May
5
If you're thinking of moving to the UK, one of the most important things you'll need when you get here is probably a bank account. If you're going into employment in the UK, you'll almost certainly need an account… as your employer will need a way of paying you your wages.
However, with so many different accounts on offer, it can often be hard to figure out which one would be right for you. That's why here, we're going to run through some of the different types of bank account available to people in the UK.
Current accounts
Current accounts are often seen as the 'standard' bank account - in other words, the type of account most people would open at a high street bank or building society.
When opening a current account, it's likely that the bank will carry out what's known as a 'credit check' (just as they would with most other financial products).
This will basically let them see how you've handled your finances in the past. If you've encountered problems with your finances, it may affect your chances of being accepted.
For more information on current accounts;
• http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/Money/ManagingYourMoney/DG_10027626
Savings accounts
Savings accounts are, as the name suggests, accounts used for saving money. An individual will invest money into their savings account and could have a fair bit of interest paid on their balance.
People often open savings accounts if they're planning to make a big purchase, or to simply save money for their future.
The interest paid on the individual's balance will vary depending on the account they have opened (along with the Bank of England's 'base rate').
For more information on savings accounts:
• http://www.moneymadeclear.org.uk/tables/model/model_cash_deposits.jsp
Basic bank accounts
If you've been turned down when applying for a current account, or you've experienced financial difficulties in the past and don't think you'll have your application for a current account approved… a basic bank account may be right for you.
They are available from most banks, even if they aren't often promoted as much as other accounts - you may have to go in and enquire.
Most basic bank accounts offer the very 'basic' banking features you'd receive with a current account - namely somewhere to store your money, a Direct Debit/standing order facility to pay bills and a cash card or debit card to make purchases/withdraw money with, but little else.
For more information on basic bank accounts:
• http://www.thinkmoney.com/banking/basic-bank-accounts/
Note that whatever kind of account you're applying for, you'll need to be able to prove your ID and address. Some accounts will also require you to have a steady income.
These are just three of the different types of bank account on offer in the UK. To find out which one may suit you the best, you should speak to a banking adviser.
Oct
23
Bangkok
Filed Under Stuff_LW | Leave a Comment
One of the countries that I really enjoyed visiting is Thailand, particularly Bangkok! It is a country that I would happily visit again and again. I always thought that I should visit different countries before I go back to the same country, so that I could see more culture and widen my experience.
However, it is so different with Bangkok! I’ve set my foot twice and I foresee myself visiting it every other year if possible.
For a start, the food was heavenly. Being a big fan of Thai food, I simply love the Tom Yam Kung, green curry, pad thai, mango and sticky rice and the list goes on. The foods are very affordable and the people are friendly.
I guess the greatest magnet was the heavenly shopping! The chatuchak market which opened on the weekend was massively huge and you can find almost anything you want; if you do not get lost! I think I still haven’t ventured to every part of it on my both visits! Did I not mention the wonderful and cheap traditional massage?
Even the hotels are very affordable and flights were plenty. I just wish I could squeeze in another Thailand holidays to my calendar next year. I could do with a little more shopping, massage and great food!
Apr
7
Rodeo
Filed Under stuff3 | 5 Comments
I’ve always wanted to travel around the world, especially US and Europe. And Australia and Asia Pacific as well. My friend has done all that I want to do, travelling around US and Europe for the past few years! She would put up those travel pictures in her blog and makes me green with envy.
One of the cool events that she went lately is the rodeo sport in Spain! I can imagine the tension and exciting moment when the cowboy trying to escape from the beast, which would test his skill, movement and speed!
I’ve heard about the world’s largest rodeo which is Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It has more than a million spectators every single year! After the rodeo event, they will have concerts featured by the many famous singers; sometimes it is rock, country or even Latin. What a grand event!
But as the event always have overwhelming response, it is hard to get the tickets. I guess it’s too good to be missed! One of the easiest way is to get the RodeoHouston tickets from online, where you could be assured of the great prices and easy payment.
I sure would like to go if I am given a chance to do so! Somewhere in my near future?!
Dec
29
White Palace Hotel, Bangkok
Filed Under travel | 6 Comments
I booked the hotel after a comprehensive search on the internet for cheap and nice hotel in Pratunam area in Bangkok. After reading heaps of reviews and price comparisons, I finally used Agoda service to book White Palace Hotel. Online Booking! ^^
It is located within walking distance to the many famous hotel near that area; Baiyoke Suite Hotel, First House Bangkok Hotel, Indra Regent, MyHotel, Siam City Hotel, Amari Watergate, Great Diamond Suites, S 2 S Boutique Resort, Pratunam City Inn, Bangkok Palace and others!
The price is USD108.03 for 4 nights, which was about RM91 per night, breakfast inclusive. I think the price was rather reasonable for the large room and large bathroom (at least 6 times bigger than Genting First World bathroom!).
The location was strategically located near the Pratunam wholesale market, which was cheaper than Chatuchak & Platinum but too bad I didn’t realise till the very last day, which was a little too late!! But to get to the nearest train station, it could be quite a walk, about 20 to 30 minutes walk. =.=”
Walking to Platinum mall is about 10 to 15 minutes walk which wasn’t too bad.
Only a couple of minor unpleasant incidents with the service but apart from that, everything was good. Like when I called housekeeping for hairdryer, they just said wrong number and hanged up on me. Twice. And they wanted to charged me 18 baht for calling the housekeeping 3 times. But was clarified at the end. =.=”
Oh yeah, you can ‘borrowed’ the hair dryer on demand at the reception counter.
Another minor complain was there wasn’t a proper half-body-length mirror in the whole room! Only a stretch of horizontal mirror which was good enough for make-up but not for previewing your new clothes when you put them on!
Breakfast was pretty good as they served bacon(!!!), ham, sausages, fried eggs, fried rice/noodles, fresh vegetables & fruits; of course with (lousy) coffee & tea as well as too-sweet-juices. I could never get the coffee right.
To get the best coffee, get it from the morning Pratunam market (or Chatuchak or I believe any coffee hawker stall) for only 15 to 20 bath for delicious-iced-coffee! Simply irresistible!
The worst experience I had in this hotel was the hot shower in my bathroom (room 801 specifically, so next time if you get this room, asked for change immediately!!).
You have to carefully ‘tuned’ the tap on for the warm shower. It is either too hot (to the point where you could slaughter a pig) or too freaking cold!
And the temperatures alternated so frequently as I was trying to ‘tune’ it for the right temperatures while showering. The main agenda when you were in the shower was more to tuning for the right temperatures rather than showering.
Sometimes I just gave up and settled for the cold water. It was a very unpleasant showering experience that I have to give up my routine-shower in the morning.
When I was back to my home, I felt so grateful for my hot shower that works perfectly to my desire!
Apart from that, I would probably stay at the same hotel again (for the location, large room & breakfast); but of course not on the same room!
Dec
10
Bangkok, again~
Filed Under travel, happy, me, life | 6 Comments
I remembered reading it somewhere that Bangkok was ranked the best place to travel to in the whole wide world!
Geez, I would have thought it is either Europe or US or somewhere more fancy but then again, I wasn’t entirely sure of this fact and the reasons why it was chosen. Probably the food, the shopping, the ‘entertainment’, the fun, eh?
Whatever it is, it is reason enough for me to make my second trip here, very willingly! I mean I even hope to come here every 2 years, or 3 hopefully. But I know of someone who is not willing to go with me again! Crap..
It was a brilliantly great place, affordable and simply amazing for retail therapy!
Although, I hate to admit that my 2nd landing here was initially due to the combo package that I regrettably-bought and then there was the free ticket, thanks to AirAsia.
But nevertheless, it was a trip that I really sought after, especially after I’ve worked so hard like I never did before. A well-deserved-post-project-trip. There.
5 days 4 nights, I insisted. My first trip was only 4D/3N and I had to go to all the temples, visiting the tiger farm, etc. There wasn’t much time for shopping.
This trip was entirely shopping (though I did not actually, entirely, achieve the satisfaction that I wished for) & of course visit the great Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which was situated an hour and half away from Bangkok city. Not to forget, the insanely-great-massage!
I always rated the trip ‘complete’ or not-much-of-a-regret if we have the last day or half of the last day, not knowing where else to go. It means we have visited all we have planned for and a little extra for unplanned-destination.In this trip, yes. The optional ChinaTown at night.
My itinerary for this trip :
Day 1 : Thursday :
Pratunam WholeSale
Platinum Mall
Day 2 : Friday :
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Silom
Central World
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Day 3 : Saturday :
Chatuchak
Siam Discovery (The Loft)
Siam Square, Sizzlers dinner
Massage
Day 4 : Friday :
Pratunam Morning Market
MBK
Platinum Mall
China Town
Massage
Day 5 : Monday :
Breakfast @ hotel
Good Bye, Bangkok!
More pics to come.. I hope..
Dec
1
Kit - 64GB Mobility Solid State Disk SATA Hard Drive
Filed Under fun, life | 2 Comments
This is absurd.
Or when I first heard about it.
A Dell hard disk for a mere RM17?
God knows what is a Solid State Disk. Maybe He does knows. 
Okay, maybe a lot of people do know but definitely not me. I am comfortable with the term external hard disk or thumb drive.
When a colleague of mine let me know of the news, just after I stepped out from the shower, I was a little doubtful. I think it was closed to 8pm.
Not even much interested in it. Even if it is a RM17 for a hard disk, a 64GB only. Mine is 160GB and I was planning to get one like 500 GB or 1 Terabyte if possible.
But when he said Dell made a mistake, my ears pricked it caught my attention!
I made a google for a quick and descriptive information about solid state disk but not to much avail. Particularly if I can use it as harddisk.
I made a google-image, but it wasn’t very helpful either.
But when I heard his urgency in asking me to place orders and that other colleagues had ordered A LOT, I’ve made up my mind to buy a couple. Yeah, just I case if I cannot use them or not compatible with my system.
KW who was also online asked his programmer about it and confirmed that it is indeed a crazy bargain!
1000 duly came online when I was placing the order and I quickly seek his professional advice. He said that I’ll need a serial attached SCSI interface to use it and not sure if converter is available. But the price is definitely ‘cheap like shit’. His words, not mine.
Thus, the order was made.
More discussion and googling, I found out that Dell made that mistake in Taiwan by selling Dell 19inches monitor at USD15 instead of USD228 somewhere at the end of June 2009!
Taipei - Dell Inc is expected to compensate tens of thousands of Taiwan shoppers after its website misstated the price for its LCD monitors, triggering rush orders from Taiwanese buyers, according to local media reports Saturday. “It was a mistake in our labels. If we have caused inconvenience to any clients, we are deeply sorry,” TVBS quoted Wang Chen, sales manger for Dell (Taiwan), as saying,
According to cable TV channel TVBS, Dell (Taiwan) has apologized for the error and will discuss a solution with the buyers.
“We will contact these clients and properly settle the issue,” she added.
Reading this, I have doubts that I will actually receive the goods. Or not. Maybe a couple of coupon codes?
I am not sure. Anyone knows what happened to the issue in Taiwan?
I’ve checked that the Dell - Red - 64GB Mobility Solid State Hard Drive - Kit (400-15600) on Dell website costs about € 496.94. Not sure if it is an equivalent product anyway.
This RM17 Kit - 64GB Mobility Solid State Disk SATA Hard Drive product was taken down shortly (around 8.30pm), before I decided if it is worth to invest more on it!
Anyway, it has been an thrilling experience; however bad it is to take advantage of the situation. A little mistake.
Wondered how much it would cost Dell. 
Whatever the outcome might be now. 
Will I get it, or not?
Nov
7
Saturday again?
Filed Under me, life | 4 Comments
It is Saturday morning *yay* and I wanted to blog. It’s been a long time, yeah.. no doubt by looking at the last post.
While mopping the floor, putting in the laundry in the washing machine, put them under the sun, another round of laundry, showering, etc; I kept thinking of something to write.
But each inspiration idea that I had was attacked by this thought; that’s so boring. Or that is so personal. Or what’s the point! Or even, hey, if you really say/write it out, it might not come true!
And I realised that I’ve become more alienated to my own blog! It is no longer my space to write like I used to. And I am judging myself now before the rest of the world do!
Or so I thought they would. Have I become so paranoid?! =.="
What leads to it? No doubt, some of you would know. Yeah, you! The one sniggering behind the monitor. Or again, my paranoid-mind working extra time? =.=”
Or maybe I just haven’t decided how much of myself that I am comfortable to reveal. It's not like I have a lot of secrets, you know..except for the time that I.. ok, let's forget about that.. It is easier behind a mask. Growing up, or growing old, it is more comfortable for me to lay low and blend with the wall crowd.
At times, I felt intimidated by life, by the stuffs that I couldn’t grasp, by the unknown future that I fear and by knowing that at times I couldn’t cope with it alone.
Ok crap, the point is, it is Saturday morning again and I do love it but just couldn't comprehend why it comes so quickly nowadays, but yeah, I still do like it a lot; maybe more than Sunday coz Sunday is sooo near to Monday and nobody likes Monday, right? and I’ve been having this thought to blog for the longest time. Work has been the perfect excuse for everything recently.
And Facebook (one of the thing that crossed my mind to blog about earlier today) has been replacing blog? Or would it? and I considered the pro & cons. About the ease of updating, sharing stuff with friends and people feedback to it. …. And I was thinking that I should log in more often and reply to those personal messages from long lost friends rather that procrastinating or else I am going to grow old without much friends. And why people don't just email?? At least I checked my email everyday. Or almost..
Well, didn’t I warn that what I thought of blogging nowaday is so boring?
Geezz .. I’m losing it..
Maybe this place is up for sale. If I can get some good price. ^.^
Happy Saturday. Or Sunday. Or Monday. Or Thursday. Whatever day it is today. (& someone said not to use the word ‘whatever’, it sounds so rude & like you don’t care but I do!!!)
And yeah, I have a new end of the year resolution! To read 24 books for 2009! Exclusive of magazines and newspaper! Time is drawing sooo near!!!
Oct
1
The Wedding
Filed Under happy, friend, work | 8 Comments
I am home early today! It’s been quite a while since I have the pleasure of cooking curry instant noodle for dinner, with the stolen egg from my houssy.
Well, not that early actually or else I would probably meet up some friend for dinner or take away food from the shop.
Yes, I’ve been busy and lazy to update. And well, nothing to update.
Nothing much I did. Life is boring. Work, work, work. Till 10 or 11pm half the times; which is a really big deal for me coz I am not the type that work late.
But I almost got used to it now! Geeez… >_<
So, yeah, no life for the past month, hopefully not till end of the year though. I even missed the important dinner for my houssy farewell & birthday. Nothing exciting ever happened.
Except for.. oh yes, I actually wrote an entry for my best friend wedding at the end of Aug! But I was waiting for the pics then and then I lazy forgot to post it up.
Here goes!
When we were young, we always teased each other on who would be the first one that gets hitched. But with passing time, nobody seems to make the first move; even when we are reaching the prime age! Gosh!
I guess we are just happy with current situation or we just don’t feel that we are there yet, even with the many naggings voices and society pressure?
But hey, thanks to P, someone from our group finally makes the very first step to the world for two!
The busiest girl among us, the one who always seems to be in focus and know what she wants in life and goes for it!
She’s the same girl who told my father not to worry and she’ll take care of me when my father is late to fetch me from school. I spent a lot of time in her house which is near to the school, waiting for the extra curricular or for my father.
I remembered picking a fragrant jasmine flower from my house & gently put into my pinafore pocket and leave it on her school desk during primary school as she loved it!
At Standard 2, she taught me the word ‘surat’ as I wrongly used the word ‘hadiah’. And I taught her a lot of Mandarin words that she could understand simple conversation in mandarin! But I seem to fail in mastering the Tamil!
In Form 3, we were in different class and again I would wait for her arrival in the morning. We spent many evenings going to tuition together and study for the SPM examination at my home.
And till today we just can’t stop teasing her on how much her curly fringe irks her!
But I guess, I felt sort of losing her when she went to uni, far away to the east coast & later on to pursue her dreams of being a doctor in another country. And when she’s back a year or two ago, she’s even busier than ever!
It is good to see her settling down with a respectable man and I wish her happiness and joy! And yes, kids. You might as well as kick off another project soon! 
And please, do find a little time in your life for us in the future. =)
The 2 doctors; whom I hope would give me fake MC when I need it in the future!
Congrats~!!!
My favourite Chin-dian girl, sweet little thing who never fail to post naturally when a camera is facing her! P's niece..
The girl's handsome bro!
All of us were there at the wedding ceremony! =)
So, who's next!?!
Oct
1
Weddings
Filed Under stuff3, friday | Leave a Comment
I am getting some wedding invitations in these recent years. Seems like more and more of my friends are getting hitched!
It surely is a thing to do at this age but I am not sure when it is my turn, if I am up to those many details of wedding preparation. Thinking about it makes me tired!
But of course, a lovely wedding dress is always a girl’s dream.
The other day when my girlfriend and I was checking out the wedding dress online at Justina McCaffrey, we were fascinated with the designs! It is really incredible and I am sure every brides-to-be would fall in love with the collection. Simple, elegant, amazing!
Sep
25
The Japanese Book
Filed Under book | Leave a Comment
Now I have begun with the book by Naomi Moriyama; Japanese Women Don’t Get Old Or Fat. Much as I love Japanese food, I think this book is too obsessed about statistic as well too much empahsize on their healthy lifestyle. Well, it is good nonetheless, but I am only at the first 30% of the book, too early to judge; or not.
Anyway, it is a book packed with recipes for Japanese home cooked meals. Perhaps someday like 5 years down the road, when I have my very own perfect little kitchen, I would give them a try. Certainly not with the current kitchen condition with too little supplies and germs. Meanwhile, let's continue visiting those Ichiban & Sushi King and …. what's the name again?
And yeah, a little slow progress in this book as it is not as interesting as the French’s book with different subject on different chapters. Not to mention that I am incorporating the Cleo magazine in my daily reading budget as well!
Oh, it’s another gloomy Saturday.. ^.^ Let there be rain.. and naps.. and more books.. ^.^ Oh, glorious Saturday.. and Sunday too, I hope.. 
Aug
17
Of Late..
Filed Under me, life | 9 Comments
Today an ex-colleague asked me to describe a friend.
Ex-col : Is she soft or aggressive?
Me : Hmmm.. she’s soft… *pondering for a second* She’s even softer than me! (thinking that I couldn’t be described as aggressive, could I?)
Ex-col : Hahahaha..
Ex-col : U r soft?!
Ex-col : U r naughty!
I was taken by surprised at that statement. It has been long since I have been described as that. I probably have, when I looked back at those years.
But now, I guess it has almost ceased in me.
Especially when I was trained to be detached and indifferent in the previous company.
Thinking back, it has really been a dark & dull year. Like the hair; almost a disaster! >_<
However, very recently, I was labelled as pessimistic by someone when I failed to see the brighter side of a situation. I just couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel no matter how I squint. Probably a tiny spot; more to a hope than sight.
Or to me, I am just being realistic. Oh well.. maybe there is really a pinch of pessimism as well. Especially when it comes in a situation which I do not have much control of. Or rather, the lack of experience. And tonnes of worries. As usual.
Not to mention that I am too serious sometimes. So he said. And I need to lighten up. =.=”
But one thing has never changed, although I thought it has.
Last Sunday, when I was with my brother, standing outside a RHB bank with all the Easy Promotion; both of us trying to digest what are those campaign about.
A Malay promoter approached us and enthusiastically read all the campaigns to us.
Malay promoter : Easy Loan, Easy ASB, Easy.. so bang, yang mana you minat?
Me : Easy ASB!
Malay promoter : Jom masuk. I explained.
We followed him to the counter and he took out the pamphlet and started to explain.
Me : ASB nie apa? Amanah Saham Berhad?
Malay Promoter : Amanah Saham Bumiputra.
Me : Oh.. so yang ini untuk Bumiputra saja lar?
Malay Promoter : Tentu lar untuk Bumiputra saja..
Me : Tapi saya bukan Bumiputra lar..
Malay Promoter : Ehhh.. you bukan?!?! *speechless* macam tu TAK boleh lar..
Brother : Kita macam bumiputra ker?
Malay Promoter : Yalar, ingatkan Melayu tadi..
=.=”
Aug
11
Is It End of Aug Yet?
Filed Under work, me, life | 3 Comments
Tired. Losing concentration. Slow. Unable to focus. Stress.
That’s how I feel when I work additional 2 hours daily now.
I don’t know how my other colleagues, who put in longer hours, manage their concentration level.
Perhaps some of them take break in the middle. Or go for dinner. Or they simply have to do it.
But for me, when I have a lot of task on hand, I must finish them before I am able to take any break at all; the only break is toilet break.
Which is probably why I feel so tired at the end of the day.
It even makes me lose my appetite for dinner. I would probably only take some bun/bread and/or a fruit for dinner. Hope I am not losing any of my precious weight.. 
However, it does help me falling asleep. I foresee little or none insomnia in this duration. ^.^
On the other hand, I am having too many work-related-dreams in loop; which is quite frustrating.
I hope this project ends smoothly; by end of this month.
Missing the days when the sky is still bright when I leave the office.
Another 3 weeks to go.. *counting*
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