Dear CUC

*CUC is our utility company, run by the local government*

Dear CUC,

I want to thank you for changing our daily power outage schedule from 2pm-4pm to 4pm-6pm. This new time works out much better for me. With the old schedule, it disrupted my nap time almost every day. Now, I can get an afternoon nap in when it suits me and not have to worry about sweating to death without my fan.

My family has adapted pretty well to the changes and challenges thrown at them because of the power outages and doubled rates. Mama & Papa were talking about the new bill and it seems that we are still on track with using only 303 kWh per month. The bad thing is that our bill is now $120 instead of $60. We spend lots of time together when the power is out. Reading books, playing with blocks or playing outside.

But the straw that broke the camel’s back happened last night. Our power came back on at 6pm and I got in the bath around 6:40. Papa even made it a big bubble bath…that is my favorite! Unfortunately, at 6:45, the power went out again. Just as I was getting my hair all shampooed and had soap bubbles all over my body. The problem is that when the power goes out, we don’t have any water because our water pump runs on electricity. So, Mama had to figure out how to get a bucket of water out of the tank to rinse off with while Papa kept me company in the bathroom.

I eventually got all rinsed and ready for bed. I hate going to bed without my fan running, it is so hot in our house. But, I managed. Mama said that the neighbors sat in their car for a few hours last night with their airconditioner running, and drove around their yard and driveway. I might ask to join their family when the power goes out next time. Mama said that the power came back on at 11:15pm. That was a long time!

Good for me that we only have 2 more days in our house before we move to the hotel. Then we don’t have to worry about the power going out. Then only 10 more days left on Saipan. I can’t say that I will miss you, CUC.

Regards,

BTH

Peace.