Safety

As many of you know, there is a serial rapist in the Waldo area (which is VERY close to my house). I am a bit scared, but I'm also upset. I am upset that there is someone out there that is tourmenting women and making us all feel unsafe in our own homes. This weekend he attacked two more women (he attacked two last year). One of these women was letting in (or out) her dog when he pushed inside. My dogs LOVE being outside so many times I will just leave the door open while they are outside. I know this isn't the smartest idea, but I really do feel safe in my area. (not to mention the four big dogs that live next door that can scare a stranger!) However, with all that is going on, I let the girls out and relock the door behind them. I also look outside before opening the door. I got an email from a friend that suggested you have mace, pepper spray or something in your hand when opening the door. I'll be heading to get some pepper spray today. I hate that I have to do this...but safetly is most important!

On a related safety note, I had lunch with my friend Katie yesterday and we talked about this situation. Today I got an email from her telling me that my name and ALL of my contact information was easily accessable online! I thought I had deleted my name from search engines in the past (I believe either google or mapquest) but she found me on TWO sites!!! Since she's so great, she sent me the sites and the links to remove my information! I want everyone to have this information as well! The second site even said who my relatives where!! (and they live in St Louis!!)

www.whitepages.com - If you go to this site and type your information in, you can scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see "Is this you, remove your listing".

www.411locate.com is the second site. You can go to their optout site to have your information removed.

I highly recommend doing this! I am so greatful to have friends that are looking out for me and my safety!! I took a self defense class last year and I'm thinking about retaking it. You can NEVER be too careful!