Feeling vulnerable

Although it is 20 December 2010, it is freezing cold and we're back to winter clothes.  Victoria is undergoing a 'cold snap' but the weather bureau is promising a warm Christmas Day.  I must admit, I will believe it when I see it... in this case!

The good news is that I'm still going with the gluten-free eating and have now lost 3.4kgs.  I feel fabulous... although a little tired still.  I suspect that being tired is simply a symptom of a long and tiring year.  Also, being on university break means that I'm unwinding a bit... which always feels like I'm unravelling.  I really don't do 'relax' well at all - clearly genetic.

Things are a little stressful here at the moment.  The Bear's father is very ill and as they are in another State, it is meaning long hours on the phone and stress for him.  His family situation is a little complex (who's isn't?) so he's feeling the pressure.  In addition, yesterday, in a local (very middle-class) suburb, we witnessed a woman being robbed.  A man pushed and then stole a woman's wallet - following which she screamed and chased him.  A group of men came to her aid - they were close and reacted immediately.  The thief was caught and the police came.  The thief was clearly affected by drugs - caught with a syringe as well.  The men - The Bear included - were brave and seemingly unaffected by the risk they put themselve in to 'rescue' the belongings of a complete stranger.

Although the story ended 'well' for the woman involved, I find myself struggling to come to terms with the level of violence and desperation I witnessed.  Even though I have little sympathy for the thief (having seen this all before from a policy perspective), I find myself wondering what happened to him and whether 'we' as a society could have done more to support him.  Am I being a bleeding heart?  I don't know ... although I do know that my heart feels like it is breaking.  I worry about the lady who was attacked and hope that she has a group of loved ones around her to support her & bring her hot tea.

We all watch those awful American cop and law shows... and I, for one, have become desensitised to the violence.  However, watching the chaos unfold yesterday has left me rattled and slightly nervous.  I found myself not leaving my office today as the suburb I work in is a little dodgy and I was feeling vulnerable.  Usually this isn't a problem for me - so clearly I'm rattled more than I had previously thought.  I don't think that society is getting any more violent - I think we're just more used to it. 

In the city on Friday night for bubbles with a newly-engaged friend, I found myself in a scene of chaose and craziness... waiting to catch the tram at 10:30pm (not late, really). The city was a seething mess of drunkedness and high-heeled shoes.  Has it gotten worse, as the media would have us believe, or is there just a broader acceptance of drinking to excess and other crazy behaviours?

On another note, I have such respect (and large amounts of awe) for the police - they are certainly brave people to deal with the level of dysfunction and hatred they deal with daily. I would make a dreadful policewoman, but I would happily buy any member of the constabulary a coffee or tea, chai or beer should they require one at short notice!