Archive for September of 2008
Benefits of having student in the house
September 27, 2008
Couple days ago we received a delivery containing 20" 2.4 GHz iMac, printer and iPod Nano. Nice difference compared to old 12" 1.5 GHz PowerBook. But the nicest thing was the higher education student discount and special promotions for the printer and iPod - sweet.
Advices for relocating to UK - Flat hunting
September 21, 2008
Finding a decent flat is matter of luck or good preparation. Unfortunately, there are dodgy landlords, horrible flats and difficult neighbours. I listed couple advices for UK flat hunting:
Reserve time for flat hunting. Prepare to stay in B&B for a week or two instead of rushing to sign contract for the first flat you happen to visit.
Get a clear idea how much you can pay and what you should get with that. Some areas are cheaper but there are usually reasons for that. Remember to check the council tax for the flat.
Visit several flats. Do not worry about wasting agencies' time, they get paid for that. Ask questions but be prepared to meet totally clueless agents.
Check the background of the rental agency. Ask your colleagues and check Internet forums.
Consider private landlords instead of agencies. Generally, private landlords might offer lower rent.
Get everything written. Lease contract, meter readings, inventory list and receipt of the deposit. Take photos of the flat and make sure you capture existing damages.
Ask about current gas and electricity suppliers. A flat without previous utility bills should be avoided. Opening a new supply takes a lot of time and it isn't recommend for people with weak heart.
Older flats have single glazing and carpets everywhere - even in the bathroom. This means higher gas bill during colder months. Carpets can cause problems for allergic people.
Reserve time for flat hunting. Prepare to stay in B&B for a week or two instead of rushing to sign contract for the first flat you happen to visit.
Get a clear idea how much you can pay and what you should get with that. Some areas are cheaper but there are usually reasons for that. Remember to check the council tax for the flat.
Visit several flats. Do not worry about wasting agencies' time, they get paid for that. Ask questions but be prepared to meet totally clueless agents.
Check the background of the rental agency. Ask your colleagues and check Internet forums.
Consider private landlords instead of agencies. Generally, private landlords might offer lower rent.
Get everything written. Lease contract, meter readings, inventory list and receipt of the deposit. Take photos of the flat and make sure you capture existing damages.
Ask about current gas and electricity suppliers. A flat without previous utility bills should be avoided. Opening a new supply takes a lot of time and it isn't recommend for people with weak heart.
Older flats have single glazing and carpets everywhere - even in the bathroom. This means higher gas bill during colder months. Carpets can cause problems for allergic people.
Living in Kirkcaldy
September 19, 2008
Holiday is gone now and the first week in Kirkcaldy is almost over. Commuting to Edinburgh has been quite smooth and the walking distance to stations is not too long. The downside of living in Kirkcaldy is the cost of the season ticket.
The two weeks in Finland were great. We spent most of the time in my parent's summer cottage without any schedule. The trip back to civilization was the name giving ceremony for my new nephew and godson. Walking in the forest was relaxing and I managed to hunt a rabbit without a dog. Unfortunately birds were way too fast so there was no chance to bring any to kitchen.
Returning back to working seven hours a day after two weeks took some time. I even managed to forget maven command line mantra for deploying one of my main projects. But tweaking some last minute changes in to a live project and a client meeting brought me back to reality fast.
The two weeks in Finland were great. We spent most of the time in my parent's summer cottage without any schedule. The trip back to civilization was the name giving ceremony for my new nephew and godson. Walking in the forest was relaxing and I managed to hunt a rabbit without a dog. Unfortunately birds were way too fast so there was no chance to bring any to kitchen.
Returning back to working seven hours a day after two weeks took some time. I even managed to forget maven command line mantra for deploying one of my main projects. But tweaking some last minute changes in to a live project and a client meeting brought me back to reality fast.