My first two weeks in the USA!
Apr 13th 2007, 5:13 am
#17
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,442
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
Everytime I call the cable company, or the telephone company they say they need the SSN to confirm the address. That and the fact that you can easily get dead guys numbers from a government site on the internet. Seems like they can't be that important. But I agree, I am a bit of a silly sod at times 
Try doing as I do and just change one or two numbers......like you do with your home phone number when they want that for some obscure reason.
It trips naturally off the tongue and they cant check a SS# anyway unless they are a Govt thingy.......
Apr 13th 2007, 5:16 am
#18
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2006
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 387
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
From one young expat academic to another - welcome You will find the academic work ethic here much more relaxed than the hard-arsed 12 hour days corporate world that we sometimes think is typical of the US. We may get less money and inadequate relocation packages, but the work flexibility, less pressure from the bosses and extra vacation days more than compensate.
You'll find that Southwest Airlines are your friend for those visits to/from Nebraska
You will find the academic work ethic here much more relaxed than the hard-arsed 12 hour days corporate world that we sometimes think is typical of the US. We may get less money and inadequate relocation packages, but the work flexibility, less pressure from the bosses and extra vacation days more than compensate.You'll find that Southwest Airlines are your friend for those visits to/from Nebraska
Apr 13th 2007, 6:50 am
#19
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,266
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
Welcome to BE Glad you're settling in.
Glad you're settling in.
Apr 13th 2007, 12:13 pm
#20
You're all mugs!
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: San Antonio, USA
Posts: 442
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
Thanks you lot, its good to hear all your stories and how similar some of them are to mine. Someone said in this thread that it was a good story to tell your kids one day and I totally agree with that - sometimes you just have to take stock and realise how lucky you are!
Oh and I am fully aware that this is the cold season - mind you nothing can be as cold as the damn A/C in this lab right now (brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr).
Oh and I am fully aware that this is the cold season - mind you nothing can be as cold as the damn A/C in this lab right now (brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr).
Apr 13th 2007, 8:33 pm
#21
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
Great to hear your update! Next step - attend a BE meet
Being apart from your fiancee will have its benefits - my bloke is in California, I'm in Norwich UK at the moment.....we get along fine, can concentrate on our respective careers, and really enjoy the time that we do spend together!
Being apart from your fiancee will have its benefits - my bloke is in California, I'm in Norwich UK at the moment.....we get along fine, can concentrate on our respective careers, and really enjoy the time that we do spend together!
Apr 13th 2007, 9:03 pm
#22
Lapine Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Austin, Texas in my own little world
Posts: 21,691
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
Apr 13th 2007, 10:50 pm
#23
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Apr 14th 2007, 1:11 am
#24
In the pink
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3,324
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
Don't complain about A/C, it will soon become your friend.
Apr 18th 2007, 3:14 pm
#25
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Missouri
Posts: 238
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
Hi,
Welcome.
Since you have internet ,the best deal i find is Vonage.Then it will only cost about $30 a month and you can have unlimited calls to the UK.
I love being able to call back there as much as i want and at any time.
Good luck with the new apartment.
keep smiling.
Welcome.
Since you have internet ,the best deal i find is Vonage.Then it will only cost about $30 a month and you can have unlimited calls to the UK.
I love being able to call back there as much as i want and at any time.
Good luck with the new apartment.
keep smiling.
Apr 19th 2007, 2:10 am
#26
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2007
Location: UK/USA
Posts: 15
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
That's so true, (about the walking being shameless etc). I haven't quite adjusted to the roads here in Houston, so I can imagine the rest of Texas. I actually really want to walk but there are no footpaths, traffic lights, NO (or at least not much) PUBLIC TRANSPORT nothing. It's as if you've gone mad, or people look at you really strange if you are walking............. now that will take a while to get used to.
now that will take a while to get used to.
Apr 19th 2007, 2:13 am
#27
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,442
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
That's so true, (about the walking being shameless etc). I haven't quite adjusted to the roads here in Houston, so I can imagine the rest of Texas. I actually really want to walk but there are no footpaths, traffic lights, NO (or at least not much) PUBLIC TRANSPORT nothing. It's as if you've gone mad, or people look at you really strange if you are walking............. now that will take a while to get used to.
now that will take a while to get used to. 
Apr 19th 2007, 2:13 am
#28
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,266
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
That's so true, (about the walking being shameless etc). I haven't quite adjusted to the roads here in Houston, so I can imagine the rest of Texas. I actually really want to walk but there are no footpaths, traffic lights, NO (or at least not much) PUBLIC TRANSPORT nothing. It's as if you've gone mad, or people look at you really strange if you are walking............. now that will take a while to get used to.
now that will take a while to get used to.
Apr 19th 2007, 2:18 am
#30
Lapine Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Austin, Texas in my own little world
Posts: 21,691
Re: My first two weeks in the USA!
That's so true, (about the walking being shameless etc). I haven't quite adjusted to the roads here in Houston, so I can imagine the rest of Texas. I actually really want to walk but there are no footpaths, traffic lights, NO (or at least not much) PUBLIC TRANSPORT nothing.
http://www.texasoutside.com/hikebike...kingtrails.htm
In Austin there is a decent system of bike routes and lanes but very little of that in Houston. TBH I wouldn't feel safe on a bicycle or as a pedestrian in the heavy (and fast, and aggressive) Houston traffic.
This would be another good way to meet people, seeking out fellow hiking and biking enthusiasts.
But I have a feeling you won't want to do too much outdoors pretty soon.... even at night the humidity is so high that you can't cool down cos the sweat won't evaporate!
So get out there and walk now!
