Mr. Weather Needs An Attitude Change

This is the weather outlook for the next couple of days in Sydney:

This is supposed to be spring, and yet it feels like extreme winter in some tropical countries.  I mean, look at Tuesday - lowest = 3 degrees - does that sound like 'spring' temperature to you???

Life In Reality TV Mode

Is anyone else addicted to 'The Hills'??

Ok, for those who doesn't know what 'The Hills' is, and are too lazy to follow through the link to find out what it is, I'll give you a brief description.

'The Hills' is a reality TV show that follows the lives of Lauren Conrad and her friends as she ventured into the glamorous world of fashion. The show documents the ups and downs of relationships. It is apparently un-scripted, but every episode made me question the truth in that. There is just too much drama!!

BUT.. that said... this past week, I've started to see my life as a reality TV show. It had been one of the most frustrating and drama filled week I've had for a while (and I'm hoping that it would never happen again). Then I start to wonder, if my life was documented the same way that Lauren's life is document, would I have as high a rating as she does? Probably not, because

1. I'm not in hollywood
2. I'm not rich enough to be a fashion role model that she has now become
3. I don't have an exciting job (Lauren works in fashion and gets to go on fashion shows and photoshoots and such. I don't see how anyone could enjoy watching me sit in front of the computer all day)

but, hey! at least the past week had confirmed that at times, my life can be as stuffed with drama as all those other reality TV personalities.

i *heart* Apple

trying to sound less geeky than it seems, i have to admit i went to the opening of the new Apple flagship store in Sydney. how could i not, when it's the second largest Apple store in the world!!!

initially i planned to go to the store after work, but, getting closer to the store, i realise that it would be near impossible to get in because the trail of people lining up ran down to two blocks. some people camped infront of the store since the day before the opening, so they can be the first to get into the store and receive their commemorable t-shirt.

the store boasts a massive glass window that covers the whole of the street-facing end. the see-through glass means you are able to see all displayed products inside the store... which also means people can salivate over the glorious Apple products. each floor of the store is dedicated to a different section of the Apple products and services. the first floor is dedicated to MacBooks, the second floor is dedicated to iPods and accessories, and the third floor is dedicated to iMacs and the "Genius Bar" where Apple experts teaches and trains you in various Apple applications. it was such a thrill to walk through the glass staircase to the different floors. there's something futuristic about the contrast between the metal walls and the translucent staircase that is so inviting.

in terms of the 7P's of marketing (YES! there are 7!! and YES! i am using a marketing concept), Apple truly excelled in 2P's. doesn't mean that they don't excel in the other P's, it's just i wanted to pick 2 because it's Apple. (Get it? a-P-P-l-e?? 2P's???)

anyway.. the first of the two P's is "product". no need to dwell too much here. we all know that Apple products are great. both in style and functionality. i was a reluctant MacBook user, but since the doggy broke my computer, i got a MacBook and i've been in love with Apple products ever since. now i'm just as enthusiastic about Apple products as all the other advocates.

the second P i would like to mention is "people". one of the other reasons that i love Apple is their customer service. when i was in the process of getting the MacBook, i've contacted the customer service representative quite a bit. everytime i rang or email them, they always are extremely helpful and friendly, and they made me feel great to be their customer. since i was born, i think they're the only customer service center that made me want to give them a big hug rather than wishing a meteorite fell on their house. the high level of customer service is clearly shown at the store. the salesperson were very helpful, friendly and welcoming. the guard and the staffs even offered to look after musashi so we can go in the store.

this little thing is probably the first doggy to get in the Apple store!! although he had to walk straight out because obviously no pets allowed in high-tech arena. once again, a wave of gratitude to the guard and the staff members who looked after musashi and allowed us to bask in the glory of the Apple store on opening day.

i confirm: i *heart* Apple

Watery Eyed

although it's impossible, but sometimes i wish that the water in the harbour rises up to the pedestrian walkway.

there's something so serene about seeing the water that high.

nostalgia

nos-tal-gia : a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time

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i met up with a high school friend over coffee + dinner today.  it was so weird seeing her again. i haven't seen her for 12 years!! we went to shatin college together, but i was there for only a few months before she had to move back to new zealand with her family.  ever since, we haven't been in contact at all.  until facebook came into the picture.  

it was really great meeting her and chit chatting about how things are with everyone that we've been in touch with.  seeing her reminds me of life in high school and how carefree everyone thing was.  

~the joy of being young~

I'm legal again!!

It's not that I was here illegally.  But you see... my visa expired since the end of April.  And I was on a 'bridging' visa since then.  It's legal, but it's just not a real visa.  It's a visa for people who are waiting for their application to get approved.  And I hate being on it because 

1. it still doesn't feel like it's legal, although it is. 

2. while on that visa, I can't travel anywhere.  Although it's not like I have the moolah to travel anywhere but I don't like the restriction.

So now I finally have peace of mind that I am here legally.

WooHoo for me!!!!!