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Sunday, October 29, 2017

October 28, 2017

Managed to do something new.  Patrol for the first time in the new mask.  I can tell you from all the negatives I heard, it was misproven.  Sight wasn't an issue, hearing was perfect, & since the lenses were removed, it was easy to take care of the sweat around my eyes.  The only thing, remember in an old Avengers comic when Daredevil & Iron Man were turned to stone, Iron Man was cognizant but couldn't scratch his nose because his armor was stone, that's how I felt.  So far it went well.  I managed to help a couple of tourists with directions twice & a couple of guys interacted with me as if I was one of the boys.  I even gave a granola bar to a homeless lady.  But even with Halloween, where adults dress up in costumes as well, let's just say my mask worked TOO WELL in putting the fear in the hearts of people.  I got a lot of remarks like, "Scary as fuck," "That's creepy.  Keep walking fast."  From the start things went well, but all of a sudden, I felt so out of place.  One of the things I got to work on is feeling comfortable in my own skin.  I had this problem even before Day 1.  To any real life superheroes, rookies, middle, or veterans, never feel scared about laughing about yourself.  Think Joan Rivers.  I managed to do a driving patrol of another part of Boston.  I felt more calm as I got a better perspective of what to look for the second time.  More to fuel in.  All in all, a very informative patrol.  I am debating whether to use the helmet again, but I don't have long to figure out as I hope my next patrol is soon.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

October 14, 2017

My first official solo drive to a patrol (I think.)  I had to park on a side street not to arouse suspicion.  I was going to wear my new helmet, but I felt I need to wait until I got used to treating it like second skin, even with the new modifications.  I was wearing my duster, which proved to be a mistake in a balmy sixty-three-degree October night.  I should've wore the sleeveless trench-coat, more fitting to the warm temperatures.  It felt like Labor Day 2009 in my old uniform.  I managed to walk the side streets, or at least "dip my toes in the water."  It got easier as it progressed.  As I walked passed a side street, I noticed a pick-up truck closely blocking a driveway.  One of the websites I follow would call this illegal parking."  I didn't have the app for the phone to take a picture.  All it would've come down to is a ticket.  It's a pain in the ass, but it isn't a felony which is mandatory for our patrol work.  I don;t think RLSH gets involved in traffic matters, but I will check for future reference.  As I passed a barber shop, I noticed for young men, possibly Latino, hanging around in the parking lot.  It looked suspicious to have that much outside at night & no cigarettes, but I had little to prove other than mere suspicion.  I still fear that I have a feeling of being a freak.  I was going to check on the way back if they were still there.  Another thing, was a young African-American man was leaning to the car talking to the driver while the ignition was on.  Once again suspicious, especially since they looked at me as if they had guilty feelings.  But once again, only a hunch, nothing to prove probable cause.  As I was going farther I passed a strip mall near a traffic light where I was going to cross.  I heard yelling at me, but when a man came up to me, asking if he would take a selfie with me, how can I refuse.  He made me feel comfortable as we talked.  He said he was heading to Burlington to see his girl.  As the light came on, I said my good byes.  As I was walking, I noticed it was getting hotter & hotter, so I turned back, damn!  A couple saw me, & thought I was a mix between Dracula & Batman.  I explained myself, & we left on good terms.  I felt more comfortable in my own skin, no matter how hot I felt.  As I came back, there was none of my suspicions.  At least I didn't make a fool out of myself.  The patrol felt longer, & even thou there was no conflict, I felt more comfortable in my own self.