Hawaiian Winter Wonderland

3:42 AM Severe weather advisory for thunder storms, flash floods (2-4″ an hr) and wind gusts!!

5:00 AM 3/4 of the island’s schools are closed.

6:00 AM work began but the rain crashing against the window was so distracting that we all just stood looking outside at all the people being dragged sideways by their umbrellas while being drenched by the monsoon happening outside.

A quick trip across the street to Starbucks turns into a disaster as my umbrella flips inside out and almost smacks someone in the face! The doors to Starbucks are swinging open and close by themselves. Stepping inside hoping to find warmth and shelter, I realize the floor is flooded by the torrential rains. The manager is sweeping water out the doors, just to have them swing open and just as much rain come pouring back in.

Palm branches are covering the streets and people are jumping across flooded walkways and teetering on sidewalks hoping not to fall into the river running alongside the street. Everyone outside is dashing for shelter because noone’s umbrella can withstand the twisting and turning winds outside.

Finally back in the office, I sit down (drenched) with my cup of coffee looking for some peace and quiet. Within minutes, our building alarm is set off. We all laugh with the thought of our building being evacuated into this weather; or at this point, catching on fire!

The building manager finally goes on the intercom to say it was a false alarm. Then comes the beeping letting you know it’s a false alarm. 2 minutes later…. “Beeeeeep! Beeeeeep!” The alarm goes off yet again. Subsequently, the manager, again, comes on letting us know it’s a false alarm. .. .. .. .. .. “Beeeeep! Beeeeep!”

Are you KIDDING ME?!! Three times this darn alarm has gone off this morning. What else! Haha!

So, we busted out the Christmas music in the office and are all enjoying the closest wintery feeling the island will bring us this season. Hope the rest of you are staying warm and enjoying your hot chocolate.

I leave you with a few pics from outside our office window and one severely busted up umbrella. Happy Holidays!!!!

Can you see the rain blowing sideways?!!