Totally soaked, and book happiness

[thrihyrne]

I went to the east campus library before going to the bus to meet with a colleague, but he seemed to have forgotten as he wasn't there. So I spent a little time on the computers before going out at 4:00 to walk the rest of the way to the bus shelter to catch the 4:13. I have never found myself in such a storm as what hit me as I crossed a huge parking lot, had to cross the road, and go along a set of strip mall shops. The wind was so strong at times that I couldn't walk forward, and the rain was pounding at me sideways. I was literally yelling in anxiety as I tried to make my way in this torrential rain and wind, my pants completely wet, shoes and socks squelching as they were totally soaked, the contents of my backpack (including the borrowed book I'm reading) getting wet. It was awful. The ride home on the two buses was no fun either; sitting in soaking pants on a bus for an hour is miserable. But I'm at home now, finally, with my pants and socks hanging on the shower curtain rod as the landlord still hasn't fixed the fucking dryer. And I have on sweats and warm socks and have both a cup of coffee and a bag of Twizzlers at my side.

I'm reading The Draining Lake by Icelandic author Arnaldur Indriðason. I'm really enjoying it, especially since it's set in Reykjavik, a place I've visited twice myself. To my great delight I see that he's written several thrillers/crime books with the same protagonist. My local library doesn't have them, neither does the university in their browsing section. However: one of the best perks for being on staff at the university is free interlibrary loan! So I've put in requests for three more. I'm over halfway through The Draining Lake and I just started it two days ago. I guess I'll need to go to the library and get the second book in the Deryni series to read to tide me over until the other books come. I don't know if I've mentioned that I'm rediscovering a joy of reading, especially when being driven around on the bus. Anyway, I recommend The Draining Lake even though I haven't finished it yet.

Comments

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

Aie! Just when you needed some affirmation that living car free was the right decision. But big yay for the joys of reading on public transport! I miss it now we nearly always drive everywhere.

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

I know! Bad timing, right? But it's great reading on the bus. I feel as though I'm being chauffeured everywhere. :)

[mrsquizzical.livejournal.com]

that sounds so miserable! ack.

but i do love reading on the bus.

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

I've not been in weather like that, outside and unprotected, ever. I do remember seeing fierce rain that was horizontal before— when I was in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, stuck in a bus station. But yes, being able to get to work without driving and reading at the same time is great. And given the cost of petrol here, I can't say that I miss it.

[gingerspark.livejournal.com]

It's been a day of dismal rain here too, minus the wild wind.

While getting soaked in a storm is really awful, there is something very wonderful about changing into dry warm stuff once you get home

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

It just came on so suddenly! I'd walked from my office to the library without even needing my umbrella, but I happened to be out and exposed in the absolute worst of it. It was indeed comforting once home to get into dry clothes and get sympathy and consolation from Austin. That he'd chanced to make coffee was just wonderful.