December, you should come watch us. Pre-sale tix will be released soon, and there is only a limited number of tickets due to seating. Guess where it's gonna be held? Dance House!!  :)

Groundswell

Departing from Malaysia was not an easy decision to make, especially when things have been going quite well this year (minus the few to-be-considered petty issues). Sometimes I ponder about the choice I made, wondering if I chose the right path at the correct time. Though, when will one ever know what lies beyond the veil until one takes that leap of faith? The past weeks, I learned to change my train of thought, and re-evaluate my purpose and goals. Once I did that, I realised I have developed so much more in the past two months than I ever did this whole year. It is how you set your mind to situations beyond your control that matters. Suffice to say, I am looking forward to see how my year ends, and the adventures patiently waiting for me the following year.

Hope you are having a great start to the week. Remember, you can do anything if you set your mind to it.

When Life Give You Lemons

Never would I ever imagine me saying this, "Today is just Not My Day!".

I often come across statuses or hear my peers proclaiming that it is not their day. I would never even contemplate how that would feel like as I like to look at every obstacle as a nourishment to my personal growth. 

However, events of today took a direct curve ball, and I was met with one obstacle after next. At the end of my work shift today, I thought that was just it, and wanted to heave a sigh of relieve. When I got home, I was met with some unpleasant news.

Most people might find it a small issue. I think my 'problem' here is I can take my work really seriously, which is how I conditioned myself these few years. I like working with people who are professional in everything they do, hence am applying that to my own work ethics too. Nevertheless, things slip at times, and least to say, when it is something I did not foresee heading my way, it cracks me up, especially when one situation leads to the other.

Dang! This 'perfectionist' trait ain't working well in times like this. I really don't fancy disappointing people, moreover if it's my employer. Get what I mean?

Irregardless of all the things that happened today, I also crossed paths with some kind-hearted and considerate souls. I ought to focus on such fine occurrences, though mentally, I am pretty messed up right now. 

There is this negative aura that I desperately want to get rid of right now. It is pulling me down, imprisoning me in this dark abyss.  

I will give myself one night to get over this. 

I will wake up anew tomorrow morning and start this week fresh, all over again.

Positive thinking.