BE A BOY SCOUT ... BE PREPARED

Wed Nov 28
BAND PRACTICE. Ok, we started a band, and it is growing momentum on its own. Before we even practised, we had a few gigs, including the Faculty Xmas party.

I have wanted to be in a band Since Harold Malik, a 15 year old across the street had a band. I was only 10. Now, I am in my first one. We are playing covers of classic rock tunes. I am a little over my head.

Justus is the band leader, plays acoustic and lead vocals.. He is a Nigerian who moved to New York City. Roger plays electric and lead guitar. He is a Chinese Canadian who does not speak a word of Chinese. And then there is me. Acoustic guitar, harmony, a few lead vocal and guitar on songs neither of them can play (Dust in the Wind and Norwegian Wood) . Both Justus and Roger have been in bands before. Justus has written and recorded his own songs.

We picked up two music students for Drums and Bass. King is the drummer. SHE is also cute. Aaron plays bass.

There is a three girl choir for the Xmas songs. Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy and one other
TBA.

Thursday, Nov 29

BE A BOY SCOUT ... BE PREPARED.

EMBARRASSMENT ... I only write this to warn others, not to brag.

I am on my way to METRO, a French department store like COSTCO. Most of the professors shop there. We take a bus, then walk about a kilometre to the store. Today, I am alone, and decide to take the scenic route thought the local area. After a while I need a WC (bathroom). I can’t find one. I keep walking, and holding the bladder. I finally see a large store. Four floors. Newly renovated. By this time, I am holding it in, but still no problem.

I get to the store, and look for WC signs, but none to be found. I finally ask someone, who says Fourth Floor. Up the escalator I go to the fourth floor. Still no signs, so I ask someone else. They point to the far corner. Finally there ... I am about to explode ... but still OK.

There are no signs yet installed on the doors, and clearly this floor is still under renovations. I look at the two doors and am about to guess which one when a man walks out of one door. GREAT.

I walk through the door expecting to see a somewhat normal WC ... but ... I Walk straight into THREE squatters ... in front of the door, no stalls, easily seen from the outside ... and they are all FULL! The stench makes my stomach curl and I almost vomit. I also lose control of those wonderful muscles controlling my bladder! In a panic, and trying no to hurl all over the pace, most makes it into the squatter ... but ....

A ½ hour of sitting outside, hiding, and pulling my shirt down as far as I can, and I am dry enough to continue my journey.

I have changed diapers before, but this was so strong, and caught me completely off guard ... I will learn.

BE A BOY SCOUT ... BE PREPARED.

Friday, Nov 30
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME ... and it should be fun. I was not gong to say anything, especially to my students. No big deal, another birthday.

I live in apartment 310. At band practice on Wednesday, Vicky, from apartment 307 comes in and announces to everyone the Birthday Party will start early, probably on Friday, as both her and Lilly, from apartment 301, have birthdays this weekend. I ask what days, and Vicky says hers is on Sunday, and Lilly’s is on Saturday. So much for my silence. Ten apartments, and three of us have birthdays on three consecutive days. Lilly is a quiet girl, but Vicky seems like she can give me a run for my money in the drinking department...

Full report on the birthday bash IF and when I recover