The MTA Strikes Back

The MTA strike eclipsed most everything today. They say that they have reached an impass. There were no trains or buses, just dollar vans, bikes and hordes of people navigating Flatbush. Karl was a bit late for his probation appointment, losing his way by trying to take shortcuts through downtown. The walk to downtown was cold, about 22 degrees.

The routine was the same as last: empty pockets; open bindle for inspection; check in wooden sheild, scimitar and matches; walk through metal detector. The room is plain, no Holiday decorations, no lights. The room color can be described as "light bandaid". The seats are about as comfy as a Russian dentist's office. The sign on the bullet proof window reads "Receptionist will NOT call Probation Officers on report day. DON'T ASK. Thank You."

At around 8:55 am, a woman enterred the room, adjusted her glasses and read from the list. She paused between names.
"Mr. Rodriguez?"
"Mr. Williams?"
"Mr. Ishmael?"

Aside from her and the security guard, there were only two of us in the room. We kept looking at each other. I'm Druish, but I sometimes get mistaken for latino. Eventually my PO Mr. L--- came out and just waved me in. I gave him copies of tax papers and pay stubs and other proof that I work. He told me that he will be out in January and another PO will take over my assignment. I made a second appointment (of four) for next week. I still have one more home visit to schedule.

My 6:00 pm appointment with Day Top Village was canceled due to the MTA strike. I have to call again tomorrow to make another appointeent. But with the strike still going on, they might not be open. Of course being an over-achiever, I went to DayTop.org to find out more about them. In New York, Day Top Village has an annual craft fair in summer. They have an affiliated program in CA that sound more like a spa for substance abusers. Everyone on the web site has nice hair. Karl raises a sceptical monobrow. This check list below is from their site.

WARNING SIGNS OF A DRUG PROBLEM
1) Denial and more denial: Karl has been told he's not 5'9", but karl does not believe this
2) Disrespect of parents & family: Karl only jokes the adoption papers
3) Items missing from home: Someone is spending Karl's money, hmmmm
4) Finding strange items in their room and clothing: Karl never knew her name, then she was gone.
5) Falling school grades: N/A
6) Coming home late: Define late
7) Sleeping late and long: N/A
8) Isolating from family members: They live in Middle Earth (14 hours ahead) but Karl calls when he can.
9) Dropping out of sporting & other extra-curricular activities: Does this involve excercise?
10) Always asking for money: And the ATM never replies
11) Unexplained new clothing & other items: What's that blue stain on Karl's bed? Refer to item 4.

I imagine I must pee in a cup again. I've been told I'll be asked a series of tricky questions like:
Q: An Owl Bear is attacking your group, can you tell it to stop and go away?
A: No I have no influence over an owl Bear, for it is neither Owl nor Bear. It is a monster that weighs over 143 stone.