Chapter 53: Drowned Duck

nerd blog post #58

I couldn't remember if the expression is "drowned rat" or "drowned cat" and I am a giant fan of alliteration, so I changed it. I make the rules on this nerd blog. However, for future reference, 20 points to the first person who lets me know if it's the feline or the rodent who is soaked.

I normally start at the beginning, but will start at right now, as I'm particularly uncomfortable, and can't wait. It has been raining non-stop for days. I have wanted to take advantage, as I've said, of Cynthia's bike (she's in Poland this week-end), but there hasn't been a dry hour. This morning I was miffed that it was still raining, because I did not want to take the metro to work. But when I stepped out, there was a full rainbow in the sky, and it had stopped raining. Very happy, I decided to forgo the helmet (returning up to the apt would have made me late), and started riding. I haven't seen a rainbow like this one in years, maybe not since Africa. I could see every colour, and it stretched in a perfect arc from one end of the city to the other. Very beautiful.

I started riding, and it started raining. Then the normal mist-like rain that normally falls on Rennes turned into a full-blown downpour. By the time I got to school, and still now, there isn't a patch of dry on my whole body. I was grumpy. My students laughed. Then I laughed. Now I feel better. But man.. I am a drowned duck. This was definitely not "Luck of the Hincks" (as The Artist Formerly Known as RtC calls it).

Reeeewiiiind.

Minutes after posting on Saturday, I got a skype call from Steve at the Westview House in Kingston. As his camera was turning on, I asked if I would be sad. As I had written, many of my friends were in Kingston this past week-end for Players, my favourite holiday. He said he didn't think so, and when he turned it on, it was just him. Then he turned the camera to face the bed and there was all of Westview Haus, plus my girls Hunter, Deeks, Marn, Meg Mack and Schac. And the Paabor. Overwhelmed. And speechless. We had a great chat for a long time. 50 points each. 55 to the boyz for being so handsome.

It was a great idea for them all to get on the bed and pose for a screenshot picture so I could put it on the nerd blog and make them famous:

Looking good, Hinckster.

And so, there is no previdence of the chat, but it made my day. Speaking of previdence, I didn't mention it before because I was so disappointed, but my camera ran out of batteries on first night in Paris last week-end, and that is why there is no photo essay..

I stayed in Saturday night and did some to-dos that had been pending.. I am home alone lost in new york until Wednesday. I kind of like it, but look forward to Cynthia's return.

On Sunday I ventured out with my computer to a cafe and continued to do some work. Then I met Brock for a coffee. He's a good friend here. It's great to be able to talk TO from time to time, and I enjoy his company very much.

In the evening, I had a nice skype chat with Schac and then went over to Merrill's where she and Marianne had made a delicious soup. I contributed bread. Being rainy, soup was perfect. And after a solitary Saturday, it was good to be around people and eat a good meal.

Right now, I'm waiting for a student to come in for extra help. But he's already late so I'm thinking of bailing after this nerd blog post. I then teach a second class and then am meeting up with the woman who I'm reading for tomorrow evening at the conference. She's going to drive me to her house for lunch and a practice, and then bring me back to campus for my creative writing class at 5pm. Tonight, I have dinner with Foun and Lucie at Merrill's house. I had no idea what to make, and she's a good cook, so I'ma be there bearer of wine and helper extreme1000.

This is actually a busier week than normal. I meet the principal of the other school tomorrow and then read at the conference. On Thursday, Benito arrives. Benito is one of the guys Cynthia and I met randomly on the train to Venice. He'll be here for the Amerirennes Thanksgiving feast, and until Sunday. Time is flying. It's week 10 of 12 for the semester and then a month off.. Crazypants.

I'm looking out the window here, and it's sunny. It better stay clear for my ride home tonight..... Enjoy the day, and much love.

Signing off,
Hincks.