Returning Home . . .

Hi all. I'm back from Jamaica and it's good to be home. We left Jamaica just in time to miss the new Tropical Storm. Gustav was on its way there, and it might also be headed to South Florida, no telling yet though. According to the forecasters, this storm will strengthen to a Category 3 Hurricane by the end of the week.

Everything went as best as could be expected with the funeral and all my family members have made it home in one piece. There were a few ups and downs along the way, but life isn't perfect and the unexpected always happens. It was good seeing everyone and sad that this was the occasion to bring everyone together.

Anyway, that is all for now. I'm going to go get some sleep.

The Storm has passed . . .

Tropical Storm Fay came, dumped tons of water, brought some tornadoes, shut off the light for over 5,000 residents, downed some trees, shut off some traffic lights, and moved on. The county is still under a flood watch, although the tornado watch should have been lifted at 4 pm. We have been having sporadic rainfall and a lot of wind.

I haven't heard of any injuries and deaths related to the storm. So as far as I'm concerned, she really didn't cause a lot of damage to Broward County. It is still wreaking havoc in other parts of the state, however, and forecasters are saying the storm is strengthening.

All Broward County operations will resume tomorrow, Wednesday in the morning. Businesses were in operation today though as no one really toke the storm seriously.

The airports didn't close either, but certain flights were delayed. My parents landed safely in Jamaica this morning and will begin the first part of the preparations today. My brother and I will be leaving in the morning at 8 am and various other family members will be arriving in Jamaica over the next few days for the service on Saturday.

I will be returning to South Florida on August 26, the day before the release of Reclaiming Nicola.

Tropical Storm Fay

Broward County Libraries Division, my employer, has decided to close tomorrow (Monday, August 18, 2008) to the public because of the tropical storm threat. As an employee of the Library, I will be going to work for half the day to tie up loose ends and cover all the library equipment to protect against potential water intrusion, etc.

Earlier today, my brother and I went to Walmart to get some last minute things for our trip to Jamaica this coming Wednesday. The store was extremely packed because people were stocking up on supplies to weather the upcoming storm. It took over an hour just to check out about ten items.

I remember living in Jamaica during the threats of a storm and also experiencing the hurricane there. The interesting thing for me there was supermarket shelves being completely bare because people literally bought everything. If you were a late starter with hurricane preparedness, you wouldn't find a thing to purchase for consumption or light (candles). Luckily, there are a lot more choices and places to purchase supplies in South Florida, and the US, which eliminates that worry.

I also remember placing two strips of tape across a glass window in the shape of an X. At the time, I thought that was to protect the window and prevent any problems with the hurricane. I later realized it was to ensure that if the window gets knocked out and smashed into a million pieces they would be all together.

One more thing, I was in Jamaica during Hurricane Gilbert which was in 1988. It was terrible, our neighbours roofs blew off and some other's homes got flooded. Everyone was okay and everyone helped everyone else. But since I was a child at the time, the worst thing for me was the corned beef sandwiches we ate all the time. Since the electricity didn't work, we were unable to cook. Plus, we didn't have any perishables either. Even now I can't eat one of those sandwiches without having bad hurricane flashbacks.

Anyway, that's all for now. I'll keep you all updated.

SRR reviews Good for Something

Anika Hamilton’s novella Good for Something had you hanging on for the happy ending with baited breath . . . Good for Something shows the reader how love can conquer all despite the odds. Ms. Hamilton successfully weaves a story that has you wanting to know that all things turn out for the good.

~ Tami, Simply Romance Reviews

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Warm Wishes for a Happy Birthday



You Are Only Young Once
Ogden Nash

Saying Goodbye . . .

I wanted to let you all know that my grandfather passed away on Friday, August 8, 2008. He was 87 years old, and he lived here in Florida with my parents. His passing was a shock even with his advanced age because he was such a stubborn old man.

We are making arrangements to have the funeral service in Jamaica on the 23rd of August. I will be in Jamaica for about a week during that time. He will be buried next to my grandmother who died about three years ago.

That's all for now . . .

The 100 Days Challenge . . .

One of my publishers is conducting a 500 words per day, 100 days challenge. The challenge began today and should end sometime in November. I'm going to do my best to stick to this challenge and not let writer's block or stress stop me. Especially since this is in line with the personal goal I have set for myself. You know write every day, so my goal per day is going to 500 words.

The interesting thing about this challenge is the competitive nature of the other authors. Some of them are already very proficient in writing epics, of which I'm not ready to attempt right now, probably never will be. Anyway, it will be interesting to track the progress of everyone.

So what's my point? I actually don't have one. I just find it exceedingly interesting to see people competing so viciously for some visible or invisible goal. Are you a very competitive person? Why?

Anyway, I'm going to try this thing, so wish me luck.

P.S. and one more thing: today is the implementation day for the hard work I put in for the library. Shorter hours, scared and pissed-off employees, angry customers, grandstanding commissioners, let the (not-so-fun) games begin.