03.27.08
cool things
I don’t get to post cool things that often..
My photos are the 3rd and 4th
http://www.chicagofreepress.com/node/1542
cheers
Kat
03.21.08
ugh. men.
Many people know that I think I am simply “average” in looks. I have never claimed to be a hottie and really, it matters little. But today, something happened that both scared me but made me think – “ugh, men.”
I have been hit on in bookstores and coffee shops, by men. Sometimes they have a hard time taking no for an answer. But I digress…
Today, as I was picking up my car at the tire place thanks to Chicago potholes (and after $800 in tires and a cracked rim) I was getting ready to leave. I was standing out next to my car and had come from a luncheon so I was in a skirt and heels (well, ok, I am always in a skirt and heels). I walked around my car to check all 4 tires since 1 rim was replaced and 3 tires. I heard something – a whistle. I happened to glance into the road (Lincoln) and saw some slimy guy in a car, windows rolled down whistling at me. I ignored him and got in my car. Before I could move out into traffic, the light changed (if you know the area it is on Lincoln near Peterson – there is a Goodyear dealer there). The jackass turned the corner and pulled into the dealer parking lot as I pulled out. He got behind me. I knew what he was doing. I pulled across the intersection and decided I would turn into the Borders parking lot up ahead. He followed me. This is a big strip mall and lots of parking. I pulled in and around some cars and tried to “hide”. I could see through parked car windows – I saw his car. Other cars were coming and going, he sat there. He started to move, I backed up and pulled back out. I saw him make a U-turn and follow me.. He got beside me. I finally dialed 911 on my headset and got his license number and was talkign to the dispatcher as they were sending a car to the area. He continued to get beside me, then in front, then back beside me then behind me again.
THIS WAS IN BROAD DAYLIGHT TOO, IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC!
I finally got in the lane to turn on Peterson from Lincoln but in the outer lane. He pulled up beside me again. Nothing I could do would lose him. We both started to turn left – I gunned my engine and shot out to the right – straight across Peterson staying on Lincoln as he was now stuck in the turn. I saw and heard him gun his engine and take off now that his “prey” had eluded him.
I did all I could to go in and out of parking lots and uturns and more. I was not going to get out and go into a store as that would leave me walking across the parking lot – regardless of daylight or crowds I had no idea of his intentions.
This has never happened before. I can only now begin to understand the fear that must go through someone in a dark/night time situation in a lonely area and a stranger comes upon them. You know nothing of their intentions and nothing you do gets them to stop following you. And with all the psychos out there with guns and more, you never know.
My tires are fixed. His license number, car and personal description are with the police. Oh and I plan on calling in a favor of who I used to work for to run his plate. (if you know me you know what this means).
Now, what if I were really a hottie? What if this happened to me mroe often? How do others deal with it? Perhaps I am glad I am just average..
-Kat