will continue to be dead for a while

I am sorry. Exams was a cruel cruel rush - crash course of what used to be one year 4 subjects to one semester (ONLY 12 WEEKS) the same amount of subjects. UNSW is eeeeevil. I had no time/could not be bothered (interpret it however way you want it) to come online to announce what is obvious already to everyone- MY BLOG IS DEAD.

When the exams ended on glorious 18th June 2009, I was too lazy to blog. The last thing one would want to do after writing pages and pages of economics and marketing is to write some more on my blog. No way, so I announce that I was too sick of writing, and currently still am that I wont be blogging for some time.

Since holidays gets more and more appreciated as I grow older (they grow shorter as well, HMPH!), I have an AGENDA for my holidays ---> I know what you are thinking, but holidays slips away too fast nowaways, I wanna make full use of it.

Sooo ..

I wanna ...

Travel (hopefully Perisha Blue Mountains, skiing fun! Woopee!)

Watch lot and lots and lots (and lots)^infinity of movies (Transformers 2 DONE! Harry Potter UPCOMING! Life season 1 and 2 DONE. Smallville season 1-8 IN PROGRESS, and other movies I can't bother to mention)

Read loads of books. This can be achieved because Khar Mun got like $200+ worth of book vouchers from Randwick Boys High, Sydney for his *ahem* outstanding results - AND I BENEFIT. lalala. Currently, spent $100+ and bought Artemis Fowl (first book), Harry Potter, Philosophers Stone, Nomes Trilogy by Terry Pratchett (Truckers, Diggers, and Wings). Heads spinning, THIS IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! lol. Notice there is no romance. Since it is HIS vouchers, I figured I should recommend books that he would at least read as well. Tomorrow, we just might buy the whole set of Artemis Fowl (5 books) and Harry Potter (7 books). OMG right? We definately will go over budget here, cuz we planned to only collect Harry Potter series. Haiz. ah well, books bring positive externalities (economics nerd, I know). Anyway, books gala heaven ahead. Nuff said.

Get a job. What more can I say. Finished my resume. Finding ways to send it out now and get employed.


thats it, I have alot on my list. hols heaven.

love you guys, muaks

Hi Ho Hi Ho (is that how those dwarfs from Snow White used to chant working together?)

A semester is flying by... 12 weeks feels like only days....and all that Jazz.
It is so cliche, I am embaressed to even write it. But I guess it is so for a reason.

I would like to say 'great working with you guys!' to my marketing team (although only one knows about my blog). Below, I present my team, well only 2 of the 4 because I forgot I brought a camera to camwhore on the last day of class together. EPIC FAIL. Nonetheless, better than nothing. I introduce to you George Cleanthous (Greek, cool right?) and Janice. I hope I dont have to describe how in the picture owns to names mentioned (lol).

p/s: If you guys have been following me on twitter, I showcased George in an adorable beanie (he is real fond of it) before.

I won't say that the we bonded so tight while working our asses off for marketing assignments that we are as inseparable as early lovebirds. BUT, it was a fun and frictionless teamwork nonetheless. I appreciate it all the more when Uni system makes it hard to make friends beyond 'hello, how are you doing?'. Anyhow, I enjoyed knowing you guys. (Especially George and his *ahem* very generous contribution of 50G worth of movies and series, and the recent addition of Smallville season 1 and 2. My head spins when I think how I will be diving into the world of almost endless TV minus annoying advertisements after exams. I cant wait! *insert action of rubbing hands gleefully*)

To my Quantitative Methods A team, you know you guys rock as well. Zoe and Wai Yee on the left and right (Hong Kong and Taiwanese). There is another Aussie born Korean on the team, John... Hmm, I dont think I have his pic. oh wait... I might just have one, where is it? ...

.

..

.

.

.

.

.

.

..

.

..

.

.

.

..

Oh yes, THERE YOU GO! It is my MOST flattering picture of you!(*chuckles*)

Smartphones - the future

I know I should be studying for upcoming events ... but I just had such an interesting conversation with my brother, Kenneth (check out his Fresh Gear site, his topic on why PDA?) I could not resist to blog about it.

I will be very brief, I have no time to share all I know.

My bro was showing me a few articles stating that Sony Erricson, a second-after our ever popular Nokia in slumping in sales, and making consecutive huge losses. "Why?" I asked. In my mind, almost everyone had either nokia or Sony Erricson in Malaysia. He said data phones is the future.

A few more articles backs this statement up, " handsets sales fall, while smartphones increase"

The best person to tell this lesson is Sony Erricson. They are considering to even drop their 'cybershot' and 'walkman' brand! OMG right? Thats what made their previous 100 million handsets sell before. But, they will be dropping it soon, because it is slowly losing relevance in the market. Consumers now demand an ultraportable laptop- the smartphone (mobile, music, internet, camera, other devices ALL IN ONE). High end users are leading the trend, its now Nokia E-series, RIM Blackberry, Apple Iphone, HTC .... in that order. And may I add that Palm seems to be back in the game with their gorgeous Pre, and might possibly break that tight competition in the smartphone era. Nokia unleashed its first step into touch screen already, with its 5800 XpressMusic.. smart (although still late in the game, and a PATHETIC touchscreen first attempt).
Deviating slightly, a funny comment on XpressMusic 5800:
It feels like Nokia is being dragged kicking and screaming into the world of touch. Maybe it is.

ANYWAY,

Why is data phones-smartphones/PDA getting ahead? Because of the advent of data plans. 3G, EDGE, bla bla, is going to be ever popular. And why not? Internet was a boom, it created possibilities, market, new opportunities, IT literally. The young generation are so keen on keeping in touch with friends, they msn, skype, facebook, googletalk, yahoo, bla bla the list never ends. They are so tech-savvy, they CANT LIVE WITHOUT INTERNET. AND SOON THEY WONT BE ABLE TO LIVE WITHOUT 3G and whatnots like that. Imagine, now www in your palm. Here in Australia, 3G is a almost must have in networks, Malaysia is getting there as well.

With web browsing made easier on mobile phones, smartphones will be the ultimate gadget. For the young and enterprise alike. Everyone wants to do everything in one ultimate amazing gadget. Look at the future, we will see ...

'Oh you're smarter than that' - SHUT UP AND KEEP YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELF!

Random guy who does not think before speaking
" Hey, what subject are you taking next semester?"

Me, trying to socialise.
"oh, apart from the 3 core commerce subjects, I am debating between continuing marketing, or trying out finance to see if it fits."

"oh, don't take marketing. You're smarter than that, I can tell."

....

Why thanks for the compliment, sadly I can't return the favour because you are a ignorant-stereotypical ******* (fill in the gaps with your imagination, be my guest to do your worst), because you do not know what you are talking about.

If you do not do the subject, dont think it is easy. Unless you have tried it for yourself, you have no right to judge. Dont think you are better because you PRESUMABLY take something harder. I hate it when people do that, because they are giving people a hard time, and somehow you limit their choices in life thanks to your stupid notions that leads to peer pressure.


I am sick of living in a world that tells me what I have to do. I respect those who listens and encourage people to succeed in whatever they set their minds to. Don't laugh at people because you think what they are doing is of no importance/easy, or worst, for people WHO ARE NOT SMART ENOUGH TO DO ANYTHING ELSE. If you think like that, go bury yourself and your stupid ignorance and arrogance our world can do without.

High school:
"Science stream students are smart, and arts stream are for losers/dumbass who could not get into science stream"
Just so you know, arts stream students were mostly comprising of gangsters, hooligans and whatnot THANKS to people to purport the idea that arts stream students are lesser than science stream students. I admit, I myself fell into that trap. I studied in PMR because I wanted to go to science stream as thats where people respect you. I am sure that is a factor for most people as well, consciously or not. Arts is looked down upon because it is considered easy, and science is more "important". For your information, Arts subject is a knowledge as well a culture. In my case, Commerce is important because without business, you wont have growth in your economy. Believe me, you wont like that.

If you do not know anything, just know this. Everyone has many talents for a reason - everyone has something they are good at. Talent/skills have no inequality. If everyone specialises in what they are good at, the economy, world, the system will function at its optimum allocation.

Think with this simple analogy that everyone should know by now. The body has many parts. Head, eyes, ears, brain, ass etc. Naturally, most would think the brain is superior, and the ass the least important. Well, news to you, if the ass goes on strike and the body can no longer poop, and the brain will suffer from toxic damage.

A plumber may not gain your respect, but if the world plumber numbers takes a huge plunge, economics will show you their pay can be higher than most of you. Without a plumber, you will have to either figure how to do it yourself from the "dummies guide to plumbing" or live without water. Thats the system, and it shows you how EVERYTHING IS IMPORTANT.

Stereotyping prevents people from stepping forward to take on their interest. There are many science stream students who would have liked to do arts, who could be VERY DAMN GOOD AT IT, but chose to do science because the society in general tells them to, because there is a label that they cant bear to be burdened with.

If you are still stereotyping, stop it. The world will be a better place without it.

Why Casino Royale rocks

I noticed that my posts usually has a dash of emo-ness which I find so uncharacteristic of the old Sara. So, to all friends who are nice enough to poke and remind me that my blog is dead, I announce a new NON-EMO post. Nothing personal, no rant, no short bursts of anger (on topics of landlords), just a short review of Casino Royale.

First off, I know I must answer a question that will inevitably pop into your mind:

Why a review such an outdated movie?
Because I only just watched the movie, du-uh! So what if Casino Royale is a 2006 movie? When you are in a foreign country, and your only source of media entertainment is limited movies you get through favours of friends (excluding cinemas, where tickets cost 3x the price of Malaysia's), you dont really get the right to be picky. So yes, recently I just watched it, and now I wanna do a review on it. So dare!

To really be precise, I actually watched Quantum of Solace in Sunway Pyramid before, and was sorely disappointed cuz the movie did not live up to the hype and usual publicity of James Bond movies. I never watched Casino Royale then. After the disappointing Quantum of Solace, I thought the new James Bond, Daniel Craig is horrible. He is not hot, charming or cool in whatsoever sense.

Hello, it is Pierce Brosnan the oh-so-sexy-charming

VS

Daniel Craig,
the ... nothing spectacular (to me)

Clarification: I do not intend to write out the whole story plot, and give rating scores and blah, because I am no movie expert. I will just tell you what I like about Casino Royale. full stop.


I like Casino Royale because it is the first time I saw James Bond fall in love (I admit, I only watched the latest 3 James Bond movies out of the 22 i think). James Bond movies run in such a typical plot, it gets boring, and it usually appeals to the narrow crowd of men. C'mon, don't tell me to secret ingredient to James Bond movie appeal is the plot. I only watched 3 movies, and I can pretty much tell you what the other 19 James Bond movie is about. It is about a secret agent 007, James Bond who goes around saving the day, killing all the bad guys in the process. Amongst all this, James Bond gets to do it in style. Dressing in a tight shirt that shows off all the abs and accessorised with a sexy new car of which it's brand probably paid to have it featured in the movie. Not to forget the all famous feisty ultra-uber hot bond girl that he easily charms and has his way with her on bed. TYPICAL.

The most successful movie franchise to date is James Bond. Guys love it because it is a fantasy come true.

Lets see, salivate-worthy car packed with high tech? Check.
Lots of thrilling non-stop action? Check. Hot body? Check
Gorgeous turn head women, with bodies that should be considered sinful? Women who look like this:

Halle Bary, you can't beat that figure.

Except maybe Megan Fox, Transformers, and her 22 inch waist.

Eva Green, elegant and sexy all mixed into one. She is perfect.
(stop drooling boys)

CHECK!

Oh, dont be mistaken. I am not condone the masculine species and their taste. I only stress that there are certain elements that are a sure hit when executed well in movies. For guys, all mentioned above. For women, one word - ROMANCE. Thats where it got me. When James Bond fell in love with Vesper (Eva Green), my heart melted. No more random sex with sexy strangers. When James Bond finally (to me) fell in love, it was the sweetest thing. When he was going to resign his job for her, I was like awwww. Heck, I even liked Daniel Craig after that. I saw that his piercing blue eyes can be a heartstopper, his smile charming. When James Bond really fell in love, all girls must go *melt*. Thats how we are. This will not change. My heart tugged for James Bond, because it was obvious that Vesper is going to betray him, but I just wanted to believe there could be a happily ever after. I know I am a sucker for romance. I know it makes me a hypocrite, since I am against the whole princess happily-ever-after, prince charming concept. But, I am still a girl.

Oh yes, and the plot was interesting as well. Woo, crime solved yada yada. lol

Belonging

The weather is beginning to get cold. The sky darkens earlier as drizzles occurs a few times a day.

As I promised, UNSW main walkway at night. As I have stated repeatedly, it is beautiful and my photos do not justify it. I could not take a photo absent of the flash function without shaking my hands. These photos are the humiliating result. lol

somehow, it looks alien like green in the picture.

In which I personally assure you is not the case in real life.

for some reason, it turned yellow. It does that unexpectedly sometimes. Once, (according the Khar Mun), the lights were baby pink in tribute and support for the breast cancer society. He said it was beautiful. In my mind's eye I think it is.

Family and friends back in Malaysia may want to know that I am doing well in Australia. I have adjusted to the environment. I know my way around ginormous UNSW, which is a feat in itself (especially for me). I know how to take buses, although only a limited few. I have seen some places that trademarks Australia. I know the right place to shop for food and groceries. Where is the freshest and cheapest meat. I know how to cook...

If those are the aspects where you feel concern for me, you can rest on your back now. No worries in that department. I never really was the person to pay attention nor place importance on these things. From Marketing , I learned a concept (which is really psychology) introduced by Abraham Maslow that humans have different needs, and we unconsciously arrange these needs into a hierarchy. Going into more detail, humans would seek for things to fulfill their physiological needs first, such as food, water, a home etc. When we do satisfy that need, we move on to the higher level of the hierarchy- safety. Next would be belonging, then self esteem and then self actualization. If I follow this theory and relate it to my life, I have satisfied both physiological and safety needs, as I have no concern for them (at least most of the time, to the despair of caring family members, friends and boyfriend). I do have a very strong need for belonging somewhere. I doubt that buying products can satisfy this need, except maybe staying connected through skype, facebook, msn and other medium (a far cry from what I want right now).

For me, the a sense of belonging equates with knowing that someone has your back, and most importantly, that you hold a place in their hearts. I realised now I have said goodbye to a healthy portion of that since I left Malaysia, and the need to belong somewhere has intensified because of this.

Now I wonder how I have done it all these years- Making friends. Not just passing friends whom you forget their names after a while, because those aren't satisfying enough. I mean friends forever type. Our second family. People you feel wholly comfortable with, where there is no need to impress nor feel self conscious with. Where you know they care for you as you do them. Where you know (or at least believe) they are loyal enough to not gossip maliciously about you behind your back, and in fact speak to defend you. Once you lose these people, suddenly you realise you have taken them for granted. Family and friends are actually hard to come by. I wont talk about 'making' family because you are born with it, although the real tie comes with spending time together. But, good friends are so hard to come by. Two literal strangers, meeting up. To be friends in the future, there must be chemistry, a 'click.' That immediate feeling this person is right. This is further tested by the odds and obstacles of the world. You must be able to meet frequently enough at this stage for the connection to stick. There must be the right environment, topics and events. This must happen for both parties. WHAT ARE THE ODDS?! If I look back, it sounds like the factors of finding the soul mate. GEEEZ. So many stages to overcome, and I look back and wonder how I managed to do this in my primary, secondary and amazingly my short time in college.

Making friends is a tedious thing, and now I also wonder why I was (or ever) excited about it before. Why was I excited to start all over again, when I already had it? The idea of impressing people, constantly searching for people to click with, ransacking your head for topics to blot out uncomfortable silences, smiling when you don't sincerely feel like it sounds like a lie right now.

the sense of belonging is a growing desire within me. Sure, I make friends (passing friends like mentioned). I find myself unconsciously observing people, any group that seems so happy together and feel deep down, I am envious. Oh sure, the people I meet now are nice. But, I want more. I want a bondage. Not just one, but a pool of people (i know I sound greedy but I am sure most people do too. Maybe its just because I had it all my life). Without it, I am just plain lonely.

sitting on the green green grass

UNSW students getting cozy on the soft lush grass

UNSW has such large portions nice fluffy green grass. It is very well maintained. I testify to having seen sprinkler systems that specially water the grass.

You know in pamplets of many universities, they have pictures of students sitting and lazing around in the green green grass?

.

Here in UNSW, most students take advantage of the soft grass (especially the ang mohs). The sun warming the backs of students reading, sleeping, chatting, eating, snuggling/snogging (for couples) in the green green grass. It looks really comfortable, and somewhat an attractive thing to do - lying on the green grass, close to nature.

I always wanted to try it. I always stared at people on the grass, observing what they are doing. But, I just never got around to it.

.

So, one day...

I was determined to try it. I walked to a quiet comfortable spot, and sat down. It was funny because I was sitting on the grass, reading and playing with my iphone just for the sake of doing something on the grass. After half an hour, I had to get to a lecture. So I got up. My butt was a little damp, it was not a very hot day that day. I looked down at where I sat, and my heart dropped when I saw this:

.

.

.

..

.

.

.

..

..

.

.

.

.

.

..

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The largest earthworm I ever saw in my whole entire life. When it slithered and moved, I almost threw up.

.

.

.

.

I think I will stick to looking at people enjoy the grass from afar....

p/s, I hate blogspot. So not user friendly. And they tend to change my layout alot after posting. Grrrrr