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

[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... :(