Can I trust TSB Bank?

I went into my local TSB branch the other day as I wanted to change my address. I went in and showed the woman my card, she asked me to sign on a peice of paper, asked me for my new address, typed it in, and said horray its all set up. I then went on to ask her if she could re-send me my pin number as I had forgotten it (which was true), and she said its fine.

Now what I don't understand is where are the security precautions? In theory anyone could have stolen my card (I don't have many cards, but my parents have loads, they wouldn't realise when one went missing!), practiced my signature which is on the back of my card, gone into the bank, changed the address AND recieved the pin number three days later! How easy is that ...

Surely TSB should have some kind of precautions? Shouldn't they ask for a picture ID or a proof of address document to change my address?

Can I trust this bank to keep my money secure? Would you trust them?

Study or Work?

I always thought after I'd finish studying and land into the world of work, I would have ample time on my hands to wander around and enjoy life. Yet, its been just a month since I started work, and I haven't even posted once on my blog! So what is the reality? Well, I come home, cook, clean a little, pray and just feel like jumping straight into bed. Having said that, I must admit it is actually very nice not having to worry about assignments at all, in fact I don't have to worry about anything (well almost), plus I can shop till I drop. The joys of not being a student are too many to count ... :D

On the other hand I am worried I will get too used to enjoying my non-student life that I will find it difficult to go back to university for postgraduate study. I have places at London universities (LSE, Imperial, UCL, Kings & City) and I've applied for PhD studentships too, but I am waiting to hear back from them (please pray for me!). I sometimes wonder, should I just pack it all up (i.e. studies) and just continue working and enjoy life (at least financially) or should I look at the long term picture and sacrifice my sanity and freedom for one to three years more ... ... What do you guys think?

BTW I do love studying. In fact just two days into work, and I was missing lectures and the academic research environment, where every day one learns something new. Whereas my current job, lets just say I've done more interesting things ... !

At Jamie's

After having worked full time for just over two weeks, I thought it was about time I treated my other half to an unforgettable meal. Having recently turned into a fan of Jamie Oliver, I thought it was time we visited Jamie's Italian. We started off with starters: a selection of bread and vegetables. Main menu included linguine with prawns and fried fish. Bakewell tart for dessert. The food was delicious (best I've ever had in an English restaurant), tasty and the fresh pasta was beyond me - my first time with fresh pasta btw! It was rather satisfying to experience that despite the non-inclusion of chillies, the food was still scrumptious! Just a shame, I didn't think of taking my camera with me ... or else, you would be drooling.

Fisherman's hut

IMG_0528, originally uploaded by Cosmic Cook.

No idea who the grandad in the picture is (does look well dressed btw), but the picture is of a fisherman's hut taken on the south coast beach. What a great idea!

On holiday (and back)!

IMG_0521, originally uploaded by Cosmic Cook.

For the past two weeks, well almost three now, I've been on an extended holiday, thus the absence. I am today finally back to work, marking GCSE exam papers and then off to my first real 'full time' job, and funnily enough I am actually really looking forward to joining the corporate environment! It'll be a great breath of fresh air from student life, and of course not to forget, the benefits of freely shopping of course go clearly hand in hand ;D

Umm Saaliha on hijab shopping!

Umm Saaliha at Happy Muslim Mama has posted a post on Hijab shopping in London, as I had requested! I am over flowing with joy because first of all I am a great fan of hers, she in an amazing woman mashaAllah and her blog probably tops my favourite blogs. Secondly, she has gone to great detail explaining each shop (including postcode AND photo of shop, which is especially useful for someone who can't figure out her right from her left!)

Therefore this is for you, Umm Saaliha:



(See how I get away with being frugal! :D )