Biennale at Cockatoo Island - pic heavy

Aha! I knew it! This post was going to take me forever to write (not really, there were >10 photos to download from my phone, and I just ceebs). It's been like what... 3 weeks? 4? since I went to Cockatoo Island for their Biennale art exhibition.

Anyway, for those who haven't heard me blabber on about it already, Biennale is basically an arts festival held at a couple of locations in Sydney.  This includes Pier 3/4, Cockatoo Island, MCA, and the Art Gallery of NSW. 

If you're thinking about going to Cockatoo Island, I'd suggest you get to Circular Quay around 10ish in the morning to avoid the massive queue for the free ferry.

Once you're on the ferry, it's smooth sailing and lovely views of the harbour (bridge!).

Half a bridge.

The CBD looks so small!

Anyway, when we got there, we walked into this massive warehouse. It looked pretty empty, but later we realised there were all these cool things hanging around... like this one sided mirror!  It was just a hanging sheet of cellophane-like material. You can see your own reflection on one side, but if you make faces at it, you'll look like a fool because people on the other side of the sheet can see right through!

merged in wobbly plastic

Outside the warehouse, there was a FOGGY scene. So awesome, but so moist.  My hair clung to my face and frizzed a bit afterwards, and my coat was a little damp after frolicking around in the fog.  It was super fun and dream-like though. I stuck my hand out infront of me and could barely trace the outline of my hand.

it was also really cold.

more fog

By the way, apologies to those who've already seen my instagram pics. Doubling up on a few of these.

Back inside the warehouse, there was a massive polystyrene chain structure.

all wrapped up!

Then we found a container!  Except there were bits that were cut out and it looked like a really pretty gate of some sort.

iPhone lagged and this woman got in my photo :(

Add caption

Didn't get a chance to take a photo of everything we saw that day. I wanted to save some battery because I was out the whole day. 10am -11pm. Craycray.

There was a cool paper sphere thing which had holes in it. When you looked through the holes, you could see layers and layers of paper.  Looked like this:

HOLEY MOLY :P

 Other pieces of art:

There are 2 tunnels on the island.  If I wrote this post on the day I went, I would have remembered the name, but I'm writing it now and can't remember a thing.  I think one was called the Dog-End tunnel. Ceebs with google. The tunnels were exhibits too!  There were glowing sticks which made sounds when you clapped.  I just thought it was kinda creepy because it echoed a bit and .. nah, I'm just a bit of a scaredy cat.

 There was a little UV room in the tunnel.  Unfortunately I didn't wear anything white, and the only thing that glowed in the room were someone else's shoelaces!

Other things:

Cords that hung from the roof like thick rain

 Went outside in the sun to catch some rays and get away from the crowds.  Cockatoo Island is actually a really beautiful place.  On some parts, it has a really rustic feel (alot of the metal bits on their structures were actually rusty) but some other bits had really serene views. It doesn't feel like you're in Sydney at all!

rocky shore where we saw some dirty dried up oyster shells

slopey rock shore line

 While we were outside "exploring" we came across things that weren't exhibits. There were HEAPS of these tents set up in rows.  At first, we thought it was part of Biennale, but we couldn't find it in our Biennale guide.  Anyway, we walked up to one and found it was locked.  Went up to another one, peered inside and found someone's bed. Turns out the staff/workers on the island sleep in tents! Kinda cool huh. 

I actually don't know if this island is still used for commercial purposes, but there were heaps of structures like this (crane-like) which were used to pull ships and stuff onshore.  This was one of those rusty things.

We saw the sandstone buildings where the convicts were imprisoned back in the day.  It was actually quite nice. Ahaha. It's located on the top part of the island and to get there, you need to go up a few flights of stairs.

scattered letters

Indoor art:

had a good giggle about this, but only realised there was a human shape on th floor when I got home

Hanging ropes

We walked around for 3+ hours in the arty sections.  While exploring, we stumbled across the residential area of the island. Wowee the houses are nice, but there weren't too many of them.  The views were pretty nice here too.

looked nice IRL.

Anyway, I highly encourage you all to hit up Cockatoo Island for a day trip to see these artworks before they get taken down.  Make sure you go on a day with good weather because you need to get around all parts of the island to see everything.  Don't get there too late in the day, there's a lot to see!

I've been meaning to go again, but I've been busy with other things on the weekends.

Might as well talk about the week that just ended. I deleted something I posted up before. It was a really bitter and impulsive post about a really frustrating person from work. After posting, I went to bed and woke up feeling uneasy.  So I deleted it.

To summarise, my week was tiring. I was at work for long periods but there was a lot of time I couldn't charge to any engagement code because there wasn't enough work to do.  And when I actually got work to do, it was at 4-5ish in the afternoon.  The only good thing that came out of this was seeing my workmates for longer and that fact that I had sushi everyday.  Seriously, I wouldn't be surprised if I hard worms (not saying I do!), I eat so much raw fish :)

On Sat, I went to my friend's birthday/housewarming. His complex had a spa, pool, sauna, tennis courts and a gym.  My supersuper good workmate handed her resignation in the past week. It was a bit of a surprise (sortofnotreally. No one really loves audit with a passion) for some, but I guess I saw it coming.  So yeah, had a good catching up... in the sauna and pretty much shrivelled up after 1.5 hours. LOL We didn't even realise it had been so long and probably wouldn't have come out if someone didn't knock on the door and tell us that cake was ready.

Anyway, it was about time that J (birthday dude) invited us over for some weekend fun. But when we got to his place, I realised it was kinda.. empty. And kinda.. not cosy. I've always thought about moving out of home, but after Saturday, I think I'll have to think about it some more. I'll probs miss MDK heaps. The screaming matches, the community tv time and dinner time.

And today, L and I hit up the Rocks for some coffee action.  Will talk about that / stick up pics another day because it's getting late and I have work tomorrow.  It's been such a good weekend, I'm a bit bummed (but excited) to go back to work tomorrow.

Hope y'all enjoyed the pics and have a nice week at uni/work!  I'm not going to uni until thursday/next week because of work.

PS. I am so glad the Olympics are back! I have missed watching all these sports on tv. Although I have to say I'm not exactly very fond of watching cycling on tv. It is very boring, and totally reminds me of tour de France. Fuaaarr, it's not like they're doing anything very exhilarating.  I thought channel 7 was bad four years ago when they broadcasted the Beijing Olympics... but maaaaaaaan, channel nine will ALWAYS be worse.  They only play the sports which Australians are good at... like swimming. Gymnastics was broadcasted this evening, but only the bits where the Australians were performing.  What about the others? I want to see the Romanians, the Chinese and the Americans!  STOP going back to CYCLING. HOMG.

I have trust issues

I'm not afraid to say this again and again. I have trust issues.

Irresponsible people tick me off so much. 

This does not just apply to work.  Actually, out of work, it matters so much more, because it's a reflection of your character, and how reliable you are.

Ranting because I had a hectic day at work, made hectic by irresponsible people.

Also by giant-ass transactions happening the US.




Finished after 9 today. It's not bad for busy season, but I'm tired as heck. 

HUMP DAY TOMORROW! HOORAY!

Maria Bamford

Jokes.com
Maria Bamford - Botox
comedians.comedycentral.com
Maria Bamford Comedians Stand-Ups

Seriously hilarious.  There was a funnier one but I couldn't find it.

Anyway, short post today. I started work at 7.45 today so I'm so exhausted. Still not used to waking up early again. 

friending people who are not your friends on facebook

OK. So not everyone on my facebook friends list is exactly a good pal.  There are people you 'friend' under varied circumstances.  This is basically what I think prior to accepting/sending friend requests.

1. Your friends.
Der, regardless of their gender, appearance, branch of humour and hygiene, if you are friends IRL, you are friends on facebook. Simple.  People who are not your friends but are 'friends' on facebook will be divided into the following category:

2.  People from school
Your own grade: It's understood that you friend everyone in your cohort. No thinking required.
Grades above: People in the grades above are automatically awarded bonus points in my books. Why? It's very practical.  I feel like they experience life a bit before us, and going through their photos will be a very enlightening process. ***MORE ON THIS  BELOW***
Grades below: Veeeerry sceptical about people I add in the grades below.  Usually only if they're cool... or if I work with his/her siblings. (if we're friends, you're cool in my books).
Potential for future networking, and also, birds from the same nest have got to stick together. Will friend on facebook.

3. People from work
This is rare. I rarely add my colleagues as friends if we aren't pals at work. The only exception would be because the friend is relocating offices and working in some exotic European country with picture-worthy views.  Potential to live vicariously through them during their travels.  Will friend on facebook.

4. Mutual friends
This person's name will keep popping up on your feed because you have a tumultuous number of mutual friends. You keep bumping into them at your friend's gatherings. Eventually this 'friend' could become a real friend. Has potential. Will friend on facebook.

5. People you've met once or twice on travels
You don't know this person too well, but the time you spent together (although short) was definitely memorable. Potential good friend if there is another catch up. Will friend on facebook. Also need to grab photos off them *bonus points*

6. People you've met once or twice, going out at night
This almost rarely happens. When you're on a night out and meet people, you virtually know NOTHING about them. By clicking accept on facebook, you are pretty much serving a myriad of personal information on a silver platter to a stranger. Probs won't friend on facebook.

Actually, number 6 never happens. I'm much too cautious.

7. Family members.
Ah yes. MDK are friends.  My cousins are also friends. As D puts it, why isn't it ok to friend someone you've known for your whole life, especially since it's ok to friend someone you've just met. So true.

8. People you know but don't like...
...mainly because they travel and you are jealous. Potential for aesthetic pics. Will friend on facebook.


I was going to say more on this topic, but got distracted by shoes. I'm trying to figure out how long it will take for me to get to the point where buying a pair of louboutins will seem 'immaterial'.  I saw my senior manager sporting a pair on Friday. So maybe in .. 10 years?  Ugh so materialistic.. but so
beautiful :')

***People from older grades - an observation
My sister was telling me that it's a cool thing at school for a girl to date someone in grades above. I sort of see her point, and I do see the logic in it. It's a popularity thing. For the girl, even if the older guy is a complete schmuck, she will look 'cooler' in front of her peers. For the guy... I guess younger girls are more naive and easy prey. Ahaha. Tell me what you think, I'm not an expert in this field!

Deliciously good week

Happy weekend guys.

Scrolled through my instagram pics and realised how glam my week looked. (keyword: looked).

Had a jam packed week, was out late everyday. Ideal lifestyle for when I'm older but a bit too taxing (physically and financially).

I miss home food. Like, really really miss it.

Why?!

Why did I have 3 coffees?! Cannot sleep!!

Ridikkkkk especially because I'm heaps tired :(

Happy Friday y'all!

Yolo

Life is short, and you only live once.

Feeling like a badass mofo because I had a white wine, a Pinot noir AND dessert with dinner on a Wednesday night. L and I went to Fuku in world square, where Tokyoria used to be.

It was my first day back at work and I think I deserved tonight's luxurious dinner. It's soso nice to be in the company of someone who also takes photos of food. Silent judgement is not exactly the best kind of appetizer available.

I've been shoveling too much crap down my pie hole lately, hopefully working will help reverse some of that damage.

Anyway, toodles y'all. 2 more days until the weekend!!

Homemaker training

WHT:

C and I hit up Ikea this morning.  After trekking about 2.5km around the heaven for homemakers, we sat down for a hearty meal of swedish meatballs (with deliciously buttery mash, gravy cream and lingonberry sauce), smoked salmon and a caramel almond cake. Washed all this down with a super refreshing and palate cleansing lingonberry soda.

WHAT THE HELL, it tastes so good! Why do we not have lingonberry in Australia?! WHY?!

(can't upload the food photo. :( maybe next time )

Main reason for going again (went to Ikea last week) was for the food.  Rhodes Ikea is a bad idea (unless you like paying for parking).  It's so easy to spend > 3 hours at Ikea (including meals).  Another reason I went was to buy stuff that M didn't let me last week. Hawhaw .

Anywhos, C bought 2 chairs and we bussed them back to her place and assembled them.  I love assembling stuff, as masculine as that sounds. Word of warning: do not buy screw drivers from the Reject Shop because the quality is just shit and the metal crumbles. Successfully assembled the chair, and shopped a bit to celebrate.  Mappen for dinner - perfect end to a fantastic day.

view from unilodge rooftop. pretty impressive huh!

But when I came home, I started reading a story about a woman who lost 3 children (1 was a stillbirth, the other two died not long after being born).  The world is so cruel sometimes, and I still struggle to see how this is all part of a 'plan' it makes me want to punch stuff.

Some people say it hurts less with time, but that's not true. You learn to cope and live with loss but it never really fades. It's hard when there is no one you can blame.

Sad story, kinda grim but it puts things into perspective and I am again super grateful for all the good things in my life. I'm gonna live a happy life while I can, so if there is ever a day something really tragic happens, I can at least think "I've been happy before". Sounds a bit naive and stupid, but what else can do you, right?

Enjoys long walks on the beach...

Basically drove to Cronulla today, walked along the beach stretch for hourssss.

A kid walked up to me, said "ni hao" and ran away.

At least he got the race right and he didn't say "konnichiwa" ;D

Work starts Thursday. Watch this space to see bi-polar symptoms in action.

Reading too many thought catalog articles

Most of the articles on thought catalog are sad and depressing ones. I think I visit that site too often, it's starting to infect me to.

In life, I can say I am relatively risk averse. At the same time, I also want to live with minimal regrets (cliche). Clearly conflicting.

Today I walked smack bang into a past regret (quite literally). It was painful to be reminded and I still feel achy inside right now. So much that I can't forget about it and fall asleep.

Anyway, since I can't sleep, thought I'd recount WHT, one of the last few days of pure sem break goodness.

Day started quite late, I woke just before the afternoon (yeah, gross I know) after a late night and headed into the office to get some admin done. Got caught in peak hour Sydney CBD traffic and swore a billion times in my head at myself for not getting off at Wynyard. During peak hour, walking to world square from wynyard will be faster than commuting by bus.

K2 and I went shopping for A's farewell gift before meeting up with the gang for a reminiscent dinner at the infamous Wagaya.

After being kicked out at 8.20, we trekked to max brenner at Pitt street wf, and let the boys bore us to death with age of empires talk. Moments like these make me feel really nostalgic and remind me of how much fun I had at uni back in the day. Mmm.

The gang split and I ended up at Albion celebrating the birthday of a girl I hadn't met before. Nothing creepy or anything, we just all happened to be heading to the same place afterwards, and had a billion mutual friends. Made the long journey to the break free apartments to farewell a work friend. Apparently it was the after party. ;D

It was only eleven at night but we had to step over limp bodies on the living room carpet and dodge the flailing arms of angry eels supporters camped in front of the television.

Popped out to the balcony, found Kd and asked why he decided to resign and if he had another job waiting. He said he didn't and just didn't want to go through another busy season. I worry about my future sometimes because I don't want to result in a similar outcome. I've seen quite a few do this now.

Anyway, found the auditors and caught up with the latest scoop and listened to the bitching and whining everyone had to contribute. Daaangg, it feels so good to be back. I miss hanging out with auditors.

One of the things I miss about work is Friday night drinks and catch ups. Someone wise once told me that Friday doesn't feel like Friday without a drink - whether that be a beer or something stronger.

Friday night turned into Saturday morning, I was holding a glass of my favourite beverage, listening to my favourite team bitching about the "masterchef guy". It's funny how he's still around even though he told the whole world how much he hated his job. His role at work should be changed to something related to marketing instead. It's hard to work well with people who "don't give a shit".

Came home to nothing but darkness and quiet snoring. This is the second time I've come home so late this year. D wasn't up waiting like he usually is, I think we finally got the trust thing down pat- I am not as crazy and careless as he thinks. Either that, or he really has faith in P to bring me home in one piece.

Anyway, hope you all had a good week and enjoy the weekend 8)8)

Ps, hitting up Costco for the first time tomorrow. I have high expectations and hope to buy a mega bag of dried mangoes!!!

Daffodils grow in bunches?

I should be getting ready to go out right now, but it's too cold outside. Feeling snug like a bug in bed, sleepy as. :'( why do I live in the hilllllls.....

Anyway, did you know that daffodils can grow in bunches on one stalk? I've never seen it til recently.


Sigh, time to haul this ass outta bed.

a life like congee...

... plain flavoured and boring.

Quick update - apologies of the lack of posts.  I've been oppressing the compulsive blogger inside myself because I've been sick and my mind has gone a bit wonky and I don't want to post up anything without thinking properly.

Just wanted to say HI and to post up these photos before I forget :)  They're from Wednesday when I went to Cockatoo Island for some Biennale goodness!

Towards the right, there's a gap between the pylon and the bridge?! I never noticed that!!

Cockatoo Island

Right next to the private residence area on Cockatoo Island

 Went back on the mainland to eat at Harry's cafe de Wheels (which has no wheels btw). We were planning on chasing after the Eat Art Truck at Barangaroo, but we were too tardy and didn't make it in time.

L: Tiger pie - Beef pie with mash, mashed peas and gravy, Hot dog de wheels - Hot Dog with peas, chilli con carne, onions and cheese sauce

I'll post up a proper post about my trip to see the Biennale artworks; some were really good.  I'm hitting up the MCA, art gallery and pier 2/3 today to see the rest of the artworks.  If you guys haven't already, GO SEE IT. The free ferry to Cockatoo Island is funnnnn!

Stay warm & happy weekend!! :):)

Post exams so far

It's almost been a week since the holidays started and I've barely done anything productive apart from reading a few books.

As per usual, I have some instagram feed for your viewing pleasure.

Celebrated A's 22nd birthday at Encasa on the Saturday before exams finished. Glad to say that my self-enforced alcohol-ban was not violated that night even though sangria was on the table.  Alcohol reverses all my hard work at the gym! The night ended at Kobow - surprise, surprise, but it was a very good night, I have to say. Miss seeing my work buds!  During the day, J and I went present hunting around Central and Town Hall. We ended up spending an hour or so in the cookbook section of the bookstore and emerged quite triumphant with 3 books in hand!  This is the gift that keeps giving (in a very delicious form too).

After that, I kinda laid low for a couple of days until Corporations Law and Accounting were over. When they were out of the way, I went out with C and A for expensive sushi.

Can't exactly remember what happened on Thursday morning, in the evening I was supposed to have dinner at El Jannahs, but there were last minute changes and the gang ended up at Chatwsood for Shang. We had like steamer after steamer after steamer of xiaolongbao, lots other buns and dumplings and the bill only came to $57 for 5 people. During dinner, it was decided that we would go on a dessert crawl afterwards + karaoke. But maybe it's because we're getting older, staying out late (11pm-ish) sure had it's toll on us. Ahaha, especially for everyone else who were working during the day. We only ended up going to the korean grocery store and yoghurberry in the end.

On Friday, I got a fringe cut (hooray, I have a fringe again!) and a group of us met up to shop for B's going away hot pot.  I have never spent so much time in Eastwood, ever ahaha. Stopped for lunch at a korean restaurant (it used to be Poong!) and feasted on their complimentary side dishes and $5 vege Bibimbap/$8 beef bulgolgi Bibimbap.

When all the shopping was done, we started preparing food.  That always takes time, but I think it's the most fun compared to grocery shopping at eating. People started arriving and it was a pretty good catch up, I say.

This is only one table! There was another one!

Anyway, B - thanks for having us over, hope you're having a grand time in the sweltering heat in Essen! See you in 8 months!

On Saturday, I went to Ikea - but I've already talked about that.  Dinner was at Jonga Jip in Eastwood - MORE korean food. (Can safely say that I am quite sick of Korean food right now).

Sunday was the day that I realised my cough was more than just a cough and I spent the majority of the day in bed.

Yesterday the doc told me it all started because of my congested nose. :( And since then I've been (ungracefully) snorting decongestant up my nose. I have the manliest voice right now.  One of the best things about this, is saying "Hey there, call me sugar daddy" to everyone I see (just K & M at home, but it's still hilarious).

AusPost has been delivering goodies that I ordered over Ebay like ... 2 or 3 months ago (sigh, HK sellers) so I guess that's been another plus.

PS. ANOTHER FRIEND JUST GOT ENGAGED (what is this?! 2 engagements in 2 weeks?! Totes feelin' the love, yo). Except the way that it's posted on facebook, half of me is expecting that someone's hijacked her phone and mega trolled everyone.

ANYWAY, I need to pop off to Bing Lee and the Post office before they close.

Hasta Luego~ Happy Tuesday!

OZBARGAIN: omg kitchenaid for less than $400?!?!!

To the feminists of the past,

I would like to thank you for all your efforts in bringing equality between the sexes, and I am really sorry to say, that even after all your hardwork, I can't help but be excited about the kitchenaid selling for CHEAP on ozbargain.

However, even though this is such a bargain, $345 is still $345 too much I'd like to spend on a freaking mixer (esp since all the other parts cost $$$ - like the ice cream maker attachment ~$200!!).

Stinginess is not what's holding me back actually. It's the fact that we honestly have no more room left in the kitchen/pantry to hold this baby and I am not willing to let the juice fountain or the bread machine sit on the patio.

Digressing, FREE PARKING IN JULY @ DOMAIN CARPARK IF YOU BOOK EARLY. I've booked in anticipation of my all-you-can-eat-ribs feast next Saturday. Woopee.

(PS. flights to melb = $10 - tiger airways)

Doesn't feel like Saturday. I had to pay freaking $7 for parking today.

Damn you Ikea. Why do you tempt me so! Waiting in the long checkout lines made me 4 mins late to the auto pay machine = $7 parking fee. But that aside, bought a few household goodies and Swedish food, chocolate, and ofc the hotdog.

In other news, I visited the Oliver Brown at Rhodes and had a small hot chocolate. $5.50.

Five dollars and fifty cents for 200mL of milk and melted chocolate and a marshmellow in a mediocre shopping centre.

What was I thinking? At least it looked beautiful.

Nothing will ever trump a Lindt hot chocolate. I'm salivating at the thought of the sunken semi-melted Lindt chocolate which can't be drunk from the cup- but scraped out with a stick/spoon. :'( why do I think about this stuff before bed time?

Dinner was had at Jonga Jip in Ewood where I feasted on plates and plates and plates of small side dishes. We had a 4-person table, seating 2 and the whole table was full of food. :') thank you Korea, you bring so much joy into my life!

Eek! I am destined to be a very ... well rounded woman in the future. To my future husband, I hope you don't mind me taking up 2/3 of the bed :(