I think if there's a way to get sick while in 30 degree weather, I'll find a way.  After recovering from my longstanding cough back in Toronto, I think I've managed to enter the same sick mode.  It's currently at the sore throat, runny nose stage.  I took the day off to try and curtail this thing. 

On the plus side, the tropical storm is tame so far as Jamaica has been spared a direct hit.  I still have electricity and running water and hence didn't have to resort to canned tuna and candles - no romantic dinner tonight! Instead, and this is something I feel especially accomplished about, I managed to steam white rice without a rice cooker.  I used a pot and a small tin plate and bowl; it wasn't pretty, but it worked!  My white rice was then accompanied by chicken and spinach..  I still don't have a full stock of food supplies here, haha.

Back to an unfortunate note, although the tropical storm has turned away from Jamaica, as of now, it is on a direct course to Haiti.  For a place that has already been devestated by an earthquake, poor sanitation, and a cholera outbreak, one must wonder if this is some kind of cruel joke.  For those religious, send your prayers for safety and protection.  Otherwise, let us hope for the best.