I'm sad to say that this new year was kicked off with a rather unfortunate event. I got robbed last night.
I was walking home from work last night alone. BF was out of town. I was on the phone with him when a woman walking by me grabbed my purse. It was over my arm, so I was swung around and fell on the ground. In the midst of screaming, she kept telling me to let it go. I couldn't do anything but scream, and after a few seconds she punched me in the face. I let the purse go, she hopped into a car and drove off.
I'm okay, thankfully. My nose bled for a little while last night, but stopped. It hurts a little today, but nothing major.
My purse is gone with all of my money, my atm card, my ID, gift cards I was going to use to purchase my textbooks, and my keys. My glasses were knocked off at some point and need replacing. Luckily I needed to get new ones anyway.
I think the worst part, though, is the awful feeling I've had since. I was hysterical. I'm thankful I was talking on my phone at the time, or they would have gotten that too. I talked to BF right away and he stepped me through everything. I'm not sure what I would have done without him talking to me. My neighbor was home and I stuck around at his place, talked to the police, and BF came straight home.
Things are fine, I guess. I'm pretty shook up. I'll be going back to Ohio today. My boss is letting me take a couple days off. The people that robbed me used my ATM card 4 times by the time I called the company, including an attempted $500 purchase at walmart that was denied because I only had $16 in my account. haha.
The only thing that sucks is all the money I've made in the last 2 days-- aka all the money I have-- is gone. I have to get my ID replaced. Luckily I just switched wallets and forgot to take my SS card out. Unfortunately, my SS number is on my ID. At any rate, I've had a long night, and it's going to be a while before I really feel okay.
I'll never walk home alone again. Erg.
Much more than just a financial setback...
January 2nd, 2007 at 07:04 pm
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January 3rd, 2007 at 05:04 am 1167800686
One thing you may consider doing in the future is putting your purse on across you diagonally and then putting your coat on on top of it. Makes it very hard to steal. Or switch to a belt bag that fastens around your waist and zip the coat on top of it.
January 3rd, 2007 at 01:29 pm 1167830971
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January 3rd, 2007 at 03:43 pm 1167839030
I'm sorry to hear that, but at least you're not hurt bad.
When you're feeling better, let us or me know, and we'll help you become more secure in the future.
January 3rd, 2007 at 03:57 pm 1167839859
Here's hoping they'll get what they deserve one day!
January 3rd, 2007 at 07:17 pm 1167851820
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January 4th, 2007 at 05:29 pm 1167931790
Don't worry about the money. Things could be worse. She could have pulled a knife on you and you gotta stay positive.
Money isn't everything, though, that is the reason why we are all connected through these blogs. However, having said that, I think need down inside we know that money is only a tool to help us gain freedom. Freedom to enjoy life and share our time with our loved ones.
So, spend more time with you BF. Let him know how lucky you are to have him rush back to be with you...and I do hope we catch that woman!!
January 4th, 2007 at 05:56 pm 1167933360
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January 4th, 2007 at 10:05 pm 1167948338
If you start having panic attacks or weird frights, you should talk to a counselor (maybe you can get some sessions free at school). Sometimes these are symptoms of post-traumatic stress, which is treatable, but this is so hard.
I know there are steps to take to prevent your identity from being completely hijacked after something like this--I've heard it's nightmarish if it happens--hope you can head that off. hugs! (((((((tara dawn)))))))
January 5th, 2007 at 05:46 am 1167976003
I am glad you are okay! I just want to give you a few tips.
You were picked for a mugging because you were distracted and you made an easy target. Talking on the phone prevents you from being aware of what is going on around you. Please folks be aware of your surroundings.
Next time let them have the bag. Getting shot or stabbed is not worth it. Your bag and all its contents are replaceable. You are not replaceable and you are far more valuable!
Try not to walk alone in places where you might be vulnerable. Always walk in a determined manner and exude confidence. Get yourself a decent sized can of pepper spray and a loud whistle. Another thing I tell women is to yell fire not help. Why? People are reluctant to help someone yelling help.(Remember Kitty Genovese?) Yell fire, you'll get a crowd and attention! Folks like to watch fires and get out of places where there is one!
The only time you fight is if they try to get you in a car. Don't ever get in a car. Take your chances fighting. Ask any cop.
I give this unsolicited advice because I don't want to see you get hurt in future. I am so sorry you had to start the New Year this way!
January 6th, 2007 at 06:34 pm 1168108488
I do not carry a purse of any type anymore, as I am horrid about losing them. Purses are so easy to steal and much too tempting. A backpack is not so tempting, and less likely to be misplaced. I have successfully used a backpack for the last 5 years or more, and have not been robbed or lost my wallet, which is carried inside my backpack.
Please give the backpack idea some thought.
January 7th, 2007 at 07:48 am 1168156080
I have to agree with PricePlus, anything material can be replaced....(there was a horrid incident here not long ago where a man was killed for refusing to give up his cellphone! ::shudders::....NOTHING is worth putting yourself at risk!...thank G_d you weren´t seriously injured!)
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