There is something just not right, after five years living out and suddenly having to live with your parents again, you feel like an outsider.
I've resorted to living with my folks for the next three months before formally moving to Coffs Harbour. There are advantages that I don't need to pay for food and it's 5 mins away from work. However, parents, no matter how old you've become, still want to know where you are going, how you are spending your money and why you are doing so-and-so, even after so many years of not asking these questions.
Also, my bed is no longer mine. I just don't feel right in the bed, the room I had is now full of other people's clothing, and there isn't a personal space for me in the house anymore.
I am glad it's only for three months. There was really no point in trying to find a rental place to live in for three months, especially I am still paying for half of the rent up in Coffs even if I am not regularly there, so I guess, it'll have to do.
Google Search
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
If you could have any bed, which one would it be?
We have been talking about maybe we should get a new bed to improve my sleep. I never really had a good bed, always getting second hands to save money, but I also never really sleep that well. I toss and turn and toss and turn more, I think perhaps a new bed with a good mattress will help?
So that got me thinking, if I could have any bed, regardless of cost, I'd like to have this one. It's stylish and it looks so comfortable! I don't like leather beds, and not big fan of antique, metal frames either. I think for a bed I just want the simple look with a big comfortable mattress :)
Just for reference, the above bed is from
.
Also, now that we have found a three bedroom house in Coffs Harbour, perhaps we also should consider putting in Guest Beds for family and friends that wants to come and stay for a mini break. Or even rent the third room out if we do really come to financial problems.
Ah beds... a bad thing to be thinking about at work, I want to go back to sleep!
So that got me thinking, if I could have any bed, regardless of cost, I'd like to have this one. It's stylish and it looks so comfortable! I don't like leather beds, and not big fan of antique, metal frames either. I think for a bed I just want the simple look with a big comfortable mattress :)
Just for reference, the above bed is from
Also, now that we have found a three bedroom house in Coffs Harbour, perhaps we also should consider putting in Guest Beds for family and friends that wants to come and stay for a mini break. Or even rent the third room out if we do really come to financial problems.
Ah beds... a bad thing to be thinking about at work, I want to go back to sleep!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
An inspirational video
Some of you may have already seen this video circulating around the globe. It is the video of Randy Pausch's last lecture (after being given only 3-6 months to live) and is it simply inspirational for all of us.
Achieving your childhood dreams
Achieving your childhood dreams
Monday, February 25, 2008
Budgeting as top priority
According to Uk Mortgages, Budgeting is 'top priority for Brits'.
Well no doubt. It took them this long to realise budgeting is important? I've learnt how to budget since the age of 10, and now it's the thing I do everyday. (With exception for the credit card disaster I've written about previously)
I like to budget. When I do, I even put in extra money just to cover the 'accidental' spendings, and at the end of the month, if I don't end up spending that money, it counts towards savings. Which is great, because I know how much exactly I will have by October this year to go on a holiday with.
The article above suggest people to "budget and invest their money "in a way that makes it work smarter for [their] needs"" - Personally, I don't like investments. Investments to me is risky and likely to collapse with the market trends. What happened to everyone's investment when the global market goes down? All these money just disappear and in the end you are left with nothing but a piece of paper to remind you of your failures.
I like to know exactly where my money is, and I know I can access it anytime, any day. That's why I still prefer to keep my money in banks, and in term deposits where I know they are safe and have a fixed interest rate.
And then, I can start budgeting from that amount. :)
Well no doubt. It took them this long to realise budgeting is important? I've learnt how to budget since the age of 10, and now it's the thing I do everyday. (With exception for the credit card disaster I've written about previously)
I like to budget. When I do, I even put in extra money just to cover the 'accidental' spendings, and at the end of the month, if I don't end up spending that money, it counts towards savings. Which is great, because I know how much exactly I will have by October this year to go on a holiday with.
The article above suggest people to "budget and invest their money "in a way that makes it work smarter for [their] needs"" - Personally, I don't like investments. Investments to me is risky and likely to collapse with the market trends. What happened to everyone's investment when the global market goes down? All these money just disappear and in the end you are left with nothing but a piece of paper to remind you of your failures.
I like to know exactly where my money is, and I know I can access it anytime, any day. That's why I still prefer to keep my money in banks, and in term deposits where I know they are safe and have a fixed interest rate.
And then, I can start budgeting from that amount. :)
Finances finally stabled
Well, I've achieved one of my new years resolutions already. I have successfully paid off one of my credit cards and completely closed that account off. Which means no more multiple credit card accounts to have to worry about.
As to why I even had two credit cards, was because I needed the Earth Card (great card by the way, nothing wrong with it) as a low rate low annual fee credit card. Then at work they offered us the CitiBank card for free, no annual fees with a rewards program. So I ended up having two, but at the time I didn't think about the consequences of having two cards and getting my finances all mixed up, so I ended up having a bit of trouble paying off both.
Now, I only have one, and I intend to keep it that way.
And, I've also paid off my personal loan too, so that means I finally can start properly save up for my next travels!
As to why I even had two credit cards, was because I needed the Earth Card (great card by the way, nothing wrong with it) as a low rate low annual fee credit card. Then at work they offered us the CitiBank card for free, no annual fees with a rewards program. So I ended up having two, but at the time I didn't think about the consequences of having two cards and getting my finances all mixed up, so I ended up having a bit of trouble paying off both.
Now, I only have one, and I intend to keep it that way.
And, I've also paid off my personal loan too, so that means I finally can start properly save up for my next travels!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Singles spending less than couples
I've always known this fact, knowing that myself, as a single woman, spent less than I currently do in a relationship.
And this has now been confirmed with a report by Secured Loans: Singletons 'spend less than couples'
When I was single, and only had to care for myself, I didn't care what brand of toilet paper we used; I didn't care if the vegetable I bought were not as fresh as those more expensive ones; I didn't have to have a different meal every dinner and I can have canned soup every day if I wanted.
Now, in a relationship, we are spending more on food, buying better brands and better and pricier fresh products. Not that it's a bad thing we are eating healthier, but more is also being spent out of our pockets.
I wonder why that is? As a couple, you also tend to want to spend nights out and enjoy a nice dinner somewhere, hire more DVDs and wanting a better house to live in rather than just someone else's backyard shed.
No wonder more and more people are getting into debt!
Secured Loans
And this has now been confirmed with a report by Secured Loans: Singletons 'spend less than couples'
When I was single, and only had to care for myself, I didn't care what brand of toilet paper we used; I didn't care if the vegetable I bought were not as fresh as those more expensive ones; I didn't have to have a different meal every dinner and I can have canned soup every day if I wanted.
Now, in a relationship, we are spending more on food, buying better brands and better and pricier fresh products. Not that it's a bad thing we are eating healthier, but more is also being spent out of our pockets.
I wonder why that is? As a couple, you also tend to want to spend nights out and enjoy a nice dinner somewhere, hire more DVDs and wanting a better house to live in rather than just someone else's backyard shed.
No wonder more and more people are getting into debt!
Secured Loans
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The pain of renting
Applying for a rental property is now even harder than applying for a job, so I have experienced just in the past three days.
Not only do they want to see your photo IDs, they now also want to see documents such as credit card bills, bank account statements, a written reference from your previous landlord or agent, your birth certificate, your medicare card, your car registration and you'd also have everything else ready too because you just don't know what they are going to ask for next.
Fair enough they are protecting themselves from people who possibly not going to be able to pay rent, but c'mon, surely a photo ID, proof of income, two bills with current address and a rental ledger from the previous places prove that I am a decent renter who just want a home?
The battle continues. Two places have been applied for and lets just hope for the best.
Not only do they want to see your photo IDs, they now also want to see documents such as credit card bills, bank account statements, a written reference from your previous landlord or agent, your birth certificate, your medicare card, your car registration and you'd also have everything else ready too because you just don't know what they are going to ask for next.
Fair enough they are protecting themselves from people who possibly not going to be able to pay rent, but c'mon, surely a photo ID, proof of income, two bills with current address and a rental ledger from the previous places prove that I am a decent renter who just want a home?
The battle continues. Two places have been applied for and lets just hope for the best.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Employment training
Throughout my corporate years it's common knowledge that if you want to advance somewhere in the organisation, or if you want to start working in another area of the organisation, you'll need further training, regardless of what university degree or what other trainings you may already have received.
Currently while I am job hunting in Coffs Harbour, I realised that having worked in my company for so many years, they have shaped me around my job role that, I can really only work for them, and not specialised in anything else to work for someone else.
Which greatly annoys me, and made me realise that perhaps I need some other training to enter other areas of the workforce.
I remember having the same conversation with a colleague, who has since moved on from the organisation, that further training is the only way we can move out of our very inflexible jobs. He has since moved to the UK and now is a sales person.
Sales is one of those areas that require not only wit, but also personality and persuasion skills. Sales Training is essential for those without a mentor and have not had previous experience in the job. Personally I wouldn't prefer a job in sales because it is extremely competitive and stressful, but for the right person, it's a career with its rewards.
Advance is one of UK's leading sales training institutes. Not only do they provide sales training, they also provide management, software and publishing solutions for sales. Perhaps if you are looking into a career in sales, one such institution can help.
Currently while I am job hunting in Coffs Harbour, I realised that having worked in my company for so many years, they have shaped me around my job role that, I can really only work for them, and not specialised in anything else to work for someone else.
Which greatly annoys me, and made me realise that perhaps I need some other training to enter other areas of the workforce.
I remember having the same conversation with a colleague, who has since moved on from the organisation, that further training is the only way we can move out of our very inflexible jobs. He has since moved to the UK and now is a sales person.
Sales is one of those areas that require not only wit, but also personality and persuasion skills. Sales Training is essential for those without a mentor and have not had previous experience in the job. Personally I wouldn't prefer a job in sales because it is extremely competitive and stressful, but for the right person, it's a career with its rewards.
Advance is one of UK's leading sales training institutes. Not only do they provide sales training, they also provide management, software and publishing solutions for sales. Perhaps if you are looking into a career in sales, one such institution can help.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Nine Month Later
This story tells us that sometimes, it is better for yourselves to tell the truth. (Or, is it really saying, don't go around sleeping with widows and not give your own name?)
NINE MONTHS LATER
Jack decided to go skiing with his buddy, Bob. So they loaded up Jack's mini van and headed north. After driving for a few hours, they got caught in a terrible blizzard. So they pulled into a nearby farm and asked the attractive lady who answered the door if they could spend the night.
'I realise it's terrible weather out there and I have this huge house all to myself, but I'm recently widowed,' she explained. 'I'm afraid the neighbours will talk if I let you stay in my house.'
'Don't worry ,' Jack said. 'We'll be happy to sleep in the barn. And if the weather breaks, we'll be gone at first light.' The lady agreed, and the two men found their way to the barn and settled in for the night. Come morning, the weather had cleared, and they got on their way. They enjoyed a great weekend of skiing.
About nine months later, Jack got an unexpected letter from an attorney. It took him a few minutes to figure it out, but he finally determined that it was from the attorney of that attractive widow he had met on the ski weekend.
He dropped in on his friend Bob and asked, 'Bob, do you remember that good-looking widow from the farm we stayed at on our ski holiday up north about 9 months ago?'
'Yes, I do 'said Bob'.
'Did you, ER, happen to get up in the middle of the night, go up to the house and pay her a visit?'
'Well, um, yes,' Bob said, a little embarrassed about being found out, 'I have to admit that I did.'
'And did you happen to give her my name instead of telling her your name?'
Bob's face turned beet red and he said, 'Yeah, look, I'm sorry, buddy. I'm afraid I did.' 'Why do you ask?'
'She just died and left me everything.'
NINE MONTHS LATER
Jack decided to go skiing with his buddy, Bob. So they loaded up Jack's mini van and headed north. After driving for a few hours, they got caught in a terrible blizzard. So they pulled into a nearby farm and asked the attractive lady who answered the door if they could spend the night.
'I realise it's terrible weather out there and I have this huge house all to myself, but I'm recently widowed,' she explained. 'I'm afraid the neighbours will talk if I let you stay in my house.'
'Don't worry ,' Jack said. 'We'll be happy to sleep in the barn. And if the weather breaks, we'll be gone at first light.' The lady agreed, and the two men found their way to the barn and settled in for the night. Come morning, the weather had cleared, and they got on their way. They enjoyed a great weekend of skiing.
About nine months later, Jack got an unexpected letter from an attorney. It took him a few minutes to figure it out, but he finally determined that it was from the attorney of that attractive widow he had met on the ski weekend.
He dropped in on his friend Bob and asked, 'Bob, do you remember that good-looking widow from the farm we stayed at on our ski holiday up north about 9 months ago?'
'Yes, I do 'said Bob'.
'Did you, ER, happen to get up in the middle of the night, go up to the house and pay her a visit?'
'Well, um, yes,' Bob said, a little embarrassed about being found out, 'I have to admit that I did.'
'And did you happen to give her my name instead of telling her your name?'
Bob's face turned beet red and he said, 'Yeah, look, I'm sorry, buddy. I'm afraid I did.' 'Why do you ask?'
'She just died and left me everything.'
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
If gambling wasn't a problem...
Lately as I consider future job opportunities and money issues, I am constantly looking for possibilities to earn a little more income. I've visited numerous work from home websites and found none suitable, and as desperation struck, I even considered online betting.
Gambling has never been my interest. I don't believe betting on sports is in anyway an income generation scheme. I know people who are hooked on betting on sports, especially horse racing and have lost fortunes that could have spent in a more meaningful way.
However, as it is considered a leisure activity while it's not a problem, betting is now a growing industry expanding internationally.
I feel that sports betting is just a little different from pure gambling. Sports betting requires observation as well as understanding of the sport, and often with good study of the opponents, you are likely to 'guess' correctly as who would win.
Betfair.com is such an online betting website that provides betting opportunities for international sports. I was intrigued to find this particular site supporting a charity from the profits they make from people betting online with them. And the fact that they state their responsible betting policies to promote... well... responsible betting.
I am in no way trying to promote gambling, but if you do like a bit of betting on the side, online betting certainly is a lot more convenience than getting to a TAB agent.
Gambling has never been my interest. I don't believe betting on sports is in anyway an income generation scheme. I know people who are hooked on betting on sports, especially horse racing and have lost fortunes that could have spent in a more meaningful way.
However, as it is considered a leisure activity while it's not a problem, betting is now a growing industry expanding internationally.
I feel that sports betting is just a little different from pure gambling. Sports betting requires observation as well as understanding of the sport, and often with good study of the opponents, you are likely to 'guess' correctly as who would win.
Betfair.com is such an online betting website that provides betting opportunities for international sports. I was intrigued to find this particular site supporting a charity from the profits they make from people betting online with them. And the fact that they state their responsible betting policies to promote... well... responsible betting.
I am in no way trying to promote gambling, but if you do like a bit of betting on the side, online betting certainly is a lot more convenience than getting to a TAB agent.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A way to busy myself....
After the entire chaos of moving, we are now in Coffs Harbour trying to find a place to live. The rental market is pretty tight, and with a pet, it's even harder to secure a place...
Anyways, while waiting for the real estates to call me back, I've decided for the next three months while I won't have my partner with me back in Sydney, I need to keep myself busy with some more challenges.
So, I've adopted more orphaned blogs:
Love's Adventures - a blog about my journey into engagement and our adventures along the way
Project Job Search - a blog on jobs and careers, and the challenges of employment
Sydney Table - my take on Sydney restaurants, recommendations and critics!
Travel Debates - Topical discussions about travelling
I know blogging is not going to take my writing career any further, but it has provided me a venue to practice my writing regularly and a place for me to jot down my ideas :)
Anyways, while waiting for the real estates to call me back, I've decided for the next three months while I won't have my partner with me back in Sydney, I need to keep myself busy with some more challenges.
So, I've adopted more orphaned blogs:
Love's Adventures - a blog about my journey into engagement and our adventures along the way
Project Job Search - a blog on jobs and careers, and the challenges of employment
Sydney Table - my take on Sydney restaurants, recommendations and critics!
Travel Debates - Topical discussions about travelling
I know blogging is not going to take my writing career any further, but it has provided me a venue to practice my writing regularly and a place for me to jot down my ideas :)
The discovery of bed side critters
So on the weekend we finally did the move. We got up really early in the morning so we can dismantle our bed for transportation and to my horror, when we took apart one corner of the bed, there were 'bugs' crawling around!
I am no bug expert, and have no idea if they are bed bugs or just some bugs that just happen to be there at the time. They were brown, small and doesn't jump so they are definitely not fleas...
So, intrigued, I later got onto the internet to look for information on how to tell if you have bed bugs.
The Bed Bugs Guide (as linked above) is a simple web page with information on what bed bugs are, how to tell if they are bed bugs, how to get rid of them and how to keep them off. Having had a look at other sites that provided similar information, I found this site just simply easy to understand and very straight forward without all the fancy formatting :)
Anyways, so it turns out that we didn't have bed bugs, otherwise my legs would be looking like a mine field right now. Thank god.
I am no bug expert, and have no idea if they are bed bugs or just some bugs that just happen to be there at the time. They were brown, small and doesn't jump so they are definitely not fleas...
So, intrigued, I later got onto the internet to look for information on how to tell if you have bed bugs.
The Bed Bugs Guide (as linked above) is a simple web page with information on what bed bugs are, how to tell if they are bed bugs, how to get rid of them and how to keep them off. Having had a look at other sites that provided similar information, I found this site just simply easy to understand and very straight forward without all the fancy formatting :)
Anyways, so it turns out that we didn't have bed bugs, otherwise my legs would be looking like a mine field right now. Thank god.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Five days left in our Leichhardt house
Well, five day to go to the day of move. Technically our rent does not expire until next Saturday but we wanted to make sure every thing is done before we head to Coffs Harbour next Wednesday for house hunting. It's been really hectic packing every night, especially in a place where I've probably lived the longest out of all my renting life (12 months!) so there is something about leaving that makes me all emotional.
The cat is sensing something. She is hanging around a lot more and is sniffing out the boxes one by one. She has moved with me three times since I got her so she is smart enough to know it's time to move again. Poor thing doesn't know about the long drive she is going to have to endure up to Coffs yet!
Speaking of the cat, I wonder if she is going to be okay being in the car for 8 hours. I don't want to take her on a flight. I can just imagine her all frightened of the noise in the dark and wet baggage section. I can't bare to think what just the 45 mins flight could do to her fragile mentality. I've seen cats at shelters that have been locked up by their cruel owners in dark rooms for long periods of time and they are just timid, jumpy and not pleasant. I hope the long drive won't do harm to Kitty - I am going to make sure she get a breath of fresh air every time we break.
What a way to start the new year! Engaged, and moving. It's going to be a challenge once I properly move in June to find a new job, but it'll be alright. Looking forward to it.
The cat is sensing something. She is hanging around a lot more and is sniffing out the boxes one by one. She has moved with me three times since I got her so she is smart enough to know it's time to move again. Poor thing doesn't know about the long drive she is going to have to endure up to Coffs yet!
Speaking of the cat, I wonder if she is going to be okay being in the car for 8 hours. I don't want to take her on a flight. I can just imagine her all frightened of the noise in the dark and wet baggage section. I can't bare to think what just the 45 mins flight could do to her fragile mentality. I've seen cats at shelters that have been locked up by their cruel owners in dark rooms for long periods of time and they are just timid, jumpy and not pleasant. I hope the long drive won't do harm to Kitty - I am going to make sure she get a breath of fresh air every time we break.
What a way to start the new year! Engaged, and moving. It's going to be a challenge once I properly move in June to find a new job, but it'll be alright. Looking forward to it.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Trust me, I am a doctor!
On the weekend the Sydney Morning Herald ran a short piece in their Career section on jobs that gains most people's trust.
It starts: "If you want a job that will earn you the respect and trust of the wider community, become an ambulance officer, firefighter, nurse or pharmacist. But if you're not so concerned what others think of you, a career in real estate, journalism or insurance broking might be right up your alley." (Sydney Morning Herald, Feb 9-10 2008 Careers, pg5)
So it seems anything that 'helps' people gains people's trust and respect. Naturally. However I can't help but think - all these professions that puts their lives in front of others, that helps the community and people with all their knowledge, are the professions that gets paid, or treated the worst by the government. For so long now the teachers are fighting for more pay. Our public hospitals are short of nurses because their working conditions are not good, all these community services are lacking government support.
Although, for me, there is one type of 'help' out there that I don't trust. Help desk support. I work in the IT industry and I know what it's like from the inside. They don't help. They follow a script of things to say to you when you call, and when they can't answer your question, they say they'll pass the problem on and get someone to get back to you. 50% of the time you've actually got to call back and chase this up, and you are likely to have to re-describe everything again as if there is no communication between those working at the help desk.
Perhaps I am just biased.
However, there is a trend in this 'distrust' of people in professions that deals with money as well. Car sales people, bankers, insurance, stock brokers and well, lawyers as well. They make big money, these people, and that's probably why people don't generally like them.
So it comes down to money then. Even journalists are getting targeted for being dishonest, simply because for them to keep their jobs they need to write according to what their publications want them to write. Poor things.
Unfortunately that's the way society sees things. It's a good thing that most people don't really take popularity into account when they choose their professions.
It starts: "If you want a job that will earn you the respect and trust of the wider community, become an ambulance officer, firefighter, nurse or pharmacist. But if you're not so concerned what others think of you, a career in real estate, journalism or insurance broking might be right up your alley." (Sydney Morning Herald, Feb 9-10 2008 Careers, pg5)
So it seems anything that 'helps' people gains people's trust and respect. Naturally. However I can't help but think - all these professions that puts their lives in front of others, that helps the community and people with all their knowledge, are the professions that gets paid, or treated the worst by the government. For so long now the teachers are fighting for more pay. Our public hospitals are short of nurses because their working conditions are not good, all these community services are lacking government support.
Although, for me, there is one type of 'help' out there that I don't trust. Help desk support. I work in the IT industry and I know what it's like from the inside. They don't help. They follow a script of things to say to you when you call, and when they can't answer your question, they say they'll pass the problem on and get someone to get back to you. 50% of the time you've actually got to call back and chase this up, and you are likely to have to re-describe everything again as if there is no communication between those working at the help desk.
Perhaps I am just biased.
However, there is a trend in this 'distrust' of people in professions that deals with money as well. Car sales people, bankers, insurance, stock brokers and well, lawyers as well. They make big money, these people, and that's probably why people don't generally like them.
So it comes down to money then. Even journalists are getting targeted for being dishonest, simply because for them to keep their jobs they need to write according to what their publications want them to write. Poor things.
Unfortunately that's the way society sees things. It's a good thing that most people don't really take popularity into account when they choose their professions.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Home clearance
Usually, I am a hoarder. I keep everything I see and everything I get from travel brochures to free magazines to take away menus to my high school reports. I usually do also bring them along with me each time I move however, not this time. Either I have changed, or that the move is too big I've decided nothing is worth keeping.
This whole day I have been cleaning out the house. Partly because the real estate is coming around this afternoon to open the house for perspective renters after us, partly because I really want to get the packing done so there won't be much to do next week.
On my bookshelves I've started the dumping. Out goes old German text books that I have treasured for so long. Out goes old birthday and Christmas cards. Out goes my diary I wrote when I was 17.
Diaries are difficult to decide. I've kept my travel diaries but those written when I was 17 or 18 usually contain writing about high school crushes and things about my parents. There were also things that I don't even remember happened, as well as things I don't wish to remember. So out they go in the bin.
I don't know what gave me the energy but just today I had packed 5 boxes. The house is still a mess and there are a lot more work to do but only a week to go. After all this chaos all I have to worry about is to find a nice little place up in Coffs for us and the cat, and then we can properly move up.
I don't even want to think about the unpacking we'll have to do yet!
This whole day I have been cleaning out the house. Partly because the real estate is coming around this afternoon to open the house for perspective renters after us, partly because I really want to get the packing done so there won't be much to do next week.
On my bookshelves I've started the dumping. Out goes old German text books that I have treasured for so long. Out goes old birthday and Christmas cards. Out goes my diary I wrote when I was 17.
Diaries are difficult to decide. I've kept my travel diaries but those written when I was 17 or 18 usually contain writing about high school crushes and things about my parents. There were also things that I don't even remember happened, as well as things I don't wish to remember. So out they go in the bin.
I don't know what gave me the energy but just today I had packed 5 boxes. The house is still a mess and there are a lot more work to do but only a week to go. After all this chaos all I have to worry about is to find a nice little place up in Coffs for us and the cat, and then we can properly move up.
I don't even want to think about the unpacking we'll have to do yet!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Small business phone systems
Have I mentioned that I have an ABN (Australian Business Number)? I decided to set up as a small business owner when I started serious writing so I can issue invoices to publications who buys my articles.
Since then I've learnt many things about owning a small business, including the amount of time I spend on the phone talking to publications, trying to get leads and discussing about the work.
And so blindly browsing the web for small business phone systems I came across Advanced Communications and Maintenance.
In my day job I also work as someone who evaluate these types of services, and it got me interested. Although I was looking more for Australian providers, I had a look just as a comparison anyway. They provide phone system installation services, PBX and Voice mail maintenance and even cable design and implementation. Based in Massachussetts in the USA, the company also sell telecommunication hardware to any sized companies along with their services.
So if you are an US based small business, they might have the solution you are after.
Advanced Communications & Maintenance
Since then I've learnt many things about owning a small business, including the amount of time I spend on the phone talking to publications, trying to get leads and discussing about the work.
And so blindly browsing the web for small business phone systems I came across Advanced Communications and Maintenance.
In my day job I also work as someone who evaluate these types of services, and it got me interested. Although I was looking more for Australian providers, I had a look just as a comparison anyway. They provide phone system installation services, PBX and Voice mail maintenance and even cable design and implementation. Based in Massachussetts in the USA, the company also sell telecommunication hardware to any sized companies along with their services.
So if you are an US based small business, they might have the solution you are after.
Advanced Communications & Maintenance
Monday, February 4, 2008
My Stars for the week
I only just bothered to look at the weekend paper, and here are my stars of the week:
Taurus
Outstanding luck is heading your way today and tomorrow, when you have the chutzpah to make things happen. Go with your generous instincts, Taurus, for all will be lost if you stop and think too hard. Career questions sharpen with Thursday's big eclipse and the temptation is to start over again. Take the hint but also take your time. Something must shift work-wise but you don't have to figure it out at once.
So far, the luck 'today and tomorrow' which I can only assume was last Saturday and Sunday, didn't really happen... but I am looking forward to that little career twist on Thursday...
I don't even believe in these forecasts, but why do I read them? Coz I am bored, coz I am like the rest of you that is hoping some of the good stuff written can actually be true, or that for that fault sense of security - it's like someone telling you everything is going to be ok.
Well, the moving plans has been extremely stressful, especially when juggling between other immediate family commitments and full time work. The quotes to move from Sydney to Coffs Harbour haven't been cheap, and it's tempting me to just sell out everything and buy everything new there... but we shall keep looking.
I thought I'd share this - I found a collection of Australian moving companies that you can just browse and check (without having to google them one by one) - http://www.ozremovals.com.au/
At least housing prices are cheaper up there.... I am looking forward to this change, just the process is slightly pissing me off.
Taurus
Outstanding luck is heading your way today and tomorrow, when you have the chutzpah to make things happen. Go with your generous instincts, Taurus, for all will be lost if you stop and think too hard. Career questions sharpen with Thursday's big eclipse and the temptation is to start over again. Take the hint but also take your time. Something must shift work-wise but you don't have to figure it out at once.
So far, the luck 'today and tomorrow' which I can only assume was last Saturday and Sunday, didn't really happen... but I am looking forward to that little career twist on Thursday...
I don't even believe in these forecasts, but why do I read them? Coz I am bored, coz I am like the rest of you that is hoping some of the good stuff written can actually be true, or that for that fault sense of security - it's like someone telling you everything is going to be ok.
Well, the moving plans has been extremely stressful, especially when juggling between other immediate family commitments and full time work. The quotes to move from Sydney to Coffs Harbour haven't been cheap, and it's tempting me to just sell out everything and buy everything new there... but we shall keep looking.
I thought I'd share this - I found a collection of Australian moving companies that you can just browse and check (without having to google them one by one) - http://www.ozremovals.com.au/
At least housing prices are cheaper up there.... I am looking forward to this change, just the process is slightly pissing me off.
Friday, February 1, 2008
The logistics of moving...
I was up last night until wee hours. I couldn't sleep.
At 9:30pm, we found out that my partner has been offered a place at Southern Cross university in Coffs Harbour, 500km north of Sydney.
And he needs to be there in 2 weeks.
So, the start of the move has begun.
I know that there is a website that can help with all moving needs - the eMove website. Apparently all you have to do is register with them, leave all your information about who you have insurances with, what clubs and organisations you belong to, what other mails you get from other companies, and when you move, all you have to do is enter in your new address and it'll notify all those people for you.
However, I don't really know how they really work, and sometimes even I forget myself who and where I have notified, so I have decided to call up one by one.
Thankfully, most of the things such as insurance and banking contact details you can do over the internet these days, but I did spend a good hour on the phone this morning to change everything to my folks' place until we have properly settled in Coffs Harbour.
Next, we'll need to start house hunting. I need to start job hunting. I put in the vacating notice to the real estate with our current house, booked tickets to Coffs Harbour with my partner for orientation week, organised accommodation for those days and tried to book appointments to see properties.
I've always had this idea that moving is sort of like travelling. You get to see different suburbs of cities in our case, and you are not paying mortgage. However this time, I am feeling the burden because it's just such a short notice....
Yikes, it's going to be a couple of hectic weeks!
At 9:30pm, we found out that my partner has been offered a place at Southern Cross university in Coffs Harbour, 500km north of Sydney.
And he needs to be there in 2 weeks.
So, the start of the move has begun.
I know that there is a website that can help with all moving needs - the eMove website. Apparently all you have to do is register with them, leave all your information about who you have insurances with, what clubs and organisations you belong to, what other mails you get from other companies, and when you move, all you have to do is enter in your new address and it'll notify all those people for you.
However, I don't really know how they really work, and sometimes even I forget myself who and where I have notified, so I have decided to call up one by one.
Thankfully, most of the things such as insurance and banking contact details you can do over the internet these days, but I did spend a good hour on the phone this morning to change everything to my folks' place until we have properly settled in Coffs Harbour.
Next, we'll need to start house hunting. I need to start job hunting. I put in the vacating notice to the real estate with our current house, booked tickets to Coffs Harbour with my partner for orientation week, organised accommodation for those days and tried to book appointments to see properties.
I've always had this idea that moving is sort of like travelling. You get to see different suburbs of cities in our case, and you are not paying mortgage. However this time, I am feeling the burden because it's just such a short notice....
Yikes, it's going to be a couple of hectic weeks!
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