Tuesday, March 10, 2009

An Abundance of Caution

I’m a big believer in taking chances. I live my life like it’s a lottery ticket at a carnival in a perfect town. I take candy from strangers, because a stranger is just a friend I haven’t met. I assume that everyone has the very best of intentions.

Today, I’m learning that not every gamble can pay off. Sometimes, someone you trusted decides that you have become The Enemy. So, sometimes, you spend your Saturday barricaded into your home, your Sunday at a hardware store buying a new lock, and your Monday blocking him out of every corner of your Internet.

I’m probably overreacting. I am sure it’s all just a case of brittle pride, of someone trying to scrape his dignity off the floor. The past 48 hours have been blissfully calm. But I have chosen to act with an abundance of caution. I've decided that it's time to be sensible, to de-escalate, to cease all contact, to not seek closure or victory. Scorched earth. Heartless bitch. A plan for every eventuality.

In short, I am not taking any chances.

I’ll be back soon.

24 comments:

Jessica said...

You'll be missed. Take care of you, and I look forward to your return.

Shannon said...

Dagny - Thanks. I'm sure everything will be fine, but a little paranoia can be very constructive.

Malnurtured Snay said...

Do you remember that commercial of the door-to-door sales guy who steps up to a door, and then falls through a trapdoor and lands under the porch? And there's a tiger waiting for him?

I only mention this to give you ideas. Plus, there are tigers (and lions, and bears) conveniently located at the Zoo.

Shannon said...

Snay - But then, I'd have to move to Woodley Park! And steal an animal, install a trapdoor...no, probably the new locks are enough. Though there might be a poisonous spider living inside the deadbolt...

lacochran said...

Self-preservation always comes first. Ounce of prevention and all that. It's just smart to trust your instincts.

Shannon said...

Lacochran - Thank you.

Tina said...

you are wise - de-escalation is the best way - that and a good strong new lock. Changing your phone number can be useful too.

Darian Carmichael said...

If you ever need to chat, just holla at 'cha boy. It's not like I can offer any insight, but sometimes it's better to hear it outloud. I will await your return with the patience of a sentinel.

Titania said...

Wow... that sounds like something very scary happened. I think you are doing the right thing by following your instincts and protecting yourself. Big hug if this gives you heartache too, as I assume that he was close considering he had the keys to your place, but I might be wrong too.

Take care of yourself, and hurry back, I'll miss your posts.

Anonymous said...

And if that doesn't work may I suggest he be shipped to an alternate universe. I know a good shipping firm, Vito Coreleone's shipping which would probably meet your needs. Hope your fingers enjoy the blogcation.

Shannon said...

Tina - I thought about it, but I think changing the locks and informing my landlord was probably enough.

Darian - Great, all I need is the mental image of some dude just lurking around. That's awesome. :)

Titania - Thing is, the wackier things got, the less I cared. Heartache turned into annoyance in ten seconds flat.

jman - Let's not speculate on the status of my fingers, shall we?

Hammer said...

U can stay in mah truk. Iz safe ther. I haz gunz and dogz in it.

Anonymous said...

As luck would have it, you can now arm yourself in the District. I'd suggest a 20 gauge for a smallish person. But that's just me....

Of course, if I tried that, I'd probably shoot myself in the foot.

Be safe. We'll be here when you get back.

Shannon said...

Hammer: You heard it here first. When a man with a gun tells you to get into his truck, that is the wisest and safest course of action.

BH: Thank you. And I think we all realize that giving me firearms might just be the worst idea ever.

Anonymous said...

This might sound strange, but him concidering you the the enemy may be a good thing. Banishing him from your life will be easier.

Not so easy if he thinks that you are the love of his life and he just has to have you. Can you say stalker?

Shannon said...

Patty - I can say it, but I won't. The intent of this post wasn't to trash anyone, it was just, I don't know, the last bit of pain that I had to get out of my system so I could move on and be my regular happy self.

Capitol Hill 20210 said...

if you need any weapons let me know :-)

Darian Carmichael said...

I have a bo staff!

Anonymous said...

This is a late comment and I don't know if you get to read it. I did not mean to trash anybody. And it wasn't my intention to be flip. But I have some experience with stalkers. And the thing they have common is the misplaced idea that they love their victims and thir lives can't continue without them. They also have controle issues.

I could get into the whole psychoclogy of stalking but this is not the time or place. But just know that I don't take it (stalking) as a joke nor do I make it a habit of trashing people.

The thing with blogs is that most of the time, you don't know the bloggers. You only have a sketch of them through what they write about themselves. I don't know the other person involved, nor you for that matter. So, who am I to judge what his intentions are. All I can do is interpret what I read. That being said, I never thought of your (ex?) as being a stalker. Also I didn't mean belittle his feelings towards you.

All of this rambling is to say, please accept my deepest apology.

Please heal and bring you happy self back to us and brighten our days.

Malnurtured Snay said...

Well, you wouldn't need to move to Woodley Park. I mean, if you steal a tiger, I think the police'll kick down your door whether you live in Woodley Park or any other part of DC.

Shannon said...

Zip/Darian - I was thinking ninja throwing stars. Not to use them or anything, but just because ninjas are cool.

Patty - Oh, don't worry about it. I'm just very sensitive to the fact that the ex is probably reading every word that's on here and looking for things to be mad about.

Snay - But what if I steal a badger? What happens then?

Anonymous said...

What. The. Fuck?!?

I'm so clearly out of the loop. Damn my office firewall for denying me DCBlogs and a Google Reader. Are you okay? Let me know if you need protection...or consoling.

Shannon said...

Frecks - Thanks! I think it's all over, but I'd never turn down the chance to cuddle up in your lap and have you stroke my hair.

I love it when it's Gay Day at DSJ.

Malnurtured Snay said...

Are there badgers at the Zoo? Couldn't you find some in Rock Creek Park?