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]
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
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
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