Name: Pat

Social Media Handle/Username: @bizarrobrain

Introduce Yourself/Tell About Yourself: Hi. My name is Pat. I’m a stagehand from the PNW. I live with my GF and our German Shepard Annwn (named after the ghost dogs of Welsh mythology). I’m a fan of Warhammer 40K, horror films and I enjoy music from just about every genre, though metal is my favorite. My other favorite hobby is cooking. Some Kreator on a wireless speaker and a hot pan always makes life more tolerable.

What Inspires You Every day? : I try to have something every day that I can look forward to. If nothing is happening that day, I make something happen. Crack dumb jokes to my GF, cook, paint a mini, watch a favorite movie or take my dog for a walk. People aren’t going to make my day happy, I have to do it myself.

What is some words of wisdom you live by?: Don’t be critical, judgemental or smug. I typically fail at these but keep trying.

What is your ultimate goal in life? : In short term, I want to get rid of my depression. In the long run, I want no medial debt, student debt or financial worries, and a home I can call my own. Landlords suck. I’d go live in a cave but I’d probably need a gov. permit for that.

How have you been during the pandemic and how has it affected you? : Biggest impacts have been:

– Overall mental health: I’m a pretty social person and talking to people online just isn’t the same. Plus I’ve been worrying about my mom who is an ICU nurse in NY.

– Employment: Staging jobs pretty much shut down and I’ve been driving forklift for a signage co. since May. I really can’t wait till it’s safe to get back. I really miss shows right now.

What is a message you would like to give others? : Trust your gut. Don’t tolerate toxic people, don’t tolerate bigotry, surround yourself with good close friends, always open yourself up to new information, be willing to admit when you made a mistake and don’t smoke cigarettes. It’s easier to start than it is to quit.

What else would you like to tell others about you or your life?: Not sure what else to put. Honestly, I just want to reduce suffering by being a more positive person. I’m flawed but I want to strive to be better through engineering positive daily interactions, defending those who need it, giving when I can and recognizing that I make mistakes and have unchecked biases too.