Fusion Power . . .
Today (for me) it is December 31, yep, another Monday. After a long (3 day) and very quiet weekend I am up at my usual 330 am (yes, I am a freak as Chris calls me). I will work today, then Decy and I will go out and celebrate the new year.
Last week was pretty much a blur, not at work (it was quiet) but at home. Decy, Chris, Paul, Chely, Thasya, Courtney, and Stacey went to an orphanage on the 26th and delivered backpacks full of supplies, shoes, flip-flips. We also gave food, electric fans, water pots (for boiling water) plastic shelves, a soccer ball … and I can’t remember what else. Sadly, I had to work. The group (which had to travel in 3 vehicles to carry everything) was met with singing and handclapping. They passed out gifts, talked awhile, sang, ate lunch and played soccer. From what I hear it was a good experience for all.
On the 27th everybody went shopping at Mangga Dua – the equivalent of an outlet store here in Indonesia, then they went to Pasa Raya for trinket shopping. We met for dinner at a place called Hanamasa where we cooked our own food on a habatchi (spelled wrong) grill and a pot of boiling water (for soup). After stuffing ourselves, we went home and watched some movies.
The 28th was the day all the kids left for the US – it was a 10pm flight. The morning was relatively quiet while the afternoon was filled with packing, weighing suitcases, arranging all the stuff for the trip. Chris, Paul, and I played pool for a while – cut throat – they double teamed me …. and barely won.
We went to the airport early, just in case traffic was bad. Decy talked to security and was able to get admission to the ticketing area. Thus, she helped ensure that Chris, Paul, Courtney, and Stacey, were all checked in ok and ready to go. Afterwards, they came out to the terminal to be with Chely, Thasya, and I … and we had an unhealthy dinner of Dunkin Donuts and A&W chicken … I did not eat. We left the kids about 830pm as they still needed to go thru immigration. We were home at 10pm, and I watched the flight status until about 11pm. I monitored the flights for the next 36 hours. It appears everybody arrived safely (although I haven’t heard confirmation on the suitcases) … with only a minor incident in Chicago when the guys were 30 feet from their gate and missed their plane because “they didn’t hear the announcement”. I’m still trying to figure that one out.
As for Decy, Chely, Thasya, and myself – it was a very quiet weekend. The energy level in the house is quite low compared to what it was, and it will take some getting use to. On Saturday, I worked on the PCs – getting a SIMS expansion pack running for Thasya …. and getting my old computer (bluey) that Chris brought back, up and running for Decy. On Sunday, I worked on finances, trying to close out most of the 2007 information. Late Sunday afternoon and evening, we watched Jackie Chan movies (Rush Hour 1, 2, and 3) …. I got a massage and so did Decy. Finally went to bed about 1130pm.
Chely joined some from friends for a 2 day New Years celebration at Hotel Le Meridien. It is the night of the 30th and 31st. She is staying in touch with us, from time to time. She has really matured over the past year and I am proud of her.
Its been raining most of the night – steady, but not a downpour – pretty much commensurate with my mood.
RE the title of this blog “Fusion Power” … that is in reference to a hand razor that Chris and Paul bought me for Christmas. It has a 4 blade system and a battery for providing a slight vibration. The shave is incredibly good – IMPRESSIVE …. now, to see how long the blades last …. I think the guys gave me 13 blades, I need to check closely. I’m almost certain I can not find replacement blades here … but I can always have them shipped in.
Well, that’s all for now. And, yes, I know, I need to post some picks – - I have to build up the energy and enthusiasm for that.
ciao ciao.
