It has been one year since Hurricane Ian brought death and devastation to Southwest Florida and the recovery is slow but it is ongoing. To me it feels like we will never recover. I could tell you about my experience but I think that conversation would be better if I had it with my therapist…
My personal observations:
1. There are so many blue tarped roofs out there.
2. People forget that the same people helping with the recovery in the community are dealing with damages from the same storm.
3. A lot of people are living only parts of their houses. I know one guy who can only use one bathroom and his living room. Heart breaking.
4. Holes in houses raise your electric bill. (FACT)
5. For every person who moves out of the area it feels like six more move in.
6. Feels like it was just yesterday.
7. People who take advantage of those dealing with the aftermath have a special place reserved for them in hell.
8. I hear from a lot of people who are stuck here due to the financial devastation that Hurricane Ian brought to their lives. I know how they feel. I’d leave FL if I could afford to.
9. I cry at least once a week about Hurricane Ian’s effect on my life.
Supernatural is a dark fantasy dramatic television show that first aired on the WB in 2005. It followed the story of Dean and Sam Winchester, two brothers who hunt demons and monsters. While I have watched several episodes, I am not an expert on the show.
Supernatural Legends: Sam Colt by Travis Perdue tells the fictional story of the historical figure, Sam Colt, the inventor of the Colt Revolver. In the book, the author cleverly takes the true background of Samuel Colt and creates a twist where he is actually a demon and monster hunter. As he is traveling to New York City, he happens upon the town of Big Bend, Connecticut. While paying for a room above the salon, he gets pulled into investigating an attack at the Gable farm outside town. A large wolf-like animal has killed a calf as well as the farm hand. What, or who, is the monster?
I am a sucker for historical fiction. Taking a person, place, or thing from the past and creating a fictional story around them and doing it well, makes for a great read. From Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter to The Girl With The Pearl Earring, the creativity needed to build a story around a real person is amazing. Supernatural Legends: Sam Colt does this very well. It pulled me and and, when I was finished, I wanted more.
If you would like to check out this book, you can find it on Amazon here:
When I found out that the Director where I work wrote a book, I purchased the Kindle version and told him that I would be reading and reviewing the book on my blog. This is my personal, honest, spoiler-free review. I hope you enjoyed it.
I can’t believe it has been so long since my last post! What have I been doing since then? Working on myself. Getting exercise. Trying to consistently eat healthy. Working on my mental health.
A new Planet Fitness has been going in near us and I have been impatiently waiting for it to open. I signed up as soon as they started membership sign-ups. They finally opened on August 31and I am working on getting myself organized to go three times a week on my way home. On top of his, we have been going to the local pool and swimming. If there is a lane open, I will do a lap or two. I’m new to lap swimming so I’m easing into it. If not, I do water walking, using the water resistance to enhance my workout. It’s going pretty well.
I have been taking the weight loss class offered by work since mid-July. I lovingly call it Fat Camp. Every Thursday for an hour we meet online – sort of like a WW meeting without the mandatory weigh-in. On top of that, I am taking a class called Full Plate Living Core Program. Basically, 75% of your plate is healthy food (vegetables, whole grains, fruits) and the other 25% are your indulgences (meat, dairy, bread, dessert). The 75% foods are all high-fiber foods that include water. It is pretty interesting. I’m not following the 75/25 completely yet. It takes time to get used to it mentally and physically. I do, however, see how it works.
As you can imagine, work has been a little crazy. Between continued work on recovery from Hurrican Ian almost a year ago and the damage from the glancing blow we received from Hurricane Idalia last month, I work in the office and see how hard our Project Managers, Project Coordinators, Facilities Maintenance Techs and HVAC techs work to keep all the County facilities functional and pleasant for the citizens. From offices to libraries, recreation centers, pools, and parks – they are out there cleaning up after the storm and when things are normal, making sure everything is in order. It is hard work, so stop and thank them if you see them.
So, I am back. I have several books I need to review and some healthy recipes to share. Stay tuned…
Thanks for reading!
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, there is help.
Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.
988 is confidential, free crisis service that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Lifeline connects people to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
Crisis Text Line Text “HELLO” to 741741 The Crisis Text hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the U.S. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.
Veterans Crisis Line Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255 The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects veterans 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare.
National Disaster Distress Helpline Call or text 1-800-985-5990 The disaster distress helpline provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. The helpline is free, multilingual, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This {_______} life 