Fires

Well, over 500,000 people have been evacuated from southern California due to the wildfires. A good number of them fled here to Vegas, and we've got a hotel full of people who smelled like smoke before they spent time in the casino. People literally drove through flames to get here because they were cut off from L.A. & there really isn't anything between us & San Diego except agriculture. Baker & Victorville are probably full, as well as Stateline. It's hard, telling someone they owe money for a room when they've lost their house and don't even know what, if anything, will be left when they go back. I feel like the lowest sort of human, that which profits from other's misfortune. Generally, I don't care about other people one way or the other, and while I lack compassion, I understand that I'm helping a billion-dollar corporation make money off people who have already lost everything important to them. It makes me feel ugly. Somewhere in some posh office, a CEO is undoubtedly rubbing their hands together excitedly... "Ah, first the fires and then the bullriders! We're making a mint this week!" I have shut off a lot of my more telepathic & empathic abilities over the years, but I still hear horses screaming.

Tomorrow is my Metro background interview. I figure even if I don't pass (as any of my potential character witnesses can attest to, I am not of sound moral character and I've got a horrible memory) I'm still one step closer to a Metro job than I've ever been. I've just had kind of an emotionally draining day.

Just an Addendum

I know it's not the National Exploitation of Indigenous Northern American Peoples Day yet, but...

I am thankful that Las Vegas is relatively safe from wildfires, at least here in the valley depths.
I am thankful that more people have made it out of California alive than have died in the fires.
I am thankful that I have a job, even if it makes me feel like a heel.
I am thankful that Rob & I were able to have dinner tonight, thankful to my job for paying for my meal, thankful to the Angus cow that provided its tasty meat and whichever cow provided the cheese on my burger and thankful to the hog that gave me bacon and thankful to the shrooms and yeast and wheat that bound it all together, along with the potatos and lettuce and what not. I never really think about what all goes into making a meal, but it's all gotta come from somewhere, and I thank the Earth for providing it.
I am thankful that I can sit here & drink a beer & play WoW for a few hours tonight.
I am thankful I have a home to come home to.
I am thankful tonight.

Blessed be, y'all.