Rwanda Journal, Entry 28: Technical Difficulties

I am sorry to report that my computer hard drive has died.

I'd sat down to write a humourous and informative post about the day's events, when the monitor of my MacBook Pro began flickering blue.

Suddenly, a rainbow pinwheel replaced my cursor and it was all over. The computer was dead.

Fortunately, it happened this week and not next week when it would be very difficult to have repaired. I've been able to use my dad's Mac until mine comes back from Terra Consultants and should be up and running by Wednesday.

Terry Seguin (Aka "The Fonz") interviewed me on Information Morning Fredericton yesterday. I've posted the link to the audio here: http://www.cbc.ca/informationmorningfredericton/2011/05/journalism-student-to-rwanda.html

I think the interview went pretty well and I enjoyed meeting Seguin for the first time. He gives a good interview and I'm as convinced as ever that he's a total badass.

Seguin is the John McClane of Fredericton Radio.

He gave me seven minutes during drive time (7:30am-8:00am) which I thought was pretty generous.

Anyway, the interview is done and it's t-minus four days until I leave for Kigali.

I've started feeling anxious about the things I have to do before I leave. The computer crash doesn't reassure me.

I still need to pack, get back to Ottawa, collect my passport and visa from the Rwandan embassy and get to the airport on time. I know I'll get everything done but I can't help but be nervous.

For now, I am going to continue packing.

Rwanda Journal, Entry 27: Peace to all Momkind

Warmest regards to mothers all over the world (especially mine) on this most cherished of commercial holidays!

I hope your sons and daughters got you all the right bath soap.

I hope your gift certificates were for the spa you like and not that other one.

I hope Lulu Lemon has some kind of a sale if they haven't already.

But most of all, I hope people take a moment to reflect on the women in their lives and the contributions they've made to it.

We wouldn't be here without you, and it'd be harder if you weren't. Respect.

Anyway, from Canada to Rwanda to the rest of the world, happy birthday momkind.

-Cam



P.S. We didn't get flooded out.

SPECIAL REPORT: Flood Watch on the Saint John River

Heavy rains and high temperatures have left communities along the Saint John River bracing for floods.

Environment Canada issued a heavy rainfall warning for the Fredericton York-Sunbury area at 10:41 a.m. this morning.  

Meteorologists predict between 20 to 50 milimetres of rain will hit the region by early tomorrow morning. The province has forecast flooding in Fredericton.

I have taken up flood watch at my father's house. He lives about 20 feet from the banks of the river and will be at high risk if it breaches the banks.

My dad tells me water levels are supposed rise to 7.3 metres by tomorrow, which is up to the front door.

There are sandbags at the ready and I'm waiting for word from the landlord to put them out.

New Brunswick River Watch Program

St. John River Two-Day Forecast

Rwanda Journal, Entry 26: A Short Break

I have arrived in Fredericton and I'm going to take a day or so off to rest up and visit family. I'll upload photos if there are any to share and I'll try to twitter the internet once and a while too.

Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it.