Oops I did it again...stayed up all night for an assignment. I can't remember if I officially did this last semester...but it happened Sunday night. It was for an assignment for my Building Energy Analysis class, and I kind of went above and beyond, and was particularly OCD about it, but I used the house that I'm working on with Michael as my case study, so I'm sure we'll show it to the clients, too, so added reasoning for my madness.
It turned out to be 41 pages! Ooooo-snap!
The main report was (7) A3s [11x17s] and the Appendix was the remainder, in A4s. Have to say - I'm diggin the international paper sizes. Makes so much sense. America, let's get on it!
Still undecided about the metric system. Granted, I completely understand its grace and logic...and I think we should've switched over a long time ago. And honestly, I think most people could handle it. But I do have onlineconversion.com opened just about every time I'm on the 'puter...thank goodness for the internet. I'm definitely at the point where I feel I can't live a life to the same quality I've gotten used to without it.
Two more assignments to go! ALL of my photography shizz is due this Friday by midnight (though really she'll pick it up Saturday morning I think, so I may push that timeline, sadly).
Last project is a case study on an existing sustainable building for my last 'core' class...I'm going to use one of Michael's shnazzy commercial projects in Double Bay (a pretty fancy 'hood here).
Almost done w/Semester 2!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
favorite word here, maybe
Darling.
People use it all the time.
My coffee lady, Lydia, says it to me everytime I see her.
Micheal says it to his girlfriend, Judy, every time she's over.
And it has no southern twang I would've associated with it previously (think the song about Clemetine).
And it's not in a stuffy British way, either. Just simple and sweet. Like amigo for gringos ;)
People use it all the time.
My coffee lady, Lydia, says it to me everytime I see her.
Micheal says it to his girlfriend, Judy, every time she's over.
And it has no southern twang I would've associated with it previously (think the song about Clemetine).
And it's not in a stuffy British way, either. Just simple and sweet. Like amigo for gringos ;)
officially #1 pet peeve (at least for now)
Being told I look tired.
As if you couldn't tell I was sensitive about this in my last post.
I walked into the computer lab this morning, and the first person I said hi to, a classmate from India, said immediately, oh, you look really tired.
Now granted, I think generally people from India are known for being fairly blunt (and my friend Sumi told me it's the same in South Korea), and do I feel tired today? Yep. I was up until 2am working on my frickin Building Energy Analysis assignment, which even though I had a happy breakthrough yesterday morning, continually disappointed me for the rest of the day/night...and to add to my stress is not only the assignment but the fact that I'm analyzing the house in Sydney that I'm really working on a renovation for with Michael, and in real life I need to be able to tell the clients what materials we should use and projected energy consumption.
Though...I just had a lightbulb idea about how I 'modeled' the roof...so hopefully adjusting it will help a LOT.
Anyway...being told you look really tired is equivalent w/being told you look like sh*t, basically. And who wants to hear that to start off another long-a$$ day in the lab?!
And I'm skipping yoga today to work on this shizz :/ But...I'll try to use past yoga experiences to remember to breathe deeply and let go. And maybe the next time someone says that to me I'll ask them why they're telling me I look like sh*t. I've already schooled several guy friends on this here...but didn't think I had to extend it to female friends. But now I know ;)
Thanks for posting comments Nichoel & Michelle! Pretty sure you are the only two who haven't given up me posting on this bad boy. Much love for you ladies! xx
As if you couldn't tell I was sensitive about this in my last post.
I walked into the computer lab this morning, and the first person I said hi to, a classmate from India, said immediately, oh, you look really tired.
Now granted, I think generally people from India are known for being fairly blunt (and my friend Sumi told me it's the same in South Korea), and do I feel tired today? Yep. I was up until 2am working on my frickin Building Energy Analysis assignment, which even though I had a happy breakthrough yesterday morning, continually disappointed me for the rest of the day/night...and to add to my stress is not only the assignment but the fact that I'm analyzing the house in Sydney that I'm really working on a renovation for with Michael, and in real life I need to be able to tell the clients what materials we should use and projected energy consumption.
Though...I just had a lightbulb idea about how I 'modeled' the roof...so hopefully adjusting it will help a LOT.
Anyway...being told you look really tired is equivalent w/being told you look like sh*t, basically. And who wants to hear that to start off another long-a$$ day in the lab?!
And I'm skipping yoga today to work on this shizz :/ But...I'll try to use past yoga experiences to remember to breathe deeply and let go. And maybe the next time someone says that to me I'll ask them why they're telling me I look like sh*t. I've already schooled several guy friends on this here...but didn't think I had to extend it to female friends. But now I know ;)
Thanks for posting comments Nichoel & Michelle! Pretty sure you are the only two who haven't given up me posting on this bad boy. Much love for you ladies! xx
Monday, October 25, 2010
grandmas say the darndest things
I attempted to Skype with the fam at my dad's request yesterday morning my time. I was told to be ready at 9.30am. I was online and ready. Somehow, though, my dad left me a voicemail but it never rang on my end. And then he went back downstairs. So I sat there (checking my email) for 30 minutes waiting. Finally I sent a chat note that I was running downstairs for cereal & tea. Of course they called the 6 minutes I was away from my frickin computer!
But with my brother manning the controls we were able to get it so they could see me, and I could see me, and audio was working both ways but my parent's camera wasn't working. Which was a bummer because my niece Sophia was donning her giraffe halloween costume! She's so frickin adorable - my dad uploaded pics within 24 hours...I'll have to post the link. Sophs literally will put a smile on anyone's face..guaranteed.
Anywho, besides my brother and my nieces being over, both grandmas (great-g-mas to Sophs) were also over...they were carving pumpkins and having dinner. I was able to very briefly speak with both grandmas...and Grandma Anne said almost from the beginning, wow, honey, you look really tired. To which I laughed and said oh, Grandma, I think it's my webcam and also that I'm probably looking at my screen instead of into the camera.
But I think when you're old you can't just drop something...if something is puzzling you, you really want to talk it out. So she repeated it, and then I heard her say to Mike or my Dad, or does she always look like that?
Grandma!
And then she said, well, you know, you call me every week but I don't see you very often.
It was heart warming and ego-crushing all at the same time. I probably do look tired...end of semester stress & a healthy social life and all...and I read something about how after you're 30 your skin isn't as plump and bags under the eyes become a more common issue for ladies.
But I'm stickin with my original theory ;)
But with my brother manning the controls we were able to get it so they could see me, and I could see me, and audio was working both ways but my parent's camera wasn't working. Which was a bummer because my niece Sophia was donning her giraffe halloween costume! She's so frickin adorable - my dad uploaded pics within 24 hours...I'll have to post the link. Sophs literally will put a smile on anyone's face..guaranteed.
Anywho, besides my brother and my nieces being over, both grandmas (great-g-mas to Sophs) were also over...they were carving pumpkins and having dinner. I was able to very briefly speak with both grandmas...and Grandma Anne said almost from the beginning, wow, honey, you look really tired. To which I laughed and said oh, Grandma, I think it's my webcam and also that I'm probably looking at my screen instead of into the camera.
But I think when you're old you can't just drop something...if something is puzzling you, you really want to talk it out. So she repeated it, and then I heard her say to Mike or my Dad, or does she always look like that?
Grandma!
And then she said, well, you know, you call me every week but I don't see you very often.
It was heart warming and ego-crushing all at the same time. I probably do look tired...end of semester stress & a healthy social life and all...and I read something about how after you're 30 your skin isn't as plump and bags under the eyes become a more common issue for ladies.
But I'm stickin with my original theory ;)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
the little things & half-way point
It's official! I'm somewhere near the half-way point of this adventure. I've been here since early February (almost 9 months)...and I'm not sure when exactly I'll be back stateside (or which route I'll take to get there...so many travel dreams)...but I'll probably be back sometime in July or August. My visa is up in the end of September and I have a free flight to cash in that must be used by September 18th 2011 (give or take a day). Plus...I'll need to make Mr. Finn's first birthday party!
It was great to be home for D's wedding and get to see sooooooo many friends & family in a short, quick burst. Timing, even though it presented a few obstacles for school assignments, worked out really well. And I know the time will just fly for this second half....
I'm trying really hard to be in the present and just soaking up everything Sydney has to offer me. And one of my favorite things, still, is just overhearing everyday conversation in the standard Aussie accent. It's entertaining and generally warm and friendly and good-humored and a lot of times I feel like I'm living in a movie...in such a good way.
I think yoga is helping. I've been doing it pretty regularly once a week...and even did a 2 hour weekend detox workshop two weekends ago w/my fave female teacher, Idit. Besides saving the world with sustainability I'd like to save it w/yoga...and dance. Yeah. They had a teacher's workshop a few months back...and I really think I want to become certified or whatever. Though probably in the US...and I'm not really in a rush to do it. But it's just such a wonderful thing.
Try it!
It was great to be home for D's wedding and get to see sooooooo many friends & family in a short, quick burst. Timing, even though it presented a few obstacles for school assignments, worked out really well. And I know the time will just fly for this second half....
I'm trying really hard to be in the present and just soaking up everything Sydney has to offer me. And one of my favorite things, still, is just overhearing everyday conversation in the standard Aussie accent. It's entertaining and generally warm and friendly and good-humored and a lot of times I feel like I'm living in a movie...in such a good way.
I think yoga is helping. I've been doing it pretty regularly once a week...and even did a 2 hour weekend detox workshop two weekends ago w/my fave female teacher, Idit. Besides saving the world with sustainability I'd like to save it w/yoga...and dance. Yeah. They had a teacher's workshop a few months back...and I really think I want to become certified or whatever. Though probably in the US...and I'm not really in a rush to do it. But it's just such a wonderful thing.
Try it!
never give up ;)
So...hi there. Sorry I've been neglecting this bad boy. Time...priorities...school stress. You know. But I think of random small sh*t all the time. And I'll try to be better about posting the quickies.
Here's one for you...besides the fact that they call math "maths" (yes, I've tried to explain it's like deer or fish but it hasn't changed anything)...I learned a few weeks ago that they call trapezoids "trapeziums" - for real! I had to look up how to calc the area of one (which was listed under 7th grade math, I think, oopsy)...and noticed on the aussie website that what I'd only heard before was in fact spelled right before my eyes on a fairly legimate looking website.
Trapezium. It sounds like a new prescription drug...or an odd shaped atrium...or a gymnasium dedicated to trapeze acrobatics.
Trapezium.
Here's one for you...besides the fact that they call math "maths" (yes, I've tried to explain it's like deer or fish but it hasn't changed anything)...I learned a few weeks ago that they call trapezoids "trapeziums" - for real! I had to look up how to calc the area of one (which was listed under 7th grade math, I think, oopsy)...and noticed on the aussie website that what I'd only heard before was in fact spelled right before my eyes on a fairly legimate looking website.
Trapezium. It sounds like a new prescription drug...or an odd shaped atrium...or a gymnasium dedicated to trapeze acrobatics.
Trapezium.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Spring!
Today is September 1st, and that means it's Spring!
And it really feels like spring...quite warm outside...wishing I'd worn sandals instead of shoes for the first time ;)
I've ditched the hot water bottle, too...and the hens are laying again (they kind of suspended the egg-laying in the colder months).
Oddly enough, they count the change of seasons as the first of the month that contains the equinox or solstice - not the day of the planetary event itself. We had a debate about this on the roadtrip w/the boys, and Walter lost the bet. Which meant he was supposed to go skinnydipping in front of all of us...but he never fulfilled the bet (which, honestly, is fine with me ;p)...
And the flowering trees outside the architecture building are blooming...
Happy Spring!
And it really feels like spring...quite warm outside...wishing I'd worn sandals instead of shoes for the first time ;)
I've ditched the hot water bottle, too...and the hens are laying again (they kind of suspended the egg-laying in the colder months).
Oddly enough, they count the change of seasons as the first of the month that contains the equinox or solstice - not the day of the planetary event itself. We had a debate about this on the roadtrip w/the boys, and Walter lost the bet. Which meant he was supposed to go skinnydipping in front of all of us...but he never fulfilled the bet (which, honestly, is fine with me ;p)...
And the flowering trees outside the architecture building are blooming...
Happy Spring!
food
The architecture faculty has a student mini-kitchen on floor 3. It has 2 microwaves. Sometimes it radiates delicious smells...sometimes, not so much. Usually if it's night-time, there might be a big cockroach guarding the water cooler, which usually makes my heart beat faster because even though he is a fraction of my size, he still scares the sh*t out of me.
Today around lunch it smelled like someone had heated up something that had a hot dog in it? And it smelled surprisingly good. Perhaps I will have a good old fashioned american hot dog when I am home! I'm excited for pizza (though I have had good pizza here, too, but still)...and excited for a few Ron Kalin breakfasts ;)
I also discovered a new Australian love this afternoon - pumpkin minestrone soup! Delish. I love everything pumpkin, and apparently they do, too, here. (My housemate Nathan makes a killer pumpkin risotto, too.) This version was from a can (might have been Kraft, can't remember, definitely an American brand, though many American branded things here taste quite different...like ketchup, for example, which they call tomato sauce). Heaven. So good. I added some leftover couscous to it. And toasted a piece of linseed sourdough bread with butter. Perfect lunch.
Today around lunch it smelled like someone had heated up something that had a hot dog in it? And it smelled surprisingly good. Perhaps I will have a good old fashioned american hot dog when I am home! I'm excited for pizza (though I have had good pizza here, too, but still)...and excited for a few Ron Kalin breakfasts ;)
I also discovered a new Australian love this afternoon - pumpkin minestrone soup! Delish. I love everything pumpkin, and apparently they do, too, here. (My housemate Nathan makes a killer pumpkin risotto, too.) This version was from a can (might have been Kraft, can't remember, definitely an American brand, though many American branded things here taste quite different...like ketchup, for example, which they call tomato sauce). Heaven. So good. I added some leftover couscous to it. And toasted a piece of linseed sourdough bread with butter. Perfect lunch.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Facebook pics
I just spent a few hours (sadly, kind of) tonight on Facebook updating my profile with a bunch of fun recent photos. Lots are party pics...but plenty of scenery and cityscapes, too. If you're not on Facebook, you can look at them through your spouse's account or see links below...
...OR just start your own account already! You know you don't have to put your full name, right? You can make it under some very cryptic psuedo nickname...you can lock up your privacy controls nice and tight...and no worries...you don't HAVE to accept Lee Waldrep as your friend once he finds you...;p
Enjoy! It was a lot of fun to reflect on the last few weeks...I'm feeling stressed about getting as much done as I'd like to...but I'm certainly having a lot of fun here, too!!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79474&id=1195387275&l=a99a5ad05e
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79471&id=1195387275&l=40fcbb2bbc
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79469&id=1195387275&l=8510091637
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79466&id=1195387275&l=c2c3a87d5d
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=76202&id=1195387275&l=52d40b7d42
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79463&id=1195387275&l=cd9a03dfb8
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79461&id=1195387275&l=3fad0bee70
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79456&id=1195387275&l=e35ed4c2b8
...OR just start your own account already! You know you don't have to put your full name, right? You can make it under some very cryptic psuedo nickname...you can lock up your privacy controls nice and tight...and no worries...you don't HAVE to accept Lee Waldrep as your friend once he finds you...;p
Enjoy! It was a lot of fun to reflect on the last few weeks...I'm feeling stressed about getting as much done as I'd like to...but I'm certainly having a lot of fun here, too!!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79474&id=1195387275&l=a99a5ad05e
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79471&id=1195387275&l=40fcbb2bbc
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79469&id=1195387275&l=8510091637
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79466&id=1195387275&l=c2c3a87d5d
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=76202&id=1195387275&l=52d40b7d42
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79463&id=1195387275&l=cd9a03dfb8
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79461&id=1195387275&l=3fad0bee70
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79456&id=1195387275&l=e35ed4c2b8
coffee slang
I'm still foggy on some of their coffee terms here. I have no idea what a long black or a flat white is. No clue. I just order a latte or vanilla latte and I'm golden. The fancy places usually don't have flavour syrups and give you a funny look if you ask if they have vanilla syrup. You can also request they add the sugars into your coffee for you.
And they have some pretty rad desserts to go with their caffenated beverages. Today I indulged and had a caramel slice. This decadent treat has a biscuit/cookie/graham like base (with plenty of butter I'm sure), a caramel center layer (hardness or softness of the caramel depends on the bakery/cafe), and a hard chocolate top. Heaven!
On the other hand, talking to Grandma Mary today, she reminded me of the irony that her husband and my grandpa's older brother were always worried about their baby brother, Uncle Lou, who has lived with diabetes for 90+ years. They didn't think he would get to see his daughters grow up...but he's outlived everyone! So...maybe I should try to cut down on the sugar since low glucose intake may have something to do with the key to staying healthy when you're old...but I just have SUCH a sweet tooth!
And on another random tangent...one of Uncle Lou's daughters lives here in Melbourne. With her lesbian partner. Except no one in our family has acknowledged the orientation bit. Which is fine. Just interesting. What's even stranger is over Christmas, Aunt Kathy was in town from Australia, and we were both at St. Therese at the same time, visiting Uncle Lou (who had broken his foot and was in there recovering)...yet, we did not get introduced. Weird. I will DEFINITELY be going to Melbourne...but whether I actually meet my longlost aunt that I've never met before...that's not something I would put money on at this point ;)
Okay...it's very late and I should go to bed! Totally stuck in a night owl sleeping pattern recently...
Cheers!
And they have some pretty rad desserts to go with their caffenated beverages. Today I indulged and had a caramel slice. This decadent treat has a biscuit/cookie/graham like base (with plenty of butter I'm sure), a caramel center layer (hardness or softness of the caramel depends on the bakery/cafe), and a hard chocolate top. Heaven!
On the other hand, talking to Grandma Mary today, she reminded me of the irony that her husband and my grandpa's older brother were always worried about their baby brother, Uncle Lou, who has lived with diabetes for 90+ years. They didn't think he would get to see his daughters grow up...but he's outlived everyone! So...maybe I should try to cut down on the sugar since low glucose intake may have something to do with the key to staying healthy when you're old...but I just have SUCH a sweet tooth!
And on another random tangent...one of Uncle Lou's daughters lives here in Melbourne. With her lesbian partner. Except no one in our family has acknowledged the orientation bit. Which is fine. Just interesting. What's even stranger is over Christmas, Aunt Kathy was in town from Australia, and we were both at St. Therese at the same time, visiting Uncle Lou (who had broken his foot and was in there recovering)...yet, we did not get introduced. Weird. I will DEFINITELY be going to Melbourne...but whether I actually meet my longlost aunt that I've never met before...that's not something I would put money on at this point ;)
Okay...it's very late and I should go to bed! Totally stuck in a night owl sleeping pattern recently...
Cheers!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
other words
- bogan - kind of a redneck, usually the opposite of classy, low level of education/manners
- bits
- 'horses for courses' (?) - one professor in particular loves this one
- off track, on track, jumped the track - they do love horse racing here...maybe that's the influence?
- have a go, see how you go - take a chance, take a stab; also related to 'how are you going?'
will keep adding...
home!
I'll be heading home in just two weeks!!! Really excited...pretty stressed, too, about trying to wrap up work stuff, school stuff, wedding-ish stuff, gift stuff...all in a matter of a few days (I have a bunch of 9-5 classes inbetween now and Sept 8th).
Part of me is nervous, too, about feeling homesick? I haven't felt homesick at all since I've been here, though D kind of contested that when I told her it over the phone. I have cried to her at least twice, but tried to explain that was different - it was more about missing things I didn't want to miss, wishing I could be in two places at once, but not a longing to actually be back in Chicago or Minneapolis. The only time I've felt REALLY homesick was when I went to Pratt for a 5 week summer intensive the summer between my junior and senior year in high school. Oh baby! I literally was thinking about faking an illness to go home. [Didn't hurt that I had a hot boyfriend back home writing me love letters, either!] Everyone there was SO different - SO East Coast, SO into art school. But by the end I didn't want to leave.
Anyway, even though I've lived away from 'home' (MN let's say) most of my life, I've always been close enough and fortunate enough to visit quite often. By September I'll have been away for 7 months - nothing for the record books, but my longest stretch to date. And after I come back, I'm not sure how long it will be. It could be as little as 9 months...or as much as a year (my visa is up in Sept 2011)...but I really don't know yet where life will take me. I'm loosely planning to move back to Minneapolis in July or August next year...but...still keeping an open mind.
So I'm nervous about feeling homesick after I'm back here...and not sure when I'll be home again. I'm so excited to see my niece Sophia...but nervous I'll feel some geographical guilt from missing out on a lot of her changes and growth.
Skype certainly makes things a lot easier!! It's hard to imagine life here without it. I think I would be much more likely to be homesick without it.
Though I am a bit envious of my friend who is exchanging love letters of sorts with a girl back in Spain. And she sends him little bits of artwork (she's an artist) (they love to use the word 'bits' here!). And my grandparents all communicated by letter/love letter. And even my parents.
Geri has a plan to find me a MN crush on a boy-magnet circuit she's thought about. Maybe eventually I'll get some love letters of my own ;) [I just watched a program on attraction tonight before coming into the lab to work for a bit]
Part of me is nervous, too, about feeling homesick? I haven't felt homesick at all since I've been here, though D kind of contested that when I told her it over the phone. I have cried to her at least twice, but tried to explain that was different - it was more about missing things I didn't want to miss, wishing I could be in two places at once, but not a longing to actually be back in Chicago or Minneapolis. The only time I've felt REALLY homesick was when I went to Pratt for a 5 week summer intensive the summer between my junior and senior year in high school. Oh baby! I literally was thinking about faking an illness to go home. [Didn't hurt that I had a hot boyfriend back home writing me love letters, either!] Everyone there was SO different - SO East Coast, SO into art school. But by the end I didn't want to leave.
Anyway, even though I've lived away from 'home' (MN let's say) most of my life, I've always been close enough and fortunate enough to visit quite often. By September I'll have been away for 7 months - nothing for the record books, but my longest stretch to date. And after I come back, I'm not sure how long it will be. It could be as little as 9 months...or as much as a year (my visa is up in Sept 2011)...but I really don't know yet where life will take me. I'm loosely planning to move back to Minneapolis in July or August next year...but...still keeping an open mind.
So I'm nervous about feeling homesick after I'm back here...and not sure when I'll be home again. I'm so excited to see my niece Sophia...but nervous I'll feel some geographical guilt from missing out on a lot of her changes and growth.
Skype certainly makes things a lot easier!! It's hard to imagine life here without it. I think I would be much more likely to be homesick without it.
Though I am a bit envious of my friend who is exchanging love letters of sorts with a girl back in Spain. And she sends him little bits of artwork (she's an artist) (they love to use the word 'bits' here!). And my grandparents all communicated by letter/love letter. And even my parents.
Geri has a plan to find me a MN crush on a boy-magnet circuit she's thought about. Maybe eventually I'll get some love letters of my own ;) [I just watched a program on attraction tonight before coming into the lab to work for a bit]
group work
I really dislike group work. I know it's supposed to be a reflection on what happens in the real world...but it's so not realistic real-world dynamics and stakes. In one of my classes this semester we have a group project that is worth 60% of our grade, and a paper worth 40%. Last term, I initially was scared of the class where the paper was 100% of our mark...but I still got a high distinction in that class (the best you can get...yes, I will toot my own horn here as I have 6 people reading it ;p). But in the class where it was 50/50 between a group assignment and a paper...I got my lowest grade. Still got a high distinction on my paper...but the group project was only a 'credit' (the scale here is pass, credit, distinction, high distinction). So...my overall grade was distinction. Still nothing to cry over...but disappointing to this nerdy goody-goody nonetheless!
Luckily, I think I have a pretty stellar group for this project. Well...stellar may be a slight overstatement. But...solid. Fairly solid. I feel a bit bad, too, as I'll be gone for 2 weeks during part of our crunch time...but will still give it my all when I'm here.
Also, it seems like the way they run design studios here, you often work in teams of 2. WHAT?!?! Won't make as much sense to non-archies...and, okay, in the real world you typically aren't working alone...but...it's really different from my expectations of how studio works. I'm planning to take a design studio as an elective next semester (my last semester, also odd that it's an elective)...but it seems like the average age in the regular master's program is much lower than in our sustainable design program...and their undergrad here is only 3 years of school...so, potentially, I could be paired with a 21 yr old. Literally. Not that I have anything against 21 yr olds, and really I shouldn't be wasting my time thinking about this potential future situation anyhow.
They have a 'workshop' that's more geared towards our program...but I've heard it's pretty lame - basically a do-it-yourself studio. I'll have to think more about what I want...challenging myself and designing my own program (or select a competition), or something more intense and competitive. Input appreciated. [Dan, are reading this?]
Luckily, I think I have a pretty stellar group for this project. Well...stellar may be a slight overstatement. But...solid. Fairly solid. I feel a bit bad, too, as I'll be gone for 2 weeks during part of our crunch time...but will still give it my all when I'm here.
Also, it seems like the way they run design studios here, you often work in teams of 2. WHAT?!?! Won't make as much sense to non-archies...and, okay, in the real world you typically aren't working alone...but...it's really different from my expectations of how studio works. I'm planning to take a design studio as an elective next semester (my last semester, also odd that it's an elective)...but it seems like the average age in the regular master's program is much lower than in our sustainable design program...and their undergrad here is only 3 years of school...so, potentially, I could be paired with a 21 yr old. Literally. Not that I have anything against 21 yr olds, and really I shouldn't be wasting my time thinking about this potential future situation anyhow.
They have a 'workshop' that's more geared towards our program...but I've heard it's pretty lame - basically a do-it-yourself studio. I'll have to think more about what I want...challenging myself and designing my own program (or select a competition), or something more intense and competitive. Input appreciated. [Dan, are reading this?]
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Spring in Sydney...
It is starting to feel like spring! Flowers are blooming (though...seems like that happens to some degree year round)...I'm sneezing ;)...and it's starting to get warmer. I'm trying to embrace this relatively non-sweaty time. I know once it heats up just a few degrees C more...I will need to start carrying my questionably strong natural deodorant in my bag at all times. Right now it's absolutely perfect if you're in the sunshine...but still pretty cool if you're in shade and a breeze is blowing (supposedly August is their windiest month).
I'm a little concerned about being pasty white next to all the other 'maids in D's wedding. I was looking at a picture from her bachelorette today...everyone is beautiful...most girls are blonde and everyone has their Minnesota tan! I...have spent the last two weekends in the sun and at the beach...but more or less fully clothed. Fingers crossed that it warms up enough to lay out just a teeny bit (with a hat of course! to protect my crazy sun-spot prone face)...in fact today I went for a run on my favorite route...it's in Glebe, and I need to walk to route sometime and take pics to show y'all. It's reminiscent of running along the Chicago lakefront...but better! I can see the Harbour Bridge...the Anzac Bridge (I heart it)...the city skyline...the fish market...lots of fancy condos/homes and always people walking dogs! Spotted two beautiful men sunning themselves today...even though my gaydar is not the best...it was going off ;)
At the lab at uni now (they call university uni...even my uni email address has 'uni' in it)...it's somewhat hoppin'. I've been working in the evenings and at night...and then it's usually dead. Just me and a few select Asian over-achievers ;) Trying to get some work work done now...and not feeling super motivated. But...will go salsa dancing tonight...so that should help!
Just two notes on random fashion. First, I asked my new BFF, Sumi, the most adorable hilarious South Korean I've ever met, what's up with Asians rocking the tights with shorts here. Because it happens a lot. She said maybe it's that Aussie girls show off on top...and often Asians are lacking in that dept (am I part Asian?)...so they show off what they've got...their skinny legs!
Also...lots of the anglos look very British to me. The girls are rocking the really ugly boots that are flat and tie up..almost look like work boots. Lots of flower prints...esp skirts, which are usually quite short. And hair must be up in a loose bun on the very top of your head. Blazers, too...and over-sized cardigans. But yeah...lots of buns. Trying to grow my hair out (a teeny bit)...for D's wedding. Not bun length yet ;)
Hope you are well!
cheers,
B
I'm a little concerned about being pasty white next to all the other 'maids in D's wedding. I was looking at a picture from her bachelorette today...everyone is beautiful...most girls are blonde and everyone has their Minnesota tan! I...have spent the last two weekends in the sun and at the beach...but more or less fully clothed. Fingers crossed that it warms up enough to lay out just a teeny bit (with a hat of course! to protect my crazy sun-spot prone face)...in fact today I went for a run on my favorite route...it's in Glebe, and I need to walk to route sometime and take pics to show y'all. It's reminiscent of running along the Chicago lakefront...but better! I can see the Harbour Bridge...the Anzac Bridge (I heart it)...the city skyline...the fish market...lots of fancy condos/homes and always people walking dogs! Spotted two beautiful men sunning themselves today...even though my gaydar is not the best...it was going off ;)
At the lab at uni now (they call university uni...even my uni email address has 'uni' in it)...it's somewhat hoppin'. I've been working in the evenings and at night...and then it's usually dead. Just me and a few select Asian over-achievers ;) Trying to get some work work done now...and not feeling super motivated. But...will go salsa dancing tonight...so that should help!
Just two notes on random fashion. First, I asked my new BFF, Sumi, the most adorable hilarious South Korean I've ever met, what's up with Asians rocking the tights with shorts here. Because it happens a lot. She said maybe it's that Aussie girls show off on top...and often Asians are lacking in that dept (am I part Asian?)...so they show off what they've got...their skinny legs!
Also...lots of the anglos look very British to me. The girls are rocking the really ugly boots that are flat and tie up..almost look like work boots. Lots of flower prints...esp skirts, which are usually quite short. And hair must be up in a loose bun on the very top of your head. Blazers, too...and over-sized cardigans. But yeah...lots of buns. Trying to grow my hair out (a teeny bit)...for D's wedding. Not bun length yet ;)
Hope you are well!
cheers,
B
Monday, August 9, 2010
City to Surf
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=77383&id=1195387275&l=5460f1053f
I walked 14 km yesterday! (15 really, I think)
It's Sydney's biggest race...and supposedly the world's biggest fun run.
80,000 people.
And that's the people that signed up and paid.
Unlike my group of friends...you know, living the meager grad student life ;)
Actually, one friend signed up and actually ran it...and I wasn't sure whether to pull a J and refuse to take offered gatorade...but...it didn't look like they were going to run out...so I was a mooch. It was the most gorgeous, sunny, crisp winter day for the race. It was amazing to walk through new neighborhoods and catch new views of the city from vantage points I probably wouldn't have come across otherwise. And it was a lot of fun to just spend an entire sunny Sunday hanging out with friends.
Check out photos at the facebook link above - supposedly if I send you this link you should be able to see it? Let me know if it doesn't work. Eventually I'll get 'em up on my flickr account, too.
We chowed on Macker's (what they call McDonald's, isn't that strange?)...and then spent a few lazy hours at the beach. I got about half a roll of film shot for my photography class...and took tons of pics on my little digital. Hope you enjoy!
I'm really excited about my photography class. Our professor was wearing a rhinestone bindi. Aww yeah! She totally has the artist-scatter-brain mind...the info was all over the place but I'm so excited to dive into the material. We start to play in the dark room next week. Yay!!
I've heard several complaints from you all that I need to keep this up...and I promise I will try to do better. But let me just say...it makes it much more exciting for me when people post comments! So...please share your beef/praise/random thoughts with me, too ;)
love from Sydney! _B
I walked 14 km yesterday! (15 really, I think)
It's Sydney's biggest race...and supposedly the world's biggest fun run.
80,000 people.
And that's the people that signed up and paid.
Unlike my group of friends...you know, living the meager grad student life ;)
Actually, one friend signed up and actually ran it...and I wasn't sure whether to pull a J and refuse to take offered gatorade...but...it didn't look like they were going to run out...so I was a mooch. It was the most gorgeous, sunny, crisp winter day for the race. It was amazing to walk through new neighborhoods and catch new views of the city from vantage points I probably wouldn't have come across otherwise. And it was a lot of fun to just spend an entire sunny Sunday hanging out with friends.
Check out photos at the facebook link above - supposedly if I send you this link you should be able to see it? Let me know if it doesn't work. Eventually I'll get 'em up on my flickr account, too.
We chowed on Macker's (what they call McDonald's, isn't that strange?)...and then spent a few lazy hours at the beach. I got about half a roll of film shot for my photography class...and took tons of pics on my little digital. Hope you enjoy!
I'm really excited about my photography class. Our professor was wearing a rhinestone bindi. Aww yeah! She totally has the artist-scatter-brain mind...the info was all over the place but I'm so excited to dive into the material. We start to play in the dark room next week. Yay!!
I've heard several complaints from you all that I need to keep this up...and I promise I will try to do better. But let me just say...it makes it much more exciting for me when people post comments! So...please share your beef/praise/random thoughts with me, too ;)
love from Sydney! _B
Monday, June 7, 2010
no time...more words
Almost done with my last assignment! A 3,000 word paper...on climate change in the Midwest, how we can prepare the built environment for anticipated change, and how the Adapative Model plays into living more sustainably. (sounds official, right? ;)
Looking through my notes, I found a few other words that came up during lectures...
Pissed - have I already mentioned this one? I've used it in the regular American sense of the word, (angry, upset), but here, it only means DRUNK.
Stuffed - see above, plus can mean hungover, exhausted, and range of other adjectives I'm sure I haven't picked up on yet
Reckon - they use it ALL the time! I reckon.... Look mate, I reckon that....
"It's not all beer and skittles" - not sure if this is an Aussie thing or just something our most recent professor likes to say...
He also says 'pedantic' all the frickin time! Had to look that one up....and 'innocuous'....
Always good to expand the vocabulary!
cheers...
Looking through my notes, I found a few other words that came up during lectures...
Pissed - have I already mentioned this one? I've used it in the regular American sense of the word, (angry, upset), but here, it only means DRUNK.
Stuffed - see above, plus can mean hungover, exhausted, and range of other adjectives I'm sure I haven't picked up on yet
Reckon - they use it ALL the time! I reckon.... Look mate, I reckon that....
"It's not all beer and skittles" - not sure if this is an Aussie thing or just something our most recent professor likes to say...
He also says 'pedantic' all the frickin time! Had to look that one up....and 'innocuous'....
Always good to expand the vocabulary!
cheers...
Thursday, May 27, 2010
quirky observations
Sydneysiders wear a lot of perfume / cologne.
[I think it's because everyone sweats a lot here...esp in hot weather, but even in this cool fall weather, I find myself bundling up quite a bit at home (where it's f-ing cold because we have no heat, single pane glass, and lots of thermal bridging going on)...I walk a short distance to uni, and then once I get to my destination I'm already sweaty. Delayering helps...but with this natural deoderant I bought...only so much!]
Aussies love to start sentences with "Look, ..."
They say "maths". Plural. Weird.
When someone asks 'how are you going?' (odd enough in itself), the typical response is, 'not too bad'. It's never 'Great!' 'Good!' 'Crap!' (another word they like to use alone...def. usurping that one)
Generally, I find Australians really amusing. Even their cheesy TV commercials (and believe me, they are pretty cheesy!).
much love from Sydney, mates,
bk
PS- former roomies, the law&order tradition continues...caught some SVU tonight! (only b/c one roomie watches it religiously...even though he's aethiest ;)
[I think it's because everyone sweats a lot here...esp in hot weather, but even in this cool fall weather, I find myself bundling up quite a bit at home (where it's f-ing cold because we have no heat, single pane glass, and lots of thermal bridging going on)...I walk a short distance to uni, and then once I get to my destination I'm already sweaty. Delayering helps...but with this natural deoderant I bought...only so much!]
Aussies love to start sentences with "Look, ..."
They say "maths". Plural. Weird.
When someone asks 'how are you going?' (odd enough in itself), the typical response is, 'not too bad'. It's never 'Great!' 'Good!' 'Crap!' (another word they like to use alone...def. usurping that one)
Generally, I find Australians really amusing. Even their cheesy TV commercials (and believe me, they are pretty cheesy!).
much love from Sydney, mates,
bk
PS- former roomies, the law&order tradition continues...caught some SVU tonight! (only b/c one roomie watches it religiously...even though he's aethiest ;)
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Bachelorette
I am sadly excited to watch the first episode of the Bachelorette, with Ali (though of course I really wish it was Tenley!). It's Monday here and I really wish it was something I could look forward to tonight...but alas...I have to wait at least one more day.
I'm also missing Chelsea Lately...and the Colbert Report. And lots of junk on Bravo that I don't really need in my life ;) I'm sure they will all be there for me when I return...
My roommates have introduced me to a few decent Aussie shows here...a funny newsweek quiz show...a really good Q&A show where they discuss current events with political leaders and such. But there are also a surprising number of American shows on TV here...CSI, Law & Order, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Two and a Half Men (what is it w/that show?!?).
I'm bummed because I only caught one episode of Flight of the Conchords before it took a break for the season...love those guys! I want to marry both Jermaine & Brett!
I'm also missing Chelsea Lately...and the Colbert Report. And lots of junk on Bravo that I don't really need in my life ;) I'm sure they will all be there for me when I return...
My roommates have introduced me to a few decent Aussie shows here...a funny newsweek quiz show...a really good Q&A show where they discuss current events with political leaders and such. But there are also a surprising number of American shows on TV here...CSI, Law & Order, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Two and a Half Men (what is it w/that show?!?).
I'm bummed because I only caught one episode of Flight of the Conchords before it took a break for the season...love those guys! I want to marry both Jermaine & Brett!
kids are so frickin cute...
I hung out with lil tikes for the first time since being here...Michael invited a family of friends over, and they have 3 kids, Charlie (10), Jasmine (Jazzy, 8) and Trinity (Trinny, 4). They were pretty much the cutest things ever. Trinny was carrying around an old school film camera (with no film) and a fairly sizable purse given her size...so...a girl after my own heart. She made a 'documentary' of us talking at the table.
Michael cooked this fantastic feast for lunch (including roasted kangaroo! had it for the first time and liked it...plus the kids did a drumroll as I took my first bit), and afterwards the kids were sent off to the living room to play Monopoly. I went with them to set up the table and lamp, and they asked me, are you an adult or a kid? I said, I don't know, kind of both! And they said, will you please play Monopoly with us? So of course I did...totally fun. They made fun of my American accent and Trinny was my financial/risk advisor.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=66555&id=1195387275&l=77811010d6
(see the last 5 pics in the album)
Later one of them asked to see my room, so we all ended up in my room, and I have a lofted area you can only get to by ladder, so we all went up there. Jazzy said, okay, let's all tell an embarassing secret now! I was thinking...oh Lord, what I can I possibly tell them that's PC!??! Luckily my tripping-on-the-sidewalk story was a perfect fill-in, though it didn't phase them that much. Charlie said one girl asked him to marry her, twice. Jazzy said she sang the wrong words into a microphone at a school choir concert.
And Trinity was selling her drawings for money. So I bought one of a blue kangaroo for $1.25. A steal!
Kids can be so refreshing...they just want to play and have fun. Need to keep that in mind more often (esp now as I feel a bit bogged down by school + work).
cheers,
B
Michael cooked this fantastic feast for lunch (including roasted kangaroo! had it for the first time and liked it...plus the kids did a drumroll as I took my first bit), and afterwards the kids were sent off to the living room to play Monopoly. I went with them to set up the table and lamp, and they asked me, are you an adult or a kid? I said, I don't know, kind of both! And they said, will you please play Monopoly with us? So of course I did...totally fun. They made fun of my American accent and Trinny was my financial/risk advisor.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=66555&id=1195387275&l=77811010d6
(see the last 5 pics in the album)
Later one of them asked to see my room, so we all ended up in my room, and I have a lofted area you can only get to by ladder, so we all went up there. Jazzy said, okay, let's all tell an embarassing secret now! I was thinking...oh Lord, what I can I possibly tell them that's PC!??! Luckily my tripping-on-the-sidewalk story was a perfect fill-in, though it didn't phase them that much. Charlie said one girl asked him to marry her, twice. Jazzy said she sang the wrong words into a microphone at a school choir concert.
And Trinity was selling her drawings for money. So I bought one of a blue kangaroo for $1.25. A steal!
Kids can be so refreshing...they just want to play and have fun. Need to keep that in mind more often (esp now as I feel a bit bogged down by school + work).
cheers,
B
Thursday, May 20, 2010
more facebook pics...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67624&id=1195387275&l=fad990df03
My landlord (and boss, and friend, and surrogate dad, kind of), Michael, informed Nathan & I he was going out of town last weekend. My first response was...can we have a party? He immediately said, of course!
So we did! Nathan sent a text to his friends saying his American roommate wanted to throw an international frat party. I said...hmm...not quite. (There's no keg - they're wicked expensive here - like $330!!)
But it did turn into something almost like that...it was amazing!! Super fun. Unfortunately, the alcohol ran out a bit early (which was actually fine...I really didn't it want to go until 3 or something)...but people lingered on. And there were almost Ipod wars. Nathan has speakers that hook up to an Ipod...so people kept taking turns being DJ. I like Nathan's selection of music quite a bit...he actually left the party about midnight because all of his alcohol had been drunk and this one (quite bossy, mind you) chic took over...and was literally playing Bon Jovi. I almost barfed, too...but still, wouldn't leave my own party! It went from electronica...to salsa and bachata..to Bollywood...to Bon Jovi. International indeed!
Enjoy ;)
My landlord (and boss, and friend, and surrogate dad, kind of), Michael, informed Nathan & I he was going out of town last weekend. My first response was...can we have a party? He immediately said, of course!
So we did! Nathan sent a text to his friends saying his American roommate wanted to throw an international frat party. I said...hmm...not quite. (There's no keg - they're wicked expensive here - like $330!!)
But it did turn into something almost like that...it was amazing!! Super fun. Unfortunately, the alcohol ran out a bit early (which was actually fine...I really didn't it want to go until 3 or something)...but people lingered on. And there were almost Ipod wars. Nathan has speakers that hook up to an Ipod...so people kept taking turns being DJ. I like Nathan's selection of music quite a bit...he actually left the party about midnight because all of his alcohol had been drunk and this one (quite bossy, mind you) chic took over...and was literally playing Bon Jovi. I almost barfed, too...but still, wouldn't leave my own party! It went from electronica...to salsa and bachata..to Bollywood...to Bon Jovi. International indeed!
Enjoy ;)
pics from my salsa amigas album on facebook...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65664&id=1195387275&l=a2827d706d
meet Carrie and Anne - my new salsa amigas!
Carrie is a lovely Dutch girl who is unfortunately leaving me in just about a month...
She's danced w/Nederlands Dance Theatre (amazing! hope I spelled that right)...
She just turned 22...and hasn't seen Sliding Doors (Gwenyth Paltrow fave) or Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (we're already planning to see Sex in the City 2 here - think this is a pre-show must).
Anne is a lovely German girl who is at least staying the whole year ;)
Very fun friends to go out with!
meet Carrie and Anne - my new salsa amigas!
Carrie is a lovely Dutch girl who is unfortunately leaving me in just about a month...
She's danced w/Nederlands Dance Theatre (amazing! hope I spelled that right)...
She just turned 22...and hasn't seen Sliding Doors (Gwenyth Paltrow fave) or Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (we're already planning to see Sex in the City 2 here - think this is a pre-show must).
Anne is a lovely German girl who is at least staying the whole year ;)
Very fun friends to go out with!
trying to juggle the balls...
...not those kind of balls! get your mind out of the gutter ;p
Trying (in my most zen-like manner) to find a good balance between school, social life and work. Challenging at times...it's kind of a cruel irony that you start to make good friends so that by this point in school when things are kind of peaking, my social calendar also has the most opportunity as well. But very happy to have this 'problem' ;)
I'm having all kinds of interesting stress dreams, too. Have dreamt about somewhat stress-inducing people from my past...dreamt about caterpillars and other bugs (hopefully eventually they will turn into butterflies!)...and just this week dreamt about being pregnant and in labor. Mama mia! I think that in particular was a reminder to check in on my two very pregnant girlfriends, who have both since had very beautiful, healthy baby boys. Welcome to the world Derrick & Lucas!
In some ways I wish I could be stressing about pregnancy...which would infer that I had a very active love life...not really a possible stress at this moment in time. Had a funny thought that maybe I meant to live the life of some kind of sustainable nun. Please God, don't let that be my fate!
My parents think I am crazy. I had a talk with my mom the other day...just saying how I'm really concerned about food security and potential outcomes of the next oil crisis. She tried to point out potential silver linings. At this point, having soaked up all kinds of environmental issues and concerns for the last few months, I'm quite concerned and skeptical that ingenuity or technology will provide for a smooth transition from a society based entirely on oil to one that's weened itself off oil. I talked about how this could potentially be the most prosperous time of humankind. My mom was quick to point out that the people in the roaring 20s probably also felt that way...to which I said, yeah, but they still had oil after the stock market crash, and now we have 6 billion people to feed. (Eventually), without dependency on oil for industrial farming and transportation (and probably other factors I'm forgetting). It's not a fun thing to think about, and not going to get anyone voted into office...
She asked me if I'm depressed.
Then I got an email from my dad. Showing concern and support...saying in 1970 he had a physics teacher that got him all freaked out about ocean pollution and increasing red tides...and that his father told him it was all hogwash.
It's pretty frustrating to feel like a crazy person, too! I mean...I know I'm kind of out in left field here...but someone needs to be. Maybe other people are, and I just need to find them. Band together. Safety in numbers :)
Anywho, all in all school is good. Tonight I need to work on a group presentation all about climate design (we selected zone Af, tropical rainforest, hot/humid - we were asked to select a zone no one had lived in). Also need to crank out some drawings for work. I'm getting a little frustrated with work...I would really love to work on it full time, but it's just not possible right now. And I live with my boss. So last night, for example, I kind of felt like I couldn't go home for dinner unless I had new drawings in hand. So I didn't eat dinner until 1am (though I had a very late lunch and had armed myself with lots of snacks). He liked the drawings, and apparently the client has already responded well to them, too...but I hate that it keeps turning into that. Late night work (where I'm bound to forget something or glance over a typo).
And in my graphic design class today...I felt quite underprepared. At least I had something to talk about and show...but just did not have my ideas organized. And that's probably my favorite class!
Deep breath in...
Need more yoga!
On to it...
cheers!
Trying (in my most zen-like manner) to find a good balance between school, social life and work. Challenging at times...it's kind of a cruel irony that you start to make good friends so that by this point in school when things are kind of peaking, my social calendar also has the most opportunity as well. But very happy to have this 'problem' ;)
I'm having all kinds of interesting stress dreams, too. Have dreamt about somewhat stress-inducing people from my past...dreamt about caterpillars and other bugs (hopefully eventually they will turn into butterflies!)...and just this week dreamt about being pregnant and in labor. Mama mia! I think that in particular was a reminder to check in on my two very pregnant girlfriends, who have both since had very beautiful, healthy baby boys. Welcome to the world Derrick & Lucas!
In some ways I wish I could be stressing about pregnancy...which would infer that I had a very active love life...not really a possible stress at this moment in time. Had a funny thought that maybe I meant to live the life of some kind of sustainable nun. Please God, don't let that be my fate!
My parents think I am crazy. I had a talk with my mom the other day...just saying how I'm really concerned about food security and potential outcomes of the next oil crisis. She tried to point out potential silver linings. At this point, having soaked up all kinds of environmental issues and concerns for the last few months, I'm quite concerned and skeptical that ingenuity or technology will provide for a smooth transition from a society based entirely on oil to one that's weened itself off oil. I talked about how this could potentially be the most prosperous time of humankind. My mom was quick to point out that the people in the roaring 20s probably also felt that way...to which I said, yeah, but they still had oil after the stock market crash, and now we have 6 billion people to feed. (Eventually), without dependency on oil for industrial farming and transportation (and probably other factors I'm forgetting). It's not a fun thing to think about, and not going to get anyone voted into office...
She asked me if I'm depressed.
Then I got an email from my dad. Showing concern and support...saying in 1970 he had a physics teacher that got him all freaked out about ocean pollution and increasing red tides...and that his father told him it was all hogwash.
It's pretty frustrating to feel like a crazy person, too! I mean...I know I'm kind of out in left field here...but someone needs to be. Maybe other people are, and I just need to find them. Band together. Safety in numbers :)
Anywho, all in all school is good. Tonight I need to work on a group presentation all about climate design (we selected zone Af, tropical rainforest, hot/humid - we were asked to select a zone no one had lived in). Also need to crank out some drawings for work. I'm getting a little frustrated with work...I would really love to work on it full time, but it's just not possible right now. And I live with my boss. So last night, for example, I kind of felt like I couldn't go home for dinner unless I had new drawings in hand. So I didn't eat dinner until 1am (though I had a very late lunch and had armed myself with lots of snacks). He liked the drawings, and apparently the client has already responded well to them, too...but I hate that it keeps turning into that. Late night work (where I'm bound to forget something or glance over a typo).
And in my graphic design class today...I felt quite underprepared. At least I had something to talk about and show...but just did not have my ideas organized. And that's probably my favorite class!
Deep breath in...
Need more yoga!
On to it...
cheers!
Friday, April 30, 2010
oh, the life of a student...
This entry is dedicated to Nichoel.
Who recently asked me, what happened?
Aren't you blogging anymore?
I am fully morphing back into a student and living in my little academic bubble of a world! I have a list in one of my sketchbooks of all the things I plan to blog about...but it keeps growing and I keep putting off new posts.
But, as Michelle showed me, this blogging biz is easy-peasy...so I'm trying to take baby steps here and get back at it.
School is good but has been going through some more intense periods as of late...and then once I got past those, I just wanted to veg/go out/do sudoku/overthink crush potentials...you know, the uuu-sh.
Work has also picked up...first meeting with the REAL client tomorrow! I'm going to wish myself luck en espanol now...bueno suerte!
more to come, promise ;)
Who recently asked me, what happened?
Aren't you blogging anymore?
I am fully morphing back into a student and living in my little academic bubble of a world! I have a list in one of my sketchbooks of all the things I plan to blog about...but it keeps growing and I keep putting off new posts.
But, as Michelle showed me, this blogging biz is easy-peasy...so I'm trying to take baby steps here and get back at it.
School is good but has been going through some more intense periods as of late...and then once I got past those, I just wanted to veg/go out/do sudoku/overthink crush potentials...you know, the uuu-sh.
Work has also picked up...first meeting with the REAL client tomorrow! I'm going to wish myself luck en espanol now...bueno suerte!
more to come, promise ;)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
random facts
I only have one key on my keychain. It's very odd. Just one key is all I need for everything here in my life at the moment (hopefully getting a bike in the next month or two, so then I'll have at least one more for its lock).
D got me an official University of Sydney keychain/necklace thing, where my one key resides, and I also have a metallic purple bottle opener on it with STATravel's website on it.
* * *
I didn't realize until last night that Australia is still technically a British colony. Does that make me quite dense? I mean...I get that the Union Jack is a part of their flag...but I thought that was just a friendly gesture. I knew they have a holiday for the Queen's birthday...but again, just assumed it was a traditional thing. I could've sworn Australia was an independent nation of its own.
I'm living in a British colony! Crazy...no wonder they are semi-obsessed w/all things Britain here.
D got me an official University of Sydney keychain/necklace thing, where my one key resides, and I also have a metallic purple bottle opener on it with STATravel's website on it.
* * *
I didn't realize until last night that Australia is still technically a British colony. Does that make me quite dense? I mean...I get that the Union Jack is a part of their flag...but I thought that was just a friendly gesture. I knew they have a holiday for the Queen's birthday...but again, just assumed it was a traditional thing. I could've sworn Australia was an independent nation of its own.
I'm living in a British colony! Crazy...no wonder they are semi-obsessed w/all things Britain here.
living with gentlemen
I tease my housemates quite a bit about being barbarians...but I have to say...their mums did good. I've never had to put the toilet seat down once. (yes, I am going to usurp the British English, thank you very much!)
I feel really lucky to have landed a spot in this house and feel incredibly at home here...even after only 2 months of being in Sydney and less than that of being at 58 Myrtle St.
come visit!
I feel really lucky to have landed a spot in this house and feel incredibly at home here...even after only 2 months of being in Sydney and less than that of being at 58 Myrtle St.
come visit!
PSS
PSS- there are still a sh*tload of cockroaches. though we've mostly banished them from our kingdom. last week after a green drinks thing my housemate took me to (that was REALLY fab, PSSS)...we grabbed a bite to eat at a lebonese place on the walk home. at one point mid-meal I JUMPED up and accidentally threw down my fork...a cockroach was crawling in my lap, on top of my napkin! EWWWW! gives me the heebie-jeebies just typing about it...
but...I quickly tried to retain any remaining composure...the waitress came over and asked what happened...I explained I'm new here and not used to the bug thing.
approximately 30 seconds later I felt something on my bare toe, looked down, and there he was again. bastard! so of course, I jumped again. waitress came over again, napkin in hand, asked if I wanted it 'taken care of' ...inside my head I was silently screaming HELL YEAH...but I said, oh, no, I think he just likes my chair...because by this point, he was crawling on my chair (I was still standing)...and then he moved to the next chair...and then she got him.
how is one supposed to react in that sitch?! didn't want to be rude...this cafe was really cute and though we were technically sitting inside, they had these HUGE doors open to the sidewalk. it didn't strike me as a dirty place at all and I wasn't worried about the food...but seriously...those buggers can get really big and just make my heart race...and not in a good way!
but...I quickly tried to retain any remaining composure...the waitress came over and asked what happened...I explained I'm new here and not used to the bug thing.
approximately 30 seconds later I felt something on my bare toe, looked down, and there he was again. bastard! so of course, I jumped again. waitress came over again, napkin in hand, asked if I wanted it 'taken care of' ...inside my head I was silently screaming HELL YEAH...but I said, oh, no, I think he just likes my chair...because by this point, he was crawling on my chair (I was still standing)...and then he moved to the next chair...and then she got him.
how is one supposed to react in that sitch?! didn't want to be rude...this cafe was really cute and though we were technically sitting inside, they had these HUGE doors open to the sidewalk. it didn't strike me as a dirty place at all and I wasn't worried about the food...but seriously...those buggers can get really big and just make my heart race...and not in a good way!
funny smell...
PS- the owner of my house performed a 'heroic' duty pre-bbq. [he loves using that word, especially in relation to himself and usually referring to his tennis playing]
it all started 5 or 6 days ago...I noticed a really funny smell in the kitchen. now, since we do have chuks running around and sh*tting all over their side yard (you have to be careful when you enter their domain...and even out in the garden since we let them run around there daily [and by we I mean me or the owner's girlfriend])...and there's hay in there area...when a breeze is blowing in a particular direction and you have the louvered windows in the kitchen open...well...it can smell a bit like a farm.
sometimes I even wonder if I smell people sh*t in the backyard (the house is not connected to the city sewer, all of our sh*t gets filtered and held in a tank in the back garden, under the deck, and once a year a guy comes to vacuum it out, and the owner 'sprinkles' it on the plants all around our neighborhood)...it doesn't smell that bad...just a faint sulphur...really faint.
and we have a compost bin adjacent the kitchen sink...the garbage drawer has 4 bins in total - 2 for recycling, 1 for true waste and 1 for compost (plus the chuks eat kitchen scraps, so usually I like giving them the good scraps). occaisionally that drawer gets a slight funk...
but this smell was much stronger. and difficult to pin point. it wasn't the garbage drawer...it wasn't the compost...it wasn't coming from the sink drain. where the heck was it coming from!?!?
I commented on my observation to the owner. He said, ah...yes. The smell of death.
We've had rats I guess...I couldn't tell but he'd seen some hiding under box in the chuk's side yard...so he did a bunch of research and put poison down in a couple of select holes...and the poison was successful.
Thank G*d we had the bbq...it forced him to do something about the situation in a jiffy. By the time he took action, a second (observed by me, of course), was spotted in the hen-domain.
Dead rats smell foul.
The worst part is apparently that's not all of 'em...the other student heard a bunch outside his window last night.
And it has me just a teency bit uneasy as I have a window in the loft above my room that's cracked...so if they wanted to, they could come right in. I've been told they're afraid of us.
I will be shutting that window soon. Maybe tomorrow.
Now it's too late! Agh! Drinking wine late means you spend time doing things you probably shouldn't!
cheers,B
it all started 5 or 6 days ago...I noticed a really funny smell in the kitchen. now, since we do have chuks running around and sh*tting all over their side yard (you have to be careful when you enter their domain...and even out in the garden since we let them run around there daily [and by we I mean me or the owner's girlfriend])...and there's hay in there area...when a breeze is blowing in a particular direction and you have the louvered windows in the kitchen open...well...it can smell a bit like a farm.
sometimes I even wonder if I smell people sh*t in the backyard (the house is not connected to the city sewer, all of our sh*t gets filtered and held in a tank in the back garden, under the deck, and once a year a guy comes to vacuum it out, and the owner 'sprinkles' it on the plants all around our neighborhood)...it doesn't smell that bad...just a faint sulphur...really faint.
and we have a compost bin adjacent the kitchen sink...the garbage drawer has 4 bins in total - 2 for recycling, 1 for true waste and 1 for compost (plus the chuks eat kitchen scraps, so usually I like giving them the good scraps). occaisionally that drawer gets a slight funk...
but this smell was much stronger. and difficult to pin point. it wasn't the garbage drawer...it wasn't the compost...it wasn't coming from the sink drain. where the heck was it coming from!?!?
I commented on my observation to the owner. He said, ah...yes. The smell of death.
We've had rats I guess...I couldn't tell but he'd seen some hiding under box in the chuk's side yard...so he did a bunch of research and put poison down in a couple of select holes...and the poison was successful.
Thank G*d we had the bbq...it forced him to do something about the situation in a jiffy. By the time he took action, a second (observed by me, of course), was spotted in the hen-domain.
Dead rats smell foul.
The worst part is apparently that's not all of 'em...the other student heard a bunch outside his window last night.
And it has me just a teency bit uneasy as I have a window in the loft above my room that's cracked...so if they wanted to, they could come right in. I've been told they're afraid of us.
I will be shutting that window soon. Maybe tomorrow.
Now it's too late! Agh! Drinking wine late means you spend time doing things you probably shouldn't!
cheers,B
a real aussie barbie!
the only break I took from my sequestered study intensive was this past Sunday...and it was awesome. me and the housemates threw a bbq party...we cleaned up the house and the back garden (and by we I mean me), the boys did good on the food - nathan on salads and michael at the grill. I was in charge of drinks. I suggested a kegger (just like the Oakdale days, MT & O'Riley)...my roomies gave me looks of, 'huh?'.
turns out like everything else here, kegs are f*ing spendy.
take a guess...dare you.
nope...higher.
I mean, I really should've known...
$325 was the cheapest I found.
!!!
so we bought a few bottles of Aussie wine and regular old bottled beer. and our guests were gracious and supplied plenty more wine and beer. and a cheesecake! Mari & Ollie brought a cheesecake...gawd bless 'em! delish.
it was a smashing success...even the chuks were out and about in the first few hours (here chuks = chickens = hens). of course I didn't take any pics (doh!)...but my gay boyfriend showed up with camera in hand (as always)...so hopefully you'll see a few on FB soon :)
we have plenty of leftover alcohol...come on over and have a drink w/me, please!
cheers!
turns out like everything else here, kegs are f*ing spendy.
take a guess...dare you.
nope...higher.
I mean, I really should've known...
$325 was the cheapest I found.
!!!
so we bought a few bottles of Aussie wine and regular old bottled beer. and our guests were gracious and supplied plenty more wine and beer. and a cheesecake! Mari & Ollie brought a cheesecake...gawd bless 'em! delish.
it was a smashing success...even the chuks were out and about in the first few hours (here chuks = chickens = hens). of course I didn't take any pics (doh!)...but my gay boyfriend showed up with camera in hand (as always)...so hopefully you'll see a few on FB soon :)
we have plenty of leftover alcohol...come on over and have a drink w/me, please!
cheers!
paper paper...
sorry I've been MIA...been buried under a pile of books for the last week and half. we had a lovely week off for Easter Break (I kept calling it Spring Break...fall break...whatevs). a handful of people took fun trips to fancy places...I read books and discovered the brand-spankin-new law library (it's pretty pimp). kept meaning to go but didn't get there until my german-social-butterfly-friend invited me for a study date.
BUT...I sent a rough draft of my masterpiece to my tutor today for review! And it's not due until Monday...so I will forget about it for 24 hours...and then editing and wrapping it up should be easy-peasy...phew...
The topic was how do we change our existing built environments built in the fossil-fuel-era to be more sustainable without adding to the problem, and how do we live in a world without oil?
There is no easy answer, let me tell YOU! I invite you to think about how incredibly different your life might be without cheap oil...and maybe start thinking about plan B now. I'm concerned there aren't enough people (especially those more intelligent than me, which is a lot)...thinking about this...that it's RARELY in the media (environmental issues are, sure, but not finite oil depletion issues).
And maybe start thinking about gardening (food supply will probably be an issue)...
Okay...enough Debbie Downer! I read a really great paper on how to best prepare for post-oil we'll need clear heads and good mental capacity/effectivenes...and one of the best things you can do for your melon is to take a walk where there is nature.
Luckily there is lots of lovely nature in Sydney! And tons to explore...
cheers-
BUT...I sent a rough draft of my masterpiece to my tutor today for review! And it's not due until Monday...so I will forget about it for 24 hours...and then editing and wrapping it up should be easy-peasy...phew...
The topic was how do we change our existing built environments built in the fossil-fuel-era to be more sustainable without adding to the problem, and how do we live in a world without oil?
There is no easy answer, let me tell YOU! I invite you to think about how incredibly different your life might be without cheap oil...and maybe start thinking about plan B now. I'm concerned there aren't enough people (especially those more intelligent than me, which is a lot)...thinking about this...that it's RARELY in the media (environmental issues are, sure, but not finite oil depletion issues).
And maybe start thinking about gardening (food supply will probably be an issue)...
Okay...enough Debbie Downer! I read a really great paper on how to best prepare for post-oil we'll need clear heads and good mental capacity/effectivenes...and one of the best things you can do for your melon is to take a walk where there is nature.
Luckily there is lots of lovely nature in Sydney! And tons to explore...
cheers-
Monday, April 5, 2010
blog help
someone needs to help me layout this sh*t...I hate how that last post turned out. boo. help me!
rugby!
I went to my first rugby game!
Anna, a lovely Dutch girl that MT introduced me to, was going with her boyfriend & a bunch of their friends, and had an extra ticket. It was raining, though we found covered seats...and apparently there are TWO rugby leagues here...and I saw the snootier, higher class (?) one...which is supposed to be more gentleman-ly and slightly slower moving.
Unfortunately, I know nothing about the game and Anna doesn't, either...and the girls we were sitting next to were not very warm and fuzzy. Luckily, she'd already warned me about the sitch. One of the girls, who we ended up talking to later and quite a bit at the after bar, was really sweet and had some hilarious stories. She's a stylist and lived in LA for a year. So we discussed Rachel Zoe. I knew that time invested in Bravo would pay off somehow ;)
On the upside, we saw the Sydney Waratahs (a flower, not very manly)...and I have a crush on one of their star players, Berrick Barnes (don't ask about the name...sounds really odd, right? Except it's only one letter off Derrick...which sounds a bit more normal). Hmm...
Will learn more about rugby soon...must be able to converse with hot Aussies about topic...or better yet...find myself a handsome tutor!
cheers...
south american Sydney...
It's funny that when I was considering jumping the border for experience abroad, I was seriously contemplating both Sydney and South America (w/the Peace Corps).
I kind of ended up with both here! 99% of my friends are international, and there's quite a large contingent from South America (Chile, Colombia, Ecuador) + some spaniards + a handful of super cool Mexicanos.
Last week, on Thursday night I went to a lecture on planning for sex work (quite interesting in and of itself - prostitution is legal here in Sydney, and throughout most of Australia) (and by the way, somehow I ended up sitting near some of the "professionals" ...which was apparent almost immediately...though they both introduced themselves as being sex workers during the Q&A session at the end)...then went out w/a bunch of latino amigos! Juan Pablo from Chile lives in Kings Cross (my first adventure in that part of town, too)...has a pimp roof deck...so we picked up some beverages, he brought up his laptop & speakers and we pre-gamed for quite a while. Went to a nice club nearby afterwards...and then the party split up, I went with the group that was heading closer to home, and walked home.
But I am not losing my spanish skills over here! Fun to practice...though I can't really understand the authentic sh*t to save my life...esp. cuando esta muy rapida!
hasta luego...
I kind of ended up with both here! 99% of my friends are international, and there's quite a large contingent from South America (Chile, Colombia, Ecuador) + some spaniards + a handful of super cool Mexicanos.
Last week, on Thursday night I went to a lecture on planning for sex work (quite interesting in and of itself - prostitution is legal here in Sydney, and throughout most of Australia) (and by the way, somehow I ended up sitting near some of the "professionals" ...which was apparent almost immediately...though they both introduced themselves as being sex workers during the Q&A session at the end)...then went out w/a bunch of latino amigos! Juan Pablo from Chile lives in Kings Cross (my first adventure in that part of town, too)...has a pimp roof deck...so we picked up some beverages, he brought up his laptop & speakers and we pre-gamed for quite a while. Went to a nice club nearby afterwards...and then the party split up, I went with the group that was heading closer to home, and walked home.
But I am not losing my spanish skills over here! Fun to practice...though I can't really understand the authentic sh*t to save my life...esp. cuando esta muy rapida!
hasta luego...
two other random observances...
1) a term with negative connotations is 'pudding' as in, he's a pudding. no back bone. old fashioned way of saying douche, perhaps? (Nichoel, you are not a pudding either! Just looked at your blog so I could become a 'follower' [which almost has religious connotations, BTW])
2) you can find people walking around in bare feet all the time. in both summer and fall. and not just homeless people (though, have seen a few shoeless guys wandering around)...think it's part of the surf/beach culture...maybe. or just another way aussie guys are cowboys...like, yeah, screw it, we don't need no stinkin shoes!
and a third...they throw shoes over power lines here, too. there's some on a perpendicular street to mine, about a block down. pretty sure it's not a sign for gangs. might be a sign for drugs? though, still could never get a straight answer on what it meant in Chicago, either.
oh, and speaking of drugs, for the first time I overheard someone being offered drugs. wasn't to me...but for the first time, I went to the sketchier train station near Uni (with 3 other people, safety in numbers!)...Redfern. The guy offered another guy acid and weed I think...seemed like an odd association of product options.
no worries! still drug-free ;)
2) you can find people walking around in bare feet all the time. in both summer and fall. and not just homeless people (though, have seen a few shoeless guys wandering around)...think it's part of the surf/beach culture...maybe. or just another way aussie guys are cowboys...like, yeah, screw it, we don't need no stinkin shoes!
and a third...they throw shoes over power lines here, too. there's some on a perpendicular street to mine, about a block down. pretty sure it's not a sign for gangs. might be a sign for drugs? though, still could never get a straight answer on what it meant in Chicago, either.
oh, and speaking of drugs, for the first time I overheard someone being offered drugs. wasn't to me...but for the first time, I went to the sketchier train station near Uni (with 3 other people, safety in numbers!)...Redfern. The guy offered another guy acid and weed I think...seemed like an odd association of product options.
no worries! still drug-free ;)
small world...
It's quite a small world here...which is really fun.
I run into people from school on the city streets pretty frequently. Just today coming back from yoga, ran into a guy from the salsa club. He loves to dress up, and wow, he was dressed to the nines today! I asked where he was going, to which he replied 'oh, just meeting a friend from biology'...so...I guess it's not only the hoochy ladies in Kings Cross that get dolled up...generally all kinds of people here like to spruce up!
I've also run into a couple of people that know someone else in Minnesota! I typically say that I moved here from Chicago...thinking it's an easier city/landmark for people to recognize (or pretend to). But if it goes further, I say that I grew up in Minneapolis.
This one guy who was hitting on me in a club in Kings Cross a few nights ago (no, sadly, not a hunky surfer dude...just a tipsy indian dude)...his sister lives in Eagan. Crazy.
It's fun to feel connected...both to new ties here and my old ties back home...
cheers!
I run into people from school on the city streets pretty frequently. Just today coming back from yoga, ran into a guy from the salsa club. He loves to dress up, and wow, he was dressed to the nines today! I asked where he was going, to which he replied 'oh, just meeting a friend from biology'...so...I guess it's not only the hoochy ladies in Kings Cross that get dolled up...generally all kinds of people here like to spruce up!
I've also run into a couple of people that know someone else in Minnesota! I typically say that I moved here from Chicago...thinking it's an easier city/landmark for people to recognize (or pretend to). But if it goes further, I say that I grew up in Minneapolis.
This one guy who was hitting on me in a club in Kings Cross a few nights ago (no, sadly, not a hunky surfer dude...just a tipsy indian dude)...his sister lives in Eagan. Crazy.
It's fun to feel connected...both to new ties here and my old ties back home...
cheers!
got my Easter egg..
Happy Belated Easter peeps! (and I'm not specifically referring to the marshmellow ones, fyi, haven't seen those suckers sold her)
I showed up at church quite early for the first time in my life...on 2 accounts...first, I thought I wouldn't get a seat otherwise (last week was quite crowded, and when I showed up late I had to do the walk of shame about halfway up the church to find an opening)...and second, I forgot about the time change. Oopsy!
For the second time I was at the biggest Anglican cathedral downtown...which isn't that big, really...but they have a lovely choir and the music almost brought me to tears it was so beautiful (well, that, or it was the heavy fog of incense in the air...but, whatever) (I was actually seeing dance to the music...which sometimes makes me think I need to chuck this all for choregraphy...but that's another entry ;)
There were two beautiful gay men sitting a row in front of me...seriously, the blonde one...I would've made babies with him in the balcony if he asked me to. His genes appeared to be THAT good...it'd be taking one for the team (for the entire human race, really). Gay men really should procreate...we're missing out on some serious attractiveness, I think.
I also received a large chocolate easter egg directly after finishing my communion...from a handsome altar boy who was handing them out from a large basket. I almost laughed...I couldn't believe it. Sweet!
Easter's a big deal here. Friday and Monday are public holidays, too. Friday, EVERYTHING WAS CLOSED. I was almost out of milk...no wine [ :( ]...and needed cash but luckily got some from a cute little indian-run grocery store.
WHERE I ALSO bought my first package of TIM TAMS! D! I probably should've tried them sooner...but just didn't see them. OMG...I ate 4 that first day. So delicious.
Plenty of good chocolate options around these parts...Cadbury products are everywhere (missed that from our Europe adventures)(oh, and they have Magnum ice cream bars here, too!)...I have a private supply in my bedroom. Out of the reach of my landlord!
Okay...super long. Hope you enjoyed a nice meal or at the very least some decadent chocolate.
cheers!
I showed up at church quite early for the first time in my life...on 2 accounts...first, I thought I wouldn't get a seat otherwise (last week was quite crowded, and when I showed up late I had to do the walk of shame about halfway up the church to find an opening)...and second, I forgot about the time change. Oopsy!
For the second time I was at the biggest Anglican cathedral downtown...which isn't that big, really...but they have a lovely choir and the music almost brought me to tears it was so beautiful (well, that, or it was the heavy fog of incense in the air...but, whatever) (I was actually seeing dance to the music...which sometimes makes me think I need to chuck this all for choregraphy...but that's another entry ;)
There were two beautiful gay men sitting a row in front of me...seriously, the blonde one...I would've made babies with him in the balcony if he asked me to. His genes appeared to be THAT good...it'd be taking one for the team (for the entire human race, really). Gay men really should procreate...we're missing out on some serious attractiveness, I think.
I also received a large chocolate easter egg directly after finishing my communion...from a handsome altar boy who was handing them out from a large basket. I almost laughed...I couldn't believe it. Sweet!
Easter's a big deal here. Friday and Monday are public holidays, too. Friday, EVERYTHING WAS CLOSED. I was almost out of milk...no wine [ :( ]...and needed cash but luckily got some from a cute little indian-run grocery store.
WHERE I ALSO bought my first package of TIM TAMS! D! I probably should've tried them sooner...but just didn't see them. OMG...I ate 4 that first day. So delicious.
Plenty of good chocolate options around these parts...Cadbury products are everywhere (missed that from our Europe adventures)(oh, and they have Magnum ice cream bars here, too!)...I have a private supply in my bedroom. Out of the reach of my landlord!
Okay...super long. Hope you enjoyed a nice meal or at the very least some decadent chocolate.
cheers!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Fall...
For the first time since I've been here I'm wearing socks and shoes today. Guess Fall is really here...
[technically, I have worn socks and shoes for running...but not just to walk around campus and run errands]
[technically, I have worn socks and shoes for running...but not just to walk around campus and run errands]
trends...
Did I already mention that Doc Martens are still around, here?
Converse are big, too, though quite spendy. I tried on a pair yesterday that were regularly over $100 and on sale for $79. I liked them but didn't love them...and coming to grips with my student budget has turned me into more of an observant shopper as opposed to an active one ;)
Tights with lots of patterns are really in, too. This afternoon I even saw a girl that had garter tights on with a big pink flower near the garter! (they were knee-highs) It seems like tights were quite common, even on hot, hot days here. Not sure if any of that is tied into religious or cultural reasons?
People watching on campus is fab. Same for downtown...but campus has such a diversity and allows for more freedom than the dressy-corporate types usually on the streets downtown (at least during the week).
This afternoon I also spotted a girl that had a really long flowy cotton cardigan on...w/layers of other stuff. Almost looked like a cape.
And they dress really funny for the weather, too...today is a cooler, cloudy day, but still very humid. I was breaking a sweat huffing it from one side of campus to the other...and on my way back, I saw a guy in a knit winter hat and a knit scarf tied around his neck! Wearing a blazer! It's currently 68 degrees Farenheit right now!
oh...those crazy campus kids ;)
Converse are big, too, though quite spendy. I tried on a pair yesterday that were regularly over $100 and on sale for $79. I liked them but didn't love them...and coming to grips with my student budget has turned me into more of an observant shopper as opposed to an active one ;)
Tights with lots of patterns are really in, too. This afternoon I even saw a girl that had garter tights on with a big pink flower near the garter! (they were knee-highs) It seems like tights were quite common, even on hot, hot days here. Not sure if any of that is tied into religious or cultural reasons?
People watching on campus is fab. Same for downtown...but campus has such a diversity and allows for more freedom than the dressy-corporate types usually on the streets downtown (at least during the week).
This afternoon I also spotted a girl that had a really long flowy cotton cardigan on...w/layers of other stuff. Almost looked like a cape.
And they dress really funny for the weather, too...today is a cooler, cloudy day, but still very humid. I was breaking a sweat huffing it from one side of campus to the other...and on my way back, I saw a guy in a knit winter hat and a knit scarf tied around his neck! Wearing a blazer! It's currently 68 degrees Farenheit right now!
oh...those crazy campus kids ;)
yay!
We got the job!
Michael and I will be designing a community meeting room, patio & garden that's part of a larger community center in a nearby suburb. The project is an old army base that is run by a non-profit group of largely volunteers, and is called Addison Road Centre.
http://www.addisonrdcentre.com.au/
We went to the market there two Sundays ago and it was hopping! Really popular with a very diverse crowd. I pulled a Jenny/Kristi and made friends with an old man...wow...it was so entertaining to talk to this guy!! He was pulling out all kinds of old school Aussie slang...using terms like quid...and of course I can't recall any of the other words now but you'll just have to believe me. His stand had a random assortment of collectibles...initially I was drawn to his tin plates w/logos...but he had some cool old chairs, ashtrays and other household odds'n'ends.
We drank lattes and dined on no-bake savory muffins...and bought organic mushrooms. I went with Michael and Judy. I took a bunch of pictures but don't have them on flickr yet...but will get a link together sometime.
Our first meeting is next Tuesday, and we're also going to make a pitch to do a masterplan for their entire site. Fingers crossed!
cheers!
Michael and I will be designing a community meeting room, patio & garden that's part of a larger community center in a nearby suburb. The project is an old army base that is run by a non-profit group of largely volunteers, and is called Addison Road Centre.
http://www.addisonrdcentre.com.au/
We went to the market there two Sundays ago and it was hopping! Really popular with a very diverse crowd. I pulled a Jenny/Kristi and made friends with an old man...wow...it was so entertaining to talk to this guy!! He was pulling out all kinds of old school Aussie slang...using terms like quid...and of course I can't recall any of the other words now but you'll just have to believe me. His stand had a random assortment of collectibles...initially I was drawn to his tin plates w/logos...but he had some cool old chairs, ashtrays and other household odds'n'ends.
We drank lattes and dined on no-bake savory muffins...and bought organic mushrooms. I went with Michael and Judy. I took a bunch of pictures but don't have them on flickr yet...but will get a link together sometime.
Our first meeting is next Tuesday, and we're also going to make a pitch to do a masterplan for their entire site. Fingers crossed!
cheers!
Friday, March 26, 2010
the male brain...
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/03/23/brizendine.male.brain/index.html?iref=allsearch
just skimmed the article so far...but looks like one worth reading...andy bilhorn posted it on FB...always good to get some insight into the male brain...
cheers!
B
PS- Michelle, how the heck did you start labelling your posts? It's so easy to search your blog...hope I'm starting myself off on the right foot ;)
just skimmed the article so far...but looks like one worth reading...andy bilhorn posted it on FB...always good to get some insight into the male brain...
cheers!
B
PS- Michelle, how the heck did you start labelling your posts? It's so easy to search your blog...hope I'm starting myself off on the right foot ;)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
work work work... ?
On a quick break from Daylighting class...have an assignment due tomorrow. Barely started. Meant to finish days after our last class 2 weeks ago...agh! And I got up extra early today to try and tackle the assignment plus our potential part time job...but of course spent the entire time on the work stuff.
The house I'm living in is owned by a guy who's led quite an interesting life...he grew up on a farm (somewhere in Oz)...started off as an environmental lawyer...redid his house in 1996 to be uber sustainable...and basically changed careers because of it. He's also worked in city government here (they call them councils), and teaches regularly at UTS and sometimes even USYD (where I attend).
http://www.sustainablehouse.com.au/
That's Michael's website above - he's a character! Very welcoming and I feel right at home...even with the chickens. ;)
Well...Michael has convinced me to work with him on a couple of side jobs...we just submitted a couple of pages to a Board of Directors for a community center a few Km away...fingers crossed! We'll hopefully be designing a new community meeting room for a latin group that meets every weekend. Will keep you posted...
cheers!
The house I'm living in is owned by a guy who's led quite an interesting life...he grew up on a farm (somewhere in Oz)...started off as an environmental lawyer...redid his house in 1996 to be uber sustainable...and basically changed careers because of it. He's also worked in city government here (they call them councils), and teaches regularly at UTS and sometimes even USYD (where I attend).
http://www.sustainablehouse.com.au/
That's Michael's website above - he's a character! Very welcoming and I feel right at home...even with the chickens. ;)
Well...Michael has convinced me to work with him on a couple of side jobs...we just submitted a couple of pages to a Board of Directors for a community center a few Km away...fingers crossed! We'll hopefully be designing a new community meeting room for a latin group that meets every weekend. Will keep you posted...
cheers!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Nan Tien Temple
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43758229@N03/sets/72157623551362437/
I joined the Buddhist society on campus, Unibodhi, and so far have gone to 2 of their weekly meditations, and 1 of the Dharma lectures (it was really wonderful)...but they arranged for a group visit to the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere last weekend and I couldn't pass up the opportunity!
It was a beautiful campus and quite a nice train ride out there (~2 hours each way). The temple was completed in 1995 and funded entirely through donations. It is a Chinese Buddhist temple...they had a smaller shrine and a main shrine...plus a pagoda that had a small temple and held ashes on upper levels. We ate a lovely vegetarian lunch at their cafeteria, and there's even a pilgrim lodge where people can stay overnight or for a weekend (or retreat).
I really enjoyed the visit, though unfortunately I only took photos...brought a sketchbook but didn't have any time to wander on my own or sketch. Next time!
cheers!
I joined the Buddhist society on campus, Unibodhi, and so far have gone to 2 of their weekly meditations, and 1 of the Dharma lectures (it was really wonderful)...but they arranged for a group visit to the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere last weekend and I couldn't pass up the opportunity!
It was a beautiful campus and quite a nice train ride out there (~2 hours each way). The temple was completed in 1995 and funded entirely through donations. It is a Chinese Buddhist temple...they had a smaller shrine and a main shrine...plus a pagoda that had a small temple and held ashes on upper levels. We ate a lovely vegetarian lunch at their cafeteria, and there's even a pilgrim lodge where people can stay overnight or for a weekend (or retreat).
I really enjoyed the visit, though unfortunately I only took photos...brought a sketchbook but didn't have any time to wander on my own or sketch. Next time!
cheers!
Eastern Beaches Coastal Walk
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43758229@N03/sets/72157623668819068/
The photos above are from quite possibly my favorite day here yet...I did a BEAUTIFUL walk...starting at Coogee (fave beach to swim at so far) (AND I got a free ride on the bus on the way there by sheer luck...the card machine was broken ;)...ended at Bondi. Stopped for a swim at 3 of the ~6 or 7 beaches I walked by. There were tons of cafes, too...and it really made me wish I had snorkel gear, because 2 or 3 of the places looked really prime for swimming with fish in fairly protected waters...
You HAVE to do this walk with me if you are able to make a visit over here!
cheers mates,
B
The photos above are from quite possibly my favorite day here yet...I did a BEAUTIFUL walk...starting at Coogee (fave beach to swim at so far) (AND I got a free ride on the bus on the way there by sheer luck...the card machine was broken ;)...ended at Bondi. Stopped for a swim at 3 of the ~6 or 7 beaches I walked by. There were tons of cafes, too...and it really made me wish I had snorkel gear, because 2 or 3 of the places looked really prime for swimming with fish in fairly protected waters...
You HAVE to do this walk with me if you are able to make a visit over here!
cheers mates,
B
Farnsworth House...fall 2009
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43758229@N03/sets/72157623544275569/
Jenny, Emma & I took a lovely roadtrip last fall. We enjoyed a GORGEOUS sunny fall morning together driving through cornfields and exploring this beautiful modern masterpiece...check it out!
Jenny, Emma & I took a lovely roadtrip last fall. We enjoyed a GORGEOUS sunny fall morning together driving through cornfields and exploring this beautiful modern masterpiece...check it out!
flickr - LA!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43758229@N03/sets/72157623668876982/
check out my new flickr account!
the link above is for pics from LA...with my freshly engaged sister.
if anyone has flickr advice/tips/tricks please let me know...
not sure whether I should let everyone (the public) see my photos??
recommendations appreciated...
will post more links soon!
xoxo
B
PS- hope that hyperlink worked...not sure if it did...Nan...I might need more of your help on this!
check out my new flickr account!
the link above is for pics from LA...with my freshly engaged sister.
if anyone has flickr advice/tips/tricks please let me know...
not sure whether I should let everyone (the public) see my photos??
recommendations appreciated...
will post more links soon!
xoxo
B
PS- hope that hyperlink worked...not sure if it did...Nan...I might need more of your help on this!
Monday, March 22, 2010
pronunciation subtlties...
the letter h is called heche.
they pronounce the h in words like 'herb'.
the letter z is called zed.
anytime there's a u following an s, (is that a s or an s? am i making an ass out of myself?! ;) it takes on a 'sh' sound...so for all of these words:
resume, assume, consume
it sounds like:
reshume, asshume, conshume
it makes me giggle.
they pronounce the h in words like 'herb'.
the letter z is called zed.
anytime there's a u following an s, (is that a s or an s? am i making an ass out of myself?! ;) it takes on a 'sh' sound...so for all of these words:
resume, assume, consume
it sounds like:
reshume, asshume, conshume
it makes me giggle.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
here we go again...
...my fellow architects & amigos...
it is now 3am, and I am in a computer lab on campus! but...I am not situationally regaining the spirit of my 19 year old self in Crown Hall for some reason...hmm.
Today was a lot of fun...which is the root of the time issue. Went to a sweet market at Addison Road Centre in Marrickville with Michael & Judy - partly to shop & enjoy, mostly to scope out the activities as it's a side job Michael & I are working on together - one of the old army trailers burned to the ground (it's an old base) and they need a new small community hall for the Casa Latinoamericana. I will be pulling my weight con mi espanol!
Then off to whoop-whoop to meet Geri's friend Artie...a handful of his buddies picked me up (with 2 minutes notice, mind you)...gave me a lift out to their new house in the 'burbs. It was my first official Aussie BBQ! And we had prawns! With heads and eyeballs still attached! I made a new gay friend and he very kindly ripped the heads of for me ;)
It was a lovely afternoon, but just went on and on and the trains were down this weekend (their line only)...so I was kind of stuck to whenever my ride left...which actually ended up being a different ride, but didn't matter- everyone left about the same time...5+ hours later! So...I was picked up ~12:30 and the time on my clock in my room when I arrived back was 7:12.
And, just to vent for a moment, I had school homework (group presentation Tuesday am, slides due tomorrow, group practice tomorrow night), which I finished at midnight, and then worked on 2 sidejobs w/for/Michael. We're presenting to ARC tomorrow night at 5pm...M is very confident (which is good)...me...wish I had a better idea of what we're expected to present. Oh well.
The 2nd deal was some research for a new city farm Michael's trying to start up - proposal is due Tuesday morning.
All at the same frickin time!
Can't wait to put head to pillow...
cheers,
B
it is now 3am, and I am in a computer lab on campus! but...I am not situationally regaining the spirit of my 19 year old self in Crown Hall for some reason...hmm.
Today was a lot of fun...which is the root of the time issue. Went to a sweet market at Addison Road Centre in Marrickville with Michael & Judy - partly to shop & enjoy, mostly to scope out the activities as it's a side job Michael & I are working on together - one of the old army trailers burned to the ground (it's an old base) and they need a new small community hall for the Casa Latinoamericana. I will be pulling my weight con mi espanol!
Then off to whoop-whoop to meet Geri's friend Artie...a handful of his buddies picked me up (with 2 minutes notice, mind you)...gave me a lift out to their new house in the 'burbs. It was my first official Aussie BBQ! And we had prawns! With heads and eyeballs still attached! I made a new gay friend and he very kindly ripped the heads of for me ;)
It was a lovely afternoon, but just went on and on and the trains were down this weekend (their line only)...so I was kind of stuck to whenever my ride left...which actually ended up being a different ride, but didn't matter- everyone left about the same time...5+ hours later! So...I was picked up ~12:30 and the time on my clock in my room when I arrived back was 7:12.
And, just to vent for a moment, I had school homework (group presentation Tuesday am, slides due tomorrow, group practice tomorrow night), which I finished at midnight, and then worked on 2 sidejobs w/for/Michael. We're presenting to ARC tomorrow night at 5pm...M is very confident (which is good)...me...wish I had a better idea of what we're expected to present. Oh well.
The 2nd deal was some research for a new city farm Michael's trying to start up - proposal is due Tuesday morning.
All at the same frickin time!
Can't wait to put head to pillow...
cheers,
B
Thursday, March 18, 2010
visual observations
Sydneysiders still rock Dr. Martens. I wonder if they still do in the UK as well? Apparently Australia still has the UK on a pedestal...and Europeans in general. Thought I would be exotic here...not so much. ;)
There seems to be a general trend towards wearing polos, even polos out of athletic fabric, with logos on them...but here's the odd thing...people who live in dorms ("colleges")...each have their own symbol for their own dorm...and wear around campus proudly. Odd.
You can see a lot of both Euro and Asian influence in both the architecture and fashion...people watching is pretty amazing! Though my Aussie roommates are bored of it. I think part of it is that specifically on campus, people are a bit more brazen and experimental w/their look...developing their personal style.
There seems to be a general trend towards wearing polos, even polos out of athletic fabric, with logos on them...but here's the odd thing...people who live in dorms ("colleges")...each have their own symbol for their own dorm...and wear around campus proudly. Odd.
You can see a lot of both Euro and Asian influence in both the architecture and fashion...people watching is pretty amazing! Though my Aussie roommates are bored of it. I think part of it is that specifically on campus, people are a bit more brazen and experimental w/their look...developing their personal style.
Sydney slang
mozzie = mosquito
cozzie = swimming costume = swimsuit
togs = swimsuit (?!)
prezzie = present
thongs = flip-flops
tucker = bushtucker = food / native bush food
dusty / dusted = not feeling 100%, tired, worn-out, hungover
cuppa = cup of tea
people here say Look a lot...as the start of a sentence, as in, Look, I'm not going to tell you what I got on my tax return, but I did get a refund. I like it...it's cute.
I have to ask for things to repeated quite often (surprisingly)...the vowels are spoken very differently.
I swear I had a ton more to share...hmm...will continue to update...
*thought of 3 add'l already!
college = dorm
pub = place that serves drinks, and also likely has rooms for accommodation
hotel = place that serves drinks, and also likely has rooms for accomodation
(WTF, right?)
cozzie = swimming costume = swimsuit
togs = swimsuit (?!)
prezzie = present
thongs = flip-flops
tucker = bushtucker = food / native bush food
dusty / dusted = not feeling 100%, tired, worn-out, hungover
cuppa = cup of tea
people here say Look a lot...as the start of a sentence, as in, Look, I'm not going to tell you what I got on my tax return, but I did get a refund. I like it...it's cute.
I have to ask for things to repeated quite often (surprisingly)...the vowels are spoken very differently.
I swear I had a ton more to share...hmm...will continue to update...
*thought of 3 add'l already!
college = dorm
pub = place that serves drinks, and also likely has rooms for accommodation
hotel = place that serves drinks, and also likely has rooms for accomodation
(WTF, right?)
so much to say...
mama mia...between this blog...my Keel's simple diary (which I love and highly recommend...found it at the CAF right before I left Chi-town)...and my homework and my side work...I am behind! But still having an absolutely lovely time.
went to a very civilised (ha!) Holi celebration last Sunday...enjoyed Salsa even more this week...took a fabulous jazz class with a short fabulous man named Ramon, who came into class wearing a big hipster scarf...only had class one day this week (Thursday)...and just about to head to the local pool!
many many apologies for my lack of photo sharing...still trying to organize and upload all my goodies...
hope all is well with you ;)
cheers!
went to a very civilised (ha!) Holi celebration last Sunday...enjoyed Salsa even more this week...took a fabulous jazz class with a short fabulous man named Ramon, who came into class wearing a big hipster scarf...only had class one day this week (Thursday)...and just about to head to the local pool!
many many apologies for my lack of photo sharing...still trying to organize and upload all my goodies...
hope all is well with you ;)
cheers!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
new crush...
Really should start an official crush blog, too...but just a quick update. There is a guy in my class that is kind of like Edward from Twilight (haven't seen any of the movies and can't think of the actor's name)...except hotter. Dark brown hair. Can't wait to get back to class (starts in 2 min!)
great lecture today...
Heard maybe the best lecture yet this morning...was one that wasn't required for class but our prof. recommended it...and after staying up partying last night with the kiddies, made it totally worth it to get up w/my alarm this morning. This guy has a lot of really great ideas about sustainable urban planning! Too bad there's not more on his website...but it looks like they do some beautiful houses, too...
www.sw.net.au
www.sw.net.au
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
nightlife...
Tuesday night I ventured out to the CBD (central business district), to a 'yuppie' bar (deemed by my roommate), called The Establishment where they have free salsa every Tuesday. Great atmosphere at the bar, great mix of people...and some really amazing dancers! Fun to dance and almost more fun to watch.
One of the many societies I joined is called Madsoc, for Movement And Dance Society...they offer free dance classes on campus (taught by students, I might teach one next semester) and get people to meet up at various places around the city. I told one of the regulars that in Chicago, the salsa scene has a set of people that you start to see at all the salsa places, and they said it's the same here.
Which is good and bad. Of course, my first dance was with a lovely old man who was from Chile and very nice. Danced with a wide range of guys (both in age and height...love that the shorties aren't intimidated by a tall girl in heels)...but ended the night with a doozy. His name is Samuel, and he's from Brazil...but he gives off a slight crazy-vibe. Was asking for my facebook, email, phone number, and it's like, uh, no, I'm sure I'll see you here again sometime. He works out at the gym a lot, has hairy arms (he was wearing a sleeve-less shirt/hoodie thing, and I could feel it on his upper shoulders...eww!), and just kept giving this intense stare. Mama mia! I've been recruiting other latin friends from classes, though...so hopefully I'll come with proper reinforcements next time!
Tonight is 'the' party of the semester put on by the student union...Beachball. DJ Ladyhawke will be spinning (I think that name sounds familiar but not entirely sure)...lookin forward to it...pretty certain I will be above the average age by 10 years, easily...but I'll channel Ron and be as young as I feel. Cougar on the prowl...watch out boys!
One of the many societies I joined is called Madsoc, for Movement And Dance Society...they offer free dance classes on campus (taught by students, I might teach one next semester) and get people to meet up at various places around the city. I told one of the regulars that in Chicago, the salsa scene has a set of people that you start to see at all the salsa places, and they said it's the same here.
Which is good and bad. Of course, my first dance was with a lovely old man who was from Chile and very nice. Danced with a wide range of guys (both in age and height...love that the shorties aren't intimidated by a tall girl in heels)...but ended the night with a doozy. His name is Samuel, and he's from Brazil...but he gives off a slight crazy-vibe. Was asking for my facebook, email, phone number, and it's like, uh, no, I'm sure I'll see you here again sometime. He works out at the gym a lot, has hairy arms (he was wearing a sleeve-less shirt/hoodie thing, and I could feel it on his upper shoulders...eww!), and just kept giving this intense stare. Mama mia! I've been recruiting other latin friends from classes, though...so hopefully I'll come with proper reinforcements next time!
Tonight is 'the' party of the semester put on by the student union...Beachball. DJ Ladyhawke will be spinning (I think that name sounds familiar but not entirely sure)...lookin forward to it...pretty certain I will be above the average age by 10 years, easily...but I'll channel Ron and be as young as I feel. Cougar on the prowl...watch out boys!
Monday, March 8, 2010
breakdown...
Okay...so I've had my first serious hangover...and my sister and I were joking about severe depression on a phone call a week ago (which really is not a joke...has some context, you'll just have to take my word for it)...
But talking to D yesterday ended as a hot mess...with puffy eyes. I'm SO EXCITED for Diane & Adam and their upcoming wedding and I can't wait to be home and be a part of it...but I feel like I'm missing out on so much in the meantime. She was home over the weekend to find a church, reception place, dress...check, check, check, she found it all! Super impressive...but I started asking about a shower and bachelorette...definitely will have to get creative with these standard bridal celebrations in a very short time. I really want to be the best maid of honor ever for her...open to suggestions if you have any ;)
I don't have class on Mondays right now...there are a handful of student groups that meet on Mondays, and yesterday I chose to go to the Buddhist meditation and Dharma talk. I almost started crying at the Dharma talk, too! It was a beautiful talk.
AND...Happy Belated International Women's Day! I saw a blurb in the student paper about an evening of lectures to celebrate...plus it was in the brand new super fancy law building...so I hung out with feminists for a few hours last night. Seems very grad school appropo. The lectures were very thought provoking...and it ended with a musical duo...reminiscent of an Aborignal Indigo Girls...and their music was gorgeous.
Okay...off to class!
Cheers!
But talking to D yesterday ended as a hot mess...with puffy eyes. I'm SO EXCITED for Diane & Adam and their upcoming wedding and I can't wait to be home and be a part of it...but I feel like I'm missing out on so much in the meantime. She was home over the weekend to find a church, reception place, dress...check, check, check, she found it all! Super impressive...but I started asking about a shower and bachelorette...definitely will have to get creative with these standard bridal celebrations in a very short time. I really want to be the best maid of honor ever for her...open to suggestions if you have any ;)
I don't have class on Mondays right now...there are a handful of student groups that meet on Mondays, and yesterday I chose to go to the Buddhist meditation and Dharma talk. I almost started crying at the Dharma talk, too! It was a beautiful talk.
AND...Happy Belated International Women's Day! I saw a blurb in the student paper about an evening of lectures to celebrate...plus it was in the brand new super fancy law building...so I hung out with feminists for a few hours last night. Seems very grad school appropo. The lectures were very thought provoking...and it ended with a musical duo...reminiscent of an Aborignal Indigo Girls...and their music was gorgeous.
Okay...off to class!
Cheers!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
1st hangover..
OMG...I promise I just wrote a *sweet* blog update, was trying to adjust where the pictures were located, went to the Layout tab (makes sense, right?)...tried to go back to my post and it's gone. Gone! Mama mia. Will have to rewrite lata. Off to meet a friend.
Promise to have pics up soon (starting up my 'professional' flickr account)...
Agh!!!
cheers,
Beth
Sunday, February 14, 2010
6th day in Sydney...
G'day mates!
It's currently Monday 15th February and my sixth day down under. I haven't been setting an alarm because I've been waking up pretty early on my own (sunshine pours into my room most morning)...but today I almost missed breakfast! I blame it on the Bachelor. As a Valentine's treat to myself I decided to watch last week's episode online last night...I think it cost me about $5. So worth it, though! But I got a late start and kind of forgot that they are all 2 hour episodes.
For the first time, too, I woke in the middle of the night and had to use the bathroom...and saw the biggest cockroach I've ever seen in my entire life hangin out in the hallway! Eww! I literally ran past him...because I didn't want to lose a toe or anything. That's the only problem with the absolutely gorgeous weather here...bugs love it too! On return to my room I approached armed with a clear plastic cup...with a plan to at least trap it. It was seriously too large to squash wearing my flip-flops (already got 2 smaller guys other nights). He was no where to be found. That's the worst.
I'm staying at the International House on campus temporarily, and it's been a lot of fun. I hope I can be a surrogate IHer as these kids sound like they do a lot of fun things together.
And I do mean kids. For the first time ever I felt the need to change my birthday info on Facebook. But I've made a handful of friends and I hope we keep in touch even after I'm outta here (Friday morning). My two closest friends so far are Ayako, a lovely Canadian (lots of those here!) who's Japanese and Soo-Jae, the social butterfly of this place, from South Korea.
Okay...much more to come! I've taken loads of photos but haven't downloaded any yet. If you're viewing this thing, you probably already know that I am quite verbose...so I won't even apologise (ha!) in advance. I'll likely be treating this as a journal throughout my time here (minus uber personal bits). Hope you enjoy...thanks for reading.
Off to the pool!
Cheers,
Beth
It's currently Monday 15th February and my sixth day down under. I haven't been setting an alarm because I've been waking up pretty early on my own (sunshine pours into my room most morning)...but today I almost missed breakfast! I blame it on the Bachelor. As a Valentine's treat to myself I decided to watch last week's episode online last night...I think it cost me about $5. So worth it, though! But I got a late start and kind of forgot that they are all 2 hour episodes.
For the first time, too, I woke in the middle of the night and had to use the bathroom...and saw the biggest cockroach I've ever seen in my entire life hangin out in the hallway! Eww! I literally ran past him...because I didn't want to lose a toe or anything. That's the only problem with the absolutely gorgeous weather here...bugs love it too! On return to my room I approached armed with a clear plastic cup...with a plan to at least trap it. It was seriously too large to squash wearing my flip-flops (already got 2 smaller guys other nights). He was no where to be found. That's the worst.
I'm staying at the International House on campus temporarily, and it's been a lot of fun. I hope I can be a surrogate IHer as these kids sound like they do a lot of fun things together.
And I do mean kids. For the first time ever I felt the need to change my birthday info on Facebook. But I've made a handful of friends and I hope we keep in touch even after I'm outta here (Friday morning). My two closest friends so far are Ayako, a lovely Canadian (lots of those here!) who's Japanese and Soo-Jae, the social butterfly of this place, from South Korea.
Okay...much more to come! I've taken loads of photos but haven't downloaded any yet. If you're viewing this thing, you probably already know that I am quite verbose...so I won't even apologise (ha!) in advance. I'll likely be treating this as a journal throughout my time here (minus uber personal bits). Hope you enjoy...thanks for reading.
Off to the pool!
Cheers,
Beth
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