Crossover

Thank you for crossing over from my old address to my 'new address'.

It can be a bit of a problem, but I hope this site can stay longer now.

:)

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Dinner treat

Prelude:

Marriott UK Payroll Survey we conducted in August

We received a significant 80 % response rate comparing to the 63 % response rate in March 2009.

In summary:

- 100% of HR Professionals are satisfied (Top 3 Box) with the Hewitt Oracle Payroll Support Centre
- 100% of HR Professionals are satisfied (Top 3 Box) with the Hewitt Customer Service Associates
- 99% of HR Professionals are satisfied (Top 3 Box) with Overall Payroll Services.

Our associates have also achieved 100% satisfaction score for:

- Deliver what they promise, when they promise
- Are courteous and polite
- Ask relevant questions




As a treat for our outstanding performance our team of seven has been offered a dinner treat at the Metropolitan Restaurant in Candleriggs, Merchant City in Glasgow. =D

As soon as we heard about this offer, one word immediately sprang into the heads of myself and my workmate, David: "Steaks!!". We guys love steak! Lots of meat puh-lease! Our manager, Bob, makes up the third guy in this team. I think he'll be up for steak as well. Lol! The last work's night out we had, back in January, where we were treated to dinner for good performance also, took place at The Grill at the Corner restaurant. I wanted to be different from everyone and chose the ostrich steak. To my disappointment the piece of avian meat, if I can even call it that, was tiny! Man, everyone else's rump steak or salmon looked waaay bigger than my wee lump of ostrich, sitting there on top of a bed of caramelised onions. The sweetness from the caramelised onions overtook any taste of the bird meat. My side order of mash potatoes and honey glazed carrots were "delayed" for almost ten minutes. I sat there waiting, looking around the restaurant awkwardly trying to avoid eye contact from the ten other diners I shared my table with. Occasionally I'd pick up and sip my fresh orange and lemonade...slowly. Then I'd decline any kind offers of "would you like some of my chips?", "would you like to try some of this?" whilst ignoring comments like, "oh! this tastes lovely!", "yes this is fantastic!". Those comments made me hungry! =O

This time round, I will make sure I go armed and ready to pick the right meal to fulfil my hunger meat! We've already been told what the menu's are gonna be like. There will be three set menu's to choose from. All three menus include steak: Minute steak, (the name reminds me of something small and tiny - no way am I going back to that!), Prime Scottish rib eye (now we're getting somewhere! but still looking for something better!) and last but not least, Prime cut of Scottish sirloin steak! Oooh la la!! Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! =D **mouth watering already!** Yes, the last set menu is indeed the most expensive, at £31.95 for three courses. I've decided what to have for my main course, but what about starter? Not sure yet. Wanna see what else is on offer?

Maybe you can give me some recommendations!


Set Menu £31.95

Soup of the day served with crusty bread

Pan fried scallops, cauliflower puree, diced black pudding, smoked ham and a white wine and chive sauce

Ham Hough and tarragon terrine with a rhubarb and orange chutney, toasted brioche and mixed leaf salad

Wild mushroom and basil risotto with parmesan shavings

~ ~ ~

Chicken breast with savoy cabbage, celeriac and potato dauphinoise, green beans and mustard sauce

Potato and herb gnocchi with cherry vine tomatoes, baby spinach, cream, black olives and olive oil

Whole steamed trout stuffed with fennel & lemon served with new potatoes, green beans and caper, anchovy and garlic butter sauce

Prime cut of Scottish sirloin served with grilled tomato, field mushrooms, rocket salad and Maris piper chips

~ ~ ~

Selection of homemade sweets and dairy ice cream


So... one question you might have on your mind. When is this dinner gonna take place? In a fortnight's time! Roll on Friday the 23rd!! =D

(5040)

Wait wait wait!

As I sit here in the office, eating my char siu rice (my mum makes the best char siu btw!!) I think about the things that I have yet to do and what is holding me back. I am less than impressed with the recent Royal Mail strikes that have been going on locally and nationally. The employees have no idea what impact their actions and decisions have on ordinary people. In fact, being on strike: not collecting mail from post boxes, not sorting mail in delivery offices, and not delivery mail to houses and businesses, even for a day, can have consequences and cause chain effects to people's lives. It's very unfair. They do these things to show the "bosses" that they mean business. That they really want those pay rises or better working conditions. Fair enough, employees have a right to appeal for better conditions, but once the "bosses" give in and they come to some sort of agreement, business is never does "resumes as normal" because there will be a backlog, there will be people waiting for important deliveries of documents or ordinary mail. Bills of various sorts, for example, that might have a deadline for payment, will be stalled and might cause the debtor higher fines. Those who await/ expect delivery of important present for a special birthday would have to disappoint the 80 year old granny at her party, or worse still, it could be a sixteen year old girl's birthday. Fortunately I have not been affected in these described ways. However, I am STILL waiting for my ADI green badge!!

I sent the application away with my two passport photos and my cheque, on Monday 21st September, which was day two into the unofficial Royal Mail strikes in Glasgow. It was picke up on Wednesday 23rd September. There was no news or notification from the DSA and there was no movement in my account showing the cheque was cashed. Last Thursday, 1st of Oct, the three-figure amount was deducted from my account. So at least some action has been taken by DSA in processing my application. So now I await for the ADI badge to arrive any time now. However, there are STILL Royal Mail strikes happening around the UK. This time a lot of them being down England. The DSA is in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, but who knows if they are affected too? Sigh!! I don't want to wait so long for my badge, but because I want to get my AA tuition car asap. Already there are people asking me when I start. I can only tell them, "Soon, hopefully, in a few weeks." And I smile. But inside I am frustrated. Because once I know the date I collect my new Ford Focus, I will hand in my four weeks notice to my current employer. Hopefully I will have the car by week two of that notice, leaving me two weeks of possibly working evening and weekends before giving tuition full time. But for now I am STUCK!

Another thing I'm waiting for is letter of confirmation for my business account with the Alliance and Leicester. My telephone application on Monday 28th Sept went through fine and they sent me out a letter on the same day confirmation start of process of my application. However, I only received the letter last Friday (2nd of Oct!). On Sunday I got a call from A&L asking me to confirm my name again as I used my full name Kwok Wing Gordon So. I asked what stage the application was at, and the woman kindly told me it's almost complete. That was Sunday morning. Maybe they sent me the pack and it's stuck there not collected for delivery? Ok, maybe two days is too quick for me to expect my welcome pack and account details, but I feel so DELAYED right now!

Last Friday (2nd Oct), I ordered a mattress from Argos. Was told delivery would be within five business days and that they'd contact me soon to arrange delivery. I wanted to know asap so I could take a half-day off work to be home to receive it. However, Saturday (3rd) I received a call telling me there is a delay with the supplier (Rest Assured?) in getting the mattress, but once they get stock they will contact me again to arrange delivery. The latest they will contact me by would be 11th October. No way man!! =O Why is everything being delayed? This time, I can't pin the blame on Royal Mail. This time, it's just crap! If I wanted to kick up a fuss, I could have said their terms of sales said clearly delivery within five working days and taking me to (potentially) 11th October would surely exceed that! Sigh... but I'll wait. No choice but to wait. They have my money already. I'm at their mercy.

You see, I believe everything happens for a reason. God knows everything big and small thing that happens in our lives. I just wish I would know the reason for this wait. Is God teaching me patience? Does my patience have to be tuned up some more before I take behind the wheel and teach? Would this waiting game help prepare me in any way for the next steps into my career? Whilst I'm waiting to start as a driving instructor, am I of any use to anybody? Does anybody benefit from my presence? I know for sure a lot of people are interested in learning from me. No, please don't be mistaken, I am not getting big-headed here. What I'm saying is, there are expectations of me now. In fact, I would say there are great expectations of me. And I want to fulfil these expectations. I don't like letting people down. So why can't I proceed with my ideal job and make people happy at the same time? Huh?! =/

Still awaiting:
- Alliance & Leicester account details
- Mattress
- ADI badge
- Present

Things yet to be done:
- Confirm franchise with AA
- Choose accountant
- Hand in notice
- Join D.I.A.
- Register for Pass Plus
- Read up on Licensing laws (foreign/ provisional/ UK)
- Learn test areas and routes
- Inform HMRC of self-employment

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Planned proposal

Two days ago I heard from a colleague that there was a mandatory business meeting for everyone in the office to attend. I was on annual leave though. So this morning when I got in, I was invited into a meeting room with two other colleagues who were also off yesterday, and we were told, that there are plans to close down the Glasgow office and shift the work to Poland. I won't mention my employer's name in this blogpost. The plans are still at "proposal stage" and nothing is confirmed. However, they want to give us all a heads up, because there are 91 staff members left here, after recent departure of another client group. Basically, if these proposed plans went ahead, we would all face redundancy.

When I heard the scripted official statement read out, it brought back a sense of deja vu for my time at Ford Customer Relationship Centre. I was only six months into the job when they officially announced the closing of the Glasgow office to relocate to the Midlands. My goodness, how devastated I was after hearing that. Back then I only had six months left before the changeover. Fortunately, the staff were all given lots of support to job-hunt and time off for interviews etc. That was how I came across my current employer, making it almost three years since I've been here. This time hearing the news, it was not as shocking or impacting as the first time it happened. Maybe because there were only five people in the room in contrast to the almost 90 people who would have heard it together yesterday. If the proposed plans go through the office will have until July/ August/ September 2010 to live before it goes.

Though my immediate future is planned out and I have job security, my heart goes out to those in the office who are feeling lost right. Those who don't know what to do, where to go and why this has happened. The unemployment rate is at an all-time high, so job competition will be fierce. I know that feeling from a few years ago. At least back then I was young and would be willing to take up any full time job to keep a living. However, there are more older workers here. Those who have dedicated their lives to this company, working very hard and learning processes, systems, IT skills etc in order to serve the clientele. What about them? Where are they going to go? They might question whether they are still employable, amidst the sea of youthful competition. It's sad, but I wish them all the best. Nobody could forsee this happening. Nobody has done anything to cause this either. It's cost-cutting, at it's finest. And it has happened so close to home!

Throughout the day my mind has been reflecting on how blessed and fortunate I am to have my driving instructor qualification now. I truly feel it has happened in God's time. Can you imagine me trying to sit an instructor exam with a cloud of sadness over me? Or with the feeling that my job/ redundancy/ future depended on whether I passed the exam? How much pressure that would be. I'm not sure how it would have worked that way, and I don't want to imagine it. Right now, I am very thankful to God for leading me to where I am today. Right at this moment, I feel God's love and care for me. I feel secure in His love and knowing that my future is safe in His hands. I will try to remember to pray for my colleagues as they start job hunting and try to find some security in life now. Not much more I can say here, but personally I am so thankful to God. =)

(4947)

Still busy!

A week since my last blogpost. Was hoping to blog before this but have been too busy. So what have I been up to...?

Wednesday 23rd Sept
Went to prayer meeting in the evening. We prayed with Gordon / Wei Yao's cell group before they started. Two more people showed interest in taking driving lessons :) Then I went to the gym. Late session this was. Arrived at 8:30pm.

Thursday 24th Sept
Last day of work before being off for five days. Settled all paperwork and all tasks up to date. Went to the gym and worked on chest and back.

Friday 25th Sept
Annual leave: Went to Lloyds TSB to set up a business account. Midway through filling in my details the manager asked me if I had some sort of business plan, giving an estimate of annual turnover etc. I said no. I didn't know I needed one to be honest. Main reason being I thought taking a franchise with AA would be more "secure" than starting my own business from scratch etc. However, I left the bank with the manager's card and some brochures. Took Elaam out for a driving lesson in dual control car from Arnold Clark, then went to town. Was SOO hungry near the end of shopping I could have eaten a horse!! =P Had Starbucks coffee break: crepe and a latte, then later takeaway dinner from Asia Style and watched "Pan's Labyrinth". Interesting film and I'm glad I've finally watched it =)

Saturday 26th Sept
Stayed in in the morning reading about business accounts and the Driving Instructor Association. Then got myself a planner/ scheduler thing from WH Smith. Whilst at it I took a look at some bodybuilding magazines for inspiration for my October workout plan. In the afternoon I went out to meet Robert to give him some driving instructor practice. He told me booked his final examination on 29th October. Evening, went out for dinner with family and close buddies. A thanksgiving dinner for passing of my exam. Matt was there too :)

Sunday 27th Sept
Nicholas Tan expressed interest in taking driving lessons with me :) After church I came home to reformat my laptop and set up my new Sat Nav: Tomtom One IQ Routes. Updated maps, new features on it and not to forget the all important speed/ traffic camera alerts ;-)

Monday 28th Sept
Annual leave: Downloaded a few game demos for PS3 including Fifa 10, PES 2010, NBA 2010 etc. Hooked up with oldest schoolfriend, Bobby. Went for lunch at Costco then back up to my place to hang for a few hours. Was good to catch up, updating each other with latest news as well as talk about old times :) In the evening I went to watch "Dorian Gray" at the cinema. Film was horrible. Not like scary as such, but just a very odd plot and I didn't think it ended well. Just not what I expected. Nothing to do with vampires or half-lives or making a deal with the devil etc. And so much sexual content in it. Sigh...!

Tuesday 29th Sept
Annual leave: last day of leave. Had to make use of my time. Morning I spent at home reading up on HMRC self-assessment information, knowing more about what to expect to fill in at the important dates of 31st Jan and 31st Oct of each year etc. (Oh yes, I applied for a business account with Alliance and Leicester yesterday morning. Should hear back within five working days :)) Got my PIN for self-assessment through Government Gateway too. Oh I checked out my previous buddy, Ann's revamped website as well. Remember the woman I trained with back in June/July time? Here's her site, in case you're interested: http://www.annhughesdrivingschool.co.uk/index.html

Got some inspiration from her site about special offers I could give once I'm officially teaching. But then again, I might be bound by some AA rules. We'll see. Obviously, Chinese people will be treated with special care la! ;-) Then I went out for a drive to visit some DSA driving test centres with my new Sat Nav. Went to the one furthest away - Dumbarton. What a drive! I doubt I'd be teaching at or around that area anyway, but have it in my Tomtom anyway. The four main Glasgow DSA test centres are: Baillieston (east), Springburn (east), Anniesland (west) and Shieldhall (south). I think these test centres should keep me busy enough :) I went to the gym afterwards. Gym was really busy today for some strange reason. The cardio suite was roasting as well. Air con must have been off or something. I had never been so relieved to step into the strength suite! Seeing it being so busy made me consider joining another gym. Maybe paying £5 more each month to get improved quality and quantity of facilities. Hmm...

Things yet to be done:

Keep all receipts for purchases (on-going)
Sort out bank accounts (halfway)
Open business accounts (halfway)
Join D.I.A. (awaiting application)
Read up on Pass Plus
Read up on licensing laws (foreign / provisional / UK)
Learn test routes (on-going)
Inform HMRC of self employment

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Busy busy!

So it is almost a week since I passed my driving instructor examination, and since then the days have gone by very quickly. There's so much to do between now and actually getting my tuition car.

Thursday 17th Sept
Went to the gym in the evening after texting and calling people with the good news. At the gym, Ravish and Jonathan said they would be interested in learning from me once I get started. Another guy, Scott, who is self-employed, gave me lots of tips about tax and self assessments and pros and cons of being a sole trader etc. Thank God for the extra support and information etc.

Friday 18th Sept
Back to work. Congratulations from work mates. Some asked me when I'll be handing in my notice. My answer - not yet. I will wait till I get my tuition car first, then hand in my four weeks notice. Will use the four weeks to build up my client base and business and see how it goes from there. Went to the gym in the evening.

Saturday 19th Sept
Went to town. Got four passport photos taken for £4! =O Needed them for my driving instructor license application. Bought shirts and trousers etc. May need them when teaching as I think AA wants all instructors in business casual attire. Not sure yet, will need to clarify with Ronnie next week. Franchise pack arrived from the AA, offering me a special rates as a newly qualified instructor. Can only apply after I receive my instructor license.

Sunday 20th Sept
Went church and badminton. Filled in my instructor license application form, attached two passport pictures with it and enclosed a cheque for £300!! Yes, the license itself costs SO much! =O Congratulations from people in church. Three more potential students today. Derek and Arthur, new people from Hong Kong. Margaret, also from Hong Kong whom is interested in taking lessons soon. This brings my potential number to ten. Praise God! =)

Monday 21st Sept
Back to work. Was glad David was back at work, helped me half my workload somewhat. Met with buddy Robert to train with him again. Gave him a briefing on what happened on my test date. We went through PST One, the test I had on the day. Came home then sorted out all my paper work. Shredded all my payslips from 2003. Kept current employer payslips and current year statements. Everything else had to go. I had to make way for future paperwork, publications and stuff I will receive once I start my franchise. Wanted to be in bed by 11pm. Failed! Lol!

Tuesday 22nd Sept
Second day of a four day week. Not much happened today. Lunch break was spent looking at my money and anticpating things I'll need to pay for in upcoming weeks. License fee, fee joining the Driving Instructor Association, getting public liability insurance, getting a new Sat Nav etc. Also looked around for a Sat Nav. Was going to get it from Halfords for £169.99, then discovered it was in fact £129.99 in Tesco! So rushed off to Tesco to buy it before going home for dinner. Tesco is doing double points right now, so I got 260 points for my one purchase AND I'll get to claim back the tax on the purchase as I claim it through business. :) Met with Robert for two hours. I drove as a pupil as he tried to teach and control me. I analysed what he did and gave him some tips too. He is hoping to book his test around mid to end of October.

Right now, I have just updated my current Sat Nav and will pack it up and get it ready for giving to Cat for FREE!! Yes, FREE!! Haha! I will now finish this blogpost then back up my laptop files into my Terabyte harddrive and then reformat my laptop so I can refresh it and have it running faster again as I install AA driving instructor stuff etc etc. Will want to get rid of the junk and keep it virus and bug free :)

Things yet to be done:

Keep all receipts for purchases
Reformat laptop + reinstall AA discs
Sort out bank accounts
Open business accounts
Join D.I.A.
Sort out PIN from Scottish Gateway
Read up on HMRC Self Employed info
Read up on Pass Plus
Read up on licensing laws (foreign / provisional / UK)
Learn test routes
Visit test centres

On a PLUS note, the instructor license application which I posted into the local post box on Monday morning was finally collected today! Looks like the unofficial mail strike has been lifted now :)

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Trip down memory lane

Wow! Forgot I made these videos back in May last year when I first received my AA driving instruction pack! I was so innocent then! Lol! This might bore you, but hey! =P





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