December 24, 2018

Managing a last minute change, I decided to patrol Dorchester.  I t was late but seeing the lights on Christmas Eve night was real beautiful.  I managed to get into a lot more detail with my patrols, starting to feel comfortable in my work.  My first encounter was with a gypsy cabbie near Ashmont station who thought I was Dracula.  I also heard some yelling from a corner, as I walked back I noticed a guy by the door talking on a cell phone.  Knowing how hard it is to get service, I walked on.  As I walked down I noticed four young men horsing around, one even hiding behind a lightest. As I came by, & asked them what they were doing out this late at night, they couldn't give me a clear answer.   As I walked, a casually tailed them with giving much suspicion, but knowing them they'd make a big deal anyway. I noticed they were heading down to the 7-Eleven over at Fields Corner. I looked by the parking lot.  Thank God it wasn't a robbery.  But to be sure I backtracked.  Fortunately, another man exited the area.  If there was any real trouble, that man wouldn't have walked out in a casual manner.  So I went back.  With that good use of observation, surveillance without being spotted, & discipline in knowing when & when not to act.  Either way, I think those guys might get coal in their stocking.  I managed to walk farther, but when I passed another 7-Eleven, there was a guy who dressed like Sue Sylvester from Glee asking me to buy them a cigarette, followed by another man who peeked out of the window.  Do they know the cigarette laws?  Anytime you have to buy tobacco products, you have to show identification.  Imagine me having to buy smokes, removing my mask, & giving my ID.  Not smart!  I encountered another lady, who was a good friend.  She appreciated my work, but alas also asked for smokes.  I talked about the situation earlier, but she was so sweet.  We even did a secret handshake, which felt cool.  I headed back when I saw siren lights over at the other end, best not make my situation worse.  As I walked a guy, probably one of the same guys began yelling, which was weird.  Also I noticed a man walking out of the alley.  I watched as he left, & decided to check to make sure if everything was okay.  However I was diverted when an SUV came out of the alley.  Fortunately I managed to see when I was on one of the side streets.  Fortunately no problems.  There was also a mother & son walking out late.  I figure the man was holding a bag, & a woman was walking with a cane.  Knowing they would be easily panicked,  I managed to go one the side streets to make sure they don't feel like they aren't being followed.  As it turned out they were heading to midnight mass over at a local church.  I watched a girl getting a gate open to make sure her friend would be able to get home after what seems to be a party.  I offered to help but she didn't need it.  As I also walked back I noticed some people with packages.  I offered to help, but they were okay, but I had a huge kick of one of the kids calling me Batman.  I think the biggest scare was after I crossed the street on Gallivan Boulevard a Jeep came speeding as a bat out of hell.  I was lucky I was already to the curb.  And speaking of immature, as I walked past the hospital, I noticed three men dancing like a joke with a hip-hop song while getting in a car.  And they say me getting dressed as a superhero was immature.  It was an interesting patrol, but one where I am starting to feel more comfortable with each step.

December 23, 2018

The second night of my Christmas patrols took me to Southie.  It was more silent since we were close to the holidays.  The only that might've been was probably some bar fights or people imitating the Grinch (& if you've seen the number of movies with him, I wouldn't be surprised if he went for his own comic book.  Yeah, I think Marvel will do that!  The mouse has a way with words, just watch the Disney Channel).  (Anyone who loves Disney, I apologize.). One person gave me my first compliment, "You're crushing it with the cape."  That was the first time I ever heard that. I think Joan Rivers would get me best dressed (God!  I miss her!). I managed to do more side streets.  It felt like such a rush.  I'm feeling more comfortable in my work.  As I passed a bunch of guys, some made a vague Darth Vader reference.  I think I might need to see Obi-Wan about that, I hope he knows I'm not the one from Episode IV, or III.  I passed someone near the Lincoln Pub calling for a friend.  I tried getting his attention, but no go.  She asked about me, & I introduced myself.  Then she didn't care & either texted or smoked a cigarette.  As I was crossing from West to East Broadway, I didn't realize there was a hill there.  I almost felt like it was take the wind out me.  So I changed direction & went down my first side street.  It was a residential, one I haven't done fully since Plymouth in 2012, when an officer kicked me off my patrol & made a group home reference (YES I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN ABOUT THAT!). However this was different.  As I kept walking I felt I made every child & adult feel safe to have dreams of sugarplums dancing their heads.  And as I walked & passed a police car, I felt more confident.  This made me feel like I can go anywhere & not feel like a freak.  However learning new spots can be challenging & scary.  I managed to keep my cool.  I soon found where I was when I remember a funeral home I passed several times when I patrolled South Boston, named Casper Funeral Home (Make you own reference.  I'm not touching that one.). But I can say is thank you to that friendly ghost.  Which suddenly a crack happened.  It was plastic run over by a large SUV.  As I made it past.  I felt I made huge advancement in my patrolling.  Christmas Eve is a night off due to weather.  But I am definitely looking forward to Christmas Day.

December 22, 2018

What is probably the start of a Christmas run full of patrols, something I haven't been doing in a while.  It started rather decently.  Getting to know different areas are always helpful & this was the first time I ever went to different areas.  One of the first good deeds came, when I spotted a homeless man.  I remembered my past mistakes & brought some cereal bars with me.  The man thanked me, & we became good friends.  A funny thing happened to me thou when I crossed to the West End.  There were three guys hanging around in the cold December weather (depending on how you look at it) & they were amazed to see me.  They were like a child meeting a celebrity or their biggest hero.  They asked me questions,  thanked me up & down.  They introduced me to people who were walking around the street, even stopping a car to tell them I am here.  It was a big thrill but I was nervous as hell.  They said they wanted me on their podcast (Guys, if you're reading this I am holding you up to it).  It felt good as I walked.  But there were times it was humbling.  One placed I passed there was a woman who looked sickly.  I was going to give her a cereal bar, but she said she needed something to drink.  I asked if there is anything I could do, call for hell, ask for a friend or family member to pick her up, but she said there was nobody.  All she could do at that moment was try to vomit.  I felt bad, but there was nothing I could do.  One of the most humbling things about this is for all the powers you can have, they are times you can't help that person.  And the last thing you want to do is make it worse.  Although, one person asked if I had weed or another asking if I had a beer, both awkward.  Speaking of which, there was a blind homeless man trying to cross a street.  A good samaritian was trying to help, but I figured she had more trouble get thru with the traffic & I noticed he was moving slowly.  I ran over trying to help.  One thing the man asked do you have any money, & here is where thing get stupid.  I said, "I have a cereal bar."  Now this is a blind man in the middle of traffic.  He pushed me off & yelled don't touch me.  I noticed he was still in the middle of traffic & I tried to get him to safety but he would have none of it.  Thank God, another Good Samaritan came to help get him to safety.  I felt like crap, but the samaritan actually thanked me, & said I was a good hero,  However I didn't feel like I really did any good.  I damaged to get to Chinatown for the first time, & I can tell you it was amazing.  I was almost at the area where the Combat Zone used to be.  Which shows how amazing it felt.  I managed to get to a new section of Boston, close to South Station.  But I was careful not to get into he area, or it would be big trouble.  I helped some homeless guys, as well I passed a closed diner, which there was a throne for Santa Claus.  I was tempted to sit on that throne, but I didn't.  I figured it would be sacrilege.  However as I went on my second lap, there were a lot of good deeds done.  For one thing, I actually passed by a car that was stuck over near a sausage stand near the Black Rose.  I knew if it kept moving it would more problems.  So I told the guy that I would put my foot on the cone so the car would go in reverse to make the car freed form the cone.  It worked, but the sausage stand told the driver it couldn't park there, it belonged to someone else.  Stayed to make sure everything was alright.  Afterwards, I passed an area near Haymarket, in which I did about three times, & heard some yelling.  Whenever you hear yelling & a racial slur, you know the feces is going to hit the fan.  I checked if everything was okay.  But I found out they were talking about an old Disney show, "Lizzy Maguire."  I always knew today's kids shows were getting worse & it started in the 90s.  Our future generations ladies & gentlemen.  I left, telling them to be careful, & they said likewise.  I will tell you a funny thing that happened.  As I passed the clubs, one bouncer actually nodded towards me, while two at the other laughed as if they heard a real dirty joke.  The irony of life.  I actually went to a 24 hour Dunkin Donuts, a lifesaver for any real life super hero, night club patrons, & public servants.  The service was great but for small iced coffee, thank God I have DD Perks.  I also helped move some boxes on a one way side street.  A driver spotted me, & I told them the reason.  He thanked me & that helped.  This was the most active patrol I ever had in a while.  I felt like I did a lot of good, with things to learn, & people noticing me more.  I look for to the next few days.

November 18, 2018

As I first stopped at Dunkin Donuts for a quick bite & a restroom stop, a man spotted me.  He thought I was one of the people that works with a ghost tour in the area.  As I explained who I was, he was more welcome to it.  There are days you are reminded that anything outside the norm can still be seen the same was as a witch in Salem during the city's Witch Trials (not offending witches or warlocks, but I'm sure you know what I mean by what I'm talking about).  As I exited the garage putting on the mask (let's face it.  A masked man in a parking garage can scare a lot of people, especially today), some people were laughing.  Better chuckles, then 911.  As I exited I saw two old ladies in an SUV spotting me saying, "Hey!  That's Batman!"  I explained who I was & what I was doing & they were excited & proud for seeing me.  The walk, again shortened due to injury, but like the smallest grape in the bunch it packs a lot of flavor.  I did the patrol earlier because the Patriots were on a bye week, & with the second half of football, you can say fantasy players can get a bit rough, as well as drinkers & football fans.  I managed to pass by a certain area, & there were more people.  I can tell people were a lot more open to a real life superhero in the area.  There was a father & daughter, the father was singing, "Na-na-na-na, Batman!"  It made me feel real good as I explained who I was & they said thank you.  As I passed by the turn, I noticed a dog in a pick-up truck left out.  The weather was cold, the dog was big.  But asking myself if I would do anything laid to rest as I heard the owner yelling as if he was acting like an animal (& if you heard him you surely know I can attest to that).  I was feeling a little sore I had to stick to the opposite street again.  This was a little more fruitful as I heard those loud groans again from the opposite side of the street.  Granted I was on the other side, the person was moving fast & drunk, & I had the cane again so no pushing my legs, I had no choice but to be methodical.  As I followed after the Walk sign went on, I soon lost him, as I mistake the bench for the dog that the guys were with.  But I managed to hold a door for a little girl along with her mother.  Two old men came up & asked who I was.  Very salt of the earth, we had a great conversation as I explained who I was.  They were kind in general, the other, well, he couldn't give a damn.  The man gave me a Reese's miniature, one I felt I didn't deserve, but a welcome reward.  Unfortunately, candies like those you can save for later, because they melt rather quickly & they make a mess.  I soon discarded it regretfully, but I can say not only sorry to that kind man, but thank you for making me feel more at peace with being in Boston.  I passed by another bar, & there were these college kids that were spotting "Darth Vader."  In other words, they were thrilled to see me.  It was one of those days where I am starting to feel more hopeful about patrolling my area.

November 17, 2018

On a cold November night, it felt like St. Patrick's Day as a sea of green was coasting Downtown.  The Boston Celtics were playing the Utah Jazz on a Saturday night. T hat of course means rowdy fans.  As I saw a young man standing on a sign post as if the Celtics were World Champions.  First thing I thought, "Yeah, it'll be one of those nights."  It also meant the clubs were going to be more rowdy.  I was having my Triple H face, in which I was acting as if I was marching to Motorhead.  A lady waiting in line spotted me, & called me Batman.  I explained who I was & I told her to be safe.  There was this guy that asked who I was supposed to be.  I started the second verse like the first verse, but then came a swerve.  He didn't think I was who I said I was.  He thought I was an idiot dressed with a stupid mask.  There's always one in every crowd.  It didn't matter as when I crossed by, I helped a lady parallel park, a hell common to Boston drivers, especially on a Saturday night.  She gave a thumbs up as a thank you.  It's as close to a "my hero" moment as you can get, so take what you can.  I knew the Greatest Bar was advertising a10-foot robot.  I had a look at him, & it definitely fit the bit.  The neon glow made not so hard to miss.  We gave each other a nod & a thumbs up.  There was a guy yelling a storm.  At first I thought it was a vendor from the Garden, but it turned out it was a guy who was supposedly drunk acting as if he was the big wig.  One look at me, & he toned down real quick.  But when I went past Causeway, even television couldn't find a way to write this, probably Jackass thou.  A young man was so drunk calling me dad.  First I thought complete stranger calling me dad?  Is Maury Povich going to come out & say, "You are the father."  He soon gave me a Milk-Bone asking if I was hungry.  I refused & told his friend to take him home.  From his mannerisms the guy was drunk.  The next guy was a dozy.  He was wearing a Red Sox cap, he should worn a clock necklace because he was acting like Flava Flav.  I asked the girl next to him, if he's been to any rap concerts.  For a short patrol, all I can say is who needs television?  I had my sitcom.

November 11, 2018

On the day in which on which we honor those who serve our country, I had one of my most important patrols.  Earlier in the day, I was having knee pain which was lasting for the past weeks.  Thru all the aids, it couldn't go away.  While I was at a restaurant watching the Patriots game, in which I was wondering which one was more painful, the pain was getting worse (I guess that was the answer).  Someone noticed & asked if I was okay.  Try holding a brave face with a bad knee is worthy of an Oscar I think or at least the world's bravest soldier.  The waitress told me that she dealt with knee pain.  I knew this waitress, & her optimism & hard work inspired me to fight.  And as well I remembered, the brave soldiers who fight for our country time after time, & thru the toll still defend our country with honor, the cheerleaders, from Pop Warner, High School, College, Pro; one sports more get injured.  And thru the branches, bandages, & ACL, they still cheer.  If all of them can, then I sure damn well I can, & no bad knee can ever stop me!  So afterward, I managed to get a brace to work with.  I brought the cane I used previously in my patrols.
I did South Boston as a testing mark.  Other areas would be a lot harder, whether in travel or situation, Southie is middle ground.  Since this would be done again next week, if possible, I would try new ground I normally wouldn't try.  And with a cold weather & the knee I had to play conservative.  Which meant a shorter patrol.  But quality always beat quantity.  So I tried new areas.  I kept going on my original path but instead, I went straight.  I was going to keep going, but it looked residential, something I wouldn't take a chance on fearing scrutiny from the neighbors.  So I turned back.  But to be smart I actually covered side streets, & boy were there many.  It gave me new ideas to work with that I'll look at in the future.
I would tell you it was pretty quiet, not many people for a Sunday night.  I believed there was Sunday Night Football, a good one.  The Eagles playing the Cowboys.  But let's face it, do you want to see a team that beat us in the Super Bowl playing?  Not many people would, especially if they have work tomorrow.  So not many people, which always was a danger sign to me of what might happen & worry that you will be in a situation where you will rest on your laurels.  The only this that was interesting is when at the corner of West Third & A Streets, that there was a man changing his black jacket, showing his white shirt.  Odd, but the shirt looked more like a chef's jacket & there were restaurants, pubs, bars, & taverns around the area (Of course!  It's Southie!). So I let it go at that.  I hope it wasn't a danger sign.
As I head, I promised myself I'd go to the doctor about the knee.  But before I do, I hope that waitress looks at this blog.  I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart.  With her determination, she determined to be a better hero.  She was a cheerleader & a hero to me.  So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.  You made Boston a little more safer tonight.

November 3, 2018

After the windy day we had earlier, I patrolled Dorchester.  I started earlier than usual, which would be odd but something I'd get used to.  First person who spotted me was a lady who thought I was Batman, but when I tried to explain myself, she immediately told me of a fashion faux pax.  At least she wasn't Edna Mode from the Incredibles, no way I'm giving up my cape.  There were more people around, probably due to earlier hour at night.  But I also noticed a lot of cars idle with their lights on. It would be odd, but we have to remember, this is the beginning of November.  I passed by a restaurants with some people.  I notice they were talking Vietnamese.  I didn't get what they were saying but when the trace of Halloween in the dialect came up, I can tell it wasn't admiration.  Next, as I passed a closed bank, before that I saw an old man exiting with a limp.  As I passed, I noticed a man dressed in black, with an uncanny resemblance to Martial Arts star Jet Li, outside smoking a cigarette.  He nodded.  I passed and I thought it was odd.  After a few blocks, I doubled back to check it out.  As I returned, it turned out it was part of security, which MIGHT be a huge sigh of relief, only to see others hanging around in the ATM room of the bank.  I looked at the same time, watching to the light.  Fortunately, one in which I thought was a cigarette, turned out to be a lollipop.  But I was parallel from them as they left.  I remained calm.  Further suspicion would indicate racial profiling AND assumed stalking.  So I let it go.  I soon encountered group of men out on a good time.  They spotted me and asked about me.  I almost fell for a cheap joke that brought me back to my times being bullied at high school.  I have to be better than that!  When I told them they had to hurry before the light changes, they thought I was an idiot & left.  OUR FUTURE ROLE MODELS LADIES & GENTLEMEN!  I did pass what seemed to be a tool case near a brand new car.  It looked too odd, & to sell it off or drop it off without hiding would seem a bad place to put it.  I called the police on a cautionary note.  The operator was nice & treated me well.  I told what I saw & she said she would bring a police car over.  I did remember there was a situation there a few months ago about someone vandalizing tires in the area.  A good patrol, however ugly.

October 26, 2018

It's that time of year, the Halloween patrols.  This is the one day I love as a real life superhero.  Everybody dresses in costumes, so you don't feel odd.  Best of all, this the best time, the only time, you can feel free trying new routes & not worry.  And right off the bat (no pun intended, as you will see) it was fantastic.  As I left the garage, there was a guy wearing a Batman costume.  He spotted me, & loved what I wore.  I thought I'd do him a favor & tell him & his friends to take a picture for his social media of me & him, with me kneeling towards him.  He got a real kick out of it.  I told him & friends what I really was & how Batman was my hero.  They all got a real kick out of it.  That's when you know it was going to be that kind of night.
The funny thing of Halloween, it has its own full moon to it, & this night was no exception.  A man was standing in the middle of the street with on-coming traffic late at night.  This was textbook accident.  Worst part, the man was totally oblivious to what was going on.  I managed to yell at him to get at the corner.  Fortunately my presence got him to go to the sidewalks.
I was trying a different route with two guys actually talking about getting their girls about black being a fashion choice.  All of a sudden, a couple came by spotting me, asking for my picture.  Fortunately a couple girls came up, & helped them with it.  With watching the World Series & seeing a super hero, it was a day they would never forget.  I felt better being in different areas, knowing what would work & what wouldn't.  As I managed to cross past Haymarket.  A couple of ladies spotted me, & I told them I was a real life superhero.  They sighed a breath of relief, & asked if I could fly them.  I'm a real life superhero, not a real life Superman.  I passed by the bars & nightclubs to make sure all was in order.  One bar, some guys & a bouncer hanging out, spotted me & said, "Yes!!!  I knew there was a Batman!"  I explained who I was & what my gear was.  They were impressed.  Their only wish, I had a Batmobile.  What's the Powerball jackpot?  Maybe I should get a "Bas-mobile" (yes, I know it was bad.). I saw some people watching from outside the bars, watching the Red Sox play Game 3 of the World Series.  Odd, but it's one of those days.
Reality soon set in thou.  As I pass I know there are homeless still out in the cold night.  For we should never forget that while we can dress in costumes as ghosts & ghouls, there are those who face a horror, no one should face.  It's also humbling for me as well, knowing for everything I can do, there is little I could to help.  I might in the future have a separate pouch in my utility belt to carry noting but granola bars.  It may not be much, but it is something.
As I passed Downtown Crossing, there was a lady "dressed like a bat."  She looked at me as if I was an old friend.  Got to be the cape.  There was even a young muscular black man, red varsity jacket with a B on it, & a mask covering his mouth, spotted me & said, "Nice cape."  I wondered if should've been nervous.
There was a creepy moment.  As I passed a bar, there was a bouncer who spotted a lady wearing a little black dress.  He said, "Are you sure you can dance in that?" With things like the #MeToo movement going on, I knew that was a form of harassment that was unacceptable.  How to handle it should be looked into for future reference.  He may've said me, but with those outcomes, either would be unacceptable, due to poor timing & an immature attitude.
There were other spotters.  A couple guys past me, saying, "We should be scared of that?"  If you do something stupid, you should be.  A security guard, going home after a long night, spotted me.  Said nice costume.  I told him who I was.  After a brief talk we both wished each other safe.  This was the best Halloween patrol I had ever.  Now it's home watching the Red Sox & the World Series.

October 19, 2018

Today was the day I went to Dirty Water Media at the Greatest Bar for my television debut.  As I was greeted by the producer very kindly.  After some soda water (I am on duty), the interviewer introduced herself to me.  I knew I was in good hands.  As I met others from Dirty Water Media, I felt more comfortable.  The interview went well, but I had to take off the helmet & face mask to make myself more clearer.  It went very well, everyone did an excellent job.  I hope to show you the interview in a future blog.  I left immediately afterward, with all new confidence.  As I walked I noticed things looked a lot brighter.  Yes, I was still called Batman, but it felt like I had weight of my back.  I managed to get thru more areas.  One person, I think European, asked about what I had on me, it was odd.  Not as odd as considered as Dracula.  It was odd.  But the odder thing was when I passed some college boys, one asked iff I was part of the Proud Boys, whatever that was.  As I crossed different areas.  I felt more confident in my work, even doing something I never thought I ever did in my career, went for a second lap.  It wasn't a full lap but it was a significant step.  Getting a pat on the head was a sure help.  However, as I passed a food stand, a homeless man came up to me & asked, "Can you help a homeless man Batman?"  Unfortunately I couldn't.  I had little money, & no granola bars.  I said I'm sorry.  He said, "Hey Batman!  Even Robins need help!"  I was upset at myself.  But even the best real life superhero can't save everyone.

October 13, 2018

On my patrol to South Boston, I tried something new, I was trying a longer cape.  A little more controllable than the last one.  I managed to try it on a baptism of fire, or in this case, the wind.  I was going to South Boston.  I was trying the longer route, only because going the expressway was confusing.  So I went at a local McDonald's to go for a real what they don't have, something with nature (I joke, they do have apples.  no sick jokes!)  I ordered a lemonade in which my body was doing a riot like in the episode of Batman '66 where the Riddler was into silent movies & everyone was drinking poisoned lemonade.  Imagine in Batman today had the responsibility of West & controlled a riot like that.  Not that good.  Anyway, I managed to head there no worse for wear.  Still have to work on the cape.  I noticed an area I used to pass now transformed into a neuvo-night club.  The love of Southie!  Once again, no action.  Worries me.  But I had enough on my mind.  One of the negatives about being a real life superhero at night is that there is no bathrooms.  You can't always ask a business or a residence to let them use theirs.  First, I'm a freak! what do you expect?  Second, it's unconstitutional.  If a soldier can't go into another person's home and forces hospitality, then what business does a real life superhero have?  At least, that's what I think.  I can tell you you can always see a person true colors when they see great joy or great pain.  I was lucky.  I was prepared.  But it is something to look out for.  Damn my age!  Anyway, the silence is still unsettling.  I know the Red Sox are playing the American League Championship against the Houston Astros.  Very unsettling.  Anyway, work has to be done.

October 12, 2018

After a hiatus, I went back on the field.  Due to the recent violence last week, I covered Dorchester.  I managed to cover more of an area this late at night.  It started relatively quiet.  I always get funny feelings about places that are apparently bare.  When I passed Ashmont Station, there was a person hiding in the corner.  It would've been hard to see, until I saw him puff a cigarette.  Observation is one of the real life superheroes' most important assets.  Something to look at one the way back.  I managed to nod at one of the people hanging around the station.  I also managed to dip my toe deeper in the side streets.  One of which, I saw a person ran outside.  I made a mistake of walking on the same side.  Which lead to one of them saying, "Yo!"  I turned around & he asked if I had a light.  I was too basic when I said, "Don't smoke." & left.  I noticed a lot of people were wearing hoodies, hiding their head.  Except one person, who was wearing a hat that was very furry.  Whoever being in the inner city fashion is key.  As I passed a strip mall, I saw a lady with something on the ground.  She was frantic & yelled, "Por Favor" which, even if you don't know Spanish, you had an idea what she wanted.  So I walked to the area, only for a car to come by & talk to her, which I had to go back.  As I approached a turn I saw a father with his baby child.  I also noticed a police car riding while on patrol.  I had to approach it with the upmost caution.  If I went too fast, it would've been ultimate chaos.  Fortunately, he crossed by the time I was going in the opposite direction.  A breath of fresh hair.  On the way back, I managed to go to check another parking lot.  I heard some music that was very loud.  However, it was from a check cashing place.  I do admire the fact that work even in the late hours.  But something to watch out for just in case there's a robbery.  As I headed back.  I noticed a parent bringing a car seat with a baby & a small child running in him.  I saw somebody that might be a grandmother watching outside, so I'd feared I'd be burned, so I walked immediately back.  I also noticed what I believed to be a "Community Watch" van, probably Social Services.  When I managed to pass Ashmont Station again, I didn't see the guy.  I maybe wrong, but with the way I was observing, a ninja wouldn't hide from me.  AND NINJAS DON'T SMOKE!  I did notice a lot more people.  They always come out when you least expect it.  But empty patrols worry me.  Especially, with Red Sox in the playoffs (if you know me, you'd know what I'm talking about.  And I won't get more into that.). Something to watch out for next time.

September 29, 2018

A silent patrol can mean many things.  No crime, no activity.  It feels like a brisk walk.  But a level of complacency can a lead to somewhat of a disaster that no one expects.  That patrol was a quiet one.  Even thou it was fall, there was a full crescent moon, something that reminds that anything can happen.  As I crossed one street, someone called "Batman."  If I keep hearing that, I'll start thinking I'm my personal hero.  I passed Ashmont Station, & I saw a gathering.  However the T Inspector was handling it.  What add too much cooks.  I decided to try different routes.  A street I never been on, stuff like that.  As I crossed an area, I was about to cross the street, however I saw a young man walking hastily.  Knowing his body language I knew he was very nervous.  If I crossed I would've continued down, but at the same time I would make that person so uncomfortable he'd do something reckless.  And the way I'm dressed, I would spook Luke Skywalker (or the Joker, depending on Mark Hamill's wishes.)  So I cut it off.  I managed to go down a side street besides the park at Fields Corner.  My previous patrols in that area showed some kind of activity, I thought I'd give it a better look.  Fortunately, nothing happened, it was as silent as Royals Stadium during the postseason.  I managed to pass a man who heavily smoking a cigarette as an older man wearing noise proof headphones was heading out.  He said, I wasn't that scary.  I said, "Maybe I should try harder."  He said thou, "You look cool thou." As I passed Ashmont Station I saw a Table Talk box on the bench.  I picked it up & put it in the trash.  The first thing I thought, was Spongebob Squarepants impressing the Jellyfishers saying, "Everybody like pie." (God! that was awful.). I looked at areas where I could improve & I feel stronger that I can be better.  I hope next time I don't fall into a false sense of security.

September 21, 2018

I was supposed to meet with Dirty Water TV for an interview we agreed to.  More on that later.  As I approached & passed the Haymarket MBTA station, I noticed a couple spotting me (it's amazing how many times I'm compared to my favorite hero Batman.)  I explained who I was & it was a good start.  But when I went to the Greatest Bar, after confusion with bouncer (in which I think he did an excellent job.  Guys give that man a raise!) I found out there was no set.  It turned out it was more sports fare than Dirty Water.  Undeterred, I'd make the most of it by doing what I do best, doing a patrol.  As I crossed, I met this lovely homeless woman named Olive.  She was sweet as I explained who I was.  I wish I still had the granola bars that I could give her, but I am glad that I made her day.  As I crossed towards Downtown in Boston Common, a lot happened.  I was lucky since when I cross it, it's usually closed, but to take advantage of the opportunity was golden.  First ones to pot me was a couple doing a moonlight serenade.  The woman spotted me.  I explained who I was & I apologized for interrupting their romance.  But they didn't mind, they wanted to know more about me.  It felt good that people don't feel weird with me there.  A touching moment came as a woman named Stormy came up to me & asked for a hug.  I hugged her & she asked me to promise her that every time I see her that I give her a hug.  It was touching & made me feel good.  A scary moment came when I was passing a group of youths & they were asking me questions.  Some standard, but they soon asked me what I would do in a knife & gun attack.  It even went so far as he showed a knife in the conversation.  I told the boy to put the knife away or else there would be legal trouble.  They soon asked me to leave, saying I was "Strange as f**k."  I covered new areas, as I soon found out for a bad situation I made good on it.

September 15, 2018

It was a while since I covered that area, but the first with an area of confidence.  As I exited my car from the garage.  I felt more confident than usual.  The interactions with people were starting to get easier.  First person I saw was a bouncer who reminded me of Bowzer from Sha Na Na only more mature and more put together (God I missed when he tried to put his fist into his mouth.)  We nodded then we gave a fist bump wishing each other well.  Next I came upon a group of kids.  One noticed me, "BATMAN!"  As I was introducing myself, he said, "Not now.  I'm texting."  THE FUTURE GENERATION LADIES AND GENTLEMAN!  A real life superhero right there and he's still typing on his phone at night.  I was going to continue on Broadway, but I felt burned when a bouncer at one of the clubs looked at me with suspicion.  Continuing to go down the other side would bring unwanted attention.  So I went the usual turn.  One of the girls who was with her friends came up and said, "Love your outfit."  I said, "Yours isn't bad either."  I soon met two gentlemen, salt of the earth fellows.  One said, "Who are you supposed to be?"  I explained who I was.  The guy was rambling as if he was drunk.  The sober one told him to move.  Too bad it was close to another bar.  Speaking of which, there was a man who with an intoxicated lady holding a bag.  I was concerned, not knowing if there was foul play.  I came and asked if everything was alright.  He said, "I wish."  Now, I could intervene.  But if it was worse, there was no cause for citizen's arrest as the case would be thrown out and he would sue for false arrest.  But no foul play.  But even if I did help him, it would look like I would be tripping over him making things worse.  Begrudgingly, I had to leave it.  I hope all is well.  As I walked there were two men one who looked like one of the current cast members from Saturday Night Live looking like he was camping at Fenway Park.  Even with the confidence asking questions I still felt awkward, something I have to work on.  But a non call I was proud of was there were three boys who was new this nice new sports car, one who was without a shirt.  I have never seen the Fast & the Furious movies, & I don't intend to, but I know Vin Diesel wouldn't be so stupid to invite three passengers into a vehicle to steal to drag race.  Like I said, I never saw those movies so I wouldn't know.  I hope all is well.  This was the first time thou I actual made the full route, which felt refreshing.  As I made it back I made an observation of what is open and what isn't, besides bars & clubs.  One thing that was something I'll work on is going on another side of the street.  There was more activity, & it would make for sense to patrol there.  Otherwise, an excellent patrol.

September 14, 2018

Working a little later than usual.  Felt like I left in a rush as I left one of my phones behind.  I was lucky I had one, as you see later, I really needed it.  I was starting to develop more of a Triple H vibe to myself, which helped.  As I passed Ashmont Station with smell of barbecue, I almost felt like having a rack of baby back ribs.  It didn't help that someone screamed, "Monster!" as I walked.  "Boogeyman in Boston.  More at 11."  As I walked I noticed an ambulance turn down a side street with sirens, I think it was Dix Street.  The was an a police car there which meant a crime scene.  I may look like Batman, but I don't have pull like the Dark Knight.  I passed by some young men having drinks outside a business.  They said I was Batman.  I explained who I really was and what I do.  I feel like I developed a little bit of street cred, especially when they say they know where to turn when there's trouble.  As well, as I passed another street, I noticed a lot of honking in which people cried, "SUPERHERO!"  I waved like the Adam West Batman in the start of the Batman '66 movie.  I decided to turn back when I saw a pizza man and others looking at me oddly.  Last thing I want to do is be burned.  A couple of mistakes soon followed.  One as a pitbull came up to me as I was walking, he tried to sniff me.  I had a feeling he knew I was friendly, but I couldn't stop.  I wasn't worried about Mr. 305, I was more worried about Ms. 911.  As I passed a park on Fields Corner, I noticed some serious screaming.  One person was extremely agitated.  The other was trying to calm him down.  But from what I noticed it wasn't working too well, as the angry one was yelling obscenities.  I noticed the non-verbal communication, & I knew it was close to dangerous.  I soon had to intervene.  I didn't like the way I started as I went in like Mr. Rogers.  I felt like I lost control from the get-go, as the non-aggressor told me to back off as the violent one started spewing barks.  I soon left as I knew I lost control.  But unlike the last time as I let it be, this time I walked a distance as I heard more violent yelling and called 911.  I hope that the handling by the police would be a lot better than the way I did.  But this was something I knew I could handle.  I have to develop a bad-ass attitude if I am to be taken truly seriously.  Crap like what I did almost put me out 8 years ago.  A repeat would've been a lot closer.  I know the next time, I have to do better than settling for field goals.

September 8, 2018

As I managed to pump myself up with P Diddy Come with Me, I managed to unleash my inner Triple H.  As I patrolled, I felt more in tune.  As well, I noticed less people in shock.  That's when you feel like one in the crowd.  I managed to get into more detail, more bars on the border to cover, more streets to check on.  It felt like I knew exactly what I was doing.  I was going to do Chinatown, but I found out Friday there was an event as told by the flags.  As I noticed parked cars as I was crossing the common, but they were ride-sharing cars like Uber, I still have butterflies.  As I was crossing one corner, a homeless man came up to me.  It doesn't matter if you are a civilian or Darth Vader, a person in need is always welcome help from anyone.  He asked for a sweater, due to the weather becoming increasingly colder.  I wish could've helped him.  Even removing a mask I would stand out in the stores, but nevertheless, they would be closed.  I told him to go to St. Anthony's Shrine.  It was a hunch, but I thought they would take in homeless people.  I pray I was right, as he crossed St. Francis House, it was closed.  I told him he had worth.  It gave him hope, but unfortunately it was very little.  I saw it was hard for him to cheer up.  I doubt a granola bar would make him feel better.  I did what I could, but I wasn't satisfied.  That man needed help.  I remember a comic book, Heroes For Hunger.  It talked about people in Ethiopia who were starving, and even the combined forces of Superman, Batman, & Lex Luthor couldn't help.  There are some things superheroes can't do, an unfortunate reality, but we should always strive to better.  That's the true super.  I am pushing harder and I feel more confident.  I feel like my time will soon come.  Hopefully, it won't be like last week.

August 31, 2018

This was a day the f**k ups kept going.  All started silent, but almost felt a chill passing a few people, feeling like a freak, unlike last week.  As I approached Ashmont station, I saw a man looking for something past the fences.  As I looked on his sleeve, it looked like a police banner, so I let him do his job.  Things got more interesting as I walked down.  As I past a restaurant that was closed I noticed a group hanging together.  It turned out to be a family, ready to be closed for the night.  I managed to make it close to the other T station, then the fun started.  As I passed a park on Fields Corner, I saw two men; one white, mid forties, brown or light tan leather jacket, a little thick, black tam, salty grey hair; holding a trash bag small enough to be a small black plastic shopping bag towards a guy, I believed in a black hoodie.  They spotted me & said, "You're as normal as f**k!"  I was so f*****g stupid, I just passed them as they wished me a horrible day.  The plastic bag, two men meeting at a park at midnight, even if it might be nothing, that was probable cause.  The Powerpuff Girls, The Three Stooges, as superheroes & as themselves; could see it a mile away.  I was kicking myself.  But I had to stop, as I returned back, a lady spotted me & asked if the convenience store was open.  I wasn't sure, but I did see some customers past there on my way back.  I told her I was a real life superhero, and she said that was awesome.  We both wished each other to stay safe.  Then, the kicker, a man,was drunk and ill, on the side passed Ashmont.  As I heard a noise, I checked.  He was leaning on a fence looking drunk.  I checked on him & soon called 911.  As I called, explaining to the operator where I was was almost like explaining to Ed from Ed. Edd, N' Eddy; how to cross the maze to get the cereal (Good episode by the way.)  I was lucky the security guard came by and gave me an exact address, but soon the guy ran away.  I was pissed at myself.  A day from hell in which I should do better next time.

August 24, 2018

After a hiatus, I was back to walking the eat.  It may've been long but from getting the uniform to getting to my patrol is starting to feel like second skin.  You know things are going well when someone says they spotted Batman.  But Batman never had to worry about parking the Batmobile in a garage, unless it was Police Headquarters (God, I miss the Arkham games.)  Anyway it also helps when you get a compliment on the cape.  I managed to pass a pizza joint near a club where a man eating a pizza stopped me.  I asked if he needed help, and he laughed as he choked on a pizza (great an interacting and you feel you have to do a Heimlich manuever)  However we had a picture.  He was going to offer me a piece, and I know it;s damn good pizza, but I'm on the clock.  Maybe next time.  I managed to pass three old men who appeared either drunk or high who spotted me.  I told them not to get in trouble and they said vice versa, saying I might get into a fight with SpiderMan or Catwoman.  I managed to get into new routes.  I started learning how to change course quickly.  I felt more comfortable in my patrol, but more cautious.  My observations were aware of things that could be an easy danger.  It's those you have to have a poker face.  Otherwise, you will be seen as a loonatic.  I feel I could do more patrols in the same area, just to try different routes so not to seem mundane.  Otherwise, a great patrol.

July 20, 2018

This was going to be my first team up in Boston.  One mental note, always anticipate that public transportation isn't foolproof, it maybe done by fools.  As was stated that my bus was twenty minutes late.  I was fortunate that my fellow hero, Shadow Wolf was very understanding.  As I managed to get to him on time, with what little time we had we made the most of it.  He managed to keep himself busy with homeless outreach, public interactions, &helping where he can.  We managed to meet at Park Street.  Even thou, I had more years on him, he showed wisdom, helpfulness, and teamwork; the markings of a great leader and a great real life superhero.  We kept focused on the area, as he even ehlped me thru some tough spots.  We exchanged ideas, stories, and map directions as he gave me some great ideas for future patrols.  As he had to leave due to the train, I managed to do a little on my own.  I was discovered by a couple of people.  One did a Snapchat interview (I'm on social media and I didn't expect it.)  And a group of girls spotted me, as one took my picture.  I am feeling more confident being in this.  I look forward to future team ups as I am feeling more confident as a real life superhero.

July 15, 2018

It was a few days a go I saw a poster of missing person.  She was about my age, maybe less.  But she had so many people concerned about her.  There were three phone numbers.  I knew the area, as well as the area concerned.  I thought I could help.  In so many ways, I had so many plans.  But by the time I called one of the numbers.  I soon found out she died.  I was too late.  I still keep kept the photo I took on cell phone as a reminder.  Yes, the pain of failure is normal in the real life superhero community.  We are superheroes, not gods.  Yet I prefer being the former, rather than the latter.
Bring on today.  With all the hells I've been thru, & the ones that I am facing now.  This was my first Sunday patrol in Boston at night.  I felt a load on my shoulders.  Then I looked at that photo.  She, and the people like her, the victims; why I have to fight, why I have my soul on the line.  And I went the same area.  And I felt confident.  Every fear I had was gone.  It was silent.  Rarely did I meet people, the closest someone called me Count Dracula, at least it wasn't Team Edward or Team Jacob.  But I got smarter, I got braver, I got wiser.  For the first time, I faced the devil's mighty men, & won.

July 7, 2018

I did the same area because the last patrol, however fruitful, was very short.  I felt I didn't give it enough quality.  However, to spice it up, I tried a different direction by trying a different street.  It was a baptism of fire.  As I walked down the new air, I felt an air that I never felt before.  The smell of barbecue of hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken filled the air from the holiday weekend cookouts.  I even saw something beautiful, a subway train sleeping when it's not at work.  It was a thing of beauty and silence that words can't describe.  As I made it down the end, I passed an area with some bars.  Already, I had a feeling of an old fifties art deco painting come to life.  I would go down further but it was my first time.  For personal reasons, I decided to head back.  As I did I saw a man drunk yelling at his cell phone.  He crossed the street recklessly, as a car almost hit him because of it.  He got angry back.  I would help but I remember one time I did, let's say I was lucky he was coherent enough to see.  Would I go down that route of a street again?  Sadly, no.  For "personal reasons."

July 4, 2018

This was ironically a short patrol on the big day.  The day was surrounded by the sound of fireworks.  It was hardly a time for people to be around especially with rockets blazing.  I soon saw the fireworks for the distance as I passed the train station, so I decided to stop early.  I remember Halloween 2009 too well.  However, I introduced myself to the firefighters hanging around outside & I' say we have good relations.  My progression is going slowly, but surely.

June 30, 2018

As I started my stretch out, I thought I felt more confidant in who I am.  This was something where I will say yes AND no.  I managed to cover more of the area of Mattapan, which gave the confidence to be in my own skin.  But when I passed by a church, in the parking lot, there was a car with their lights on, looked like sports car.  There were five to seven people around it hanging around but here was no service.  I couldn't approach for two reason.  If there was nothing wrong, then I would be seen as a threat.  But if they were up to no good,  that's five to seven people against one.  I would get my ass kicked.  So I walked to a safer area and called 911.  The operator felt there was no reason to worry, which basically got egg on my face.  I complied & moved on.  I managed to cross two more groups of people within a block.  The first ones were too stoned to figure anything out.  The second was more concerning.  They were talking about being oppressed, then they looked at me & wanted to know who I was.  I explained, & they felt that I wasn't fit to patrol there.  They asked if I had weapons, I was nervous in saying anything, feeling less is more.  That turned out to be a mistake, because now I felt I went out of Fenway Park with them.  I left instead of stayed, feeling like I was in the way.  The next group was some bouncers & patrons near a dive bar.  I explained who I was & at first things went well, then as heard behind my back, they felt I was a freak.  As I went back, an unmarked cruiser stopped, rolled their window & asked some questions.  I explained who I was & we both told each other to be careful.  My compliments to the two police officers in Boston for being professional & treating me with respect.  But in many ways, as there have been some good moments, I have to get my A game on, before I get to the big situations coming up.

June 16, 2018

On the heels of trying new safety equipment & the news about the situation with the attack of a pervert on the T (the kind that was really that) and the arrest of a good samaritan in that area, I knew I would have a lot on the line.  As I was driving down a major street, rather slow since it was a hot Saturday night summer in Boston, I noticed a light that said "O/D off."  I thought, "oh, s**t!  Another problem?"  As I found when I got back, it was the overdrive was off because I was going so slow on the street.  Thanks new law, which said 25 miles per hour is now the major speed limit in Boston.  I made it to a new garage, which was quite different from the last one, but also cheaper (no offense guys.)  You know you feel awkward when the door felt like a back alley (Trust a guy in a do-rag!)  As I walked I managed to made it the street I wanted to cross to continue the patrol, but I noticed I was in back of a group of guys acting like they were ready for a night out on the town.  I thought, "No problem.  They weren't high risk.  They were in a large group.  They WERE AWARE OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS;  but the last one, THEY WERE AWARE OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS.  That cost me.  As I passed by they were like Statler & Waldorf on the Muppets.  They were heckling me on my patrol.  I managed to cross opposite the street.  It made me nervous, especially for earlier.  I even made the mistake of missing an opportunity to help, fortunately someone came to pick up the slack.  As I walked I felt more awkward, especially with new equipment acting funny.  As I managed to go down the street, I noticed I was behind someone.  I tried walking slow or even going down side streets.  The sirens did n't make things easier.  I managed to go down one side street.  From the start it looked like I was walking down an alley.  I spent time observing every side alley, every small parking lot for any trouble.  Then I was in trouble.  What that side street led to was a housing area in that section of the city.  I just pulled a Bee Sting! a hero who was in trouble for an encounter in an area like that in Michigan.  Fortunately I knew that that street was going to lead me to the main road, so all I had to do was walk down & hope for the best.  It almost didn't.  A paddy wagon came up & was flashing their lights as I was there.  I stopped so not to cause trouble.  Fortunately, the wagon didn't stop.  I was relieved.  It turned out it was at a house, possibly a house party gone wrong.  As I made it the main street, I noticed how much the mistake it was as the donut shop that I passed was to my left, as last time I was passing it.  In other words, I panicked too soon for nothing.  I managed to walk back to the car.  As I headed back, I put the A/C on as a precaution.  This was a learnable patrol where the next time I would have to study my routes a little more carefully, as well as not panic way too easily.

June 8, 2018

I am growing more confident with each step I take in Boston.  I was in Dorchester.  I am thinking of losing the horn.  It does nothing but look like a hood ornament.  I also didn't bring any granola bars.  I thought I could live without giving myself more gas (no sick jokes, please.)  I played Triple H's music "The Game" to get me in beast mode.  That song always gets me in beast mode.  As I walked past a street.  Three guys in an SUV yelled noticing me.  They said, "Are you going to save the universe?"  They said as if they were either drunk or in awe, I'll take the latter.  I said, "No, I'm saving Dorchester."  They said they saluted me & took cell phone video of me.  That's when you made the big time, when amateur paparazzi take pictures of you while you work.  I did pass the train station.  And three more men, who were hanging around, looked at me.  A scary moment came when one of the men, who was either drunk, high, or both, demanded that I kill him.  This was like when Geroge Reeves was Superman, & he was doing an event.  A young boy wanted to prove Superman was bulletproof, so he brought a gun to prove that theory.  As was stated Reeves had to talk the child down from doing so (he had a gun!) but at the same time stilL be in character.  That is very tough for anybody.  He did so, Thank God!  I had to do the same thing.  I told him his life was worth living.  However, unlike the boy, he was yelling more & more irrattically.  "Kill me!  Kill me, n*****r!"  This demanded my attention.  Whether or not he really meant it, this man asked to die.  He didn't do a crime or threaten anyone, he asked to die.  I tried talking him out of it, saying he has worth, but he was being more irrational.  His friends were busy a shooting a video of this as it was nothing, & a man came up & separated us.  He asked where I was from, & if I had a cigarette.  He soon took the man I was concerned of in.  The other two talked, I was more concerned about the suicidal man.  But they said he was alright.  They looked at my belt, & asked about the air horn.  I told them it was for emergencies, but they told me to use it to show them.  They were about my age or older, & they were acting less than their shoe size.  Our teachers for the next generation, ladies & gentleman!  They took a cell phone video of me (gosh I'm getting famous)  I think the mask needed work.  They could barely hear me.  Need to work on it.  But I felt more confident.  I went deeper into side streets feeling I can do this!  I am more confident now that this job is for me!

May 26, 2018

A patrol on Saturday on Memorial Day weekend.  Due to for an unforeseen circumstance, I had to adjust my uniform a tweek.  I managed to find a side street off Mattapan, which was close to the main street.  I managed to find a dive the first place I passed.  And I can tell you, it's not like what you see on entertainment or even Guy Fiori.  I managed to walk around, feeling more confident since Christmas Eve.  I had to cut it short due to that of the unforeseen.  When I was walking down past an alley, I ad to change course as I saw a person, walking cocky but drunk.  Nothing to get from.  But when I crossed another street.  was the biggest adventure in the shortest time;  Looking at the area of litter, I would love to picture Project HOPE or Superheroes Anonymous pick up the litter.  However it would probably more the extreme edition, but it comes with the business.  A man standing on the street spotted me & asked for a smoke or money for one.  Had to refuse, but all of a sudden, I heard a cry for help.  A man was pushing his old car, heavily breathing, with the car door open, hell for the weather we are having today.  I managed to go behind & pushed behind the trunk.  Another person was asking if we needed help but I told him to ask the man.  I told the man to tell me where to stop, fortunately it was a short distance.  He thanked me, I asked if he needed as call to get a tow or a ride, but he refused.  I heard broken english, maybe Cape Veredian.  He said, "God Bless You!"  And for the first time in a while, I felt that.  I was going to cover more, but the street was crazy with reckless drivers for the holiday weekend, so I followed on the road of caution.  When I went back, I saw a man, but the car, but he had his phone on him.  The car was working perfectly.  Thank God!

May 5, 2018

I did a beat on Cinco de Mayo.  I was covering a main corner, knowing bars have a tendency to have rowdy customers during drinking holidays.  I was barely noticed in the first half, one being that it was night, and two, there were a lot of evil eyes.  I managed to avoid them.  I was exact on patrols, even more than my rookie year, covering side streets and alleys.  Ironically, in an alley I lost my bluetooth earpiece.  Not necessary, knowing I have a mouth and an ear to use.  I walked down & noticed a bike officer listening to a local street performer.  Who knew community policing would save my life?  As well, as I came at certain section.  One of the kids looked at me with my new mask & said I looked like a motorbiker.  We became friends.  However, when I walked down however I heard, "PUT YOUR HANDS UP!"  I looked nothing.  Then I heard it again, "PUT YOU HANDS UP M****RF*****R!"  I turned around agin, nothing.  A police officer would be so brazen as to say that with so much space afar, especially with people watching, & all I've done so far is walked on a patrol.  I managed to go down a side street & a homeless man came up to me, "Do you have some money so I can get something to eat?"  I replied, "No, but I have a granola bar..."  He denied immediately & walked away.   What I wouldn't understand, is that the food is there but to deny it, ironic.  I soon saw two people.  And old man pulled an envelope out of his waistband.  I thought it was a drug deal, & asked what was in the envelope.  The old man showed that it was a passport.  He wanted no trouble & thought I was the police.  I calmed his fears & picked up his dropped sunglasses.  There were some people who even called me a stormtrooper.  "May the Fourth Be With You."  As I walked back, I asked who would someone be sneaking a passport as if it was considered unlawful?  These will be considerations I will look at for future patrols.  I did improve my route which made me more confident.  I feel more at home with my patrol & look forward to doing another one soon.  But there will be improvements.

April 21, 2018

This was a rarely patrolled area in a mask that was newly tried, what can possibly go wrong?  I parked so far back, that even at night it felt while it was like a long distance.  Hard thing when you go thru a "baptism of fire," second chances get a lot harder.  Knowing the route I had to take & wondering if it would be troublesome.  I had to walk in a pattern that would arouse less suspicion.  Even when there were some that involved an official building and a train station.  That is like being between a rock & a hard place.  Even when I managed to get to my destination it felt harder finding a diversionary street to attract less suspicion.  It will take some time to understand routes better, but that would take time, & toughening up my self confidence.  There were a little more people than the last patrol, obviously more night spots did show to attract others, & the time was a lot earlier than last.  However I felt less comfortable than last.  Hearing sirens made me wonder if I was in trouble.  But danger is like a shark, if it smells the blood of fear, you're lost.  I managed to do some side streets to be more exact.  I managed to go a different route back.  I heard a man yelling angrily on the other side, waiting at the employee door at Dunkin Donuts.  I would've waited but there was someone behind me, so I had to leave.  Disappointed, but a wise move.  Would've again another couple of hours, but that would've been involved backtracking.  A successful patrol, even getting a glove out of the trash.

April 13, 2018

This the first time I ever did a patrol late at night.  I truly feel like Batman in that sense.  As well, the first time with a new mask, with the do-rag & the sunglasses.  But now I added a beanie helmet to it for head protection.  I was going to add the mouth mask for originality, but it went apart as soon as I put on the beanie helmet, so I took it off.  I also added a better bluetooth earpiece for better calling of 911.  Thanks Recluse! for introducing me to that website Wish.  It was inexpensive, but so effective.  I also wore a cape for the first time today, not counting the last time one to two weeks ago where my old mask became street pancakes.  I will show a picture of my modified uniform in future posts on Facebook.  Feel free to input.
I can honestly tell you I had a feeling walking out that I never had, EVER in my RLSH career, confidence.  I felt like Triple H of WWE as I walked the streets feeling like I deserve to be there.  Spider Knight & Shadow Wolf made me feel like I can embrace who I am & be proud of it as I showed with each step I took.  Not a lot happened, I can honestly tell you it felt quiet.  Yes it was late at night, but it felt like it was so empty.  Odd on a Friday night that it was supposed to warm up.  It was a supposed to be a short patrol because I got out of work earlier so I didn't know my energy level.  It was good that it lasted a couple of hours thou.  I began noticing the small things.  A wreath on fence near a school on the street where I parked.  A sad reminder for those of a bad memory of the loss of a loved one thru unpredictable circumstances.  I think the only thing I did was pick up a discarded paper bag & put it in a trash barrel.  The little things count.  There was many people there, if I did rarely did I see any stay in one place.  I did look over a 7-Eleven nearby.  There were instances of panhandlers being aggressive to customers, especially recently.  Fortunately, there were no problems.  As I walked I noticed Dunkin Donuts was even closed, yes! it was that late.  I also noticed there were some closed businesses that left lights on.  I know it's supposed to be a deterrent but I think it does the opposite.  A smart criminal would study the layout of the place only to ransack it.  Alarms, closed circuit cameras, those wouldn't be a factor at all.  To anybody thinking anything stupid, this isn't Jackass, this a warning to those who do use this method, that it maybe more harm than good.  And to an real life superheroes, watch out for these places & anybody late at night looking in the windows.  I decided to alter the route a little bit.  I was a little nervous when I saw a paddy wagon (one I work in Boston; two I'm Basilisk! I'm not PC) & I thought, "Yeah, I'm screwed!"  But it passed so far from me, that's when you know you can officially embrace who you are.  I managed to make incredible distance.  But as I turned back, only to make sure I wasn't tired if needed.  I noticed a lady with a watch, phone, or book outside sitting on a bench with a table.  Asking questions would be a wise thing to do, sitting that latte at night.  But knowing who I am, & my history of people seeing things that are different, I rolled on the side of caution.  I think time will make me more confident & wiser.  But I did keep an eye on a suspicious boy walking that way.  I took a look back to make sure nothing goes wrong.  As I crossed the street.  I noticed the same man cross in a jaywalking fashion, which is the norm at night in the city.  I used cautionary step to assure the person I wasn't following them.  But he managed to lean on the wall, & let me pass.  I looked back to make sure he didn't do anything stupid.  As I passed another place.  I noticed a man in a suit walking as a young man who looked suspicious walking close by.  I did take a look see to make sure there was no mugging.  But they soon passed parallel to each other, knowing there was no problems.  I did walk on the other side of the street, but I had to go back to the same side, because the sidewalk was closed on that side.  Last thing you want to be is dragon burgers.  I felt confident afterwards that I could do another couple of hours.  Nothing happened but I feel confident that this was an excellent patrol, & good step to a prosperous future as a real life super hero in Boston.

March 17, 2018

As I wanted to go later, a severe guilt of conscience I wanted to go early.  After all it's St. PAtrick's Day, a day where bar chaos reigns supreme.  I felt awkward.  It was the first time I ever did a day patrol in over four years, so the goosebumps were there.  But already felt right at home.  As I left, a girl came up to me & said, "Cool helmet!"  I looked at her & said thanks.  ALready then I felt at home.  I decided to walk by the outside of the bars, inside would've been harder.  And anyway bouncers usually send the overly rowdy ones outside.  Already everybody said cool costume.  They shook my hand, gave me fist bumps, I even had conversations with them.  There were these three guys who were asking who I was.  All was well.  But one man let out a Fruedian slip, they pushed me away.  Should I have pushed a little into what he was saying?  Probably, but it would've looked more awkward.  Anyway, what might have been criminal could've just been admitting an embarrassing moment for the people involved, so why push it.  A strange moment happened.  There was this a guy in a bright green T-shirt, yelling at somebody on the other side.  From the way he was point to his body language, non-verbal communication, & words said, I knew it was going to start trouble.  So, Like the argument between the two ladies months ago, I decided to calmly intervene.  But this didn't end in a handshake, & I could tell you, both were really at it.  It started with me asking, "Is there a problem?"  He replied angrily, "Is there a problem?"  The started was like an argument with Joe Pesci in Goodfellas, only he was more casual dress & he was taller.  He then said that I had no right asking him because I was dressed in a "Batman costume."  I was calm, & continued asking him, fearing for someone to be hurt."  We ended in a so-so answer, but he got the last laugh by saying, "Good luck holding up that black trench coat in court!"  A@****e!  Later I looked on how I woould've ended it differently.  I would've remained calm but I would've been firmer.  My problem at the time was I didn't embrace who I was & I felt I didn't belong.  There was no why, there was a feeling I was soft, which is what you shouldn't be.  Like Mrs. Roper in Three's Company, Bea Auther's Maude, & Cher during the Sonny & Cher Show, I should embrace who I am with =out belittling anyone else.  It should've been like this:
B: Is there a problem?
S: Is there a problem?
B: You were yelling at that man as if you were starting a fight?  So once again, is there a problem?
S: You have no right asking me in a Batman costume!
B: Maybe, but do you have a right in possibly starting a fight that could end up with both of you in trouble?
That technique was assertive, but respectful & not in anyway hostile.  It's pointing out the reason why, without looking stupid in asking the question.  Now I felt a little awkward afterwards, but I remained professional.  There praise & critics, & I dealt with a care.  I was going to pass one of the places, but there were fire engines in that area.  Why make a situation even worse?  I made the right choice but I felt guilty because if I was there sooner I might've helped in some way.  Yes, it maybe unrealistic, but as football is a game of inches, being a hero is a job of seconds.  There was an occasion were I saw a  couple arguing.  From the body language on the argument, the male seemed overpowering & dominant, almost as if belittling the spouse.  I would've intervened, but there were three people heading by the door they were beside.  An action would've ended messy.  Once again, I had to leave.  There was a moment, where a man was passed out, probably sick.  I ran up to try to help him, but the group with him, that was a hard time helping decided & told me to stop, because he was too sick to be helped normally.  I asked if anyone called 911?  They said an officer was arriving, so I had to leave.  I did have to cross that area again.  But I had to go the long away, not crossing paths with the aggressor, fearing he might call the police.  I managed to meet with another hero, Shadow Wolf, who was doing his patrol.  We talked, exchanged notes.  It went well.  He's a great RLSH, & a better person.  After I went to a cafe to order a sandwich & an iced coffee, a homeless man came up to me & said, "Thank you for your service."  That felt pretty good.  I managed to walk to South Boston.  I got some critics & some praise.  However it was shortened.  I noticed blue lights down the street, so I had to do a short one, without causing trouble.  I went back feeling proud.  Like Belichek, I knew I did good, but I can do better.  There was one thing thou that felt pretty good.  I managed to give a homeless man in a wheelchair a cereal bar.  Yes, it wasn't much, but heroism isn't always about the big battles, it's helping in the smaller ones.

On the Parkland shooting

When I first heard the Parkland shooting, I was beyond words, beyond thought.  Looking at how a teenager got an AR-15, brought into a school on Valentine' Day for God's sakes, & shoot & kill people.  It breaks my heart.  As real life superheroes, we try to make sure we help the community.  But this is no comic book, this is no movie, this hell of no CW show, this is reality.  I always believe that you can be part of the problem or part of the solution, & I also believe that evil triumphs when good people do nothing.  Which hardens me when I see people argue over whose truly to blame, what they feel can be done.  Dammit!  When is the Arguments going to stop & we are going to work together like adults.
For me this strikes personally.  I heard that the shooter had emotional problems, and that there were times to help, but nobody came.  I remember when I was in high school., being bullied and felt alone.  There were cries for help, there moments of action I took, but nobody came.  I remembered how comic books helped me out tremendously.  Reading Batman gave me hope of the person I can be, but there was something else.  I remember going thru tough times, teachers told me to just be quiet.  Not everyone was assholes, mind you, but took away my coping devices, said I was too weird, & that made me feel more isolated.  I remember crying in a guidance counselor's office, & guidance counselor came, & said be quiet.  But I also remember after a practice I had in wrestling, of being bullied by JVs on my senior year.  I cried & prayed to God for miracle, I got a "spirit."  The cheerleading coach at the time, one of the few good people that I can count was there, comforted me until my mother got me & drove me home.  That helped me tremendously.  I thought about it a lot, especial after the Aurora shooting, the what if if it wasn't her but Sue Sylvestor from Glee, what if?  I could never find a way to thank her & all cheerleaders everywhere for that one moment where I felt like I was a human being.  We need heroes, like me & her, to help other people, those in mental distress & those who need help in that situation.  So the arguers, grow up!  Stop saying you're right, & find a way to work together to end this war.  I don't want to patrol a war zone, but everybody is closing in on making that we are in one.