Well, Well - Did You Miss Me?

Long time no hear. Yes, I'm finally at the keyboard and don't know what to do with myself first: I have a book to finish, stories to submit, reading to catch up on, friends to reacquaint with, closets to purge and a pool that I've yet to close. Aaah! It's clear that I need to find another job but in these desperate times this is not something to joke about. I know that I'm extremely lucky. There are many who would trade places with me but why do I pretend I can do it all? Will I be able to survive my demanding job AND fulfill my dream of being a writer? I'll be honest - I'm not sure.

I was supposed to have been on a cruise or at least getting myself prepared for one, but the weather is not cooperating. Too many storms originating from Cape Verde and potentially making landfall in the Caribbean. In my usual obsessive way, I've read everything there is to know about hurricanes and their effects on cruise ships. I know how, when, and where they originate from, poured over maps and learned out to read them until finally there was nothing else I could do except nix the cruise for this year. I wouldn't be losing any money because I hadn't booked it yet. Well, why not you say?

Lately everything I do is at the last minute. My job is soo consuming that I can't even plan a vacation! Maybe next year? I do have another two weeks of vacation. Maybe I'll take a cruise in November. All is not lost though. I see this setback as a sign that the universe is urging me to finish my book and polish those short stories and SUBMIT them already. Let's face it, I wouldn't have written anything on the cruise; too many distractions. Instead, weather permitting, I am sunning and relaxing in my backyard. As soon as I see a speck of sun, I run out with my bathing suit, sun screen, and all of my technological accoutrements (laptop, my two blackberries, notepads and notebook) and bask in it while I write and read.

I've already gotten some pool time in. Last Friday the pool was absolutely perfect. Yesterday I had about an hour or two before the clouds set in; today it's gotten much cooler but I lasted for about two hours before the wind picked up and the clouds chased me back in. My neighborhors must be laughing at me - everyone else has their pool closed! Only 'moi' still has it opened, but partially covered. You see, I close my pool in stages, thereby maximizing the pool to it's full potential. I don't despair if I can't close it all at once. As long as the chemicals are in and the cover is on, I can rest assured that my son will do the rest of the dismantling (Thank you son!). According to the weather report, the temperature will rise again towards the end of the week and, keeping my fingers crossed, I might be able to go in one last time. I know, I know - it is October but this cold snap was unexpected. The last vacation I had was in March and I am so desperate for some time off, even if it's spent at home. It's been a fruitful time so far. Two weeks ago I submitted two of my stories to an online literary journal and yesterday was spent editing and rereading. I'm extremely happy with the two short pieces that I've recently written. I will be editing these with an eye for submission. And then there's Celeste - my short story/novelette/novel. Celeste refuses to stop nagging me. She wants her story told. This will be her week, I'm certain.

What's keeping your from writing? What are you struggling with? Do you think I'll make it? Anyone have a crystal ball?