So i’ve finally gotten me a job where i dont feel like a wretch coming home after work. Its not a temp job either. this is real work.

that’s right, I’ve joined the ranks of Thom Yorke and Ken Kesey, for now I too am an artist working at a mental home to fund his artistic endeavour. would you like to hear about it? super!

Its in the Bronx. its an hour commute from where i live. The 9 – 5 commute is awful. Never before have I felt more like a rat running a race. There’s something utterly depressing about marching slowly through the subway stations with other people on their way to work. You can barely move. The subway cars are overcrowded. Sometimes the train is so full you can’t even get on and have to wait for the next one. The doors open and people fall out of the car after being pushed up against the doors. Once you’re lucky enough to make it inside the subway car, you don’t have to worry about holding on to anything because its simply too crowded for you to fall when the train jerks. When I reach my first transfer, I have to walk out backwards since there is no room to turn around. Luckily most people get out at Grand Central and from there I usually can find a seat for the remaining 30 minutes.

I work in a neighborhood that used to be called “the burnt out Bronx”. The subway wouldn’t stop there for it was far too dangerous. Now its better, but still poor and dangerous nonetheless. The subway roars out from underground onto a bridge two stops before mine. There is a large concrete jungle surrounded by barbed wire. I’m not sure if it is a prison or a school. I’m assuming it is a prison because there is another school right next to it. I get out and walk 10 minutes to my work. The building is called “The Tinton”. I had a feeling when I interviewed there that I would get it because I’m such a fan of Tintin, and altho the spelling is different, you can’t deny its an omen.

My job is a Case Manager. The residents are all schizophrenics and the majority are recovering addicts and formerly homeless. Its an interesting population. You know those taxes you pay? well these are people who get some of it. these people have more money than i do and a lot of them dress better than i do. crazy. I sit there and help them budget their finances and stay sober. then i come home to a warm pipe and an empty banking account. the other day i had to lecture one of my residents for smoking weed. i told him he had a lot of problems that stemmed from drug use and he shouldnt relapse now that hes gone sober for so long. then i asked him for his dealer’s number and when’s a good time to call him.

we’ve had two of my residents hospitalized since i got there. they just got out of control and we had to call the police and drag them away. now one of them is back and hes more nuts than ever. cant wait til he shoots up the place….

well thats about all i can tell you without violating HIPPA laws. just thought i’d inform you, dear reader, of where my time has gone lately. don’t think i’ve just forgotten about you, that happened a long time ago.