Guns

[KwanYingirl]

Yes, I am concerned that I dissociate. Quite a bit, actually, especially when stressed. But like a eagle 3 said, healing can't take place until you feel safe. I don't go into woods due to past rape issues. If I carried a gun with me, who knows? I might gain back my right to enjoy nature.

 

[KwanYingirl]

Well this morning was a shocker. Yesterday I worked til 11:00, left with my client and we saw a guy coming from the side of my building on a bike, riding fast away. When my neighbor came in this morning she found my office door wide open. I found the side door was ajar. Now I know I've been targeted because it's personal not random. I wear a lab coat so they must think I have drugs or syringes . Now they now there nothing in there a junkie could use. No phone, no laptop. I hope this puts an end to this.

Feeling targeted and feeling the desperation of junkies. My gun course doesn't even start til the end of August then who knows when or if I can get a gun never mind learning how to shoot. I was telling another tenet in my office building what's up and she reminded me to click the panic button on my key fob.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I am going to buy me some wasp spray today and use that instead of the gun I decided. It shoots out twenty feet I have been told and works very well.

Keeping you in my thoughts because of the office break in, I am so very sorry this happened to you. Be safe as you are able.

 

[joeylittle]

@KwanYingirl - I'm really sorry to hear of your break-in. This might be a really dumb suggestion, so please only take it if it's useful. I've seen signs on facilities that either advise that there are no medical supplies (syringes, tubing, medication) kept on-premises - or, alternately, that the facility/practice does not use syringes or accumulate or dispose of medical waste.

This has been in buildings where there are commercial labs as tenants.

Since you mentioned that they were probably looking for supplies that weren't even there - maybe such a sign would discourage possible thieves. It's a similar idea to 'no cash is kept on premises', or 'driver only carries $20'.

Just a thought.

I hope you enjoy your gun training. I used to get a lot of self-esteem from target shooting. It's a very empowering thing, and does also (in a strange way) teach a kind of mindfulness and stress/breath control. The skill is one of those practice, practice, practice ones - but even that part can be very engaging.

 

[scout86]

Did you report it to the police? Just wondering if "overreacting" ,was mentioned. Sorry things are like this. :(

 

[ladee]

This makes me so worried for you @KwanYingirl !!! I hope it's like you say,,, they realize you have nothing of value to them... Is there no one available to walk you to your car at night? Please be hyper vigilant ....and stay safe... Sending protective energy for you.:hug:

 

[Lionheart]

My experience with a gun is that I was in the military and was 1 point away from expert marksman with an M-16. I learned to break down and put my weapon back together before ever firing it. It was a good experience for me as I developed confidence. *(I have also been hunting and learned to carry a gun when I was young).

I would not want to shoot someone, but if I was forced to defend myself I would shoot to incapacitate........probably the knee caps cause they break at only 5 pounds of pressure per square inch. and are away from the major organs of the body so that I would not risk killing them, (unless of course, the situation called for harsher measures).

I like non-lethal weapons such as pepper spray, a tactical flashlight to temporary blind the perp., whistles and alarms, stun batons, tasers, and self-defense such as karate etc. and I recommended these things to my sister but in a crisis situation, a gun is the preferred weapon, IMHO.

@KwanYingirl I will certainly be praying for your safety and well-being and I totally support your right to bear arms!!!

 

[Rumors]

All I can add is don't overshoot. Don't go in and think you will shoot a Glock 9mm and love it. Start with something smaller that fits your hand well that doesn't have a huge recoil. A Walther P is a good girl gun. It is what I shoot. You should carry a semi automatic too. People will tell you that a Walther P won't knock someone on their ass and maybe not with one bullet but if you unload the entire clip on them it will. As well, one bullet In the right spot will stop anyone.
Ina case where you would be in a panic, you don't want to aim though. Just keep your wits about you and know that you will make the right choices. I hate guns...they kill people but reality is that in this day and age it may be the only line of defense between you and someone who is stronger than you. Sucks we have to live this way. I believe in the second amendment and a right to carry. I just hate so many wrong people can get their hands on them. Your safety is number one. Just remember not to overshoot and try something that is too big and powerful. It will frighten you and turn you off.
Good luck!

 

[KwanYingirl]

My therapist is all for me to take the first part of the training. And the he is fine with me target shooting a lot before I settle on a handgun that fits my hand. I don't want to kill anyone, but they are the aggressor. I am defending myself.

Thanks all for your wisdom and encouragement.

 

[KwanYingirl]

So, just another update on my workplace drama (or trauma!). The woman who rents the office across from me found the front door broken into last week. On Sunday I worked til 11:00am and walked out with my client. From beside my building, a guy came speeding off on a bike. I'm thinking WTF is going on here and why is it my building and me being targeted. Then when I came in Monday morning, Kristi left a note on my door to come see her immediately. When she got to the office at 6:00, my office door was wide open. She thought for sure she was going to find me dead inside. Only thing tampered was a treatment cart and my file cabinet. Nothing missing. I had taken the money home on Sunday. After being initialy shocked that my office was breached,I checked the side door entrance and it was ajar. I figure he entered while I was working and went to the side door and unlocked it. Then between noon and six the next morning they came and searched my office for drugs and syringes. Now they know that I'm worthless to them so I suspect this drama has come to an end.

Since there are groups of addicts coming through that rehab, I have decided to never wear my lab coat outside. In addition, I will empty my trash in the dumpster next to their smoking space first thing in the morning. I will be careful to check that side door. And I will be armed.

 

[The Albatross]

I think the decision not to wear your lab coat inside is solid Kwan Yin... also if you have a place to change, would advise you not to wear scrubs (if you wear them). Obviously the "word" is out and there are some really desperate people willing to do some really stupid things ... what's the chances of the owners of the building or the companies leasing to install a security system wired in to the Police/Fire Department or a security camera system?

 

[KwanYingirl]

@The Albatross

I stopped wearing scrubs about two years ago. My landlord told me they are meeting to discuss the safety at the office park. The policemen that I gave statements to completely minimized the situation, one going so far as to say it must've been the cleaning lady (how he knew the cleaning person is female is a mystery) that came into my office. She only cleans the hallways and foyer on Friday. He just dismissed the whole thing. This is why I am going to get a weapon.

I am considering parking my car next door at a sub shop. It's a bit of a walk there, so I probably won't. I can see the rehab through the windows in the hallway. I've been making sure no one is out smoking when I leave. What a hassle.