Jobs for the kids

For a while now, I've been thinking about giving the kids a way to start earning their own money. Ideally, I had hoped to have the kids do manual labor outside, but since we live in a serviced apartment, we had to improvise.

So about a week ago, we implemented a jobs program for the kids. Basically, they don't get paid an allowance (money for doing nothing) or for doing what they are already supposed to do (dressing themselves, picking up toys, doing homework, etc). However, they can earn money by doing approved chores above and beyond the usual routine (such as washing dishes, putting away clothes, etc).

So far I am happly to report that the kids have really taken to earning money and it is great to see them excited to do work. Let's hope the enthusiasm continues....

One year in Indonesia!

On 23 February, we celebrated one year in Indonesia. We had a nice dinner at Samy's Curry restaurant which serves Singapore style Indian food. It was delicious, but as a co-worker pointed out, a bit ironic that we didn't have Indo food. Oh well, LOL.

It's been crazy fast as we've done so much in so little time. We've many new friends and had so many amazing experiences. Most mornings I wake up and can't believe we live in SE Asia. Its like a dream come true...for me at least.

The family has done remarkably well at adapting to life here. I think that is largely due to my previous experience of living in Singapore and Malaysia, our family trips to Belize and Taiwan, and our even living in another state (Oklahoma) from our native Texas.

Really, life is very similar (with a few notable differences). We still have to get the kids out the door to go to school in the morning and I still do the same job (although I walk here instead of drive). The main differences would be that traffic dominates any decision of what activities to participate in and we live in an apartment instead of a house.

All in all we are enjoying our stay here and are looking forward to another great year in Jakarta!