Double Feature: "Caution: Angry Vagabonds May Cause Spontaneous Introspection" & "The Yellow Submarine of Bro-J, Fuzzy Muttons, & Red Buttons"

Yesterday, as I rode the bus, there was this ornery man who decided not to get off at the stop he had claimed he was going to get off on. Apparently, the driver knew where he was going, and my suspicion is that he frequently gets on the bus for prolonged periods of time simply to ride. I believe he is homeless.


In any case, the bus driver repeatedly informed him that he was required to have a destination, and he wouldn't offer one. Eventually, after lots of almost indiscernible curse words, he stepped off of the bus.


Later that day, I ended up walking by him three times, and he was in the same place, slumped over, doing nothing on the sidewalk. Kind of puts things into perspective, doesn't it? I mean, if it weren't for Paul, that could be me, except with the exchange of sex for for food, money, and clothing. Thank God for the angels in my life.


At the same time, I really felt bad for him. I wanted to reach out and help him, but not only was it not my place, but I need help myself. Impotent benevolence is maddening...


-Intermission-


Yesterday as I was walking the streets of Milwaukee, The Beatles crept across the screen of my mp3 player. I decided to peruse what I had of their immense catalogue, and up popped "Yellow Submarine." Instantly, a barrage of memories penetrated my thought-scape. But, the most vivid of all is when Jordan and I were walking down Cobb Road to meet Maddie, and Jordan taught me the lyrics to "Yellow Submarine" on the spot so that as Maddie came within an audible distance we would sing the song at the top of our lungs. Maddie, Jordan, I miss these days. I'm so glad you're in Brazil, Maddie, and I'm stoked that you'll be going to UW-Platteville, Jordan, but baby I'ma miss y'all.


-Fin-

Blargh

Currently listening to:





So, I'm hanging out with Jordan today, and of course his mom has to make things difficult. So, we end up just hanging out at the arts center and then taking the bus to Mayfair. Well, lo and behold, on the way back I lose my wallet on the bus. Of course, it has a prepaid Visa and the keys to the house and the arts center in them. So, now I'm screwed. I filled out a missing item report with the police and notified the Milwaukee County Transit System. I'll cancel my Visa and call Lost & Found once the lines are open. If it's not one thing, it's another.


I really need a job. It doesn't help that I laze around on my ass for half of the day because I'm getting used to real life again. It's so overwhelming, and I feel very ill-prepared. Who would have thought that getting a job, continuing school, and moving from point A to point B would be so difficult? Not this guy. This guy was too confident when he got out of jail, and started making rash decisions out of the gate. We live and learn, I suppose, but I feel like I've used too many of my fuck up cards. I'm overdrawn and God's going to come collect his interest if I'm not careful.


At least I've been meeting some cool people. There's Colin, Brian, Matt, Adam, and Kayla. It's because of people like them that I'm loving the city. Colin was so supportive and helpful tonight when I lost my wallet, walking me to the bus stop so I could talk to a driver on the route, making me pancakes while I try to distract myself with an application to Blockbuster, etc. You're a great friend, man.


Brian and Matt have also been helping break me into the city, and their friendship is much appreciated. I'm looking forward to seeing where the music possibilities end up. Adam's been a dear taking me out to dinner at Pizza Shuttle. My God was that pizza amazing. Good call, man. And, Kayla's just a hoot. Her and I are going to have to go meet some guys together sometime. I should call her tomorrow...


Still, though, I'm so overwhelmed by life right now. This would be so much easier if my family had my back. Knowing I have something to fall back on can be a real comfort instead of worrying about where you're going to live. Thank God Paul took me in. Otherwise, I'd be homeless right now. This, I do not need. I need to get a job, finish school, etc., not worry about addresses. I already have to worry that my wallet won't be recovered and I'll have to pay to have a new lock installed at Paul's...


At least I have good people surrounding me and supporting me. It's just too bad my family isn't included. At last Erika reached out. Love you, Erika. I need more people like you in my corner; it's looking fairly empty these days.


Tomorrow, I need to get more applications in and work on finishing the last lesson in my Creative Writing class. We'll see what actually happens.


Until next time...