New Year, New Resolution

New Year is just in the corner. Time really passes by very fast. So much things to do and yet still not most of it achieved and most of it being abandon. Need to do the best and better as you can to achieve the goal for next year. Wishing everybody happy new year 2008.

An Invitation.

For the past two weeks, I think I have been to Clayton for more than 3 times. The occasion more or less still about the something, gathering and social function. And yesterday was not an exceptional, din's invited me to his house for a social function and at the same time as an appreciation or 'kenduri' because his wife pregnant for 3 months.

He has a nice place with big backyard.

The function started at 2.00 pm and finished at 5.00 pm. The menu was interesting, they made nasi kampung with 'ulam-ulaman' and 'sambal belacan' . Mmmm like the 'sambal belacan' very much. :)

Extreme weather

Even though yesterday was not the hottest day for Melbourne history in December. But really, it was hot hot hot hot. Most of my morning, I was at home except for my morning jogged even then the temperature already reached 26C. I need to go to Camera House to get my printed photographs. By the time I reached Footscray station, all train not taking passenger due to extreme temperature, 40C ( which I have thought so while I was waking to the station ). Think some of the trains air condition were not functioning. After an hour waiting then the train arrived.

I don't know why, once I reached Camera House get the photographs and wanted to walk away. Then I realise, I thought I missed something. Turn back and I saw Adam. " You trying to ran away without seeing me." I was so embarrassed. Showed him the pictures. It turn out to be more interesting and exciting. I like it very much. As a beginners, it really boost my motivation and excitement to take more good and much better picture in future. Adam was smiling while looking at each of the photographs.

All the photographs are free, 20 free standard prints and one 8x10" enlargement every months for a year.

Adam's favorite pictures.

Then I went to a Coffee shop at Swanston street where a giant chess game was in progress. Had Ice blended chocolate. Nice and cooling.

Melbourne Observation Deck

Finally I managed to go to Melbourne Observation Deck. Reached half an hour before Sunset. Trying to capture sunset from top of the building even though it is not from the highest building in Melbourne. Was in time and managed to get a nice spot at the balcony.

Today conditions was much better compared when I was at Eureka building. Able to capture every moment until sunset

Suddenly I was fighting for a space with others who also wanted to take pictures of Melbourne at night. Hmmmmm

Rod Lever and Ferris Wheel from Melbourne Observation Deck

Three pictures of Ferris Wheel with different setting. Practicing some technique setting I learnt from Adam and Zul. Still need to improve though but at least I know I can do this shot. :)

Nice scenery . As if there is a light festival all over Melbourne.

Photography Coaching Part IV

I went to meet Adam for my regular non-appointment session every Friday. Waited for a while since he had customer to attend to. He smiled and greeted once he saw me. Told him I wanted to print my pictures and ask him about Macro lenses. I am interested to get further information about Macro 105mm F 2.8 EX DG. Unfortunately the lens was sold out, he only had Macro 50mm F 2.8 EX DG. Adam showed me and guide me with the lens and later had few minutes practice until I feel confident with it. Really exciting. I am still interested to get macro 105mm since it can go further detail and worth buying compare to macro 50mm. Well I have to wait next month.

Adams was impressed with my photographs. There are still a lot to improve though. He gave some constructive comments on each photographs I took and thought me how to interpret picture histogram and change the setting when necessary. In general he was so impressed with my shots and progress. I should thank to Adam himself and Zul who had thought me all about photography until now.

Color of life

You can't have it all. Sometimes you win some and you loose some. It part of our life. Well life must goes on.

Already had all the good things happen in my life so far here in Melbourne. Even before the long holiday (Christmas and New Year holiday), I had received my final approval from Victoria University ethics application. Well, third obstacles just passed by. Now my main focus is recruitment and data collection starts end of January. Which I pray to Allah, to give me strength and smooth journey during the important part of my research. Hopefully before end of next year or even earlier I could complete my data collection.

But then like i said you win some you loose some. Some incidents had happen which really disturbed me at first. But then, no time to regret and to think about it. Can't turn back the clock. Allah wanted to show me something that I had done wrong. Think of it and praised to Allah had given me clear mind, patience and always strong to face every possibilities and becoming stronger and wiser.

Let the past as a history to guide me built my dream and become reality.

Shopping Madness - Boxing Day

It Boxing Day today. Really massive and madness. So many people in the city today. Everybody was really crazy for shopping. Discount until some even reached 70-80%, well who can't resist it. I am not into shopping today just looking around but still I bought a small beg pack and an extra large towel which could cover my whole body :). It cost me AUD 10.00. Anyway I have done my shopping for the past few days and already had everything I wanted. I have my planning for next year, to upgrade my camera and get few items so I need to save some money.

Khairul Open House

This is not Christmas Celebration Open house, but the eid-ul-adha open house function organised on Christmas Day at Clayton. I was invited by both Khairul and Raja Azlina to their house, we met at DFO Morrabbin few days back. Most of the Malaysian staying around the area came. It was full house.

They made nice 'Nasi Lemak' , beef rendang, chicken rendang and 'Soto Ayam' mmmmmm really nice. I like the 'Soto Ayam' very very much so tasty and delicious.

Khairul nice guy , low profile and always smile. This is the first time saw him without his Cap.

While Raja Azlina, entertaining everybody. She is very talkative and good cook too.

One of the guest, Aishah celebrate her birthday at Khairul and Azlina house.

Shopping Spree continue

As if we are celebration Christmas, ho ho ho... This is the time for last minute shopping. :) . Went to Bridge Road. Never had an idea about this place but really nice place. Zul introduced us this place. A lot of Branded outlet for females. I might say 80% of the outlet are meant for female, well ladies don't waste your time come on and shop till you drop. :)

I am looking for jacket and suit. Just looking around and have some idea were to go next time. They have nice jacket and male suit with reasonable price.

Thought I am not going to buy anything, but I was tempted by these Polo shirt. The price was really cheap. Bought this colorful Polo Shirt, 4 for AUD 30.

Then we went to DFO Spencer Street, since Wan need to get sun glasses. Was lured by the colorful sun glasses and ending up I bought 3 . It only AUD 20 for 3 sun glasses.

What a day. Everybody was really happy with their new sun glasses.

Christmas Eve at Federation Square

Went to Federation Square, experiencing Christmas Eve in Melbourne. Had an hour Pre-Christmas Eve Celebration organised by Channel 9 TV. The show started at 7.30pm.

Performances by Melbourne artists.

Christie

The Wiggles and more

Santa sang ...Ho Ho Ho....


Meanwhile the fairies, 'flying' around and gave lollies to everybody.

Fairy and Lady Santa

The show ended at 8.30 pm, but still all the fairies continue entertaining the crowd.

At the other end of Federation Square another entertainment keep on going.

Clown performance on the SBS building wall.

Exploration and Shopping

Suggested to Zul, let go and shopping at DFO Cheltenham, Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne. No problem at all. We have something in common though, like to explore new places.

DFO Cheltenham is easy to reach with public transportation compared to Essendon DFO. Further more it is nice to explore new area. Almost two months, every weekend it a must for me to go for outing and explore more of Melbourne. It either I am alone or with friends. Well I have only 2 and a half years more so I must take the opportunity and be more adventures.

After lunch we took Frankston train line and stop at Cheltenham train station. From there we took 828 bus.

Bought 2 long sleeves T-shirts, 1 short sleeve T-shirt , a sun glasses.

a Bag Pack

and Adidas running shoes

Wild Weather

Strong wind and heavy rain through out the day. Spending time at home, but I still managed went out to the city for a while.

Sand Sculpture

Sand Sculpture booth at Federation Square.

Photography Coaching continue

Finally I managed to meet Adam yesterday at Camera House. I have been looking for him since Thursday. Spent more than half an hour with a lot of Q & A session with him. Asking about some of the terminology that I had read and need to clarify, and discussed with him regarding next step investing for my camera. Now my intention is to get all the accessories adding to the camera; Macro Lens, Wide Angle Lens , Telephoto Lens etc. But I will try to get it slowly one at the time depends on my financial backup of course. :) . Adam is really nice and very patience to me, explained and let me practiced with various type of wide angle lenses and macro lens. Trying to get few items today but out of stock. Will come back again next time.

Had my lunch at Es-teller 77 , and I had 'Siomay' like usual.