Terradyme: Trials and Tribulations

Wednesday, May 24, 2006
I'll Holiday in my Back Garden

I went out after work last Friday to the Britania, to say goodbye to a colleague of ours whose last day it was.

During the course of the evening, I was invited to join a subset of the group on a weekend trip they are planning to Dublin at the end of June.

Monday I was given the details of the flight (on discount airline RyanAir) and hotel (very central), but when I started the booking process I figured out I just can’t afford it right now.

RyanAir only charge £24 for each leg of the flight, but charge £2.50 each way for every checked bag and £2.50 each way if you pay via debit or credit card. Airport and other taxes add on another £12-15 each way.

The hotel room would have been £98 for two nights, but as I would have to room alone (all the other travelers being young women), I wouldn’t be paying half that like the others, and I’d also have to pay a £15/night single supplement. (I don’t get that–I’d be using half as many towels and sheets and eating half as much food, so why do I have to pay more than two people sharing?)

I just don’t have £200+ to spend right now. I’ve tentatively planned a day trip to the sea side (Bournemouth) for mid-June instead.

Labels: cost of living, holiday

9:01:00 PM

Thursday, May 18, 2006
Choice

I had some free time this afternoon, so I decided to go and purchase my eyeglasses from VisionExpress. I was able to pick out a nice, light, non-designer frame on my own, and they were ready in an hour. Only £138 (~$260) after using my NHS voucher.

[photo of tim’s glasses]

I just realised it looks as if I have a halo.

Labels: healthcare

10:00:00 PM

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

One good thing about living in a country with free health care is that I don’t have to pay for eye exams, and I get a voucher for a free (under £55) pair of glasses if needed.

I need.

I went for an exam a fortnight ago and my eyesight is slightly worse (hyperopia) and I still have an astigmatism. Spectacles were recommended.

CM is going with me either this weekend or next to have a look at the various options. Unfortunately, £55 gets you a refurbished pair of vintage post-WWII “rationing is still in effect” glasses, so I’ll have to contribute a bit more towards the purchase if I ever have any hope of making new friends again.

I found a site online that lets you upload a photo of yourself so you can see what different styles of eye wear might look like on you. Can you guess which one I’m leaning toward?

Labels: cost of living, healthcare

9:55:00 PM

Friday, May 12, 2006
Uni

FINALLY, some good news at work:

Eleven months after first discussing the idea of doing an MSc under the auspices of my employer, and over 60 days after having been notified of my acceptance into the part-time program beginning this September, I received a hand-delivered letter from my line manager today letting me know their decision to sponsor me, and delineating the terms and conditions under which they will pay my course fees.

To be frank, considering recent goings-on, I hadn't believed they would agree to cover the fees; at best I thought they would require some absurd amount of time for me to remain in their employment after, in order to make it worth their while.

I was surprised, then, to see that I'll have to remain for 18 months after completing the degree. If I leave six or twelve months after completion (or before finishing), I'll have to pay a pro-rated percentage back. And they'll allow me to work flexible hours for the morning classes, and five study days' leave for exams. Not a bad deal.

Labels: uni, work

9:55:00 PM