Residency Countdown
I’m all ready to leave, but for the packing. The awful, horrible packing. Well, not really – packing for the residency is actually pretty easy. I just had a sudden desire to write this whole post in a pulp, semi-Lovecraftian style, but I think I’ll refrain.
I may be getting a bit punchy from the anticipation. In January I had no real idea of what to expect, but this time I already have a notion of how much fun I will have and how heavy the workload will be. What’s more, this time I will not only get to meet new people, but re-connect with many of the students from the past semester.
Back to the preparations, though. I’ve done all my required reading, and I’ve enjoyed it, which is a good sign for the upcoming classes. I’ve finished the pieces I need to have ready for my workshop, or at least I have them as close to presentable as they’re going to get right now. I’ve refreshed my expended school supplies. Only a few small details remain, such as checking the batteries for my mp3 player’s mobile speakers and setting up the printer driver on my laptop. The school brings a printer for us to use as needed, and I’d rather have the drivers set up (or at least downloaded) before I go. I should also choose a piece for reading aloud, in case we have student readings one night.
Oh, and shoes. I really ought to pick up some new shoes. My right sneaker seems to have installed an after-market ventilation system rather without consulting me. Obviously, such cheek is not to be tolerated, and both it and its partner should be sacked at once.
What was that about me getting punchy?
Anyway, I discovered at the last residency that bringing comfortable footwear is very important. I had concerns about the weather and local conditions, so I only brought a pair of hiking boots. After ten days of wearing those boots for fourteen to sixteen hours a day I have concluded that I would have been better off in my sneakers. I hope that holds true for Camp Casey, which is our summer site.
This is probably my last post until I return from Washington. Much as I like the idea of updating from there, I don’t want to count on having the time, energy, and wireless connection necessary. When I get back, though, I fully expect to have a few anecdotes ready to post.
