XXV: Build the Machine

So here I am, doing exactly the thing I said I would not do this week, which is sit and watch the minutes tick down. Actually I got a bit of writing done, nothing major but enough to satisfy me. The problem is I haven't got much else to occupy me.

It's very strange already, because the last time Mel went on a work trip, I was employed of course. Well, actually, that was during the cyber-attack so while I was employed I wasn't actually doing much work. I was focused and engaged though. Occupied with this and that. Now I'm in the middle of wandering the desert. I have nothing but Hank and a few trifles. Actually, that's not true either. I could and should do some cleaning before the day is over. I've got to feed myself somehow. I started a book yesterday that I'd like to keep reading. And of course I've got Hank (who was not here the last time Mel was on a trip.) But I keep falling into this trap of looking at social media and hoping something will spark some serotonin and it never does.

So. After double and triple checking everything Monday night, we got as ready as ready could be. Tuesday morning we got our early start. It was chilly out so we both found ourselves wearing pants. After walking Hank and saying goodbye, we left a little before 7. Our plan was to pick up some breakfast at Williams' and eat it on the train. We had even backed off our departure time to catch an earlier train just to remove all doubt that we'd be in good time.

So after getting breakfast -- and gum from the supermarket in case Mel needed it for her flight -- we went and caught the 8:47. Once we arrived at Exhibition station, and found a quick bathroom stop, we went to the streetcar and took the quick trip to Bathurst, then walked down into the airport. I had thought we'd be taking the ferry to the terminal, but it wasn't running so we just took the tunnel.

As we got Mel checked in, we realized her passport was expired, but luckily this is domestic travel. We resolved to get new ones after she returned. She was also very concerned that they weren't going to let her bring her backpack as her carry on, but the desk lady gave her the all clear.

So we waited a bit, and just kind of killed time before ultimately deciding it was time to part. I kissed her goodbye and watched her go into security, and that was that.

I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I considered reaching out to some of the few people I still know at Indigo but I still feel self-conscious about my lack of employment. I had been trying to tee something up with Tony but he's been unresponsive to my attempts to connect since getting my new phone. I decided I would walk up Bathhurt, swing down King and then by the Well, and if I happened to see somebody so be it, but aside from passing Amy on the street (she waved and smiled politely,) nothing. I visited the books until I decided it was just time to leave. Then I walked -- because I couldn't get a streetcar -- back to Union. I had been hoping to stop for a frap at Second Cup, but wouldn't you know it they were closed to maintenance, so I got an iced mocha from Mofer instead. Then at Union, a few trains were canceled due to mechanical issues somewhere on the line, so I didn't get on one until 1:17.

By the time I got back to Burlington, Mel had already landed in Quebec City!

I went home, had lunch, fed Hank, found something to watch on Netflix, took Hank on a very long walk indeed, and eventually figured out what to have for dinner, ordering sushi because I didn't want to leave the house again. I was beat. I ended up watching that documentary on the Brat Pack, which wasn't very good, or was very good if you enjoy cringing. Mel was at the office late, calling me at 11 (whilst I was watching AEW Collision,) but I let her go to eat her McDo and shower, so we ended up talking at 11:40. I had some popcorn -- only about half the bag, I didn't want to overdo it -- but my mouth still feels like it today.

So yeah, I've written a bit, nothing earth-shattering but I can at least feel like day 1 of Batch life wasn't a complete write-off and there might even be more later. I have a second coffee in hand. I think I'm going to read a bit more of my book. Maybe I'll have some more leftover pizza for lunch but I have no idea what dinner might be or where to get it from. I intimated that I might actually cook for myself today, but....... who knows.

All this peace and quiet and privacy is really messing with me head, you know? I put up a tough front but people need people. And I especially need my wife.

Monday, during my social media binge, I actually ended up learning that the spouse of an old high school friend had passed. I offered my condolences -- I had even met the person a few times in passing -- but but heard nothign in response. Something I've been chewing on.

On that cheery note, I see Hank fidgeting, and if I know my boy he's looking for another walk. Reading can wait.

Keep on rockin'

-Scotto