Chapter 60: To Tell List

nerd blog post #66

I have been chipping away at a To Do List that, this morning, seemed endless, but is now looking more manageable. And so, in the spirit of lists, here is my To Tell List. Ahem.

1. Across from my building is a brand, new movie theatre that I will likely never attend. In front of it is a large, empty space. Now, in Canada, this space would be a huge parking lot. But here, the space has been used for all sorts of things. During the biggest music festival in the universe (for you, Doc!) that happened this past week-end, huge tents were erected and bands played within. It has also housed markets of various kinds. This morning, I saw them putting up a fair! Like the CNE, but smaller, with rides and all sorts of fun things. It opens after I leave, but will still be around when I come back here with Doctor and Steve. Very exciting.

2. I bought eleven train tickets today! Not just for me, but for travels that will happen from now until January 10th. Since I leave tomorrow, I had to get all of that sorted.

3. I also met with a professor to discuss grades for our students. He's American but has been in France since he was a lecteur twenty years ago. He stayed on in France, doing a PhD, and then working at various universities. We had an interesting conversation..

4. Then I went to Betton to hand in my contract at the school and talk about the first week. The principal asked what I'd like to teach, specifically, and I said theatre. He was happy about that, as there's no theatre at the school now, and said there's the possibility of some funding for it, and that we'll talk more in the new year. I'll be there three days a week, for two hours each time. I'm looking forward to it.

5. I said goodbye to Hossoen for a couple of weeks. He made me lunch and we sat and chatted for a long time. I still see him often, though not every day like before. Maybe four times a week or so. I always enjoy his company.

6. I have been spoiled lately. I received a package from my parents last week and one from Jessica yesterday.. The one from my parents was wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. I wondered if that meant they wanted me to wait until Christmas.. I thought about it. I hid the gift underneath my bed. I tried really hard to forget about it. Six seconds later, I opened it. Jessica's was not wrapped. I hesitated eeeeven shorter! I have also received some really nice e-mails and letters in the mail lately.. They really make me happy. Thank-you. Points to you all for making my days.

7. And you thought couch surfing was sketchy!? Well, it is. But so is co-voiturage, the latest of my money saving trix (are for kids). It's a website that advertises carpooling all around France. I'm meeting a woman named Gwellouen tomorrow, who will drive me to Paris. It's twice as long, but saves almost $15, and seems like fun. Good French praccy, too. And the timing works out perfectly. Thanks, co-voiturage!

8. My new brown boots are wearing in the back. Such bad news bears. On the plus side, it's around twenty degrees where Doc and I are heading. As most of you know, I get overheated, and anything over ten degrees means definite flip-flop weather.

9. I'll be in Paris for three nights before heading to London on Saturday. I will be nerd blogging steadily until Turkey, I imagine.

And finally, as the wonderful EBai would say..

10. End of List.

With love,
Hincks.