Tuesday, 29Aug06

Highlights: Embassy, store (stocked the armory of mosquito spray), met the neighbor (Jim + daughter)

One of today’s main projects was figuring out how I’m going to pay the $8,300 remaining for our rent by this Friday. I’m supposed to get Overseas Housing Allowance, but I’ve been here 3 months & haven’t gotten a dime from them yet- so,,, it’s not a simple or user-friendly process. I got the “welcome aboard” run-around, with 3 different offices all pointing to someone else I should go see… ah! Good times! I love bureaucracy.

On my way home I stopped by the closest mall to the house, (D’Best) and loaded the home armory with anti-mosquito hardware. We’ve got sprays,, lotions,, smelly things to drive them away. We’re only missing mothballs I think. Whatever it takes to not repeat another night like last night! Worth it…

We met our neighbor tonight too! Jim & his 11 year old daughter Hallie. Really nice folks,,, both American. I think Jim works on or with the Jakarta Stock Exchange, and Hallie was working on a power point presentation for her 6th grade class! 11 years old! How do you like that! I know some 30 something Marine pilots who struggle to figure out power point! Ha ha. That’s funny.