Locks burning red in Bakersfield

July 25, 2023, Tuesday (written July 26, 1am), hotel in Bakersfield, California, USA. I have to admit, I really like this job and enjoy the work. But, with all the problems in Bakersfield the chaos is wearing me down. It reminds me of a video game I played with my daughter not too long ago. In the game, the main character is pursued by a stalking entity. At one point there is a ring of spring locks that must be constantly tightened to keep out the bad guy. The task is monumentally frustrating. As each lock loosens it begins to blink red. If you do not tighten it the blinking grows faster until the red light remains on constantly. At that point, your character is captured, the game is over and you are forced to try again. I remember vividly the sense of panic trying to keep those locks tightened and the inevitable feeling of futility when I couldn’t succeed. Right now it feels all the locks are burning red in Bakersfield.