Sunday my car broke down. D researched online and figured out what was wrong, bought the part and fixed it today.
Not even 5 minutes after fixing my car, Molly called because she was stalled in the middle of a busy intersection over an hour away. D drove down to the rescue (his second trip down there today, I might add)....to trade cars so she has something reliable (his car that needs new brake pads...."I was planning on doing that this weekend!") He is currently limping his way home in her little VW beetle to see what he can figure out.
Molly found a room to rent near school. It is in a bad neighborhood. Our dear friends who are very familiar with the flatland area called it a "war zone" and then said "she needs to be aware of her surroundings at all times, never leave anything in her car, and carry her pepper spray with her." Molly's take was that the young man who showed her the room was a "skinny, nerdy, computer, guy who would have moved a long time ago if it was scary there." Yeah...good logic Moll. She will be living with 2 males and 1 female.....all are grad students or employed full time. What kind of crazy criminals could they be?
Did you know that Craigslist is filled with crazy rental ads? Like the
Or the man who was offering his extra bedrooms to 3 females ONLY. Come to find out he is an "artist/photographer." I googled him.... his opinion of art and mine are very different.
There was one place that had two Asian room mates from China.....one was working on her PhD and the other was a male, newly graduated doctorate working at our University hospital as a researcher. I thought they sounded perfect! "Moll, they can help you with your homework!"....her reply, "that sounds like a boring house."
I have a vivid imagination and I won't go into my fears here....because I will sound like a lunatic. Oh what the heck.... I am thinking of hidden basements with chains cemented into the walls, driveby shootings, gang violence, home invasion robberies and my girl hiding under her down covers saying her prayers!
This must be what happens to you after not living in the city for 23 years. D said, "if we had stayed in the Bay Area, this would be normal to us." Well its not anymore and I'm a little freaked out.
Still praying....believe it or not.
Annette
9 comments:
Annette, I was thinking of the basement with chains as I was reading (yikes). I think the advice about being aware of your surroundings is the best. I'm sure she'll be fine. Still praying, too, though. Everything's going to be okay. :)
I use Craigslist a lot..and you are absolutely correct--
WEIRDOS !!!
Oh sugar. She sounds smart (well she knew a dull house when she saw one right?) I live in a HUGE city and there is crazy stuff everywhere, but we learn what areas to stay away from. How wonderful that y'all have a white knight for car rescues!
I think that being in a house with graduate students will be pretty safe. Most grad students work really hard on their research. Not much time for endless playing.
We have much in common, Annette. When my middle child, a daughter, was away at school,I worried incessantly. If I called her on her cell and she didn't answer, I knew, right then and there that she was hidden and chained in that basement that you talk about. My worrying used to drive us both crazy. That was before I found my way into the rooms of recovery at Al Anon. I am much more peaceful today...and oh look...she is no longer away at school. Lives 20 minutes from home and has a nice job as a 4th grade elementary teacher. She never did end up in anybody's basement. Thank you God!
Oh honey I am SO with you on this one. I used to be convinced that the "ax murderer of Sherry" was coming through the door any minute...now I'm afraid it's the "ax murderer of Sherry's kids".
One piece of advice, don't watch Criminal Minds. I love that show but it freaks me OUT.
Keep praying,
Sherry
I think Molly will be ok. My niece is in law school in Camden, NJ. The building is like a fortress. I am glad that she has roomies of both genders. That will make it safer for the girls.
I wish the neighborhood were better but sometimes it is a blessing that the danger is obvious. I know my niece is very vigilent.
Awww, I can feel your pain. Dont worry, I am sure she will be just fine.
As for Craigslist, I can only imagine. I stopped using it a few years ago. For a while I was selling things on it until some "strange" man showed up and my husband wasnt home. Long story short, he threw the money in my face (which was nearly $100 less then what i was selling the item for), and threw my belongings in his truck and sped off calling me every name under the sun. Freaked me out so I never used it again.
Hi Annette,
Just found your blog - I love it. My daughter is looking on Craigslist as well for an apartment right now, and you are right, it is hard to feel completely comfortable with the situation. Good luck to her - hope it all works out. Take care.
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