We are located in South Florida, about 3 miles from the beach. Since moving here in December, we have been fortunate enough to get through the year without a single hurricane. This week, we watched as Noel headed straight for South Florida, wrecking havoc in Haiti and the Dominican Republic on it's way. Noel took an erratic path a few days ago, making a sharp turn avoiding Florida completely. As we watched the hurricane move north, my husband and I sat outside in the beautiful sunshine eating dinner. When people are personally not affected by a natural disaster, sometimes we tend to put it out of our minds. I am a guilty party on this one, and I had my grounding reminder...

I received a phone call from my manufacturer (in the Dominican Republic) informing me that the deadly storm has greatly affected the country leaving more than 100 dead and many people trapped in the flooded areas. The factory was completely shut down, but I am happy to say that so far everyone and everything is okay. Our products are now going to be slightly delayed coming out of the factory as you can imagine, but if that is the worst of it, I am grateful.

I am definitely concerned that my first deliveries will now be going out at least a week after the promised delivery dates, but I am also aware that this is completely out of my control. I am hoping that our customers will be understanding to the situation and will not hold it against us long-term. It is a little disappointing, as you can imagine, but we can get through this.

My prayers are with the families there in the Dominican Republic as well as anyone else affected by this storm.

Okay, today was my test - priorities vs. commitments. My mom and aunt are in town for the week. Figures, this is the week that I learned that all of my patterns were done incorrectly and need to be redone in time for the boat to go out to the factory within days. So, family or work - both are important, but I only get to see my family about once or twice a year. Then again if this line isn't manufactured on time, the business will suffer and I won't have any time for family in the future. So, I think I passed the test - I pulled myself away from the office for the day and visited a butterfly farm. I must say as I was surrounded by the peaceful beauties fluttering around my head, I realized that there is more to the world than my little office. And, chances are the line will still get done, even with me taking four hours out of the office today. I may pay the price this evening as I try to catch up, but I would definitely say it was worth it.

Oh good news, after spending days on the computer sending emails to potential PR sources, I heard back from South Jersey Mom Magazine. They are going to include us in their November or December issue! Adding that to the South Florida Parenting Magazine article coming out in November, I think we are off to a good start. I know they are both local magazines, but I am hoping that will kick start our PR and lead us to national publications and news shows. I know this is the challenge of every company, but if we can just get the word out, I really think that mom's are going to love this line. We are receiving such great feedback - I am absolutely determined to succeed.