August 4, 2023

Down

A stomach bug has had me down for the last couple of days—not an auspicious start to the start of the new academic year, as I had to miss convocation yesterday. The bug was bad enough that I would rather have suffered through convocation than endured the messy GI malady. I think Henry brought it home from school, though it didn’t affect him as much as it did me, fortunately. As I type this, I’m still getting waves of pain in my lower gut and mild nausea. I do not recommend.

I have managed to get some work done this week on my courses—mostly before getting ill. World Lit sections are finished, and I have a significant start to ENGL 1101. I still have not idea really what I’m going to do for ENGL 5601, but I’m awaiting a sample to syllabus from a previous term to give me some idea. It’ll come.

I’ve been using Giles’ i3 since dropping him at Groome on Monday, and I have to say I like it very much. I like the size, the look, the performance, and the quality. First, I gave it a thorough wash. I was reminded of my high-school days when I’d borrow Dad’s car on the weekend and have to wash it before brining it back. I enjoy the process: there’s nothing like washing a car to allow me to become familiar with its details and design.

Next, I put Henry’s carseat in the back with no issue other than the midday, feels-like 115° temperature. Then I picked him up from school, and the i3 received his approval, though he seems to sit closer to the back of my seat, but he can climb in without my getting out. Even Max’s rear-facing carseat fit, though the passenger’s seat had to be moved forward a bit. Autumn even liked the car. She drove it back from our family outing to the farmers’ market downtown on Wednesday.

In all, I’d say that the i3 is a contender to replace my Accord next year. I’d probably get a model-year ’20 or ’21, but otherwise the ’18 had most of the features I’d want, sans CarPlay. Many thanks to Giles for letting me try it out.

Well, we’re headed into the last weekend of the summer break. Classes start next Wednesday. It’s going to be an interesting semester.