The work camp, lodge, inn, restaurant owning company I work for switched me from the Samsquanch Crossing to the Buffalo Inn. They switched me to baking nights too. It's alright because I'm alone and the small, dirty place has a boss speaker system. Also, my boss said something about having a better job for me, but not being able to tell me what it was.... It's a "in case it doesn't come to fruition" situation. He said I'd enjoy it, and I don't think he was being facetious. The 10 man bunk had a white board with "welcome to the HOOD" written on it. It also seemed like it was occupied by dudes, younger dudes and a few old dudes I'm guessing. Maybe one chick. The 12 man bunk is a converted house which is a feel I am much more about at my age now. Dude that lives here with his old lady is super loud, I've hung out with him. The dial is turned up to 11 all the time. Ha. It's all good, I sleep during the day. He works. I have ear plugs. I got to pick my own room and the one I picked has a flat screen. Cool.
What's not cool is four days ago I saw a guy going through our work bunk at the other place opening doors, casing rooms and pretending to look for someone. I mentioned it to everyone because he seemed really sketchy. Turns out that guy murdered the sister of a really great coworker I have down here about a month ago. Beat, raped, murdered and I think burned down the place with her body in it. People who do things like that to other people need help. Rehabilitation, education, redirection and if all else fails, a bullet.
I hope this terrible tragedy helps me to always remember why I want to help people. No one deserves to die like that. Our world is connected, or so you think. There are so many places that people don't know exist where bad, bad, bad things happen. But worse than that it's the fact that it doesn't matter if it's a reservation or a mansion. Abuse happens because it's allowed to happen. Someone is failing to help. Either themselves or someone else.
I know evil. But I'm not evil (unless you poke me with a stick). I would like to spend the rest of my life helping people to survive the unspeakable things that people do to them. And TALKING ABOUT THE THINGS IN A HUMOUROUS WAY.
Ignoring things because you don't like them is selfish. People shouldn't stigmatize people, honestly it's all media and control. Image and consumption.
Some people just like to hurt other people. It's fun. And like anything else that's fun, it can become addictive.
People are flawed. When you pretend you're not it doesn't help anyone. You don't get help, and it becomes okay to do terrible things to other people because you'll get away with it. Because it's something we just let happen.
Problems have solutions.
I have wifi. And a really, really, really unusual, crazy, wonderful, painful, horrific, bizarre, lovely, weird, blessed, unbelievable life that I'm still living. Most days I'm grateful for it, the rest of the time I'm just trying to survive it.
There is indeed a reason for everything. Although it may not make itself clear in the beginning. Eventually everything fits together because eventually everything ends.
So live, make good decisions when you can, help people, but help yourself by learning and being open. Everything has a place. Everyone has a purpose. Love things, enjoy life. Find the art in everything.
When you seem overwhelmed, just remember what the guide says:
DON'T PANIC
