Day 4: finance and getting around

[nyankoframe]

There aren't many pictures, because most of the morning was spent establishing my financial presence. I opened both a savings and a checking account at First Tech Credit Union, which immediately gives me access to a debit card and various ATMs around Redmond and on the Microsoft campus. While I'll have to wait about another 2 weeks to get my Social Security card number or wait about 8-10 weeks if I submit an application right now in order to get my credit card and other things, this is at least a step in the right direction. I need to deposit money though...

I also finally bought a bicycle (along with a headlight, taillight, helmet and bike chain) and took it out for some night cycling yesterday evening in traffic. It was a good experience, because I need to get used to cycling during dusk (especially when going shopping for groceries) and in traffic (when going to/coming back from work). I was a bit nervous at first, but the drivers in Redmond are generally quite courteous and gave me the right of way when I needed it (for example, turning left at intersections, and keeping a distance of about a mile few yards or so behind me though perhaps that was because of the reflector). Apparently that's not the case in cities like Boston, New York and Chicago, though...

Here's a (rather) blurred picture of the bicycle. I blame that on the lighting conditions. :P


I'm going to attempt to cycle about 3 miles tomorrow to the nearest Cingular shop that offers pre-paid payment and buy a GoPlan so that I won't be tied to a contract and I can still be contacted using my current phone (instead of getting a calling card, which doesn't help other people call me). I don't think it's going to be very cheap, though, especially not in the long run...

Comments

[relsqui.livejournal.com]

Not cheap at all in the long run, but it's a good instinct not to get tied into a contract.

I sit a few inches below the level of my LCD monitor, so dark images sometimes look a little off--in particular, that bicycle picture looks very colorful and neon. Try it! 8) It's fine when I look at it straight-on, though.

[nakaemi.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm certainly glad the drivers were nice enough not to try and trample you with their cars... ^^;; I am ith Cingular, but I do have a contract. It's all right thoughsince I never go over my limits and most of my calls are Cingular to Cingular because my family is with Cingular. :p

[nyankoframe.livejournal.com]

The main problem I have with getting a contract (from anyone) is that I'm only initially going to be here for 18 months, and I think there are penalties for breaking a contract, so... ^^;;;

It's not so much about not staying within the limits.

[nakaemi.livejournal.com]

Got it. I sort of had a situation as such. I was under a cell phone contract when I left towards Japan after getting married. Mum had to pay the monthly fee for the remaining six months of the contract, although we left money for her to do so. In that sense, I know what you mean. :)

[nyankoframe.livejournal.com]

The other problem is now that it seems my phone, even though GSM1900 capable, won't work here though the Cingular and T-Mobile both say that it will, as they won't give service to GSM1900 if there's a GSM850 tower in the area. So I may have to end up buying a new phone too... :(

[haplo3k.livejournal.com]

Keeping a mile or so behind you? WTF?

When a person is riding their bike on the road, unless I see them swerving out into the road (in which case I think they're drunk,) I assume they are intelligent competent people who can handle sharing the road, and drive past them with about 2m of distance.

Creeping along a mile behind a bicycle? That is seriously messed up.

[nyankoframe.livejournal.com]

Actually, it turns out I was wrong. :P They stopped about a mile behind me at intersections, but while travelling, overtook on the left (since in WA, cyclists are required/expected to cycle as far right as possible, unless they're turning left or don't want to turn right).

[nyankoframe.livejournal.com]

Err, not a mile, but a few yards. Whoops. :P

[haplo3k.livejournal.com]

Ah, there we go. :)

[haplo3k.livejournal.com]

Are you estimating on that mile there? Because really, basket, a mile is 1.6+ km - it's a LONG way, even just to be stopping behind someone at an intersection!

And yes, cyclests are expected to be on the right everywhere. It's not LAW in some places, but it's the general expectation.

[itsacz.livejournal.com]

An expensive bicycle you've got there. :p Rawr. You need to practice climbing hills so you can cycle here. >O

[nyankoframe.livejournal.com]

Oh, I definitely will! >O Especially once I actually get down to going to the gym...