the id, the ego, & the single misfiring brain cell

the mad rush to get me inprocessed, in an apartment, and in the system

While allowing for my jet lag.

Good times.

It was snowing when I arrived yesterday. No really. It didn't stick, of course, but everyone had that mental OMA* ICE IS FALLING FROM THE SKY BUNDLE UP thing going on. They're hunched into jackets with scarves around their necks and hats on to keep their little ears warm. To me, it's just brisk--almost balmy.

* Oh My Allah.

It didn't last, but something tells me that snow stuff will be the talk of the town for the next five years.

Roger, my quasi-sponsor (since my proper sponsor is on leave, of course), checked me into the Swissotel, then took me down to the Hilton to see someone about my hotel arrangements. No...they weren't trying to get me to stay there; a few of our support people (mostly Turkish) work out of the Hilton.

Then we went to the BX and commissary and related shops (including laundry facilities). We find these in a nondescript building with heavy security behind it before we can get to the stores. You feel like even your cheese is a government secret.

Today, Roger met me in the lobby and we went to the Hilton for more inprocessing stuff. I began my apartment search.

It seems I'll get up to $1300 for my apartment/home here. What I don't use, I don't get to keep. This means I'll be living large, pretty much. There are some really nice pads about. I begin my apartment tours tomorrow morning.

Well...this morning. It's almost 1am. Jet lag is a bitch. I avoided the several days of headaches and nausea that usually plague me on trans-Atlantic flights, but the sleep thing? My switch simply doesn't reset so quickly.

I went down to the gym this evening with the intent to work out some stress and tightness. I'd forgotten how good if feels to lift weights. I feel revitalized.

Housekeeping came by twice today. (Am I that much of a slob?) They popped in just after I vacated this morning and left the place spotless and beautiful. They rang again at 8am to ask if I needed anything. I said no, so they handed me a chocolate (Lindt, orange) and wished me a good night.

I could get used to this.

Imma try to take some pictures of this pad tomorrow. Y'all won't believe this.

I finally moved into the room today, by the way. I decided I may as well act like I live here until I get a pad of my own.

Oh...I went back by the secret squirrel shopping center today* to visit the lady who does the handcrafted furniture I saw yesterday. She was in, invited me to join her, and gave me some apple tea. She has rather amazing handiwork in rosewood and brass at most reasonable prices. I will return.

* Which I found thanks to McDonald's, aka "The American Embassy"

For those of you what's wondering: No, I haven't gone carpet shopping yet. Y'all be patient.

OK. Time to pop a sleepy pill and try to catch some Z's before my wakeup call at 7.

d