PDX Urban Outdoorsman

     I have been asked on a couple of occasions how it is I am able to stay drug free.  It may be easier for me than some because of medical issues I have to deal with.  I must take Dilantin to treat epilepsy and do not wish to find out what the side effects of mixing my prescription with street drugs could be.  Regardless of that there are other things I do to keep the temptations of drugs AND alcohol away.

     My best suggestion is to keep yourself busy.  As usual I can remember something my father told me that applies to this.  When somebody gets bored they will start looking for a way to fill that time.  Sometimes it’s just a matter of  going for a walk to do some people watching.  Other times it could be reading.

     Some people will turn to drugs to escape whatever personal demons they are dealing with.  If this is the case you need to find somebody to talk to, even if it’s just a matter of venting frustrations*.  There are resources available for counseling also.

Sincerely,
Pdxurbanoutdoorsman

     *Writing this blog is my vent for many of the frustrations I deal with.

     So I was at this place that provides computer access for the homeless and low income one day and kinda pissed off one of the folks who runs the operation.  It was a wednesday at 1:pm which happens to be closing time for their general services.  While leaving I was asked if I would like to take part in the spanish class they were offering.  I graciously declined the invitation and was then asked why as if this was something expected of me.  

     Here’s is where the trouble started.  When you ask a question which you do not know the answer, do not require justification for the answer given.  When asked why I suggested the efforts and resources could be better spent on an ESL course.  Knowing there was really no argument to counter what I said this person gave me a rather dirty look and left the room.

     I am not willing to get into the whole immigration issue here but I do have this to say.  If you are going to relocate to ANY country, legally or illegally, is it really too much to ask that you learn the language?  

Sincerely,
Pdxurbanoutdoorsman

     It seems these people are able to screw up anything.  Hotlips Pizza is a nice local restaurant that offers pizza by the slice.  As you can imagine at the end of the day there are left overs which the employees box up and place out for those living on the street.  They could just as easily throw it in the dumpster and be done with it but they care about people.  At least most of us and that’s where the trouble is as per usual.

     Two or three nights a week I would stop by there to get a couple of slices before hitting the sack.  Nothing like a little comfort food once in a while.  That was until some bastards decided to dine there and we all know how good pizza is with a beer or fifteen.  Because of this the owner got tired of cleaning up the mess left behind by these people, and I use the term people loosely,  so there will be no more pizza for myself or others who respected the business and appreciated what Hotlips was doing for us.

     It drives me nuts how a small minority can make a mess of something so easily.

     I have been asked in the past if I could kill and be able to live with myself.  Can you guess my answer?

Sincerely,
Pdxurbanoutdoorsman