Striking writers return to what they do best

Dear Mom and Dad,
  Great news! The Hollywood writers’ strike is over, and now I can get back to work. It’s been a tough 100 days on vacation here in Barbados without a paycheck. I almost had to cancel valet parking and was tipping the laundry guy with tens instead of twenties. It got so boring, I actually began reading a book, and then tried writing one, but gave up when I realized I’d left my voice-recognition software at home.