Super Ball ended up becoming the idea for the term "Super Bowl." The first two contests between the NFL and the AFL were labeled the "World Championship Game." After the second such contest, the owners were sitting around trying to come up with a snappier name when Lamar Hunt, the guiding light of the American Football League, and the owner of the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs, remembered watching his daughter play with a high-bouncing Super Ball a few days earlier and 'ball' morphed into 'bowl. 'Voila...Super Bowl!
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I've been pretty lucky, as with the recent rate cuts, I have been able to get a mortgage on the Nationwide Tracker - originally a product that was 4.99% - which was 1.99% above the BoE Base Rate. Basically, I will always be 1.99% above Base.
The only exception is if the Base Rate drops under 1% during the first 2 years, then the product rate would be 2.99% (1% + 1.99%) - therefore this is the minimum rate I Will get.
Before I took out the mortgage the Interest rate the rate was 4.5% - then the drop in early November moved the rate to 3% (so I received the 4.99% rate in the first instance). I was pretty content with this - but knew it would be good if it was reduced further! When my mortgage was being prepared in early December, the BoE reduced the rates again to 2% (so I now should receive the 3.99% rate as soon as the mortgage is activated).
This is quite a good rate, and I should be clever to try to change to a fixed rate if and when I start to see the rate rises to occur. Hopefully they will go down further still!! Maybe another 1% - and that would be fantastic!! :)
Luckily I had my deal finalised after November - as according to the BBC News website, Nationwide advised that they will end tracker rate cuts for those Tracker policies which were set-up with a 2.75% collar (lower limit). Phew, at least I am not affected by this, as such!
All good then - just need to hope that the purchase goes through without issue!!
During my trip to HK, I was discussing cameras with my cousins. I wanted to try to improve my photography skills and wanted to upgrade from my disappointly slow Sony DSC-D5 camera to a mid-range digital-SLR-type of camera - without getting an SLA just yet - mainly due to the cost in doing so!
They recommended the entry-level DSLR models - te Panasonic LX3 or the Canon G10. Both recent models - and both providing the functionality that I would need to improve my skills...first step is the equipment, then the training and experience follows :)
Having mulled it over, and looking at the "investment costs", I noticed that even with the crap GBP to HKD conversion rates, the Canon G10 was still £50 cheaper than Amazon.co.uk or similar on-line stores. I looked at the Canon and felt that it was a better fit for me than the Panasonic - which still appeared to be more of a "compact" camera design.
So I made the investment and purchased this for myself - my Chrimbo gift to myself!!
You have heard it everywhere so I might as well repeat the same message – 2008 has been pretty challenging for most – for various reasons. Firstly, this Global Financial Crisis (that some term as “Credit Crunch”) – luckily I have been sheltered from the big impact of this – as didn’t have significant loans or debts – savings mainly - and only just recently undertook my biggest move of my life and took out a mortgage for my new home (more on this later). Lets breakdown a few areas of focus during 2008…
Work:
I have been keeping my head down, keeping busy – and trying to have some fun too! It hasn’t been easy. Work hasn’t really been that enjoyable during the early part of the 2008 – as I kept thinking I was never going to get my promotion that I felt I richly deserved (said by others!) But in March 2008, I was successful in attaining this – and my band level, title and money all changed for the better! I felt a lot better after this though I was trying to be realistic to myself stating that the work itself and role wouldn’t really change that much. Same crap but more money!
This is true to some extent, as the projects I was leading at the start of 2008 stayed with me to closure. However, I am meant to be and act more strategic in my thinking (mentality) and my actions – but I still think I need coaching and support to get me there (to the level expected of me!)! I need the support of my peers, friends and family as now doubt the tough journey starts now!
I’m still kinda enjoying the work – though it has had is moments this year and recently where I have not had much motivation. I have lost sight a little bit in where I want to go with my career – though with the issues affecting the AXP Corporation, I just need to keep going – as I know my job is at risk like a lot of other people.
On this point, AXP Inc. announced in October that there would be a wave of lay-offs – 10% of the global workforce – that’s 7,000 people – yes 7,000! The Corporation although remaining profitable has also experienced challenging conditions – mainly in our Proprietary Card businesses in the US and International – and the squeeze is being felt throughout. Although initially safe, the GNS Division was advised that it has to reduce 10% of its head-count too – ouch…and this is also reflected in my immediate team. We will find out in mid-January how many people and at what levels (i.e. who is at risk). This is a concern to end 2008 and going into the start of 2009.
Work Secondment:
I was fortunate to experience another amazing opportunity starting from 1st Sept – using my experiences gained during my Greek Work Assignment – on the Loyalty field; I was given the chance to stay in Riga, Latvia for 8 weeks working for Parex Banka Group. It was an amazing experience – although it was a very challenging time and I needed the support of my colleagues and Directors to help me through it. I found this one tougher than the Greek experience for some reason – but I can’t seem to put my finger on why! Maybe because it was the end part of the year – or because I was generally thinking deeper into what I want to and where I want to go at the time?
Anyway, although the opportunity to finish the project was available to me – but undertaken remotely (from the UK), the project hit a huge major obstacle – that caused when there was a run on Parex Bank in Latvia – resulting in the Bank being semi-Nationalised by the Latvian Government in November. What a shock – especially as I had gotten to know a lot of people in the Bank – and those that might be a risk if the bank did go bankrupt. I hope it doesn’t!
This really was the focus during Q4 2008, as in December, I decided to take a 3-week break – taking advantage of a great BA flight offer that required me to depart by 8th December!
New Home:
The biggest achievement of my life was that I managed to get my offer accepted for a house-purchase in late November. A great way to end the year and before I started my holiday. I managed to get a mortgage sorted too with Nationwide – as I had quite a bit of deposit to put down, there was no issue in the terms of getting a mortgage!
Family:
Not much has changed really – father is still getting used to retirement, and travelling a bit to Italy and Switzerland to see friends and family. I actually visited Milan again this year – the first time for over 8 years – wow!
My mother is nearing retirement – March 2009 – and I wanted her to have a relaxing holiday to support this achievement too, so went with her to Hong Kong. She is a great mentor to help me sort out my house and all of the bits and bobs that go along with it! Thanks mum!
I have let Kieren down a wee bit during 2008 – I don’t think I’ve been there for him during the good or bad times. He was made redundant with his part-time job in Gatwick this year, when Aviance terminated their Gatwick operations in May. He remains with his other work at Edwards Group – working in the Sales and Marketing department. He seems to be enjoying it – though I do believe this is a stark change to what he was probably doing in terms of what he had studied at college and University. I hope he settles down and focuses on the role to see what areas of development or training he needs to support him further.
In closure, it’s a very different year than the previous ones. I’ve had a few highs along the way, but finishing 2008 has created mixed emotions. Happy to see the back of it, but also looking forward for the challenges of 2009 and beyond. However, my main concern is the thought-provoking “where do I want to be” and “what do I want to be doing” questions I started asking myself towards the end of the year. Still not sure on this! Any thoughts?
Anyway, lets try to remain cheerful at the end of a turbulent year. May I wish one and all my best wishes for the festive season and I do hope some light comes from the end of the tunnel during 2009! Can only get better right?
Well having finished work on the 7th December - quite early as you can tell - I had a great 3 week break in Asia. We visited family there, as well as spend some relaxing time trying to de-stress and enjoy ourselves a little bit.
I went with my mother - mainly due to the "language barrier" - only joking!! - it was because it was her Chrimbo before retirement - so I wanted to ensure it was special.
We visited 6 days in Phuket, and the rest of the time was in Hong Kong - with a day-trip to Macau in the middle. I wanted to have more time relaxing in Phuket - and it was a fantastic place - but we weren't able too this time around.
Anyway, we also attended a wedding - but as I had to fly back, my attendance was quite limited - to 3 courses of the 9 course meal!
As soon as I returned, early morning of Tuesday, 30th December - I had to start work - so just worked from home sorting out the mountain of e-mails, and trying to get my mind back into the work-side of things - plenty of work envisaged for the next few months indeed!
I didn't do a festive letter this year, because I ran out of time - having done an long and early festive holiday - but I will draft a related one shortly and publish to the website - so keep an eye out for a new blog posting soon
Lastly, I wish you all a Happy New Year for 2009 - I know last year has been genuinely tough for the large majority of us - I've had a few highs and lows too during 2008 - but I think it is going to be an interesting time during 2009 - plenty of fun and games to keep us busy!!
Well although I had placed an original offer on a property in Haywards Heath about 8 weeks ago - it was rejected by the seller.
I had a second visit, and then put in a second offer - and this too was rejected. The seller than advised that there were intent on removing it from the market and continue to rent it out.
I then received a call last week stating that the seller had found a place and was keen in selling the place. I was a bit annoyed as I felt I was being played, so was quite firm to the vendor. I advised that I was willing to progress the offer (second reject price) on the understanding that the sellers come back to the negotiation table.
Lo and behold - I received a surprising call today to say that the offer was accepted! Wahoo!!
As you can tell I was really happy - but the challenge starts now, as I now need to get everything sorted for a mid-February signing - and hopefully ensure everything is set in stone! I just hope all of the surveys come back positive - and that my mortgage application goes through without issue!!
This Christmas, there is a weird feeling as we approach the festive season. With the "credit crunch", and the announcement last month that all work-doos were cancelled - bar-humbug - I knew it would a different feel this year!
Most people at work don't seem to be in the Chrimbo spirit yet - probably because there is still uncertainty as to who are the unlucky 5%-10% that will be out of a job early in 2009! Hopefully not me!
I also think that having the party in late-November probably has something to do with it too - as the work has not really "slowed down" yet...in fact it's manic for loads of people - and I am only fortunate based on the fact that I have an early holiday this year - and one of my most significant initiatives has been put "on-hold".
This year, we went to the Open House pub in Springfield Road, Brighton - mainly focused to have a few drinks, DJ-music and chilled evening. I certainly let my hair down, and it was a well-earned rest from work...
It has been busy, but manageable over the last few weeks, as we move closer to the festive break - well at least for work.
Outside of work, been nothing but MANIC! Looking for a new house is tiring and challenging work - but I am actually enjoying it - hmmm...maybe "enjoyable" is not the right word - but alas, I still have a bit of hope that something happens soon - or early in the new year!
Drinking and having fun (at pool) has progressed well over the last few weeks. Must have been all of that practice in Riga :)
...ladies - well, managed to talk to a few during my recent Brighton outings - but didn't manage to pluck up the right courage to take it to the next step. Gave my business cards though - which did "seem" to have gone down well, but alas they are probably in the bin somewhere now :-( - they never called!! Boo-hoo!!!!
BUT, I am looking forward for everything calming down in preparation for my 3-Week holiday from 8th December. Can't wait.
Well I've performed another Broadband speed test, and I am still struggling to get any speeds in excess of 2.0mbps - but kinda starting to accept this rate now...gone slightly down since I previously attempted a similar test in January 2008.
I performed two impartial tests. Here are the results:
Well with the share price being decimated - and following on from the recent job cuts announcement by AXP, it was clear that things were absolutely rosey with AXP - even though our business results were fairing up okay over the last few years! Thanks largely to the division I am in - GNS!
But share price still has plummeted from highs of USD $60, to what is around a 65% drop - currently touching $20!!
This is absolutely a dismal share price - though there is always an opportunity in the midst of turmoil - buy the shares if you have got the spare cash :) !! My spare investment capital is reserved for a big investment (house-purchase) - but I might still buy some shares if it dropped to the $12-14 range - it's too good to miss this!
Anyway, AXP this week has also had a bit of a bumpy ride, dropping to $16 dollar during Wednesday's trading, and luckily making up some ground towards the end of the week to head back up to $21 again! I have a feeling that there may be more turmoil ahead of us! Worrying news indeed, hey?
Well it's my third time I've put an offer into (different) properties - but I have a feeling about this one! -- But I won't tempt fate just yet!
The house is for £250k, and I put down an offer for £240k. I still think it's a buyer's market - especially with the fact that we are pretty much in a recession now - meaning it is possible that the house-market (and prices) but adjust further. Therefore, if they want to sell, I am really helping them to sell quickly - without waiting any longer.
I hope they see this and accept this offer - they have already rejected my £235k offer. I just hope things do plan out as I want!
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