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.