Banking in Time...

We have to pay the deposit on our appartment. Easy I thought, we'll wire transfer the funds into their account. Ummm... can't we?

Apparentely not, they'd like a cheque... ummm... check. A what? Oh, right, one of those weird paper things. I've a book of them for my UK account somewhere, I think I've used it 4 times in the last 2 years.

So now we're having to wire funds into our account, then have a check cut by our new bank and posted to the appartment management group.

Added to some other problems... I can't activate my new cash card because I don't have a Social Security number and therefore don't exist. Even though the bank said I didn't need one.

The appartment complex want their rent paid by check every month and looked a bit blank when I asked about direct transfers. Same as the gym and the cable company who seemed to think it was easier to bill my credit card, only I don't have a US one yet...

Now I understand why a co-worker was offered 500 checks to "get started" when he openned his US account a few months ago.

Eating the Elephant...

Got some more chores sorted today, but work is starting to impinge on my free time, which is going to carry on being a problem.

Finally got some new glasses (OUCH, bleedin' 'ell that was a lot of money) a standard pair and a new pair of sunglasses. I've also got a 3 month supply of Daily Disposable Contact lenses ordered. I don't want to have to find myself an Opthamologist (or whatever) in Seattle when we arrive.

Currently completing a bunch of flat related stuff. We're insuring the appliances and heating system. I've not done this in the past and it's a nightmare. You don't want to have central heating systems go wrong as a landlord, nor fridges, cookers nor pretty much anything else, so I'll be paying for that to be covered thanks.

Currently putting together an action plan for work between now and the big 3GSM event in Barcelona. It's a monster of a show and we've a lot to get done by then. Its usually a lot of fun, but it is a beast to be involved in. Believe me, if you do 5 days at a major trade show you know it.