The Fun Begins

So, it's really time to get ready. I've been waiting 11 years for this moment and now I can't get out of my own way. I keep writing lists and writing lists and re-writing lists. Plus, of course, because I have the luck of ant...

I got an email from my landlord, who actually is quite a lovely man, that he's got a little problem..."can I take the studio apartment then move into the one I originally wanted?"... Hmmm, probably not a big deal, but definitely the first of many tests for this gal that likes things to go just the way she plans them. Flow with it Karen. It will have windows, door locks and a clean shower.

I've also learned that I can't actually open a bank account there. This comes after three natives said "sure, it's no problem, just need a passport". Classic Ticoism. But, for this I am ready because I have committed to practicing my patience skills on this trip.

The bank account doesn't sound like a big deal, but because my ATM card didn't work in several ATMs when I was there in April I'm a little uneasy about potentially not having access to all my millions. Plus it would be nice to wave the fees from Sovereign. I begged for a waiver from the fees, but they weren't going for it. Wiring money from the States is an option, but that comes with even bigger fees. Fees that aren't budgeted if I want a leche de coco on the beach once in a while.

Working out of someone else's account, my new expat friend Ana so graciously offered, is another option, but is hardly in line with my idea of total freedom, nimbleness and going-it-alone. I don't want to put her out or be at her mercy to access the dough every time I need my 35 cents for the bus to town.

And, I got rear-ended tonight. Fab.

But, isaaaaallgoooood, cause Mary's baby Giada is home and healthy, Court's Macy Gray made it through surgery, my brother and sister in law just bought me a fine and much needed rain jacket for my trip, Staples stock is going up, Eric's got A/C in his car after 3 years, Chrissy and Dan are enjoying their new boat, El and Mikey had a rockin' wedding (now they'll be rockin' some babies)...plenty of the good stuff going on.

Plus, this picture of my head on a napkin is so stupid you have to laugh.