pica_pica

A time ago, in the not to distant passed, I used to be one of those backpack wearing greasy dreaded drifters that slept on the streets and in the alleys, that had no home and now way out. I knew the horrors of Gastown and the darkest corners of hastings at night. But one thing happend that most of the time doesnt. I got a second chance. I took that chance too. And I made it back home. Here to saskatchewan, were I worked hard and made it back into school. Cleaned up and gave it my all. Unfortunetly, most of those out there in Van dont get a second chance. Or a chance at all. When Im in Vancouver I always make sure I have some change in my pocket or a cigarette to spare when Im walking down town. It may not be much but well if it gets them food or drugs or booze or what. If it gets them by another day, then it gets them by. Human life is human life, Im not one to deny that, but some people argue that its silly to help them. But having walked in those shoes and in those paths, I understand now, that the same rules apply for all of us. Treat folks how you wish to be treated. I give change and smokes out cause if I was in need Id want someone to offer some help to me. Someone to show some small sliver of kindness. That alone would maybe be enough to change that persons mind and maybe not look at the world as such a horrible place and perhaps change there ways and walk a lighter path. But for those who are coked out in the dark alleys of china town or those selling cheap sex in gas town. Its the only life they know, and well perhaps that alone is their punishment, punishment for what? Who knows. Punishment for their own ignorance? Im almost certain many have the opportunity to turn their lives around. Im just not certain how many are aware of it. Punishment for what? I really cant say. Maybe its not punishment at all. I cant really judge a person by how they live their lives because how do I know that they dont have a choice. But one thing gets to me, the ones that feel that have no obligation to show any respect. there are lots out there with unfortunet storys, and then there are those who are just out there to cause a scene and stick it to the man. Theres a reason they are shunned and looked down apon, yet they continue to bring it apon themselfves. I really dont know what to think sometimes. I often find myself helpless as well, then again its not like Im the one to solve the problem, but atleast helping a person or two is the best I can offer. It really pains me to see, the homeless, especially the elderly homeless. I know those people once had lives, and for whatever reasons that caused them to end up there, it still pains me. Why arnt they somewhere enjoying there old folks pension? or where are their children and grandchildren? Maybe they dont have any, maybe they dont want to be found. The streets I have to agree is no place for a pet. Im sorry to hear about what happend to you. But atleast you could see passed the social image of punks and atleast have the idea that maybe under better circumstances that they wouldnt have that animal with them. But they keep for some reason, perhaps for defence from other drifets, or maybe they can afford to feed it, perhaps it eats better than them. Even though thats highly doubtable.

I dont really know what else to say. Your journal had me on the edge of my seat, cause it really brought back memorys for me. Most people look down and change the topic when it comes to the drifters, the poor and the homeless. Im glad you didnt shine away from the topic. I just wish more people would adress it.

[Edited on May 24, 2005 6:56AM]

If you're anything like me you'll just end up playing ukulele eventually anyways.

Oh yah, you throw the ball, the score shows up. At one lane in surrey, they even have a speed gun on each lane so it tells you how fast the ball was moving when it hit the pins.

As for when, sounds like really soon in SGBC land.

I was just reading you journal and thought you are interesting.

I wasn't able to go to prom. My fiances mom had surgery yesterday so we both thought it was important to be there. I was just really burnt out yesterday. At work everyone wanted to share their office poitics with me and to hear my opinion but I didn't really want any part of it, ya know?

You, chrickets chirpping and all that.

A new Tommy, alright!!! You remember Danny O'Day??, that's awesome! Yeah, once I realized that his lower jaw could be put back in, then it became great fun to make him buck-toothed.

Oh man, the double barrell finger shooting!!! Those hottie's don't stand a chance!!

The finger gun, wink, chk chk maneouver is the only surefire way to pick up people.

Ever tried things you used to find fun when you were a kid, and found them utterly boring/unfun? Its kinda sad in a peculiar way

LOL - I almost typed "I'm Just Confused" but I got beat to it .

I'm just a geek tryin' to get buy in the big-ole non-geeky world

hmmm camping....

I'm going to take Niamh to Tofino. Maybe we can get a few others out too? And if not Tofino, maybe up the Squamish Valley?

Funny, I was just thinking about you minutes ago because I rode by the Mac's or 7-11 or whatever it is on Denman and there was a huge, gorgeous black and white great dane outside. I know Morgan (my brother's name, incidentally) isn't black and white but hey... not too many of those dogs in the West End...

Awesome to see you last night too. We've gotta connect way more often - I really enjoy you guys.

Yep, long day - one before that too and another tomorrow starting tomoroww early. Oh well, I get to rest come the end of the week and possibly even go to Prom. How I'm loving that idea!

Dude, sorry I missed it, been busy with lotsa stuff. Wish I coulda been there.

Yay you!

Man, gotta get me one of THOSE!

lol. Like Lavinia said, that could put someone thru atleast a year of med school.

And that's all networked/etc? that's cool.... (sorry, I'm a geek, what can I say)

So I take it you're up and moving now, you guys wake up all stiff on the couch or have a decent sleep?