THE PALM HOUSE:  We continue progressing this.  Yesterday the house underwent the security inspection.  I don't think there will be any major issues - results should be available today.  Then they will do the "audit" which is more of a physical inspection - that should be Friday or Monday; again, don't expect many issues on this house ... but one never knows.

On Friday, Decy meets with the house owner to clarify our "to do list".  It doesn't sound like there are any showstoppers, but one never knows ... overall, it is probably Tues-Thurs next week before we know if this house is likely to be a "winner" for us ... third time is a charm.

CARS:  Decy is finalizing insurance as we speak and has to make payment for insurance on one or more cars today.  The CrV should be available tomorrow (Friday) or Monday after we pay the remaining balance on it in full tomorrow.  Our first driver starts work on Monday.  As for the Fortuner ... we pay it in full tomorrow ... it will be available in about 1-2 weeks ... and the 2nd driver starts work at that time.

DOMESTIC HELP:  Preliminarily identified but will need to be fully interviewed once we know we have a house and a move-in date.

MONEY:  Continues to be a challenge regarding getting it here in country, good thing I have contingency plans in place ... sent into Indonesia a Wire Transfer ... and also cashed a check.  The WT made it into the account yesterday (Wednesday) ... the check funds ? Maybe today.

FURNITURE PURCHASES:  On hold until next week pending, better information on the status of the Palm House and what furniture will be purchased by the owner.

WESTLIFE CONCERT:  It was pretty good - brought back lots of memories.  Last time they were in Jakarta was 5 years ago ... we were at that concert too.

WORK:  Progressing.

VACATION PLANNING:  Stinks ... I have 27 days left in 2006 ... and will not be able to (a) take them when I want them, and (b) use them all up.  Have to carryforward to 2007 about 10 days.  Of the 17 ... lots of it will be in pieces; although I'll get a couple of extended weekends around the holidays to spend with family and friends ... in Indonesia (won't be able to leave the country for a vacation).

HOTEL LIVING: Sucks.

LAPTOP:  Now have Norton's Internet Security 2006 (shrink wrap box).  Even with that, trying to "update" the programs with latest data took 3 hours of downloading time (slow connection).  Had I tried to download the software either my old 2005 or new 2006 would probably have required another 5-7 hours .... the "original loads" are about 50 Meg while the "updates" were only 33 Meg.

LIFE IN JAKARTA:  Haven't had much of a chance to experience that yet ... but, massages are great and food is too !!

ciao ciao