Goodbye Love

Things had been going great. I had been a tiny bit depressed about coming home, but I was feeling much better about it lately. I was getting lots of work done (on an unrelated video project), running everyday, and eating well.

Then, I got drunk and someone stole my video camera.

Now, someone didn't steal it because I got drunk, but sitting at the sidewalk table for three hours in the late afternoon certainly didn't help. I know just when it happened too. There was a moment when a dirty-faced twelve year old boy walked up to our table and brazenly grabbed a handful of peanuts out of our bowl. I was amused. Sarah slapped his hand. I'm pretty sure while I was feeling sorry for this poor kid begging for change, his buddy was under our table making off with my bag.

I am so pissed off. I loved that camera. Yes, it's insured, and yes, I know it's just an object, but you know how you love an old pair of sweatpants or a comfy chair? It was like that between me and my camera. We went everywhere together. We lasted 11 months without a single problem. I let my guard down one time, and now my sweet camera is gone (along with a full hour of great Buenos Aires shots).

Feeling sorry for myself this afternoon, hungover and alone in McDonalds, I thought of this kid. Fantasizing about hunting him down and punishing him, I tried to think of something a little nicer. Maybe he (or his mom) won't sell my beloved camera. Maybe he'll learn how to use it and develop a talent for filmmaking. Maybe stealing my camera is a turning point in this dirty-faced boy's life. Maybe he won't grow up to be a bad person who steals. There's always hope.

-Brendan

Comments

Sorry about your camera. I'd be horrified if someone stole my camera; mainly because it's not insured. I've had my truck stolen before, but that's about it.

Dude ! That sucks !Big Time ! But you could look at it this way. That camera will probably feed dirty face and his family for a year.

Awwww, I'm so sorry that this happened - and right before y'all are coming home!! :(

Sorry bout your camera. That kind of thing is what cured me of the third world although it can happen anywhere. Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful video pod casts that you have posted over the last 11 months. I am so glad to hear that you are both safe and that the camera was insured. Early welcome back. Will you be in LA. We are in Ventura. You'll have to come up for a visit. Take care. C and G

Sorry to hear that Brendan. I am glad you are both ok. Hope you have a nice last days in Buenos Aires.

Look at it this way: it gave you the opportunity to practice your inner buddha and let go of material things. ;)

I admire your attempt to think positive thoughts but seriously, guy, it's okay to be ticked off. About 8 years ago, I had a "hand-held computer" (early PDA), which was very expensive at the time, stolen when I left my bag unguarded for "just a minute" and someone liberated the whole thing. I amused myself with thoughts of their trying to charge the PDA with something in the car's lighter socket, and a cascade of sparks in a symphony of yelps. Go ahead - imagining it won't make it happen, it's safe, and it'll make you feel better.

Love hurts, cheers.

Well, they are poor, dirty and hungry, and I suppose that even though you no longer have your pictures, they probably have something to eat, and maybe a nice place to bed down for a night. Plus, to the person who has been "cured" of the third world...if people are hungry they will steal.