Cold Rain

It rained today. Not just any rain, but that cold sort of rain that seems to pierce right down to your bones. Making you innately cold. Cold, horizontal rain, which means your pants get completely soaked. And let me tell you, there is nothing more uncomfortable than enduring class with wet jeans. They just stick to your body, weighing you down, making you feel terrible. Unpleasant.

It reminded me of the cold, shitty rain that I used to hide under in the shelter to catch the 77 downtown. I remember how I'd wait, bundled up in my blue jacket, constantly checking my watch against the timetable, searching for any glimpse of that turquoise bus coming down from Strelley. I'd always fiddle around with my bus card or the £1.30 fare. I'd get on the bus, immediately run to the top deck, and grab the front seat if I could. Some of my most vivid memories, strangely enough, come from me riding down Alfreton Road in the rain on that damn bus, going downtown for some reason or another. Past the fish and chip shops, the kebab stands, the nasty hair salons. Around Canning Circus, past the playhouse and finally downtown on Maid Marion Way. Then there was always the exciting run through the rain, messenger bag in tow. Usually I was running to Starbucks or a pub, but sometimes I ran to nowhere in particular. Maybe a stop in the hobby shop where I'd peruse the Star Wars toys, or a duck into the Virgin store to look at CD's. It didn't really matter, just anywhere to waste some time and get out of the rain.

The worst was having to bike home after baseball practice. I don't think I've ever been so wet in my life. Combined with the grass stains and mud all over my clothes, it was pretty nasty. But there was a sort of defiant pride in it as well. Of course, I knew I was probably going to catch pneumonia. But I didn't really care. I was doing something I enjoyed. And as I piloted that stupid 3 gear bike through the passenger crossings and roundabouts, in the back of my mind I thought that it was maybe just stupid enough to tell as a story someday. Guess that day has come.

I miss England. Or maybe I miss the community of England, that community unique to last year. Who knows. It's a shame I can't have it both ways, and take parts of here to there.

In a public service announcement, all who are able should consider attending Saturday's Jazz Orchestra concert at 7:00 PM and Concert Band on Sunday at 4:00. Both will be outstanding concerts. Please come to the jazz one especially if you are able. Jazz at Luther gets the shaft practically every other second, and here is an opportunity to hear some jazz played by what is a really fine ensemble. Plus we look freaking awesome in our cream tuxedos. Plus we're playing Ellington's "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue," which will blow your minds outside your body.