Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Day 365+


Wow. Today is Day 365.
I have taken a picture every day for a whole year.

This project first started to purely improve my photography by using our life as the subject. I just wanted to learn how to use my DSLR (Nikon D90) better but then, the concept of "Longology" was born. We let you into our lives and showed you how we do this thing called LIFE. The project started with our first day of finally being together and here we are 365 days later but this project is ending with us apart. Ironic, isn't it?!

I could not have completed this project with Adonis' support. He even contributed to the project by writing posts, photographing, and shared his weight loss journey! He didn't let me quit and I didn't want to disappoint him.  He's something special and I'm so blessed to have him as my P.I.C.!

Special shout out to all the "Longologists" who commented on our posts, and even those that never did. We knew someone was checking us out so we wanted to give you quality content.

Here are some highlights/results from the project:

  • I am now a confident photographer.
  • The concept of calling myself an "artist" is no longer awkward
  • My "eye" for photography has dramatically improved
  • I got to know my Micro Four Thirds camera better than my DLSR
  • I bought my first vintage 110 film camera
  • I used four different cameras for the 365 project
  • The project includes photos in 5 different countries
Finally, I narrowed down my photography area of concentration:
                                                                    STREET & URBAN LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
On that note keep an eye out for my 2012 series: "The Innocent Bystanders" ;-)
       


Here's are some bonus photos.

Growth As A Photographer


Me & My #1 365 Project Camera Buddy!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Day 364: Going By So Fast


It's all going by so fast.

I'm starting to get anxious and apprehensive about going home. There are some good things waiting form me back home and there are also many unknowns that make me nervous and excited all at the same time. I have to take things one day at a time until then but it's hard because these last days are going by so fast. 

Day 363: Taste of Culture


Wine Tasting





We made our way to the Phillip Island Winery. We were pleasantly surprised at how good the wine and cheeses were because Phillip Island isn't known for it's wine ... let alone it's one and only winery. The ambiance was calm, light filled the winery, and the interesting sculptures inside the winery provided us with good conversation. After we finished our fancy wines and cheese platters we walked around to admire (and played with) the sculptures that surrounded the winery.

It was exactly what we needed to end our Phillip Island weekend.

Day 362: Small Island, Lots To Do


Manta Rays up close!

Tough Mudders running through fire and smoke

I didn't realize how much there was to do on this little island. We tried to squeeze in a lot today!
  • Watched the Pelican feeding
  • Waited for the manta rays to show up
  • Watched the first Tough Mudder in Victoria (20,000 people participated!)
  • Saw some 'roos
  • Visited the Chocolate Factory (aaa-mazing chocolate and they made choco-bananos!)
  • Watch the Penguin Parade!
  • Ate dinner, drank some drinkies
  • Spent the rest of the night watching YouTube videos lol
I hope that I can man-up and participate in Tough Mudder (or a challenge like it). The teamwork I saw amongst strangers was inspiring. Maybe we should all participate in a physical, mental, and emotional challenge like this one so we can be better human beings. Wishful thinking? Maybe. 

I'm glad I got to see "Australia's most popular wildlife attraction" ... The Penguin Parade! These little guys were sooooo cute. If you're ever in Victoria I highly recommend driving to Phillip Island (not a tourist bus) and check out these little guys. 





Here's a bonus shot:


Day 361: From City to Island





I left work early, grabbed my bags, met up with the good people and we left the city for a local island getaway. Our friend Christina invited us to her house in Phillip Island for the weekend. I was all-in because (1) Christina has been missed ever since she moved and (2) I've haven't been to Phillip Island! So in my head weekend + friends + island = fun! 

Phillip Island is about a 2.5-3 hour drive from Melbourne and it's very very green (and pretty). We were greeted by Christina and Pete with delicious dinner!! She worked all evening to make an amazing spread for us and we inhaled the dinner. We enjoyed the food, convo, and drinks under the dim lights of the pagoda/deck.  We need once of these in our yard ASAP!!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Day 360: Dinner at World


This will most likely be my last time at World Bar & Cafe *tear*. I was upset at the fact that they didn't have calamari that night. Shame because it's goooood! How can I leave without their good calamari?!

Anyway, this was another nice evening with my manager. We shopped and worked up an appetite. We've declared Thursday official "Diana Day" and "Thursday Funday".  So you heard it here first: Thursday is the new Friday ;-)

Oh, and I rushed back for Grey's ... and it wasn't on!! WTH?!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Day 359: Wednesday Windows


Mad props to these window cleaners! They are on this thing all day going up and down cleaning the windows for us so that we can have a clear view of the city. We all just stare at them and give them props for their job. It makes me so nervous that I stop mid-conversation to gasp for two seconds. *eeek!*

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Day 358: Tram 55 Walk



Today we had another collabo dinner in which I proceeded to stuff my face, of course. Instead of teasing you with delicious food pictures, I decided to take it easy on you. Here are some shots of my walk from the tram stop to the dinner.

Personal Growth Note: I tried rice pudding again today expected to still hate it but I actually liked it. I even had two extra spoonfuls. Maybe it's just this specific one. We'll see.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Day 357: PWC Flowers


My building has the prettiest flower arrangements every week. They never disappoint. I just found out that my favorite Melbourne florist does the building flower arrangements! I have good taste, right??

No more "Flowers of the Week" in Melbourne since I'm leaving soon, so these will have to do.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Day 356: Souvenir Shopping!




I jump on any opportunity to go the QV Market. I showed a few co-workers around Melbourne's "must do" spot. I think it's interesting that no matter how old, young, cultural background, life experience, etc... ALL of our visitors have loved the QV Market. 

Everyone always tells us how they wish there was a market like this back home and I agree! Then again, a market like this would put a DENT in our back account because we'd be so obsessed we'd buy everything every weekend lol. 

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Day 355: The Last Ride



I went on my last bike ride along the beach today. Actually, it'll be my last bike ride in Melbourne! I'm so thankful I was able to go back out and take it all in for one last time. I'm going to miss the ride but I'm looking forward to new trails and scenery back home.

I celebrated with a break, and a glass of vino! 


Friday, March 23, 2012

Day 354: Friday = Doneday


The weeks have been piling up on me lately as I prepare to go back home. On Fridays I come home from work and knock out for 2 hours. I feel like the whole week just comes crashing down on me.

Side note: I swear I can't get enough of these blinds. I think I'm obsessed with the lines, or is it the nice silhouettes they help create? Or how they go from floor to ceiling? Or all of the above? I don't know what it is.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Day 353: Thursday Dinner Escape


I went out to dinner on a Thursday.
    I'm such a crazy woman.
        It was nice to have dinner with a colleague from the US.

I even made it back in time to catch Grey's!! (Yes, it's that serious)

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Day 352: Lift is all mine


My co-workers will probably laugh at this one.  Yes, I snuck a photo while I was in the "lift" (elevator) alone. It's nice to ride down (or up) 36 floors by yourself. It's almost as good as having the bathroom at work all to yourself lol. TMI??

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Day 351: Walking Home for Lunch



I'm going to miss walking home for lunch every day (did I say this already?). I see all the local food vendors and restaurants come alive and thrive on the expensive lunch options. I like coming home, relaxing in the middle of the day, and having a meal that's not overpriced.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Day 350: Grand Prix Air Show



Here are my two favorite photos from the Grand Prix air show right outside of my window. The jet was so loud my apartment shook a little!!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Day 349: 13 Floors Down


I went to sleep fairly early last night so I woke up nice and early this morning. I checked my mail and got good news! I made it to the final interview round! Once the excitement wore off, I went back to sleep.... only to be woken up by the building fire alarm an hour later. I packed my bag and flew down the stairs. 

Damn you woman that burned her toast and caused the building to evacuate!!! >_<

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Day 348: Cukoo!




We went to dinner at Cukoo restaurant in Mt. Dandenong. It's a German buffet "experience". Honestly, the food wasn't great but it was a good time. Unfortunately, I wouldn't go back to the restaurant. After dinner we drove over to the observation point. Even though it was dark, the view was gorgeous. I could only imagine what it's like in the morning.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Day 347: ZzZzzZz


The last two days have been pretty intense. I got home from work, read a few pages of my book... and fell asleep. I had a nice long (much needed) nap.

 --- too drained.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Day 346: Waiting...


I was notified today that I got an interview for a big-time position. I was also nudged to apply for another big-time position, so I did. I've been preparing for the interviews and now I'm playing the "waiting game".  The way I see it, I have a win/win situation on my hands... even if I don't get any of the positions.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Day 345: Micro Breweries



I was asked to photograph Hawthorn at the FedSquare Micro Breweries show case again! I was looking forward to photographing these guys and sneak in a few sips, too.

The BEST part of the whole night was that MY photos from the last showcase were on the BIG screen!! My photos looked good up there, hehehe.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Day 344: RIP Orchid


I was told an orchid is an easy plant to take care of ... lies!! The leaves are still green, the weird stem things seem to still be alive but the flower part is a goner. I know they die off, but I'm convinced this plant isn't coming back. I'll keep trying until I leave Australia buuuut it's chances are slim.

I'll take any pointers.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Day 343: My Love Pieces


I know we've done a "tokens" shot before but I love them, so they deserve two photos in our 365. Every morning when I try to figure out which earrings or bracelets to wear I always have a look at the special items my hubster has given to me throughout the years. Whenever I do wear these it just boosts my mood. It puts a little extra pep in my step! The man has taste and I always get asked about my "tokens" and I love it, hehehe. 

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Day 342: Moomba



The Moomba Festival was this weekend. I met up with a few friends for lunch at the festival and I didn't bother to get on any rides. Why? I didn't want to pay $10 for one ride.

Damn -- I'm sounding cheapo-depot lately but c'mon these prices are ridiculous! lol.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Day 341: DIOSA Office


I've been using a local cafe as my "DIOSA office" but this will have to stop. I went to work this weekend, ate lunch, and had a coffee. The bill was $24! Heck no. I can stay at home and use the internet free and eat lunch that is already paid for. I'll have to find a new spot to work at on the weekends.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Day 340: Tapas & Bowling!









Sarah and Tung finally made it on the blog.  Actually, they made it on the blog on Day 312, but you only saw their backs. Today we met up for a quick drink, dinner, and bowling:

Quick Drink:
It was a gorgeous Friday, so a nice drink was much needed after a long work week.

Dinner:
We had tapas at Movidas Next Door. The place was super small. So small that we had to go next door to the bigger Movida to use the bathroom. The food was OK and overpriced. I did enjoy my meal with Sarah and Tung. I'm glad I got to try this place with them, but I won't be going back.

Bowling:
Fun! Fun! Fun! This was Sarah's 2nd time bowling ever in life <-- How could she deprive herself of the bowling privilege lol. She learned quickly and is now officially addicted to bowling. Bowling is even better when it's free! How? Well, that's our secret ;-)