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Archive through March 14, 2004

The TVClubHouse: Archives: 2004 January - Arpil: Right Now (ARCHIVES): Archive through March 14, 2004 users admin

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Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 10:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Here's a pic of my DD, Lauren and my DH, Ed, with Herc (Ed is imitating Herc, whose big mouth is wide open in a yawn!):

loupup


Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 10:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Mamie, I know she needs her momma bear (that's what she calls me). That's why I feel so guilty I missed all 3 of her calls.

Tabbyking
Member

03-11-2002

Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 10:49 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
right now, how awful for your dd (my cyber grand).
i keep telling my kids to always go places in groups...even on campus there could be trouble.
this is one example of how things really DO happen. i am so glad she was fine and that they caught the scum. it is best that she is fine, of course, but also wonderful that she doesn't have to imagine these creeps still out there.
when i had burglars in my apartment in the bronx and i walked in on them i was terrified for weeks because i knew they would recognize a very, very blond 20-year-old in an otherwise all italian and jewish neighborhood, but i wouldn't know them because of their ski masks. i sure would have slept easier if they had been caught.

oh, herck, i am so happy she is okay!!

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 10:52 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Here is another pic of Loupup:

loulou


Egbok
Member

07-13-2000

Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 11:29 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
HP, your Loupup is gorgeous. Have you heard from her yet? And...is she in a small airplane? I think I'm seeing a wing up above her head...hmmmmmmm.....also, being from SoCal, I can't but help admire the lovely greenery in the background. I don't see such wide open space as green as what is in this picture.

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 11:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thank you, Tabby, cybermom.

You all must have brought me luck. I've been on the phone with Lauren for the past half hour, where she told me all the details.

Lauren was returning on the train from a job interview. The scumbag followed her home, and grabbed her as she was passing an alley, dragging her behind a dark building. She said she just knew he was either going to rape her, kill her, or both. And she was terrified because she could see that he was a druggy.

When he learned she only had $3 on her, he got mad, and made her take off her shoes and socks and stand on the cold pavement. (He thought she had hidden money there.) My Lauren is a feisty gal, and she suddenly got her bravado back and her brain clicked on. She knew he was after money for drugs and was pissed she had none. So she said, "Look, here's my ATM card. Take it. I'll give you my ATM number and you can get cash. The dummy took it and ran. As soon as he ran, Lauren starting screaming.

A neighbor opened up a window and asked her if she was okay. Lauren told the woman to call the police. Lauren said the police were there in 10 seconds flat! Unbelievable.

Everything else is pretty much as I've already related, but the sting part.

When Lauren called the precinct about the phonecall from the woman, the cops were literally waiting for her when she walked in. They practically pounced on her, asking if she were Lauren as soon as she walked thru the doors! (Picture HP astonished again.)

Lauren suggested she meet the woman with an undercover. The police told her there was no way they would let her in on the sting; they could have guns; it was just too dangerous.

Lauren started talked to the female PR cop in the group, who stood all of 5 foot, BTW. (Loupup is barely 5'2") The female cop argued that she would be armed and accompany Lauren, posing as her friend. (She looked the part.) The male cops argued, but Lauren and the woman cop said they wanted to go ahead.

Lauren called her phone, reaching the female who claimed to have bought her phone. She asked Lauren for $30, saying that's what she paid for the phone. Lauren agreed, telling her it would be a bit because she had to go to an ATM. They agree on a place to meet. Lauren asked how she'd recognize her. The woman told her what she'd be wearing (yellow coat and yellow shoes).

So, an unmarked car dropped Lauren and the feamle cop off two blocks from the place where Lauren agreed to meet yellow coat. About a block before, the female cop told Lauren to walk ahead of her, and she would trail.

They reached the spot. No one was around. Lauren realized maybe she needed to call yellow coat again. So she used her last quarter to call. The phone ate her quarter! Lauren finally went up to the female copy and pretended she was a stranger, asking to borrow a quarter. She didn't have one! And she could't give Lauren her cell, because she was communicating with the other cops in the unmarked car. Lauren went back to the pay phone and just paced. The female cop strolled up and asked Lauren if she needed to use a phone . . . so Lauren called. And yellow coat said she'd be there in a minute. She arrived, Lauren approached her, and after exchanging a couple words (Hi, are you Helen? Yes, here's your phone.) yellow coat handed Lauren the phone. (never asking for the $30 she originally requested).

The female cop came up and identified herself as a cop, asking yellow coat to come to the station for questioning. The woman started crying, saying she only wanted to return the phone and that her husband was waiting for her. The cop asked where her husband was. Yellow coat pointed across the street. And there he was, the idiot!!! Lauren yelled out, "That's him!" and pointed. The cops in the unmarked car rushed up, grabbed scumbag, pushed him up against the car, and cuffed him, saying all the things they're supposed to say when someone is arrested.

Lauren had to go to the station and do the appropriate paperwork, etc. It was a good while til she was done. So that is why it took so long.

She did cry herself to sleep the night before, but she was riding high tonight. I told her from now on, she was to ride a cab home from the train. She refused, saying she didn't have the $$ for that, and no matter where you are, you're not necessarily safe. We're still fussing over that one, but . . . for now, Loup is safe and sound.

In the morning, she and her dad will have a talk. I let her go back to her friends (who I could hear in the background, gabbing). It was so nice of them to be so supportive of her, and help her to feel safe again.

I think I can relax a little now. Or at least sleep tonight. Thank you, all!

Sure did talk a lot, sorry!!!

Egbok
Member

07-13-2000

Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 11:55 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Ohhh what a relief!! I'm so glad you finally heard from her HP. Thank you for letting us know....it would have been a long night for me too. Now go get some well deserved rest...

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:08 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Hi, Eggie, boy you are hanging in there with me, aren't you?! Thank you.

Yes, Loupup is a cutie. That pic was in an airplane--on Father's Day '03, when the kids and I gave DH a hour's worth of flying lessons to Ed for a present! The flight school let all of us ride, too, once we confirmed our weights!!! (To make sure the plane could hold all of us.) It is at Danbury Airport, in Danbury, CT!

Here is a pic of Mystic Harbor, for those of you contemplating coming (we took this in Oct '03):

Mystic Harbor



Jmm
Member

08-16-2002

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:14 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Herckle, I just read your horror story and am so very glad that Lauren is fine. It's one of the scariest things about dd's growing up and moving out, we can't always be there to keep them safe. She sounds as if she's a very level headed young lady though, I bet she gets that from her mom. :-)


Wargod
Member

07-16-2001

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:28 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Herckle, I'm so glad your dd is safe! You have raised a very smart and brave daughter!

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:40 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Jmm and War, thank you.

I am, indeed, thankful Lauren is okay. And although I won't take credit for her strength (she has always been an independent soul), she did witness her mom successfully navigating through some some very difficult situations.

Tonight, my Loupup said to me, "Mom, remember what you did when, blah blah blah (another story, another day. . . bent everyone's ears long enough), well, I remembered that and I got my power back!

Now that is kinda cool. Of course I wish this had never happened, but it did. I regret not having been there for her when she needed me for moral support. But I am comforted to know she was and is surrounded by loving friends. And that she was finally able to talk it all out, with her mom listening.

She is a strong young woman and knows her way around the City. But you never know how your knees will hold up in situations like this one. I am so glad her brain was working and that this guy was evidently suggestible. I guess crack doesn't do a lot for those brain cells, huh?

Whew!!!!!! Everyone, take more care out there!!

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:49 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Whew! Glad she's safe, HP. Cops will probably need to keep the phone until after trial or guilty plea. It is evidence.

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:58 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks, Juju!

Actually, she has the phone! I am surprised, too. Forgot to mention, the guy is in jail right now. There will be a trial. The woman may then be charged, but for now, is not. (I would have thought she'd be an accessory, but am guessing since she handed over the phone willingly, without asking for the money, she could plead she was innocent.) We'll see. It worries me that this woman lives within 2 blocks of Lauren, regardless of her behavior. Desperate people are not trustworthy people.

Cjr
Member

08-11-2002

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 1:45 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Herckle, I just read about your daughter's mugging and am so glad she is ok! What a nightmare. I am so glad they caught the guy.
Your daughter sounds like an amazing woman!



Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 1:57 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks, Cjr.

I am very proud of Lauren for finding a way to get through this safely--and for finding the courage to regain her sense of independence and power. She has a nimble mind, but can be emotional (like her momma). I am so glad her quick thinking overcame emotions that could have been paralyzing. No easy answers, though. This happened to work this time. Don't want to test her choices or valour again!!!!!

Froggiegirl621
Member

02-14-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 9:17 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
OMG Herck! Being mugged is my biggest fear in life...thank god she's ok! (((Herck and DD)))

Seaworthy
Member

01-29-2004

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 9:45 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
HP ... just got home & read your scary posts. Glad all turned out well... Take care & my best wishes to you & yours.

Mamie316
Member

07-08-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 11:54 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Herck, I am so glad that you finally got to talk to your wonderfully strong young woman! You can relax and breath easier today and you know, you should be darn proud that you raised a young woman who thought on her feet and who obviously is one smart cookie!

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 11:58 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Right now, thanks so much for your kind words, Froggiegirl, Sea and Mamie!

Didn't sleep too much last night but I feel better today. DH is giving our Loupup some time to really sleep in before he calls her.

And right now, apologies to all for hijacking this thread!! Please carry on! We're okay!

Silly, I want those tickets!! I love both performers!!

War, Congrats to the Little Leaguers. And pardon me, HOT!!???? It's still nippy here at 40 right now (just about 1:30 pm my time).

Grannyg, glad you had a great time with TNT and Dlkuhn. I'll be on the lookout for TNT in Mystic!! Thx for the warning.

Sillycalimomma
Member

11-13-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:06 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Right now I am trying to read a few things on this board so that I don't have to spend all week catching up!

{{{{{{herc}}}}}}} so glad things worked themselves out and everyone is safe now!

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:09 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks, Silly! Are you over your ZZzzzz (or was it a caffeine) problem?

Sillycalimomma
Member

11-13-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:20 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Lol...no it was an insomnia problem and I was hoping the Zzzzz's would prompt some real Zzzzz's! I could have slept in today, but NOOOOO dd's little friend called at 6:30am to see if she could come over and play! Once again I would just like to personally thank DD teacher for handing out that phone list to all of the kiddos In all fairness I wish her home number had been on that list too so that I might have thanked her this morning at 6:30am!!
oh, and Right Now I am adding the words Right Now to my post....

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:29 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Right now, thanks, Silly, for your silly post. Chuckling at you here.

Awww, hope you get to catch up on those Zzzzs today. Never fails to amaze me, right after Sunday breakfast, DH always falls asleep on the living room sofa. (I can hear him snoring from here in the 2nd bedroom-study, WITH the door closed!!) Maybe you need some nasty 'ol carbs to help you fall back to sleep! No teacher muggings today, ok?!

Tabbyking
Member

03-11-2002

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 2:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
herck, when i lived in the bronx, i got a 'shriek alarm'. i carried it in my hand whenever i was alone. i never had to use it, but it shrieked once when i had it in my coat pocket while riding the subway home from manhattan and a very fat man tried to sit between me and another passenger. when he wiggled his butt into my side to make room the alarm trigger was depressed. it was so loud that people two cars away jumped! i don't know if people realized where it came from, although i'm sure i turned scarlet and the man jumped out of that tight space faster than lightning!

hopefully, my darling cyber grand does not have to come home alone in the dark too often. it would really be worth it to take a cab on those occasions.

i know on campus, the kids can call the university police and get a ride back to their dorms, even from town. too bad cities don't have something like that. we did have a 'neighborhood watch' type of group in the bronx during 'son of sam'. and let me tell you, it would be like having the sopranos on your butt if you messed with someone in this watch's territory. nothing like italians to keep young girls safe! groups of men would patrol the neighborhoods in their monte carlos and did not try to hide themselves at all. they were out there and a very visible presence. if i went to bingo and didn't want to walk home the 3 blocks, or my landlady didn't want to walk to the store after dusk, these guys would give you a ride for free. sometimes i would come out of work and one of them would be waiting for me. "it's getting dark earlier" or "it's starting to snow", or "there is a rumor of a gang fight going to take place at such a such location", and i would have a prince charming to get me safely home.
it was wonderful! there were brothers and cousins and uncles and fathers and grandfathers all out there 24 hours a day to keep their women safe.

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 2:37 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Right now, thanks for the remembrance, Tabbycybermom! Sounds like the community was a real one! Not too many places I've seen like that anywhere, but tough times do bring out the best in people. Look how everyone rallied together then. And Loupup had her own little circle of friends. Knowing the police were so on top of things and ready to move on this just totally astonished me. Neither she nor I expected anything more than a shrug--we've got more important things to do.

Lauren has asked us to buy her a taser gun over the internet. Not quite sure about that yet, but we're discussing. We're going to drive to see her shortly, to give her mom and dad hugs, some extra money and treat her to a nice dinner.