I hate feeling this way!!!

[Summery]

Have I taken my privacy in my own home for granted?

It was Wednesday late afternoon when I was taking the trash out, when I got a view of the side of my house. I saw sitting right underneath my kitchen window, one of my patio table chairs.

My first reaction was, this is sort of weird. I went over to the chair and stood on it (standing at 5'6") I could see directly in the window a clear view into my kitchen. What else you could see was my little nook in my kitchen that I had turned into my own little office, if you will. This is where my computer is and where I spend a lot of my time at night. And, as this is my home, and I am single and alone I often wear very little or anything at all when I am on my computer. What can I say, I like to be comfortable in my own home.

The side of my house is covered by tons of bushes and a great deal of trees. It resembles a jungle. A well hidden area for someone to hide. Especially at night when there's no light source to see down the side of my house. I'll add I have no fencing around my house, and until now it has never been an issue.

So, I have been feeling rather freaked out and paranoid.
My lame neighbor just confirmed a couple of hours ago, that he remembers seeing a man sitting in one of my chairs about a week ago on the side of my house. My neighbor has mental illness so some days he is with the program other days he isn't. He didn't think to ask the obvious to this man, like what the fuck are you doing sitting on the side of this woman's house when she isn't home! But, he has at least made me realize I am not overreacting and that I should truly be concerned.
I am by no means a helpless female. But, I am a single Mom with a child to protect.

I have since had my friends from the Police Department do extra patrol around my neighborhood. Mind you, I live in a rather decent neighborhood. But, crime is everywhere.
I went out yesterday, and purchased new locks for all the windows. I bought drapes to go over my blinds, rather than my pretty sheers that are no longer serving any good purpose other than they look nice. I have just purchased a motion sensor light for the side of my house. And most of all, I have moved my little office and computer upstairs into my bedroom. I am at this point, thinking about getting a home security system. And, I will definitely be putting up a fence around my house. Money isn't the issue regarding any of this. It is the reason behind having to go to these measures that bothers me.
I'm angry. I feel violated. This is my home damnit!

 

[Problem Child]

two words


fence


dog


you'll feel a whole lot safer, plus you'll have a friend to play with when you're lonely.

what could be better?

 

[RastaPope]

two words


fence


dog


you'll feel a whole lot safer, plus you'll have a friend to play with when you're lonely.

what could be better?

An answer to your questions in two words: A GUN.

 

[OUTSIDER]

Although nobody's ever wanted to spy on me in the all together I was once burgled and that made me feel very uncomfortable indeed.

 

[unclej]

you're right to be cautious and to add some security but most likely it was just some horny neighborhood teenagers trying for a cheap thrill or a one time thing...

but i agree with the feeling violated part and that's what pisses you off the most...what fuckin' right do they have to do that..

sorry for your troubles

 

[Problem Child]

An answer to your questions in two words: A GUN.

You want her to go out and get a gun before she fences her property and gets a dog?

Change your name to StupidPope.

 

[unclej]

i don't mean to hijack your thread but OUTSIDER...what the fuck is goin' on in that av...that just don't look right...

 

[lobito]

Maybe I'm WAY OFF, but is it possible it could ahve been the neighbor?

You seem to be on the right track to making things safer around your home. Hope everything is ok form here on out.

Lo

 

[MissTaken]

Summer Rose~

Do whatever you need to do to feel safe.

It is your space and no one has a right to be peeking, prowling or trespassing.

Take care,

hugs

Miss T

 

[bluemuse]

You are empowering yourself by taking preventative measures. An ounce of prevention and all that. Good for you.

I agree about getting a dog. My dog is the best security measure I could have ever taken. Plus, she's a sweetie and I love her. Personally, I don't think that getting a gun is a good idea. But that's me.



bluemuse

 

[Guest]

You want her to go out and get a gun before she fences her property and gets a dog?

Change your name to StupidPope.

That's all well and fine, but you act like getting a gun is a horrible idea. People can climb over a fence, kill the dog. Guns stop people dead. She has children. I wouldn't entrust my child's safety to a fence and an animal when I knew there was a potentially dangerous pervert stalking about in my bushes. I'd shoot him, then again.

 

[CelestialBody]

 

[OUTSIDER]

i don't mean to hijack your thread but OUTSIDER...what the fuck is goin' on in that av...that just don't look right...

this was sent to me by a Lit lady who thought it'd make a good AV, I won't say who......I'll let her come out and take bow for herself.

 

[RastaPope]

Guns also can be turned against you, kids can find guns. I never have, and never will have a gun in my house-unless it's attached to a cop.

And kids can also be taught to use and respect guns properly. And they can't be turned against you if you use it seriously, none of this 'stop or I'll shoot' shit. Just fucking shoot it, don't waste time talking.

 

[Problem Child]

That's all well and fine, but you act like getting a gun is a horrible idea. People can climb over a fence, kill the dog. Guns stop people dead. She has children. I wouldn't entrust my child's safety to a fence and an animal when I knew there was a potentially dangerous pervert stalking about in my bushes. I'd shoot him, then again.

Dear Dumbfuck:

If you knew anything (which you don't) you'd know I'm one of the staunchest pro-gun people here.

You don't go running out and buy a gun right off the bat. You layer your defenses. You choose the level of security that is appropriate for the threat. She doesn't need a gun if her only likely threat is a 13-yr-old peeping tom.

You need to condsider gun laws, and whether you are personally capable of possibly killing someone.

Also, if you get a fence and a dog, and motion detectors, and also have a gun, all those other things will alert you and give you time to get the gun. Best of all, they may deter any criminal so you don't need a gun anyway.

I never said she shouldn't have a gun, I just said try a fence and a dog first before you make the HUGE commitment to owning a defensive firearm.

Why am I explaining this to you? You're a goddamn unreg.

fuck off.....WHORE!

 

[Lasz]

Why does she need a gun?
When i am across the street with a sniper rifle ready to take out this asshole!

 

[Summery]

Let me say, I don't want to overreact about any of what has happened so far.
Though, I have been feeling a little paranoid the last couple of days. I don't plan to live in complete fear.
It could be a harmless neighbor or a horny teenager getting his kicks. It could be anyone! I don't have the answer, so I am not taking any chances.
I think getting a dog is a good idea, one which I hadn't thought of before.
As far as getting a gun, it is unlikely. There's a lot of responsibility in owning one. I don't know if I am comfortable with having one in my home with my child. Regardless, whether it is locked up and in a safe place. My theory has always been people kill people, not guns. Don't misunderstand, I am not against them at all. I just don't think it is right for me.
Anyway, violation is violation. I am not going to analyze the level of how I have been violated.

 

[Jimi]

Yuck! I know how you feel - when we moved into this house, my car was broken into the FIRST night that we were here in a small town of less than 8000 - from a big, bad city of 90,000 - where we never had aproblem in TEN years....

Your response is perfect - but as others have said " add the pup" - he/she/it will add so many other plusses to your family.

Empowering yourself takes away most of the "fear factor" - Why should sickos cause you pain - You are WAAAAY above them, Summery!

Be well, and be safe.

 

[freakygirl]

Summery

You can have my boyfriend.. he's house trained and if he gets out of hand you can always slap him with a newspaper


Seriously.. I'm sorry to hear about this.. and I think the dog and fence is a good idea.

 

[erosman]

Sounds like a good response, SummerRose. Precaution and prevention are great deterrants for trouble of this kind. You probably don't need to call out the militia, yet. But, I would be extra careful. Notice anyone that seems to be walking around your neighborhood, and especially as you drive back and forth, pedestrians that often seem to coincidentally be seen. I'd drive a little slower, and notice if people are noticing you too. Another suggestion would be to confide your suspicions in other neighbors, so they can keep their eyes out for loitering individuals. If you have other women in the area, they'll be sympathetic, and more alert as well.

just some thoughts

 

[YogiBare]

Summery, what you're describing is a violation of your privacy, no question. It also sounds like your taking very good steps, and dogs make very good protection, too. Another idea is to buy a remote security camera and aim it by that window. If you catch the guy on tape you can turn the tape over to the police to use in prosecuting the guy. Sorry you have to deal with all that.

 

[ExLimey]

Is the chair metal?

I have an evil, revenge type thought. Don't put up the drapes and move your office back downstairs. Hook up the motion sensor light but don't put a bulb in it. Wire it to the metal chair (get one if the one that was used wasn't metal). That way as soon as the perv comes back, the chair will be electified and when he touches it...

...goodbye eyebrows!

Just a thought. But the steps you've taken seem to be good ones. I'd let you borrow my dog (71 lbs and very loud) but we're a matched set and I'd have to come with him!

 

[juicylips]

Fuck Oregon.

Come live with me in Ohio.

I'll protect you.
JL

 

[Guest]

Summery,
I am sorry that you've had to deal with this. You were violated. All you can do is what you are doing. Be safe. And time will bring more comfort.

~Warm hugs~

 

[marksgirl]

I have the fence & 2 BIG dogs who will eat your face off. A husband who carries a AK-47 everyday at the airport. At home a LOCKED boxed glock. We have taken classes in gun safty around the home. My kids can't get to our gun. I don't think it would be a good idea to peep on me.