Rita No.4

14:20 CST, Alvin, Texas

From my desk at the place of my (as two hour ago) former employment.

Storms come in all kinds of interesting ways.

Having sought an extended leave of absence to best manage the advances of Rita, I find myself relieved to have parted ways with my employer.  Relieved, because some sales jobs just click, and this one really never did.  Spending almost as much for gas for the forty-mile each-way commute as I was bringing home weekly, was surely a recipie for the poor-house.   (and a Crown-Vic can eat plenty of gas!)

My desk is cleared, and now, I'm on my way back to the boat to spend the next two days, preparing.

So now, my mind is clear and uncluttered to weigh my options as Rita pirouettes just past the tip of Florida, en route to an even more passionate display of her fury to be spent upon the Texas shores.

As of this writing, the best guesses seem to center on landfall near Port Lavaca, Texas.  I would that Rita would continue her journey westward, where she might find the nearly empty beaches of the King Ranch, with a  mercifully sparce poplulation inland.

And should her path follow my prayers and wishes, then  I know that I'll be battered and pounded by her rage in passing.  But I'll also know that at the end, I'll emerge from the compaionway, ready.  I'll be ready to make repairs as needed, to help what neighbors need helping, and most of all, ready to get on with a new job, a new quest and renewed drive to the goals that I set and keep for myself to attain.

The first goal though, is merely to survive.  So, if Rita turn to show her viscious side to the shores of Galveston, she'll do so without the pleasure of beating me down.

Because I just won't be there for that.

Comments

[BOB BAIRD]

JIM --

YOU REALIZE OF COURSE THAT ONE OPTION YOU MIGHT CONSIDER... AFTER THE STORM CLEARS YOUR END OF THE GULF... IS TO PACK UP YOUR STUFF AND HEAD OVER TO TAMPA. JUST THINK... REGULAR SHOOTING AT SHOOTSTRAIGHT IN THE HOTTEST BUILDING MARKET IN THE COUNTRY. AND MY FRIEND TOM LEETE STILL RUNS A FAIR SIZED LUMBER YARD (THE CONTRACTOR'S YARD IN KISSIMMEE).

JUST A THOUGHT. AND JUST THINK... A LITTLE ADVENTURE MOVING THAT TUB OF YOURS OVER HERE MIGHT BE JUST WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE A NEW START.

THE GREAT THING ABOUT OWNING A BOAT IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE TO TO DO TO CHANGE YOUR LUCK IS GO OUT ON THE DOCK AND PICK UP YOUR LINES.

BOB

[J]

your blog was just on CNN.

[KaRi]

Yes, your blog was just on CNN. Nice to see "regular" people contributing to news content!

I found 3 friends scattered about Louisiana, they are all okay,
one is sticking around sending me
personal reports and pictures (those
snakes are HUGE!).

Our Mayor's receptionist was not so lucky, she lost 13 relatives. (I've been playing Dena's gospel song ea week on TPSradio since, sending goog vibes down there).

Anyway, stay safe and dry.

[Misty]

I'm truly stummped as to what to say, I'm miles away. Physically that is.
Candles are still burning, everything crossed.
Hang on in there honey x

[Jeffro]

A major Ford man like yourself shouldn't have any problems finding a better job - even tho Chebbie trucks rule!

Hang in there and keep your powder dry.

[Donnie]

Batten down the hatches and stay safe, my friend. I have every confidence in your ability to do so, so I won't get all wishy-washy on you just yet, if you'll forgive me :-)

Sounds like you'll have time for a chat tomorrow - I'll buzz you at lunchtime, if that's OK.

- D