grey-skied weekend

alas...after looking forward to my first weekend after class had started for 5 pretty alright, pretty sunny days, the weather in Auckland took a turn and black, puffy rain clouds flew in just when Saturday morning started. and it rained. for the entire weekend.

the metservice here had predicted a huge storm that was coming our way during the weekend and police had urged everyone to stay home on the radio. and on the internet..
Press Release

For immediate release

25 July 2008

1430

MetService expects the Auckland region to be hit by a severe storm between midday Saturday and midday Sunday.

'This is no ordinary storm. It's one of the largest and deepest lows we've seen for some years,' MetService spokesman Peter Kreft says.

'By the time this system reaches northern New Zealand on Saturday, it is likely to have significant destructive potential. The real issue will be the wind, with gusts of more than 110km/h expected,” he says.

Radio Network's weather analyst describes the storm as 'extremely rare and nasty.”

The Auckland Region Emergency Management Office is monitoring the weather situation and recommends people listen to the radio for Civil Defence advice or check the Yellow Pages in your phone book on how best to prepare for this storm.

Auckland may have heavy rain and strong winds which may cause flooding and power outages in some areas. People should follow the advice given and prepare themselves just in case.

Before the storm hits you should:

§ Check your drains and spouting to make sure they are clear of blockages.

§ Pick up rubbish around your house that could become airborne.

§ Bring rubbish bins indoors.

§ Bring pets inside.

§ Boaties are recommended to check their moorings.

§ Check on your next door neighbours.

If the storm hits we would recommend:

People stay at home, do not travel unless absolutely necessary.

§ Open a window on the side of the building away from the wind. This will relieve pressure on the roof and help prevent it lifting

§ Close all curtains to slow down flying glass and airborne objects

§ Stay away from doors and windows. If the wind becomes destructive, shelter further inside the house.

and shermayne went back home for the weekend. i was invited but i thought i had stuff to do, so i stayed back, thinking i'd do a bit of revision, chat with some friends from home and stuff. but i was actually quite scared yesterday. should any window be shattered in the storm i really would not know what to do. and i'd be terrified all by myself.

but the storm came and went, and it was only really strong wind and rain. nothing shattered, nothing broke. i dont even see tree branches on the roads. i've seen bigger storms back in Subang.

Today, the weather remained wet, dark and gloomy. I have officially been home for 48 hour. or more. and I've verbally spoken no more than 5 words that is to Shermayne when she came in this morning to drop some things off before going off again. I chatted with kenneth on skype for a while, but that was about it. i feel quite miserable, truth be told.what have i been doing? online first aid crash course, blog surfing, online comic reading, and some letter writing. have yet to touch my books, but i will right after i'm done with this. to battle the cold, (and the calories from snacking on chips n cookies) i have resorted to running up and down the stairs of this apartment. i.sound.crazy.yup, quite sad, but hey least my hair looks absolutely fab! seriously, the weather works wonders for my hair:)

p/s: if u see me online and ure free to chat, by all means buzz me because i'm extremely bored. and lonely. =)