This is topic Weird AND Creepy! Now with landscaping photos on page 5. (Thread drift...) in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.
So, I got a letter in the mail today. Hand addressed, my full name, with my last name and address as the return address. Postmarked from my zip code. The letter inside is typed, except for the last two lines, which are handwritten. Just seeing the handwritting, I would assume it was female. Here is the text, spelling and grammer errors included:
quote: Jan 1st, 2005
Happy New Year... Beautiful!!!
Dear Liza,
Your most likely puzzled, well, I somewhat new to this area, but you and I have spoken a couple of times in passing. I have been AAAHHH-STRUCK by your beauty! Ever since I laid eyes on you I knew I wanted you. But I a bit too shy, & hate a let down. I Don't know if you have a boyfriend or not but I would like to get to know you. I know with all the weird people around you are thinking of @#$%#$%#^%^. But I a sure you that we can meet in a very public place, out in the open, you can even bring a friend for you comfort. If you are OK with this please if you have a red or blue towel on your back door handle, I'll see it when I'm walking my dog. I'm usually walking by around 5pm, if I work late it's around 10pm.
Love You
GQ (this what my friends call me, ask around)
Oh; how does it feel to live next to a mobster, You know your neighbor is Mafia
There are many things I want to say here. I will start by assuring everyone that I keep my doors locked and am very aware when I'm driving home of if anyone I don't know is around before I get out of my truck. I don't usually lock my driver's side door while I'm in the truck, but I will be going forward.
I have no idea who this could be. My initial thought would be a friend playing a joke on me, but none of my friends are dumb enough to think this is funny. I can't think of anyone I've spoken to a couple of times in passing who lives around here. I know my neighbors a couple of doors down on either side, and across the alley. They are pretty much all married couples. I've never spoken to anyone walking their dog past the house. I especially can't think of anyone who I've talked to in passing who would have my full name... but with an address, you can get that, so since he obviously knows where I live that is certainly possible.
I will be swinging by the police station on my way to work tomorrow, to let them read it and tell me if they think I should take any further percautions. Also, I want them aware of it now before I get any more letters or notes. If they think it would be a good idea to swing through my alley around 5:00, I won't argue.
Now we get to the part that really bugs me. How could anyone be so stupid as to think this is a good approach to a woman they are interested in? "I don't want you to be worried or think I'm a weirdo but I'm watching your house?" WTF? Putting Love You in a first communication to someone? "Ever since I laid eyes on you I knew I wanted you? How can that possibly NOT be creepy?
And now I'm paranoid that it's some non-disclosed MN hatrack lurker who just read me calling his approach stupid. If so, tough.
Nate's coming by tomorrow after work, for an unrelated reason. Thursday I'm meeting my Mom, and then will call her to let her know I'm home safe. Friday I leave town, and will have various people watching my house while I'm gone. When I get back, I will continue to make sure people know where I am for awhile... I refuse to change the way I live over something like this, I can't have someone with me all the time for the rest of my life, but I'm not going to be stupid, either.
What I'm saying here is that while I know some of you will probably be worried about this, that wasn't my intent. I am not particularly worried, I am pissed. This is rude and stupid. Anyone should know that if they are too shy to approach someone sending them unsigned letters telling them to hang stuff on their back door is not an acceptable way to go about it.
Oh, and on that subject, in the unlikely event that I would have looked on this favorably... Hang a red or blue towel on my back door? Sorry, my towels are cream or purple. Should I go out an buy a blue one to be sure you get the message correctly, or will the purple be close enough? And I'm going to start asking random people "Hey, do you know who GQ is? He just sent me a really sweet letter!" And why tell me what time he's walking by? Why wouldn't I just scope him out from my window, figure out who it is, and then go out and meet him if I wanted to?
And why the bloody blazes would he tell me my neighbor is a mobster?!?!?! (One of my neighbors is a little weird, and works odd hours, so I'm pretty sure that's who he's talking about. No, I don't think he's a member of the mafia, although I suppose I could be mistaken.)
Okay, I'm done now. Thanks for listening. I'm gonna go double check the locks.
[ January 13, 2005, 08:28 AM: Message edited by: ElJay ]
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote: I will be swinging by the police station on my way to work tomorrow, to let them read it and tell me if they think I should take any further precautions. Also, I want them aware of it now before I get any more letters or notes.
Good.
Quite bizarre. Have any exes who might want to bug you?
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I have a rather large number of exes. I can't think of any reason any of them would want to bug me at the moment.
Posted by BelladonnaOrchid (Member # 188) on :
LJ-that's CREEPY! I am in agreeance with you that if someone wanted to let you know that they liked you that this is definitely not the way to go about it. Totally inappropriate behavior.
I would say that it is probably wise of you to take a few extra precautions. Letting the police know about this is probably a good thing, although my thought is that they'll probably blow it off unless something else happens with this guy. At least they'll have something on record.
Please be safe.
Posted by Trisha the Severe Hottie (Member # 6000) on :
And from the depths of paranoia... Maybe it is someone trying to get someone else in trouble and someone B walks their dog in the evenings near your house.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Yeah, I don't think the police will do anything other than take a statement and maybe send a patrol car by once or twice.
Trisha, that's even more paranoid than anything I came up with. The only thing that makes it unlikely (besides, you know, the fact that it's pretty unlikely) is that they specified my back door. My backyard faces an alley, and for the most part people don't walk through it. People walk their dogs on the sidewalks, at the front of the houses. Always exceptions, of course.
Posted by NinjaBirdman (Member # 7114) on :
That is creepy. Doesn't seem like a very intelligent guy. I mean first there's the whole letter thing that is just creepy, but a red or blue towel? Why not just any towel? I mean, if it was red for yes and blue for no or something that might make more sense... I guess.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
You know, not to mention the multiple spelling and grammer issues in the letter, the poor sentence structure, and the general puerility. Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Yep, I'd be going to the police over this, too. Oh yeah.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
That is off the creepy scale into genuinely terrifying.
Weird thought: wonder if you could have the police check your mailbox for fingerprints? I doubt they'll do it, but it is a possibility....
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I did something like that once, but to a girl I knew quite well, way back in High School. I was also 15-16 at the time.... A friend suggested it, as he had done that to his girlfriend before they dated. I did it it a couple of times...just a note from a secret admirer, not any of the ultra-creepy stuff....but then I heard her talking about it and how it creeped her out.
I had never thought of it like that, I thought for sure she knew it was me...but she had no clue, and it bothered her a lot.
Telling her it had been me, and that I was sorry, was one of the hardest things I have ever done, and to top it off I did it in a note too.
Let me say again...I was 15.
This is something way beyond that though, and I think going to the police is a very good idea. I doubt anything will happen to you ELJay, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Also, I think the reason he specified a time if that he WANTS you to look and see him.
Good luck with this, and stay safe.
Kwea
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
It was mailed to me, Storm, so there wouldn't be any prints on the box. And I opened and handled the letter before I knew what it was, so probably ruined any prints that were on that, too.
I wouldn't call it terrifying. Slightly unsettling, perhaps. I attract odd people at times, it's something I've dealt with before. Yes, this could be the one who ends up a little beyond odd, but being scared about it isn't going to help me any.
That said, I'm not real anxious to go to bed at the moment. I think the house-settling noises are probably going to bug me more than normal.
Posted by Trisha the Severe Hottie (Member # 6000) on :
Do you know anyone who could screen print "I'm the NRA" on a towel for you?
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Kwea, I have considered the possibility that he wants me to look out. It will be difficult not to do it. Luckily, I am very rarely home from work at that time. Harder not to sneak a peak at 10, but I really don't want to be caught looking, so I'll control myself.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
*LAUGH* Cute, Trisha.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
Oh. Why did I think it had been placed in your mailbox?
Anyways, I think mailing might be even better as that kind of thing is monitored to a fare thee well these days.
Now, again, whether or not the police want to actually work to get this information, at this point, is another matter. Still, it is something that you can ask about.
Posted by NinjaBirdman (Member # 7114) on :
I don't know, the more I think about it the more I think it was a joke. It just doesn't seem thought through enough. If you actually wanted to meet him, you put the towel on your back door, right? So what does he do then, send another letter that says, "Let's meet at Starbucks at 10am on saturday, if that's ok with you hang a red or blue towel on your back door"? I know some pretty stupid people, but I don't know anyone who would do something this stupid. Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Ninja, the thought had occured to me. I think it's probably someone young and/or hasn't dated much, if at all. It's not very well thought out. If I say yes and he sends me another letter with instructions on where to meet, what if I'm busy that day? Would he really expect me to go meet someone, even in a public place, even with a friend along, while having no idea who it was?
I still don't think it's a joke. If I was 15, yeah, probably. I'm 31... none of my friends are that dumb.
If it is for real, I think he thinks he's being romantic and mysterious and will capture my interest. I'm supposed to hide behind my curtains and catch a glimpse of him, realize who it is, and have been secretly attracted to him all along. He's probably written the script in his head about everything that will happen once I get that letter. I'm just worried about how he'll react when I haven't memorized my lines.
Posted by signal (Member # 6828) on :
quote: If it is for real, I think he thinks he's being romantic and mysterious and will capture my interest. I'm supposed to hide behind my curtains and catch a glimpse of him, realize who it is, and have been secretly attracted to him all along. He's probably written the script in his head about everything that will happen once I get that letter. I'm just worried about how he'll react when I haven't memorized my lines.
Exactly what I was thinking. Did he get it from some bad romantic comedy? Because it sounds like a really bad horror flick. Sending good vibes your way and hope you stay safe.
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
You know, I just will never have a stalker. I've almost come to terms with it, but it's posts like this that cause set-backs.
::sigh::
(Be safe, ElJay. I know that if it comes down to it, you can thoroughly kick this dude's ass.)
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts. I'm headed for bed now... will let you know how it goes with the police tomorrow.
Oh, um, Mom & Dad, sorry if you read this here. It was kinda too late to call you, and I'm certainly not going to be up early enough to catch you in the morning.
(Ralphie... I've managed to convince myself I don't need to sleep with a tire-iron next to the bed. It's not too far away, though. )
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Yikes! That's a very strange letter. You seem to be on top of things, though, and I have nothing to add to the sound advice you've been given. Stay safe!
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I've had three stalkers. The first, I was 17 and had no idea who it was. It ended when I moved to another province to go to university. The second was an ex-boyfriend who I dumped because I caught him experimenting with homosexuality and then tried to kill me (the cops wouldn't take me seriously.) The third was - and I wish I were kidding on this - my mother (psychopathic *itch who I'd disowned. The cops took me seriously, but she didn't actually break any laws that would land her jail time.)
Not having a stalker is a good thing. Yup, it is. Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
(((ElJay))) I'm sorry you have to live through this. It's creepy. I hope it's just a bad joke from one of your neighbours, perhaps a very young one, but in any case you're right to go to the cops, because even if it's likely not to be serious, it still could be. This kind of things happenned to me once, but I knew about the guy. He was at the same university than me, and a teacher made random work groups of two - you got it, he put me with him. We worked together at the university two times before he started to follow me in the underground and to my home and to call me at 1 AM (I'm pretty sure it was him, even if I vener gave him my phone number - -thse things are public after all). I was living alone, and I was terrified. Eventually he stopped. And since he stopped the university too, I have been put in another group. Relief !
[ January 12, 2005, 04:26 AM: Message edited by: Anna ]
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Yikes!
I just saw this. I'm glad you're contacting the police. Chances are this person really is what he says he is -- shy. Also either English is his second language or he is not well educated. I'm guessing foreign because I know few males who grew up in America who would think this approach would work with an American woman.
Almost certainly young, but not necessarily. Immature.
That bit about the mafia just adds a touch of weirdness to it.
I hope the police find him and it's easily straightened out.
Glad you're being careful.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Instead of looking out the window, do you have a video camera you could set up to tape around 5? I'm not sure whether it would make you feel better or worse to have an idea who this is.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Yeah, this isn't my first stalker, either, but I knew who the other one was. That makes it slightly less weird if you at least know who might be coming at you.
Bob... I had considered the English-as-a-second language issue, and the only person I could think of is a security guard at work who has been very freindly. I don't believe he knows my full name, but he certainly could, and from there could get my address. It seems unlikely that it would be him, considering I work in St Paul and live in Minneapolis, but it's possible.
Now that I think about it, though, there is another security guard who is downright creepy. I made it very clear several years ago that I was not interested, but he's never stopped staring when I walk by, and... this is really being paranoid, I know, and I'm not blaming this possibly completely innocent person, just speculating... I forgot my work ID one day about two weeks ago. If you forget your ID you have to have someone sign you in, get a temp ID, and leave your driver's license until you get the temp ID back. The first thing I thought of as I handed my license over was "great... now this guy knows my full name and address." So if it was him I would think this is a deliberate "joke" to make me worry. *shrug* I don't know.
That's the other fun thing, now I get to start suspecting everyone.
Oh, and I don't have a video camera. I'm sure I could borrow one... but like you said, I'm not sure I want to know. Plus it would almost be worse if there was no one there.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Your first problem is that you live in Minnesota.
Good heavens, move somewhere warmer. Even Garrison Keillor managed it. . .
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
The tire iron's not a bad idea, and not giving in to paranoia.
I have a replica of Excalibur - not sharp but pointy, and it weighs a good 10 pounds or so - that I keep under my bed. And I don't have a stalker. It's just good sense.
Sounds like you're doing everything right, especially taking the letter to the police station. As horrible as this sounds, you need to be pretty nonchalant with them - you don't want to give off any vibe that an insensitive cop could dismiss as "neurotic female." As unjustified and horrible as that would be, it does happen, and it can affect the way you are treated.
Dagonee
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
What ever you do......don't read any of Dean Koontz's books while this is going on!
They will creep you out I guarentee it!
And and go buy some pepper spray or something.....and have a broom or something ready to use in self-defense.....
[ January 12, 2005, 08:52 AM: Message edited by: SteveRogers ]
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Eljay, I think I'd want to have an idea of who it was. But I guess a completely innocent guy could come by at the wrong time.
quote:I have a replica of Excalibur - not sharp but pointy
I've lost a bit of respect for you on this day, Dag. Real men don't buy replicas. You should know that the sword hanging on your wall could be used to pillage a village if you ever got bored on the weekend.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
As soon as I read the thread title of "weird and creepy" I somehow knew this thread was going to be about a guy (or a date). Isn't that sad..
My brain must be slow lately because when I first read what he wrote, it didn't set off any alarms with me. I was reading it as if he was just some poor shy shmuck who didn't know how to approach you (you can be intimidating, you know! ;-) ).
But yes, the more I think about it and read other people's comments, I realize this is really creepy and you are doing the right thing to report it just to have it recorded in case he becomes a stalker (or already is!).
ahhh.. the curse of being beautiful!
You're very level-headed and secure, LJ -- I know you will handle this correctly. For some reason, I'm not afraid for you because I think of you as one of those people who can take on anything.
Farmgirl
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:I've lost a bit of respect for you on this day, Dag. Real men don't buy replicas. You should know that the sword hanging on your wall could be used to pillage a village if you ever got bored on the weekend.
Then you can find your respect again - I didn't buy it, I was given it when I left my old company.
Decorative swords will be real, when I can afford them. But this thing is enough to handle pretty much anyone not wielding a gun, unless they're trained in martial arts of some kind.
Dagonee
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
<adds points back>
My wife got a Target gift card when she left her last company. I think you did better.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote: What ever you do......don't read any of Dean Koontz's books while this is going on!
They will creep you out I guarentee it!
This can't be a Dean Koontz book. ElJay doesn't have any major mother and/or body image issues.
But if her stalker is driven off by a handsome man who used to be in the Special Forces and initially refuses to talk about obviously painful events in his past, she would be well-advised to start liquidating her assets immediately, since it's a well-known fact that she and her rescuer are going to have to move to the middle of nowhere and live under assumed names while he works out a way to defeat the shadowy, semi-supernatural entity that's been stalking the both of them.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
quote: This can't be a Dean Koontz book. ElJay doesn't have any major mother and/or body image issues.
How would you know?
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
The real problem is going to start when the police do take it seriously and it turns out it was a 17 year old down the street with a mad crush on you who then gets all pouty and “misunderstood” because you called the police.
Wanna borrow Smokey? She’ll bite him. Well, no she won’t . . . but she could lick him to death!
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:But if her stalker is driven off by a handsome man who used to be in the Special Forces and initially refuses to talk about obviously painful events in his past, she would be well-advised to start liquidating her assets immediately, since it's a well-known fact that she and her rescuer are going to have to move to the middle of nowhere and live under assumed names while he works out a way to defeat the shadowy, semi-supernatural entity that's been stalking the both of them.
But you'll also have a really cool pet, likely a dog, that will certainly be smarter than any other pet you've encountered. And, you'll meet perfect strangers who are willing to give you rides across dusty deserts in the middle of the night, and not report the large arsenal you're toting to the police. He may even give you his truck. So, you know, there are perks to being stalked by a shadowy, semi-supernatural entity.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:The real problem is going to start when the police do take it seriously and it turns out it was a 17 year old down the street with a mad crush on you who then gets all pouty and “misunderstood” because you called the police.
Hopefully they know that no contact of any kind is the best thing to make him bored and go away.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
It's hard to be so beautiful, isn't it, Eljay? How the rest of the world envies us and longs to be like us. Sad, really.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Okay, what else did I want to respond to... Oh yeah...
Garrison Keillor, while amusing, is not a role model.
I was planning on being casual at the police station, but more 'cause I feel silly for going in than any other reason. Thanks for pointing out the "taking seriously" possibility, Dag.
I don't read horror books anyway, or see horror movies. I'm way too susceptible to that sort of thing.
zgator, a completely innocent guy who just happens to be staring at the handle of my back door? If it's for real, I'd think it wold be pretty easy to tell.
FG, thanks. I like to think I can take care of myself, and I know I'm relatively strong for my size and I keep my head pretty well in an emergency. But when it comes right down too it, I also know that pretty much any guy is going to be stronger. So I have to remember not to fight fair.
dkw, the thing is there really aren't any young males in the neighborhood. None that I know of, anyway. :shrug: Anyway, if that does end up being the case, he can be pouty all he wants as long as he doesn't egg my truck. High time he learned the consequences of his actions.
Okay, off to the police and then to work. *grumble* See y'all later.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Storm, the problem is I'm not that flippin' good looking. I just have some sort of vibe that attracts people. Weirdos, as often as not, but still.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Do you know how to use a gun?
Posted by Trisha the Severe Hottie (Member # 6000) on :
quids- Suddenly moving to Sri Lanka to marry a muslim you just met doesn't sound as weird.
EL- Knowing how to use some sort of self defense equipment is a good idea for any woman, single or not living alone or not. Not that I have any. But pepper spray is probably a good idea.
[ January 12, 2005, 10:26 AM: Message edited by: Trisha the Severe Hottie ]
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
"How would you know?"
Because I've met you, and the kind of women that wind up in Dean Koontz books all wear shapeless grey outfits to hide their perfectly-formed bodies underneath, mainly because their legal guardians spent years beating them for one reason or another and trying to convince them that men are full of sin.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Just read this...stay safe, LJ. I'd suggest NOT wearing the 'Kiss me' shirt for a little while.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
On top of all this, I just have to say :
Tom, you read Dean Koontz novels?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I think it's a mistake to use the plural in reference to Dean Koontz novel(s), as they're all basically the same book.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
*grin* I was more thinking of the really annoying letters he’d send about how cruel you are to misunderstand his truly honorable affection for you.
I hope he doesn’t break in. It would be a shame to get your nice wood floors all messy by beaning him with the tire iron.
[ January 12, 2005, 11:01 AM: Message edited by: dkw ]
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
A nice "would" floor?
Edit: Aw, poot. You edited.
[ January 12, 2005, 11:01 AM: Message edited by: TomDavidson ]
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Dang it Tom, I changed that within milliseconds!
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Yeah, if there's one person I've met* here at Hatrack who could handle this situation without breaking a sweat, it's ElJay.
I'm really not at all scared for you, ElJay, but I do sympathize with your feeling pissed off at this guy.
*not that I've actually physically met any of you, of course.
[ January 12, 2005, 11:05 AM: Message edited by: Noemon ]
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
The police recommended I watch out my window at 5:00, find out who it is, and go kick his ass myself. Works for me.
In other news, I have once again confirmed my emotional eating tendencies, going straight from the police station to my second favorite bakery for a chocolate croissant.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:*not that I've actually physically met any of you, of course.
Yet!
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Posted by Trisha the Severe Hottie (Member # 6000) on :
EL, do you think they would have given that same advice if you were writing down what was said and who said it? Did you do that? Did you mail two copies to yoursef? I need to relax.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Good luck, LJ. I would love to hear a good story about you kicking this guy's butt. Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
*suddenly feels sorry for this guy*
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
Wait, what? They suggested you go out there and "kick his ass?" I don't know that that would be the best alternative.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
quote: The police recommended I watch out my window at 5:00, find out who it is, and go kick his ass myself.
Sigh. Police are so worthless sometimes.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Storm -- I really doubt they said it just like that! Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
I'm not annoyed by the particular phrasing, Farmgirl. If they actually said anything like 'You handle the guy.', I think that's kind of lame.
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
Lame, not to mention dangerous. We don't know who this guy is. He could be carrying a weapon.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Sounds to me like they think he doesn't sound threatening and that they think she is the sort of person who can handle it by confronting him (rather than by literally kicking his butt). But they probably see more serious and creepy threats from weirdos on a regular basis.
It's like when doctors are so accustomed to seeing serious injuries that they poo poo anything less.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
It's like when I walked up to some cops in front of a 7-11 and asked if I could have a moment of their time. I told them that there was this !$@#$ rooster that lived next door to me that kept on crowing at all hours of the day and night, and what could I do about it? One officer told me that I should get some roaches, spray them with roach spray, then dump them into the yard next door.... I kid you not.
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
Besides, confronting him is just giving him the attention he wants. I think you'd be better off to ignore him but be on your guard.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
If she confronted him and ended up beating this guy up, I wonder if she could use "the police told me to" as a defense.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
I doubt there would be any violence unless he started it.
I really don't think any of this "butt kicking" is meant literally.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Bev, I don't think you've [met] ElJay. I can't imagine anyone telling her, in particular, that unless they meant it literally or were entirely clueless as to reading personalities.
AJ Edit for stupidity.
[ January 12, 2005, 03:26 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Clueless the police may be, but ElJay is not. She’s not going to look for an opportunity to go butt-kicking. As our long ago karate instructor told us – you don’t use violence unless you’re willing to kill the other person.
And so far this doesn’t rise to that level.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
The other thing to realize is that this guy wants attention of some sort. ElJay doesn't want to give him attention.
Butt-kicking is attention.
Ergo, not a good idea.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
maybe he wants a dominatrix...
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
Maybe he just wants positive feedback and she should just leave him a note with the Hatrack address on it. Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Okay, I've tried to post this twice now, and having been having problems with hatrack...
Um, kick his ass yourself was the actual phrasing. But no, that's not all they said. I just have a bad habit of leaving things out if it makes my statement more amusing.
And I'm sorry, I expected to be able to get back and elaborate a lot sooner. Silly work got in the way.
Okay... basically, they said that while they certainly understood why this would freak me out, there has been no crime committed and there's not much they can do. The officer I spoke to made a copy of the letter and took my phone number, and said he would pass it on to the community policing department, and that there was a possibility that they could send someone by around the times mentioned to see if anyone passed through the alley walking a dog & looking at my house. They would then be able to stop that person and ask them a few questions, as that would be reasonable suspicion. But he wasn't sure if they'd be able to do that.
Short of that, he told me I could watch and call 911 if I saw someone walking their dog in the alley. I pointed out that would be ridiculous, as it could be someone completely innocent and it would be unliekly they could get a squad there in time anyway. He agreed with me. He also said the watch & kick his ass yourself line.
As far as violence goes... I have shot a gun. I don't believe in keeping firearms for your protection, as I think they are a lot more likely to be used against you, and there are very few situations where I would be willing to kill someone. Only if my life or another's was threatened. And, like Dana said, if you're going to use violence, you pretty much have to use overwhelming force.
If I felt threatened, I think I would use that force. I doubt it will come to that. I will not be taking any chances.
I will be going home early today and watching out my back window around 5. If someone comes through that I recognize as someone I've talked to a few times, at least them I'll know who I'm dealing with, and be able to make a better judgement on the appropriate actions. I have no plans to confront anyone at this juncture.
Posted by Glaphyra the Righteous (Member # 6995) on :
If he doesn't get any attention, then he will keep pursuing (I suspect). This also makes it difficult to enforce anti-stalking measures, if he "doesn't know you didn't want the attention."
My thoughts:
He probably won't be walking the dog. No need for the red/blue towel then -- you could just meet him. I bet it's more a matter of he'll check but stay hidden, that is, unless he is a neighbor with a view of your back porch.
You need to tell him in no uncertain terms that any further attention of any kind (notes, gifts, trash, phone calls) is unacceptable and that you've already spoken to the police about this. The best scenario would be to have an officer with you to confront him. Unfortunately, the police aren't wanting to get that involved yet, and he might not show up anyway.
What I'd do is take a large manilla envelope and put a typed letter in it that specifies the above. Don't sign it, because he could do nasty things with a copy of your signature. Hang the manilla envelope prominantly from your doorknob. Watch, and if you see a guy walking a dog in the alley at 5pm or 10pm (probably not, but you never know), march up to him and give the speech. Have friends nearby, just in case, and take a cell phone that will let you call the police from that site if he starts to bluster.
If he does come with the dog, then he'll probably deny it. Doesn't matter, even if this guy happens to be an innocent bystander. The point will get made, whether it's really the creep or the creep himself is just watching. Go all cold and harshly irritated, but very calm and in charge. Mention the police. Wave the phone around and threaten to call them back right now. End it with: "Remember, any further contact of any kind means the police take over. This is completely unacceptable."
Most likely, you won't see anyone, but the manilla envelope will be gone (or have been opened) in the morning.
Follow up with the police if anything at all weird happens in the next 6 months. Document everything you see and do, right away.
So sue me, I'm paranoid. I frequin' hate creeps.
[Edit: was writing while you posted. Don't approach anyone if you don't want to, but do consider the manila envelope. Whatever you chose, you have my support, of course.]
[ January 12, 2005, 01:06 PM: Message edited by: Glaphyra the Righteous ]
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
She’s got a long, fenced, backyard. For the creep to take an envelope off her doorknob he’d have to take actions that could otherwise get him in trouble for trespassing, and she doesn’t want to do anything that could be construed as inviting him to take such actions, in case she has to report him for trespassing later. Especially she doesn’t want him to start thinking of things attached to her door as being addressed to him, or of her back porch as a letter-drop.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:If he doesn't get any attention, then he will keep pursuing (I suspect). This also makes it difficult to enforce anti-stalking measures, if he "doesn't know you didn't want the attention."
I would suspect that boredom will be far more effective than anything else to discourage him, especially with an anonymous stalker. Anti-stalking measures can't come into play until he's identified.
Edit: I forgot to mention, ignoring him will likely spur some additional attempts at contact. If one of these is in real-time (phone or face-to-face), then a firm, polite, absolute statement that no further contact is desired nor will it ever be desired is in order. If the only contact is letters, then no response is the way to go unless the letters start making alarm bells go off. Even if you can't point to anything that made the bells go off, take such an intuition seriously.
The key factor to keep in mind with a situation like this is that getting the behavior to stop is more important than justice.
We know this person does not interact with people in the normal fashion. We can make a very safe guess that he will react to anything ElJay (or an officer acting in ElJay's name) does in a fashion that is not "normal." The only thing that can make this fulfilling for him is a reaction. Deny him the reaction, and you deny him the payoff that makes this desirable behavior to him.
The most important factor here is that ElJay hasn't gotten any scary vibe from the letter.
I guess I'll use this thread to plug "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker one more time. It's a book I think everyone should read at least once.
Dagonee
[ January 12, 2005, 01:13 PM: Message edited by: Dagonee ]
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Unless it's someone I recognize and feel comfortable approaching, I am on the "no contact is best" side. I also except further overtures, which I will also ignore until they reach a further stage of creepy.
If I was going to leave a note I would do it at the alley itself, for the above stated reason of not wanting to encourage him to walk up to my back porch. But if I was going to confront someone, I would be much more likely to do it in person... with backup around, but not immediately visable. The calm, direct, and firm approach is definitely the way I would go if I felt the need. Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
quote: Bev, I don't think you've meant ElJay.
I can't make sense of this--unless "meant" is supposed to be "met". But I am not sure what the following statement meant either.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
I believe she meant that anyone who has met ElJay would know that she gives off a vibe of someone who could cheerfully kick anyone’s tuckus that she choose to, and thus no one would suggest it to her unless they meant it.
Posted by Glaphyra the Righteous (Member # 6995) on :
Ah. I was picturing your house as directly adjacent to the alley. In this case, I would certainly agree that it would be wise to avoid "enticing" him in any closer. For similar reasons, I wouldn't play along just to get him to identify himself, as I expect he would feel quite smugly righteous in his subsequent anger at being misled. That can be used as a "justification" for over-reaction to being rebuffed.
Unfortunately, my own stalkies never took avoidance as an answer, despite how dedicated and assiduous I was about applying it. Things always ended up escalating, without exception. I learned to go all Chill Beetch hard and fast, as soon as anything out of line occurred. Nip it in the bud and assert my own dominance from the get-go.
However, I'd be delighted to learn that things worked differently for someone else. It is certainly the preferable approach, IMO.
Keep us updated!
[ January 12, 2005, 02:01 PM: Message edited by: Glaphyra the Righteous ]
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Hmmm, OK. I have kinda gotten the sense from her posts that she has a secure, strong personality, and is not afraid of necessary confrontation. But I have a hard time imagining her actually getting violent unless it was in necessary self-defense.
That was why I thought it was figurative. "Kicking butt" as in confronting the guy in a no-nonsense sort of way and thus discouraging further attempts at contact.
I guess that is why I have taken the side of confrontation more than ignoring, though I can see the merits of the second. You see, growing up, I got picked on *a lot*. My parents taught me that if I ignored them it would stop. But it didn't work. Sometimes a strong confrontation is required to stop a bully.
So many guys who seek to manipulate women seek out ones that they aren't intimidated by. ELJay seems like she is very capable of being intimidating by her presence alone.
But then, this guy could be really sick, and people who are really sick may not be phased by any sort of intimidation.
It depends on his motivations. Does he want attention of any kind, good or bad? Or does he want to be on a power kick? If it is the first, ignoring is best. If the second, strong, confident, confrontation is best, since the second is essentially a coward. It is difficult from the letter to tell which he is.
quote: GQ (this what my friends call me, ask around)
Weird, this seems that he doesn't mind you finding out who he is, and that maybe he even *wants* you to find out who he is, but he wants you to put some effort into it. Very much like the towel thingy. It sounds like he wants you to find him intriguing.
Edit: I am thinking that if he is the second of the two types, ignoring him in his own little twisted mind means that he is getting to you. That could be empowering to him, and encourage him further.
[ January 12, 2005, 02:00 PM: Message edited by: beverly ]
Posted by Glaphyra the Righteous (Member # 6995) on :
Excuse my language, but what a [jerk]. Really.
Just had to get that out of my system.
[edited with a nod to Noemon]
[ January 12, 2005, 05:40 PM: Message edited by: Glaphyra the Righteous ]
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
quote: I'm usually walking by around 5pm, if I work late it's around 10pm.
If he's not by at 5 PM, ElJay, don't give up hope!
I seriously cannot WAIT to hear tomorrow's report on what she found out! (or maybe I will have to log back on late tonight) I'm figuring either teenage kid; or 50-ish man that is creepy.
Farmgirl
Posted by Glaphyra the Righteous (Member # 6995) on :
(I promise to let it go after this, I really do.)
Just in clarification, I am the soul of politeness and goodwill when asked out in a straightforward way that is respectful of my dignity and control over my own life. I don't (or rather, didn't ) breathe fire down the necks of all potential suitors. I'm nice, honestly. Meek, even.
Just, man, don't try to %$#@ with my head. That really, really pisses me off, and it pisses me off on the behalf of other people to whom it is done, too.
But I'm pro-ElJay all the way. I am certain that she will make the best choice for her situation, as she is a woman well in charge of her own life.
[ January 12, 2005, 02:22 PM: Message edited by: Glaphyra the Righteous ]
Posted by sarahdipity (Member # 3254) on :
You're going to post what he does next right?
I know I know I shouldn't be morbidly curious but I still want to know.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
quote: Ever since I laid eyes on you I knew I wanted you
You know - the more you read that, the creepier it sounds.
LJ -- do you know if your county offers an online sex offenders database? I know our county does. You go to the county's web site and their registered sex offender offering, and type in your address and it lets you know any one in your neighborhood that is a convicted, registered sexual predator. Since he said he was "new around here" that was kind of a red flag. I'm wondering..
FG (Here is an example of Kansas' sex offender database online. Surely your state has something like this)
[ January 12, 2005, 02:36 PM: Message edited by: Farmgirl ]
Posted by Glaphyra the Righteous (Member # 6995) on :
I also wonder if there is anyone in the local law enforcement crowd with a particular interest in victim's rights as re: stalking. Sometimes there is a contact person or someone in the DAs office has a special interest, and that can be useful to know.
Wonder how Raia is doing with her similar situation.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Just read over it again, and he says "But I a" twice when he should have said "But I am". I am thinking this is more than just a typo, and English really is his second language. Just a thought.
Anyone have any clue on what language might lead someone to make this mistake? I am thinking Asian languages more than Romantic, but I don't know.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:I guess that is why I have taken the side of confrontation more than ignoring, though I can see the merits of the second. You see, growing up, I got picked on *a lot*. My parents taught me that if I ignored them it would stop. But it didn't work. Sometimes a strong confrontation is required to stop a bully.
I was told that too, and it never worked. But in that case, you are there in person with the bully, so I think the dynamics are a little different.
Dagonee
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
It is true that there are different dynamics in person. They can watch your "ignoring" for subtle signs of reaction.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
And they can get their payback from the laughter of their friends who are there also - the victim's specific identity may be only incidental.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Also true.
Posted by gnixing (Member # 768) on :
not to be flippant, but i have been enjoying the suspense of this thread. maybe someone should turn this into a short story when all the pieces have come together...
Posted by Glaphyra the Righteous (Member # 6995) on :
I wish it had worked that way with my stalkers. In my case, though, it was a matter of them feeling like they owned me, like I belonged to them, by virtue of the depth of their interest. Still a power play, but more one where they didn't get off on others knowing they were in control, so long as I knew it. And the person doing it.
But it may just be that I had a string of bad luck. Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
I should show you a letter from my first stalker sometime, Sara. I kept it in case legal action became necessary. It was after the situation was dealt with and he moved out of state. He accused me of cruelty in not realizing the depth of his affections (and prayed that God would forgive my stone-cold heart.) He was indignant that I didn’t realize how deeply he loved me – why, he’d planned on divorcing his wife to marry me! (Note that I had never dated this guy, nor given him any indication that I was interested in him in any way.)
So yeah, I identify with the situation where the guy thinks his feelings create reality.
[ January 12, 2005, 03:16 PM: Message edited by: dkw ]
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Sara, I definitely think a small but significant percentage of such cases can escalate with no further prompting. No doubt about it.
The thinking on no contact as a first step is twofold: 1) it works a lot of the time, and 2) when it doesn't work, it isn't likely to make things worse than they would have been otherwise. It's viewed as a no-cost (except for having to tolerate the letters for a couple more weeks) step.
Ignoring in person is not the same as no contact, however. That is likely to cause a problem if not done correctly.
However, it's possible ignoring won't work. And it's likely that a particular person will attract stalkers of a similar ilk, so that the repeated stalkers you had to deal with responded better to your firm dismissal. I would never second guess someone who wanted to handle a particular situation differently, although I might provide additional information if I thought it was useful and the person is willing to hear it.
Dagonee
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
I think if it were *me* the ignoring would be best because I am not good with confrontation. I wouldn't trust myself to do a good job of it. It's just fun to wonder how I might handle things if I *were* secure in my ability to confront such situations.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
quote: I believe she meant that anyone who has met ElJay would know that she gives off a vibe of someone who could cheerfully kick anyone’s tuckus that she choose to, and thus no one would suggest it to her unless they meant it.
Thank you, dkw for translating correctly. I've got to figure out what I actually said now...
AJ
Posted by Trisha the Severe Hottie (Member # 6000) on :
Not to be funny, but I wondered why I haven't ever been stalked, and I realize it's because I'm more the stalker type. I seriously stalked 3 guys, one of whom I was able to marry. 4 if you count my AP history teacher.
bev- no clue on the language thing. The punctuation jumble- is that verbatim or did you change it? Is it really typewriter or computer printed? Not that I have theories about any of these things. It' just kind of rare for someone to really use a typewriter these days.
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
quote:In other news, I have once again confirmed my emotional eating tendencies, going straight from the police station to my second favorite bakery for a chocolate croissant.
You made the right decision.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
The vibe is mostly an act, if anyone's curious. But it works for me, so I use it. I do keep my head well when I need to, especially if there are other people around, but then I cry. A lot. Once I'm by myself.
Yes, I will keep everyone updated. I have no problems with people finding it entertaining. I sure would if I was the one reading the thread.
The "ask around" and the "knew I wanted you" parts are among the weirdest, yes. Except for the calling my neighbor a mobster part, that's weird too. *shrug* It's all weird.
We have an online sex offenders database, and I have checked my neighborhood occasionally in the past. Haven't done it recently, probably will now.
May I just mention that I love the Glaphyra the Rightous handle and I'm always happy when she comes out to play?
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
Time to find a new place to do your marketing.
Be careful what you put in the garbage.
Posted by Glaphyra the Righteous (Member # 6995) on :
quote:I should show you a letter from my first stalker sometime, Sara. I kept it in case legal action became necessary. It was after the situation was dealt with and he moved out of state. He accused me of cruelty in not realizing the depth of his affections (and prayed that God would forgive my stone-cold heart.) He was indignant that I didn’t realize how deeply he loved me – why, he’d planned on divorcing his wife to marry me! (Note that I had never dated this guy, nor given him any indication that I was interested in him in any way.)
Oh wow, deja vu totally. In my worst stalker letter, it went something like "I ought to break your jaw and smash your face for spitting on the children of God [i.e., him]." This was from one of the tutors at the Math Lab. Arrgggh. I attracted a couple of people diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia who had taken themselves off their medication, and he was one of them. Of course, he had many interpersonal and personality issues way beyond just that diagnosis.
Dag, I am relieved and tickled pink to have a sane voice balancing out my frothing irrationality about this. Believe me, I know I'm not unbiased.
ElJay:
[ January 12, 2005, 03:33 PM: Message edited by: Glaphyra the Righteous ]
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Trisha -- computer printed, with the envelope and the lines about my neighbor being a mobster handwritten. It is verbaitum, with all the weird punctuation.
Ralphie -- Thank you, I thought so.
Skillery -- See, I don't shop anywhere near home, and I alternate between 4 or 5 different places. I don't have a regular routine at all. I don't always work the same hours. Since I stopped going to church a few months ago, there is nowhere a stalker could count on seeing me at a particular time.
Edit: typos... and, Sara, your people sound way weirder than mine. I'm glad they're gone.
[ January 12, 2005, 03:34 PM: Message edited by: ElJay ]
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Any overt threat of violence changes these drastically.
Sara, I'm so glad you came through all that safe and such a wonderful person.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
I also found it odd that he refers to himself as "GQ".
Posted by Glaphyra the Righteous (Member # 6995) on :
I used to be a real milquetoast. Usually still am, but I know where my Voice is when I need to use it. I had to develop that by specific practice, both for myself, but also for my patients. Being a good advocate for myself helps the other to come naturally, thank goodness.
Still, though, when I get a creepy vibe, a part of me writhes screaming in the corner. And I am so, so angry that I let myself be reduced to that state, but I know it is natual and human, and I forgive it in myself.
I also now know a real Good Guy when I see him. Posted by NinjaBirdman (Member # 7114) on :
Maybe he is actually a woman and, you know, being a lesbian and all is afraid to come up to you in person. Any weird girls in your neighborhood that you've talked to?
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I find it odd that he says we've spoken, won't tell me who he is, and then hints that I could find out if I wanted to. That makes me lean towards the "wants attention" theory.
Also, an exaggerated sense of his own importance, if he thinks someone would actually take that sort of bait.
Edit: Says the girl with the rather exaggerated sense of her own importance.
And Ninja, I've considered the lesbian possibility, and like I said the handwritting leans towards female. But I think a woman, lesbian or not, would have a better sense of how this note would make another woman feel, and not be so clumsy about it.
[ January 12, 2005, 03:43 PM: Message edited by: ElJay ]
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Ninja -- wow, weird. You're right that it never truly identifies the writer as a man -- we assumed that because it asks if she has a boyfriend. But it could be a lesbian, couldn't it?
FG
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
quote:GQ (this what my friends call me, ask around)
This person considers himself (or herself) a gentleman, a man about town, a metrosexual.
I'm thinking you'll be receiving a gift soon...flowers or something.
You've got a "favorite bakery." While you may visit your favorite haunts randomly, there will always be people who work at each place who think you are a regular. Any of them particularly well dressed?
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Unless the nickname is ironic. He could be someone who makes the clothes worn on Blue Collar Comedy look like a James Bond tuxedo (minus the anti-personnel weapons, of cousre).
Or, a lesbian who dressed in mannish clothing could be nicknamed GQ.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Or GQ could stand for something completely different to him. Or just be his initials. (Or her, of course.)
Posted by NinjaBirdman (Member # 7114) on :
Or it could just be an abbreviation for something.
/edit Annnnnd, ya beat me to it.
[ January 12, 2005, 04:01 PM: Message edited by: NinjaBirdman ]
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
The favorite bakery is a rare indulgence, but you're right in that the owner, at least, considers me a regular. Partially because I've done things like ordered 250 carmel rolls to bring in to the office. All the other employees are either high school girls or older women... which doesn't rule them out, I realize, but lowers them on my probability scale. There still is the trouble of how they would get my name/address... I always pay with cash or a company check.
None of my other favorite places are in the neighborhood, and really I can't think of anyplace else I could be considered a regular. *shrug* Doesn't mean some employee doesn't think of me that way, though.
Sooooo... a tire iron is kinda awkward to fit in a coat pocket, and brass knuckles could hurt my hand as much as someone else's face. I kinda want to have something around, though, when I'm walking to and from my truck, or to take the garbage out or whatever. I don't like pepper spray. Anyone have an opinion on those telescoping batons? While I don't want to give myself a false sense of security, I do want to give myself a bit of an edge, should the need arise. I also think it's probably time to take some more self-defense classes... it's been awhile.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Go for the classic -- key ring with keys between the fingers.
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
That's my personal favorite, yes.
Posted by Traveler (Member # 3615) on :
Which bakery is this? I live in Minneapolis too...and no, I haven't been writing any strange letters. =)
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
a small knife
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
A ellipsoid fishing sinker can turn jabs into power punches. The telescoping batons require some practice, but are probably pretty good, too. A small length of very, very heavy insulated cable (like what they use for outdoor electical supply wires) can be used as well.
I have no idea how legal any of these actually is.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Added: This was to dkw & Ralphie.
That's easy, but it just doesn't feel as effective. It's a good punching/slashing weapon, but I'd rather have something that extends my reach and allows me to stay further back from someone who's probably bigger than me. Plus, I like the added leverage.
With all the time I've spent working on my house, I'm pretty good at swinging a crowbar. Might as well take advantage of it.
[ January 12, 2005, 04:19 PM: Message edited by: ElJay ]
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
Other regular people in your life who are difficult to avoid no matter how random you think you are: the postman, the person who sells you postage stamps, the fedex driver, hair stylist(!), bank tellers, librarians...
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
The postman I'll give you, although I'm never home when he's around. He certainly knows my name and address.
The others... Can't remember the last time I bought stamps, I have deliveries sent to work and the mailroom signs for them, I have my hair cut once a year and it's been a different place the last three times, I bank exclusively on-line and at ATMs, and I don't go to the library.
Great brainstorming, though. I'm not trying to shoot you down, btw, I'm thinking about all of the possibilities as you mention them, and appreciate your creativity/thoughtfulness.
Traveler, my favorite bakery is A Baker's Wife, on 42nd Street and 28th Ave S. My second favorite, where I went today, is New French Bakery, on 26th Ave a few blocks North of Lake Street. I don't go there anywhere near enough to be considered a regular. You should also check out Patrick's French Bakery if you like really, really decadant pastry. Um, they are in Richfield, off Xerxes, and also have a branch in the main Bachman's on Lyndale and 66th or so.
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
Wait. There was a link to a photo a couple of weeks ago of a Jatraquera/biker-chick operating a jack hammer. Who was that?
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
That was me.
Posted by Traveler (Member # 3615) on :
I've been to all of those except 'A Bakers Wife'. I love Patrick's. The coffee eclairs are incredible.
I live in S. Minneapolis...45th and Grand Ave area.
I'll have to go give that one a try sometime soon.
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
*prays for stalker*
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Here it is. That nasty sidewalk was where my fern bed belonged.
(That was also summer before last, although I was in my yard working quite a bit this summer... I don't remember anyone paying particular attention to me, or stopping by to chat.)
(Okay, one of my neighbors across the street was very friendly. I've already considered and dismissed him... he's lived here longer than I have, is older and I believe he's married. Although I guess as I think about it again I'm not sure on that. But he would have had to have been lying on a LOT of things, the being new to the neighborhood and being shy, he was very outgoing and came over to talk about daylilies.)
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
What about a cane with a sword inside?
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
That looks like a good weapon Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Traveler, have you had the eclairs at Butter? It used to be called Sweetski's, it's at 36th & Grand, right in your neighborhood. They are the best in the world. If you haven't, let's meet for breakfast. Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
FG, it was rented. And it's a little heavy to swing at someone.
zgator, for some reason I seem to prefer blunt trauma weapons. Posted by Traveler (Member # 3615) on :
Yes. I've had those too. I personally find that the Patrick's eclairs are better since they have a real custard in them. Butter's are more of a whipping cream style of filling. However, I would never turn down an eclair from Butter's.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Huh, I found Butter's to be a pastry cream, and Patrick's closer to whipping cream. Different tastes. I especially like the rotating seasonal flavors at Butter.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
It's almost 4 o'clock! You'd better get home so you can be ready to peek out the window!
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
Thanks a lot, you guys. Now I'm screaming for a pastry.
My egg-nog bloated body curses you to your very souls.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I've been waiting for my mom to call... she's supposed to switch cars with me tonight. (Unrelated reasons.) *fidget* It only takes about 20 minutes to get home, though.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Yeah ElJay, I'm all for a good cudgel. A crowbar isn't bad, but you'd have more reach with an axe handle. You could order yourself a nice phlanged mace from one of those weapon reproductions catalogs, and just use the crowbar until it arrives.
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Oh my. After seeing that picture, I can see why you have stalkers. White shirts like that really seem to turn men on. Especially when worn like that.
Then again, there is this one commercial (can't even remember what it is for right now, or the exact sport) that has a little girl doing some sport where they only show her calves. The whole commercial, they obsess over her calves. And they are very nice, muscular calves, but all I can think is that it must be a pedophiles dream come true. Then again, almost anything could set them off, so I try not to obsess about it.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I recommend a 4 or 5 C-cell mag light. It's a great club, and there are legitimate uses other than as a weapon.
Hickory tire knockers also are pretty good.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
The mag light is an excellent suggestion, especially because of the plausibility of having one on you for something other than pounding the tar out of someone.
What is a tire knocker Porter?
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I don't know what a tire knocker is?
Noemon, axe handles and maces, again, are too big to handily carry around. That's why I'm interested in the baton.
Kayla, I don't always dress like that, especially not outdoors.
Okay, Mom called, I'm leaving now. Will update you after 5. *giggle*
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
You can buy them at truck stops. Apparently truckers knock their tires with tire knockers to check air pressure.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
Good grief, you look all Matrix-y in that photo, ElJay.
Or is that Alien-y?
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Also, let me add that D-Cell mag lights are too heavy to be used as a club.
I keep a 6-C cell mag light in our van.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Oh, those! I've seen those, but I didn't know what they were.
I drove around with a shovel handle in the back of my car for several years, because I thought it might come in handy for something or other. Only think I ever used it for was getting snapping turtles out of the road though.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
LJ, Kayla beat me to it.
I think I'm just jealous though. Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
*reminds self never to operate a jackhammer when it's chilly out*
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Ooohhh, I have a pair of single-ball flails hanging by my sword. If you change your mind about those type of weapons, I could loan you one. I've got an axe handle too, but it's got a large steel battleaxe blade attached to it.
And no, Ryan is not allowed to play in that room.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
I'm actually more concerned about the jarring effects of jackhammers on bosoms that aren't securely latched in their safety harnesses. Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Okay, I'm taking the picture down... Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
Eljay, I would agree with others that your approach seems appropriate, caution mixed with humor and a sense of your strengths. My only disagreement is with your statement that you aren't that flippin good looking. Your self assurance and centeredness make you radiant. You exude self confidence and a sense of knowing who you are. These things last longer than mere physical beauty. Even weirdos and creeps can be perceptive. Be safe and I would recommend erring on the side of caution as opposed to compassion.
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Sorry ElJay. Didn't mean to cause you stress. I've been too close to creepy too many times though and my mind automatically goes to the bad places I know creepy people think about. If you can't think like the creeps, you can't figure out what they are going to do. I guess I've spent too much time figuring out what goes on in their minds. Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
My money's on the lesbian theory.
Our secret admirer probably has fantasies of wearing thigh-high sexy boots and rescuing LJ from the Mafia.
The lesbian-thing would also explain the quirkiness of the love letter. After all, there's really no socially acceptable way for one woman to approach another with a proposal that they become more than really close friends.
One thing's for sure, our admirer wants to play the dominant role. Good luck teaching her English grammar.
Edit: bad English grammar
[ January 12, 2005, 06:12 PM: Message edited by: skillery ]
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I don't have much to offer that hasn't already been said, but I went through something similar when we had a neighbor that liked to leave threatening letters in our mailbox.
They never outright said he was planning to harm us, but they were full of very creepy, disturbing statements.
The police could do nothing. Eventually, he was put in jail because he threatened the life of a federal judge. We had to turn over all our letters to the FBI and tell them about our experiences with the guy.
Of course, two months later he was back again, and the letters kept coming.
It never got resolved, it was still going on until we finished building our new house and moved.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
quote: Eljay, I would agree with others that your approach seems appropriate, caution mixed with humor and a sense of your strengths. My only disagreement is with your statement that you aren't that flippin good looking. Your self assurance and centeredness make you radiant. You exude self confidence and a sense of knowing who you are. These things last longer than mere physical beauty. Even weirdos and creeps can be perceptive.
ELJay, I think I know who your stalker is.....
You HAVE met punwit, haven't you? Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
I should have been prepared for that. Jeez, you can't even compliment someone without catching some flak. By the way Kwea, I believe you've flirted shamelessly with Eljay much more than I have. Look Eljay, now you have two Hatrackers in the potential stalker pool.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
And here I was thinking it was skillery....
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Kayla, I was kidding. No worries.
So, nothing but a cat wandering through the alley. What a disappointing stalker. I'll watch again around 10, but really, this is the only day I can do this. I have a pedicure at 5:30 tomorrow, and Friday I'm leaving for Hawaii.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
You see, he is now trying to deflec the blame to me, a married man you have never met!
Nice try...at least you have met her!
I have teased her, but NEVER flirted with her.
I left that for you to do. Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Unless I miss my guess, neither of you were around to postmark something from my zip code this weekend, so I'm ruling you both out. Sorry.
And skillery, there are perfectly acceptable ways for women to approach each other. I've had some very well worded propositions from women. I still think a woman would know better than to write a letter like this.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
quote:I've had some very well worded propositions from women.
Hmmm... Tell us more.... Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
I'm leaning towards the stupid prank from the creepy security guard theory, myself.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Do you suppose it would be better or worse if I got him removed from our building? I believe I could get him reassigned without him finding out I was behind it.
I think I'll just leave well enough alone...
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Well, the word "pegasus" isn't in the letter so I don't think it's a lesbian. I'm just basing this on my experience, though.
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
Kwea, you haven't flirted my a**.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
I will have to see how one flirts another's a$$.
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
I sometimes carry a half-filled Nalgene water bottle held by a carabiner (I use one for a keychain) hooked through the loop of the cap. It's heavy, it has a reasonably good range, and it doesn't look like a weapon at all.
Sharp keys and pens are also good for poking into eyes and throats.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
punwit's married too. And I've met his wife, as well as him. She's nice. (Not that he isn't.)
Anyway, Kwea, I'm gonna have to go with punwit here. I've heard more from you that sounded like flirting than I ever have from him. I just ignore it.
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
quote:half-filled Nalgene water bottle
...half filled with ammonia and bleach.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Man, we've got some mean people on this forum.
Hey zgator, what's a single ball flail?
Posted by Trisha the Severe Hottie (Member # 6000) on :
Could GQ be a clue that this guy thinks he looks like this month's cover? I have no idea what that would look like. P.S. It also meshes well with my "trying to frame someone else" theory.
[ January 12, 2005, 07:41 PM: Message edited by: Trisha the Severe Hottie ]
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
I'm not mean, just paranoid!
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
(I meant the ammonia & bleach part, Shigosei. )
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Heh... Actually, the problem with putting nasty things in my Nalgene bludgeon is that I usually am carrying the water for the purposes of drinking it. And opening the bottle up to dump it on people would be too hard anyway. Best just to conk them in the head and knock them out.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
quote:I think it's a mistake to use the plural in reference to Dean Koontz novel(s), as they're all basically the same book.
Tom? You haven't read The Bad Place, Lightning, or Coldfire have you?
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I liked Tick Tock and Icebound! - both homages to another style, and both well done.
Although he's got beneficent aliens in too many novels now.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I figured that was the case, Shigosei. I'm still leaning towards one of these. They list training classes, but they are only open to law enforcement personnel. There are a couple of training videos, however. A little pricy just for one person, they're probably meant for police departments.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
A little obvious to be carrying around on a day-to-day basis.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
When I was an undergrad I very nearly bought myself a single ball flail. I really, really wanted one, and was standing there cash in hand, ready to buy one from a guy. Then I got to thinking about just how quickly and finally I could hurt myself with one of those, so I went and bought some apple fritters instead.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Sure ElJay, but I'll bet it would give your stalker a little more pause than that baton would. Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
If it comes down to it, I'm more interested in giving him a concussion than pause.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Well, that's the problem with the flail--you're likely to give *yourself* a concussion. Or at least I would be. Seriously, I could just see myself bashing in the back of my own skull with one of these.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
That would not be a good thing.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
quote: I just ignore it.
I noticed that you ignored me when I payed compliments to your appearance. It's nice to see that it's all men and not just me. Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
It's not just you. I like you, by the way. You always say interesting stuff.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I've never quite had the guts to call you Stormy, though. You seem kinda prickly sometimes, and I'm not sure I'm cool enough to get away with that.
(Stating a fact, Kwea. Not flirting. )
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
quote:I'll watch again around 10, but really, this is the only day I can do this. I have a pedicure at 5:30 tomorrow, and Friday I'm leaving for Hawaii.
*jealous*
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
"Then I got to thinking about just how quickly and finally I could hurt myself with one of those, so I went and bought some apple fritters instead."
One night in college some guys from town attacked a bunch of our friends on the way in to a bar. (for no reason) One of them had numchuks. He broke his own nose with them.
Edit: probable exaggeration. Bloodied his own nose. Geez, I am getting old and doing that story-enhanceing thing!)
[ January 12, 2005, 09:00 PM: Message edited by: Elizabeth ]
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
A drunk suitemate my first year of undergrad was showing off with 'chucks. Let's just say the under the leg pass didn't go so well.
[ January 12, 2005, 09:01 PM: Message edited by: Dagonee ]
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Christy, don't they have nail salons in Wisconsin? *blinkblink*
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Sara:
quote:but I know where my Voice is
Dispense with the normal order of training, his safety requires the Voice....
(man do I wish that DVD would play on my machine.... stupid PAL format...)
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
In that respect, a chained flail is much like a light saber -- it would not take long for me to injure myself with one.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
But a light saber wouldn't have to be moved at all to be used as an effective self-defense weapon. Light it up, and anyone will run.
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
I read a short story just the other day about a light-saber style knife and the trouble it weilded on the world (lacerations all around, basically).
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Damn! I missed it by seconds!
Posted by Uhleeuh (Member # 6803) on :
It's okay, Noeman. I saw it. Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:But a light saber wouldn't have to be moved at all to be used as an effective self-defense weapon. Light it up, and anyone will run.
But if I owned one, I would be unable to resist the temptation to play with it. If I were lucky, it would end with the loss of a limb.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
So, this is what happens when I go to sleep. One page becomes four. . .
I vote for a wrench. A good sized, comfortable weight for your hands wrench. I always had at least one in my car within hands reach, and various places around the house.
But then, I've had a statistically improbable life. On top of the stalkers, I've also, on two occasions, had a carful of guys try to get into my car while I was driving. I've been followed close to a dozen times - but I always lost them before I got close to home or work or wherever I was going. Had my apartment broken into several times. You know, the usual.
Oh. I just realized. I forgot about a fourth stalker. University. Botany class. That was nasty.
Trisha - there is always logic behind my apparently crazy actions. Ya just have to dig a little deeper. And I'm far safer in Sri Lanka than I ever was in Canada.
Eljay - loved the jackhammer pic. You're a woman after my own heart! And I mean that in a strictly non-stalkerish kind of way.
Edit: One page becomes five. Sheesh. You guys are just too quick for me!
[ January 12, 2005, 09:46 PM: Message edited by: quidscribis ]
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
mr_porteiro_head stay away from me with that lightsaber!!! Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Thanks, quid. Wanna see what I replaced the sidewalk with?
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:But if I owned one, I would be unable to resist the temptation to play with it. If I were lucky, it would end with the loss of a limb.
Yeah. I'd probably prune my bushes to death.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Uleeuh-- Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Eljay, I'd love to. You mentioned fern bushes. Let me see!!!
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
quote: Wanna see what I replaced the sidewalk with?
I do!
[ January 12, 2005, 09:53 PM: Message edited by: Kayla ]
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Me too actually.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Hmmmm, I don't have pictures of the ferns, yet. I meant the sidewalk. Let me pop some up...
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Okay, here's some pics showing the project in progress & finished. I don't have a finished picture with all the plantings and stuff, I was waiting for them to fill out a bit first. I'll probably post one this summer.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
A lightsaber would come in right handy for that.
Nice walk - I love good brickwork.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Thank you. My parents were fabulous to help as much as they did. We did the side and front last summer and the back the summer before that. I love the way it looks now.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Ok, here is the problem with that....I have never MET ELJay...lol...
And she has said that she has had passes made at her by women....so meeting punwit AND his wife doesn't disqualify either one of them, right?
It only adds one more suspect to the list.
ELJay, make up your mind...either you are too self-depricating, as punwit pointed out (to his expense), or you are so confident that you say I have been flirting with you...
Make up your mind woman...are you that hot or not???
I just go for the laughs, that's all. Any day I can make someone spit coco on to their screen it has been a good day.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I like! It looks classy. If it were my house, that's what I would do. If I had the brains to think of it, of course. I'm looking forward to seeing more pics after plants are in bloom and looking good. Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
coco chanel?
ElJay, you can call me whatever you want. (O.K., but it seems kind of awkward. *rim shot* )
I am very prickly, and I really have no right to be. I will work harder on not being so prickly and more pleasant to the touch. Satiny, even.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
::Potential Stalker Alert, see post above:::
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Storm, are you rough like sand?
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
Not being a Star Wars fanboy, I've completely forgotten how that line goes. 'This sand is rough, but your skin is smooth'? That doesn't sound right, though.
[ January 12, 2005, 11:17 PM: Message edited by: Storm Saxon ]
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
did you look out the window at 10pm or were you too busy putting up pictures for hatrack?
AJ
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
*stalk stalk*
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
celery stalk?
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
Are you taking stalk of me, Quid?
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
stalks and bonds
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
Let's stalk about something else, please.
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Bondage??
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Um. Okay, I had to shell prawns today. And at some point, I need to repair the mosquito net.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
SS, are you saying you want to put a stalking cap on this discussion?
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
Wow, those are puny mosquitoes. Here in Florida, we have to use mosquito chain link fence.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
I'm peeping an eye on you, Liz.
( Night.)
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
AJ, I'm in central, remember... the pics were up before 9:30.
I did look out the window, but only off and on this time. I3 stopped by for a drink and a chat, and we stayed at the kitchen table where I could watch out the window until about 10:30. Didn't see anyone.
Kwea, your post made no sense. You have to meet someone before you can flirt with them? Since when? And punwit never said I was self-depricating, he referred to my "self assurance and centeredness" and said I "exude self confidence and a sense of knowing who you are." Very different. And nobody, myself least of all, has said I'm lacking in self-confidence. So, I don't know where you got that one from, but you'd be a lot funnier if you tracked a little better.
Storm... thank you. But I shall save it for special occasions. And really, you can be as prickly as you want to be.
quids... thanks. I'll make sure to remember to put up pics this summer. Hopefully I'll get some of the butterflies in my butterfly garden later in the year.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Sorry, tone is all...and it is lacking here online.
I was kidding, just teasing around really.
No you don't have to meet someone to flirt...it was just a refrence back to the earlier post, trying to joke about punwit being the stalker....sorry if I wasn't clear about that.
And the "self-depricating" part was about how you said you weren't "that" hot....
I was also saying that there is a difference between teasing someone and flirting, and that I wasn't really flirting with you before...something I hope you had known before that.
Because some people think that you only flirt is there is interest there...hence me trying to differentiate between the two...
It was suppose to be a joke about being concited in thinking I had been flirting (just a joke too, as you are one of the coolest people I have met here), and trying to make punwit seem guilty again.
You now, it isn't very funny when you have to explain it like this..
[ January 13, 2005, 01:33 AM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I think we have a difference in definitions... yes, I've always known you weren't flirting seriously, as you are obviously very in love with your wife. It's cute. But just because you're not serious doesn't mean you're not flirting. If you were accusing punwit of flirting, which you were, I have no problem pointing out that you flirt WAY more than he does.
And I knew you were teasing. My point was you weren't doing it well.
Goodnight!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Well, at least the whole night wasn't a wasn't a waste..
I now have some hot chick with a jackhammer as my wallpaper.... Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
You know what I've learned from this thread?
Don't aske questions about crime mysteries and social intrigue of people who read too much.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Butterfly garden? OOOOOOOOH! That sounds way way cool. I think I'm jealous. Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Annie, that's really funny. If I had honestly been frightened instead of irritated, you're right, this probably wouldn't have helped. Of course, had my attitude been different, the thread may have been too, I suppose.
I'm changing the title... too lazy to have actually started a new thread about the sidewalk last night, so I'll just go with it here. Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
So.... what happened?
This has been a better cliff-hanger than Lost !
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Nothing.
I sat on the phone and chatted with my mom from 4:40 - 5:30, and saw one neighbor going to his car, two go out on their back porches to smoke, one drive through, and one cat.
From 9:40 - 10:30 I hung out with I3 and saw the same neighbor drive through, but that was it.
Boring, boring stalker.
Added: Okay, I'm not complaining. Boring is probably better than exciting, in this case. But it is kinda anti-climatic.
[ January 13, 2005, 09:03 AM: Message edited by: ElJay ]
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Nah, my money's on the cat.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
The neighbor was Hilary, who moved in 2 years ago two doors down with her husband. No way it's her.
The cat was kinda cute. Long, orange fur. Stalked well through the snow. Posted by Grisha (Member # 6871) on :
maybe your next landscaping improvement should be a mote, you know to help with protection
[ January 13, 2005, 10:01 AM: Message edited by: Grisha ]
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Or a moat, even. Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Can I stock it with screaming eels?
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Ooooh! Screaming eels! That's so cool!
And just one more reason for me to be jealous of Eljay. Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
That would be so cool to have a drawbridge as your front door.
This moat might take a few more weekends than your sidewalk though.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Y'know Eljay, if you moved to Australia I could be your stalker.
I'd be a *good* stalker - I'd bring champagne and nail polish. On the proviso we shared. Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I think the tone of this thread would have been much different if you have beed scared, ELJay.
Although it still would have died a fluffy death....after all isn't that your specialty?
Kwea
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Ooooh, champagne and nail polish! My favorite kind of stalker!
Kwea, yeah, I know. But it's really served a good purpose for me, besides the fact that I like fluff. Bravado aside, this freaked me out a little, and y'all provided a good distraction when I needed it. (Home alone at night.) It doesn't seem as chicken sitting here chatting with people as it would have had I actually called someone to come over and keep me company, but it is almost as comforting.
![[Grumble]](graemlins/grumble.gif)
And I'm going to start asking random people "Hey, do you know who GQ is? He just sent me a really sweet letter!" And why tell me what time he's walking by? Why wouldn't I just scope him out from my window, figure out who it is, and then go out and meet him if I wanted to? ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
A friend suggested it, as he had done that to his girlfriend before they dated. I did it it a couple of times...just a note from a secret admirer, not any of the ultra-creepy stuff....but then I heard her talking about it and how it creeped her out.![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
![[Wall Bash]](graemlins/wallbash.gif)
![[No No]](graemlins/nono.gif)
![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
Suddenly moving to Sri Lanka to marry a muslim you just met doesn't sound as weird.![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
And I am so, so angry that I let myself be reduced to that state, but I know it is natual and human, and I forgive it in myself. ![[Wave]](graemlins/wave.gif)
![[Evil]](graemlins/evil.gif)
![[Taunt]](graemlins/taunt.gif)
![[Blushing]](graemlins/blushing.gif)