It's uncanny the number of HCC mums I've run into at GNLC in the past two weeks. All are considering moving their kids to GNLC next year because of the 20% rise in school fees.
Two of the mums have children who were Beth's classmates at HCC.
Another has a daughter who is Beth's year. The mum and I first struck up a conversation on FB - we are both TCI students and coaches - then met for coffee, and discovered how much we have in common. And today, I saw her across the synthetic grass play area with our Admin head, surveying the school alongside her daughter.
Love the serendipity of life.
I won't be surprised if God has prepared me for such a time as this, to befriend and walk alongside all the new mums coming over from HCC.
I told Beth on the way home that her experience in transitioning from HCC to GNLC may be what God will use in the new year to help other students in the same situation.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Getting Legal Advice in Melbourne
Last week, I panicked slightly when I flipped through the loan documents we'd been sent by the mortgage broker and realized there was a 21-day timeframe in which to sign and return them.
Typically, I had gone into denial the minute the documents arrived, and had sat on them for the better part of two weeks.
After that fateful discovery, I started looking up local law firms. We nearly went with Harwood Andrews - until we realized their property practice is in Geelong.
We looked at Slater and Gordon, conveniently located in Werribee on Watton St - then were told their property practice is in Melbourne CBD.
As it happened, we were due in Melbourne on Friday for a personal development workshop, so we made an appointment with S&G.
The whole process, from the time we contacted the office to the actual appointment in Latrobe St, was seamless and professional.
Loved the way the lawyer got on the phone herself, how down to earth she is, and how clearly and carefully she explained everything so we knew what to expect, what to bring for the interview, the estimated costs of the advice.
If you ever have to visit S&G, the best place to park is the metered lots just outside the building (485 Latrobe St). I think it cost $4 an hour, relatively cheap for the CBD.
When we arrived, the receptionist invited us to wait, called the twelfth floor to inform them of our arrival, then handed us a visitor's security pass and directed us to the right set of lifts. It took a few tries before we worked out how to use the pass to activate the lift (I kept looking for a card slot like you have on hotel room doors).
When we arrived at the twelfth floor office, the lawyer's PA greeted us and waved us to the waiting area. We got the girls organized and instructed them to amuse themselves quietly.
The interview took an hour and by the end of it, we had a much clearer understanding of the implications and consequences of signing the loan documents. It helped that our mortgage broker is very "on the ball" and we were able to reach him on the phone to clarify certain issues raised by the lawyer.
At the end of the interview, the lawyer said she would send out the documents for us and send us a letter confirming the advice and enclosing her account.
On our way out, the receptionist commented that our girls were the most well-behaved of any children they had seen. I love it when an observer gives feedback on how our children have conducted themselves in our absence, as it helps me "know" them in a different way.
Beth raved about the views from the twelfth floor window and the way the office is laid out. I asked if she would like to work in an environment like this when she grows up. She said "Maybe". This has been one of those educational-by-the-way trips and I'm glad we brought the girls along. Another seed for thought, planted for the future.
Typically, I had gone into denial the minute the documents arrived, and had sat on them for the better part of two weeks.
After that fateful discovery, I started looking up local law firms. We nearly went with Harwood Andrews - until we realized their property practice is in Geelong.
We looked at Slater and Gordon, conveniently located in Werribee on Watton St - then were told their property practice is in Melbourne CBD.
As it happened, we were due in Melbourne on Friday for a personal development workshop, so we made an appointment with S&G.
The whole process, from the time we contacted the office to the actual appointment in Latrobe St, was seamless and professional.
Loved the way the lawyer got on the phone herself, how down to earth she is, and how clearly and carefully she explained everything so we knew what to expect, what to bring for the interview, the estimated costs of the advice.
If you ever have to visit S&G, the best place to park is the metered lots just outside the building (485 Latrobe St). I think it cost $4 an hour, relatively cheap for the CBD.
When we arrived, the receptionist invited us to wait, called the twelfth floor to inform them of our arrival, then handed us a visitor's security pass and directed us to the right set of lifts. It took a few tries before we worked out how to use the pass to activate the lift (I kept looking for a card slot like you have on hotel room doors).
When we arrived at the twelfth floor office, the lawyer's PA greeted us and waved us to the waiting area. We got the girls organized and instructed them to amuse themselves quietly.
The interview took an hour and by the end of it, we had a much clearer understanding of the implications and consequences of signing the loan documents. It helped that our mortgage broker is very "on the ball" and we were able to reach him on the phone to clarify certain issues raised by the lawyer.
At the end of the interview, the lawyer said she would send out the documents for us and send us a letter confirming the advice and enclosing her account.
On our way out, the receptionist commented that our girls were the most well-behaved of any children they had seen. I love it when an observer gives feedback on how our children have conducted themselves in our absence, as it helps me "know" them in a different way.
Beth raved about the views from the twelfth floor window and the way the office is laid out. I asked if she would like to work in an environment like this when she grows up. She said "Maybe". This has been one of those educational-by-the-way trips and I'm glad we brought the girls along. Another seed for thought, planted for the future.
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