Hi Trixi,

Happy New Year! I am glad you're getting settled into your new place so quickly and that it feels very "homey" to you.

Oh the "security" thing I SURE know what you mean! It's funny how you can go for days or weeks without him there and feel secure but then suddenly you just don't. I hate those nightmares!!

Good idea to get a security system. Maybe you could also ask the landlord to change the locks, if they haven't already?

A few other things I did that helped me a little with the "security" issue:

- Keep pepper spray both next to the bed and near the front door. Make sure you know how to use it. I bought this kind: http://www.dtdistributors.com/fox.html because it's very highly rated and if you get the right one it can spray a long distance (I wanted to be able to, for example, spray it across the bedroom if I had to.. I didn't want the ones where you have to be really close to the person to use it!).

- Program your cordless or cell phone "speed dial" with #s you can call in an emergency. 911, nearby family or friends, hopefully before long your new neighbors. I have two cordless phones - I'd always keep one on or near me, and one right next to the bed.

- Get window locks if you don't have them already, and use them every night.

- Plant thorny plants like roses under the windows (assuming the landlord is cool with you doing this). Here's an article: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_trees_shrubs_other/article/0,1785,HGTV_3648_3059952,00.html.

Other stuff that we already had that works well:

- Motion sensor lights.

- Security camera(s) (real or fake.. if fake, make sure it's fairly large and obvious and has a light on the front). Here are some: http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductList.asp?p=2_1_1_1_0_0_351 . I am consistently amazed at how well this works. Our neighbors get stuff stolen or vandalized pretty regularly, but we've never had it happen since putting up the camera.

I know... none of it's as good as having your H there with ya.. but hope that gives you some ideas. I felt a lot better just knowing I was TAKING steps to make myself safer instead of just stressing about feeling vulnerable.


Me 35, H 38; Together 13.5 yrs, M 7
Bomb 1 10/07/06
Sep'd 1/14/07 - 4/15
Piecing: 4/07 - 9/07
Bomb 3 10/11/07: Never loved you, let's separate
2/08 slowly improving
7/08 Piecing (7/25/08 rings back on!!)
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