I wasn't going to write a diary today because I don't think anything really earth shattering has happened since last night. I started writing a long comment in the latest open thread and at the last minute changed my mind. Some of you have been very kind in keeping up with what is going on, so I thought I should put this update where I think you all will have the best chance to see it.
First of all, I am so sorry that I posted the diary last night only to have to step away from the computer. Last night was crazy...trying to grab my stuff and get over to a friend's house was pretty time consuming. I don't like to step away like that, but by the time I got set up at my new place it was pretty late.
I am staying at a friend's house until this weekend at least. I had to board my dogs last night and I felt terrible doing it...they were bewildered, they haven't done anything wrong...but they can't come with me for now. I was so sad to leave them there...they are my buddies and I miss them very much.
I met GA in front of my building and he followed my home. I grabbed the dogs and stuffed them in the car and GA stood guard while I put out cat food and water to make sure the kitties were okay before I left them on their own recognizance until my friend can check on them Friday morning. Then I grabbed some clothes, etc and slung it all in the car. On the way out I stopped by the HOA Board president's house to give her a copy of the restraining order. Her attitude is that I'm basically on my own in my attempts to get perp out of the house. She's probably correct, I'll have to ask a lawyer, but I was depressed by her stance all the same. No one in the neighborhood likes this guy and really want to see him gone, but I'm starting to feel like I alone am going to try to do anything about that.
While I was talking to the Prez, GA finally got the perp's Dad on the phone. He has no intention of moving perp out of that house and doesn't think his son has any sort of dangerous problem nor does he think I'll ever have any problems with the son again. According to Dad, he gave son a strict talking to: now you have a restraining order against you...bother that lady again and you're going to jail. 'Nuff said on Dad's part...he genuinely thinks that's enough. Not buying that for an instant and I'm really depressed that this is his attitude. Not surprised, but it depressed me all the same. I really am going to have to move...I was holding out hope that I wouldn't have to.
Found out that the medication perp is on is for sclerosis of the liver. Dad firmly believes that Saturday's incident was just the son falling off the wagon for a day...it's pretty sad how out of touch this man is with his own son who lives and is supposed to be taking care of his own mother.
OH!! And I found out that perp is telling everyone that he doesn't remember attacking me at all. Dad told GA that he wasn't even sure the story was true. GA was very good about politely telling him that he did know it was true...stop pretending otherwise. As little as the cops did that night, they at least documented my injuries and knew that I'd been hit. I know it's very possible that perp doesn't remember this at all, but at the same time my first reaction was "oh how convenient a dodge is that excuse?". Almost like "I'm sorry if my actions offended anyone...I didn't mean to offend". A non apology apology sort of thing.
I drove to my friend's house in a deep funk...very down. I knew I would feel that way when he got out, but all this has happened so quickly it's hard to keep up with this rollercoaster. I am going to call a counseling center tomorrow to set up an appointment. I am not sure how many visits I get from my insurance company, but I think I can also apply to the City for reimbursement of out of pocket expenses. I need it...this has all been so hard, I can feel the depression starting to seep in and I really have to pay attention to it. I can't do this alone...
Today the head of security for the building I work in came in to introduce himself and tell me that he's got a copy of the restraining order and that all the security staff know to be on the look out for a guy matching perp's description, but I don't have a picture of him. Turns out he's the son of a battered mother and is very motivated to deal with this guy if he shows up. I called to see if I could get the guy's mugshot but the cops won't release it to me...how do TV Stations get them? I am not asking the right person. Right before I left the office last night I sent an email to the head of staff for my city council member asking him who I could complain to in regards to the overall injustice (if you ask me...from my point of view) of my situation. I'm the one on the run...perp is the one who broke the law. Got a one line response to call the head of the police station who sent the officers to the scene on Saturday. I guess I'll ask him about the mugshots once I'm done telling him that the system is screwed up. HA!
I have an appointment with a security company this weekend to walk the house and property and get a quote for motion sensing lights and video cameras. I'm also getting a quote for an alarm system. Turns out I can apply to the city of LA for some sort of reimbursment, so I'm filling out that paperwork. Regardless of who lives there, I think it's a necessary addition to the house. I have to get the HOA to sign off on it, but that should be somewhat easy (fingers crossed). I also put out feelers to the rescue community to see how much I could rent my house for. I am a really pet friendly landlady...hoping it wont be too difficult!
That's about it folks, I really just wanted to post and let everyone know that I got my stuff out of the house okay and that I'm working on next steps. Thanks so much for all your good vibes.
PS: I know someone commented last night about not posting here...I just don't know how it could adversely affect me. There's tons of stuff that I've left out (like where I'm going, where I'd look for something to rent, etc). I kinda hope he does read this stuff...so he knows what a dipshit we all think he is.