2025-04-06 19:51:33
Book 4: The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
Link: https://www.nitaprose.com/the-mistletoe-mystery.html
I read and enjoyed the first two books. I was excited for the third one. But I didn't research what it was about this time. It's not a murder mystery, it's a short story.
The three books contain life lessons from the protagonist's grandmother. Here are some highlights from this book:
Stand up for what’s right or you’ll sit on the sidelines all your life.
Be careful what you assume. Nothing is as it seems.
Some things can’t be explained. And some people are a mystery that can never be solved.
Pick your enemies and battles wisely.
“My gran used to say that a successful marriage requires falling in love many times. But the trick is that it’s always with the same person.”
When you assume, you make an A-S-S out of U and ME.
Think the best, not the worst.
Keep calm and carry on.
it’s dangerous to have expensive taste without a wallet to complement it.”
“The good thing about bad times is that they pass,”
Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.
I am also attempting to track my read books on literal.club
2025-04-05 18:40:46
Apple’s returns policy stands out as one of the best, if not the best, in the world. It empowers users like me to discover which Apple products best suit my specific needs and preferences.
Specs:
It was my intention to replace my 16 inch M1 Pro Max with the 14 inch. The M1 Max was way too much power for my needs, but I wanted the greatest ever and for future proof purposes. I am also downsizing the amount of RAM I need from 32GB to 24GB, thanks to my exploration:
Perhaps, it is also a good time to recap what has not changed between the 2021 M1 MacBook Pro and 2024 variant:
If I don't need the extra processing power of the M4 chip, here are the differences between my current M1 and the M4 variant:
Not much of an upgrade.. is it? Credit to the greatness of the M1 chip (assuming it is sufficient for your needs).
This is hardly a secret so why did I buy one in the first place?
Well, for the size. I thought, it would be nicer to have a smaller MacBook which will allow me to replace the MacBook 16 and also my Surface Pro which I use in my bedroom. In my mind, these were good reasons for the upgrade.
In practice, things didn't work out well. I didn't like disconnecting my MacBook daily to move it between rooms. Remembering to take it back to my study the next day was inconvenient. The luxury of just starting work in my study was missed.
The notch on the 14 inch felt larger which it is not. It actually is the same size but feels bigger because it occupies more of the screen real-estate compared to the 14inch model.
Rewritten text: When I worked from the kitchen or took my MacBook to the office, I preferred a larger screen than the 14-inch one. Despite owning an M1 MacBook for over 3 years, I've only traveled with it about 30 times. Each time, I found a bigger screen to be more useful. While the 14-inch variant is 500 grams lighter, it's not a deal breaker for me since I don't carry it every day.
Ultimately, I returned the 14inch MacBook and bought an extra year of Apple care on my M1 16ich MacBook Pro. Going forwarding, I think, the ideal setup would be just having a MacBook Air but currently, that job is done by the Surface Pro. It does that job well enough (I wrote this blog on the Surface with a smile on my face). Plus, it has an OLED display which no MacBooks do. I like that 😍.
I saved my AUD3000 and if Apple wants it; it has to work for it, because why not.
Specs:
I didn’t just buy the Mac Mini because it’s super cute. Sure, it is, but that’s not the main reason. Oh, come on, that was just the excuse for the impulse buy, and also for all the cool new 3D printing designs!
MereCivilian
Regardless, there is some logic to my madness. The thinking here was that the mac mini will become my desktop computer, which means the 16 M1 MacBook does not always have to be plugged and I can use it more around the house.
I was amazed by the base model M4 Mac mini after using it for a week. It met all my needs, making me realize I had overestimated my computing requirements. I fixed the storage issue by adding an external SSD for my Apple Photos library. This quickly resolved the biggest storage problem. The internal 256GB storage sufficed for running macOS. Surprisingly, 16GB of RAM was also more than enough for me. I had multiple tabs open in Arc and ran virtual windows through Citrix Workspace all day with no issues.
By week 2, the Mac Mini replaced my desktop computer. I put it under my desk, making my study look neater. This showed that the Mac Mini has a place in my home.
But, the elephant in the room, or may I say, the 16 M1 MacBook Pro had other plans. It was not only left on the side doing nothing, it was also not that great as a laptop that I can use around the house or in my bedroom write blogs etc. Obviously, a 16inch MacBook is not a portable device. Therefore, for my portable computing needs, I continued to use the Surface Pro. It is a wonderful device with its only downside is that it does not run macOS. Thankfully, Windows has come a long way, but that is for another blog post. This is not the time for a tangent.
The M4 Mac Mini is a great device. However, it has two major downsides compared to the MacBook Pro - it does not have a display or Touch ID. DUH.
I get bored pretty easily and one way I try to keep things interesting in my study is by changing my setups.
MereCivilian
I would say 50% of the 16inch MacBook Pro’s life was spent in clamshell mode. However, when required, it serves as a fantastic, high quality secondary display. On those occasions, I am thrilled to have a 16inch over 14inch MacBook. In addition, it has a Touch ID. Yes; it cost 3 times more than the Mac Mini but keep in mind, I already have the MacBook Pro. Even if I didn’t, I doubt I would have made any other choice. I would have picked up the 16inch MacBook because clearly it serves my needs so freaking well. Like a well-oiled machine. Like a Toyota Landcruiser (which I cannot afford).
This led me back to the setup I was previously using and loving it. The MacBook is always docked and connected. The Mac Mini is sitting on the side, looking pretty. I tried to find other uses cases because I really wanted to keep the Mac Mini. Sadly, that was not meant to be and the Mac Mini was returned for a full refund (special thanks to Apple’s holiday extended returns policy).
The portion relating to the M4 Mac Mini was written on the M2 13 inch iPad Pro and its battery is 3%. Time to switch to the Surface Pro. Be Right Back 🔜
Now that I have the experience of buying and returning a few Apple computers, I am well placed to answer this question.
If I was starting from scratch, I would probably buy a 16 inch MacBook Pro for my study and for times when I need a bigger screen on the go.
In addition, I would grab a MacBook Air for a portable around the house computer. At least until the iPad Pro gets a real desktop class browser or when pigs fly.
Where does the Surface Pro fit in all this?
I regret not buying a 5G variant of my Surface. I took bring my 13-inch iPad Pro with cellular when I went to Asia in January because I could add a travel esim plant on it. I think a Surface Pro 5G would be better than a MacBook Air, but it's too expensive. So, for my use case, 5G Surface Pro will easily replace a MacBook Air and an iPad Pro. But I am not looking to replace them because I enjoy using an iPad, a MacBook and a Surface. I know, I am a weird one.
Fortunately, I don't have to decide on that now.
The Surface Pro is flexible and versatile. For instance, I am currently reviewing this very blog post in portrait mode for better readability. Documents and PDFs are easier to read in portrait mode. I can also do this on the iPad but not on a MacBook.
About a week ago, this happened:
Last June/July, my wife upgraded her 2016 MacBook Pro to a Apple Silicon MacBook Air. Anyway, she gave me her MacBook Pro (which in all honesty was mine in the first place because I gave it to her when I upgraded to the M1 MacBook Pro that I currently have).
I installed macOS Sonoma on it because it had stopped receiving updates from Apple but that is when the open source community stepped in (like they always do... bless them).
Well, when the screen died and I couldn't get it to boot, I figured, it was time to replace the home server. My first instinct was getting the adorable M4 Mac Mini.
However, these days, I am finding joy in buying used rather than brand new. It gave me so much joy when I found a used base model M1 Mini for less AUD330. This is a bargain. It felt so good. Heaps better than buying brand new.
Specs:
For comparison, had I picked up the base model M4 Mac Mini, it would have cost be AUD999. For my home server needs (note, I also have a Synology), the M1 Mac Mini is FAN FREAKING TASTIC.
The person who sold it to me found a new home for this workhorse, I found a gem of a product at an amazing price and my wallet was overjoyed. Everybody wins.
If you have read this far, firstly thank you and second, please reach to me, even to say Hi👋
You can reach me on mastodon [email protected] or @MereCivilian on Twitter or by emailing me via the form in the following site:
2025-04-04 18:00:30
This post will be updated throughout the year. It isn't a collection of everything I watched but rather media that is notable.
Being based in Europe it was pleasing to see all the beautiful locations as backdrop top a gripping and thrilling ride that this Peacock TV Show embarks on.
Pretty impressed with the quality of entire production coming out of India.
Hardly surprising it was the highest grossing movie in India in 2024
It isnt easy to hold one's attention for almost 4 hours and this movie managed to do just that.
AWESOME
Shame on me for not having watched this fantastic movie before. In a way, it worked out well. Watched this movie with my son. His attention lasted3/4 of the movie, but I was hooked the entire time.
Beautiful experience with my son 😍
Imagine getting Disney to make a movie where the star is a rat who is the best chef in France. Such a unique concept and so well executed. Never ever have a found a rat so adorable.
7 April 2025
24 April 2025
Kicking myself for not watching it sooner but than again, it would have been painful waiting each week for a new episode.
2025-04-04 17:58:45
This post will be updated throughout the year. My goal is to read at least one book a month, totalling 12 books a year.
Book 1
Book 2 of 2025. Finished 4 March 2024.
Book 3 of 2025. Finished 28 March 2024.
6 April 2025
Blogpost link
2025-03-31 06:45:08
Sometime in January 2025, I came across an article revealing the best hiking trails in Australia. According to the Alltrails 2024 annual report (unfortunately, I cannot seem to find this report on the Alltrails website) the top 5 best trails in Australia are:
Like most folks, January is a time where I am motivated to do better in all aspects of my life. Particular focus was my health (as detailed in my blogpost). I got this idea that going on a hike could be a good way to do something different and also assist with my aim to walk more. This, my friends, is called habit stacking.
Long story short, because of my location, the only hike I could do was the Mount Lofty Loop, and that is exactly what I did on the 22 March 2025. My family usually occupies my weekends, but my wife and son went to my in-laws' that day, allowing me to do something for myself.
It wasn't a very long hike, and neither it was super difficult. All the stars aligned because that Saturday was a nice beautiful sunny day in Melbourne.
Looking to fully take advantage of habit stacking, I also took my Fuji X100VI. I recently re-purchased this camera but had not found the time to use it. It is at the back of my mind that I like the idea of having this camera rather than actually using it.
During my hike, I found a beautiful and peaceful spot. I sat down, meditated for 10 minutes, and then resumed my hike. I usually meditate daily indoors, but meditating outside felt more tranquil.
Gallery of some more pictures:
Some pictures I took I like. They are not the best images ever but they are mine, taken from my camera, when I was in my happy place.
I saw:
Driving to the hike, I saw a beautiful horse that I wanted to take a picture of but I suppose I got lazy. Anyway, driving back, I hoped the horse will still be there.
My luck did not disappoint and I quickly parked the car, grabed my Fuji and took a snap.
2025-03-22 11:38:57
This is the question I asked myself moments before I placing a preordered for the Pebble Core Time 2. Rewritten text: I placed the order, anyway. It comes with free cancellation. I'll decide later if I want a Pebble in my life in 2025. This blog post is capturing my thought process.
Its USD250 (includes shipping to Australia) and will arrive hopefully at my doorsteps before Christmas 2025.
I preordered for the white colour, so it should look like this (pretty cool and retro at the same time):
Source: https://store.repebble.com/
I have fond memories of my Pebble Steal which at the time I sold because I upgraded to the Apple Watch. There are things that the Pebble Steal did back than that the Apple Watch still cannot do today, namely the battery life and the screen that is not constantly seeking your attention. The battery life issue isn't that much of a concern to me now since I am so used to charging my smart watches.
However, an e-ink display on a watch is so wonderfully beautiful 😍.
I am not simply reminiscing about the good old days. I actually have a Pebble that I still use today. It is the Pebble Time Round:
Post by @[email protected]View on Mastodon
From memory, it still is the only Pebble that had a traditional round face, and that is precisely the reason I still rock one today. Watches are supposed to have round faces, at least give users a choice (looking at you.. Apple - your way or the highway...😠)
This is also the thinnest watch in my collection. Despite its battery life being only 2-3 days, it still outlasts the battery of an Apple Watch (excluding the Ultra range).
From personal experience of using a Pebble in 2025, I have found that it is a delight to wear. Many people have asked me what watch I am wearing, and it always brings a smile to my face explaining the Pebble story. The only difference now is that I can actually give them a link to preorder.
Apple being Apple, my Pebble Time only works with my Android phone, which is more than OK.
The following is what the Pebble founder had to say about iOS:
The following is a list of things that I use my Pebble for:
That is it. That is all it does. There are many apps that I can install, but I do not need it.
Pebble has a unique advantage with its e-ink display. It took me some time to realize its benefits, despite my love for e-ink displays. The reason is simple: reading on an e-ink display is much better than reading on an iPad. The experience of reading a book on a Kobo/Kindle is vastly superior to reading a book on an iPad. PERIOD. It does one thing and one thing so well. This watch is the same.
Whenever I have a Pebble watch on my wrist, things are a lot calmer. There are notifications (mind you, my notification on my Apple Watch and Android Watch are also trimmed down significantly) but the Pebble is a device that is just not a constant attention seeker. It just simply lives in the background.
As a tech nerd, I like to enjoy unique experiences. That is why I carry two phones. For a while I was only using Apple products, but it comes with a significant opportunity cost. That being, as a tech enthusiast, I cannot use other products.
Living outside of Apple's walled gardens is occasionally frustrating, but it is never boring and always fun, not to mention quirky as well.
The second best thing about Pebble is its open source operating system, PebbleOS. It is a fun operating system. For example, when charging, the screen will show a takeaway coffee mug. I like that.
Since my order won't arrive until Christmas, I have ample time to reconsider my decision. I preordered the expensive option, but there is also a cheaper $150 Pebble available, expected to be delivered in July 2025. This means there will be six months for real people to provide feedback, thoughts, and reviews. This feedback might influence me to cancel my order or increase my excitement about wearing a modern Pebble on my wrist.
For now, I will not be denying myself this experience. Life is all about experiences and the last time I consulted the experts, we all only live once. So live a little. Try something different.
