Laura's Corner

CHRISTMAS PART ONE

Posted by Laura Beyer on Dec. 5, 2008

Hello everyone and of course, Happy Holidays....  I would have said Merry Christmas, but of course, I am trying to cover everyone and their beliefs as well.  

I wanted to make these posts more of an open forum.  Get everyone's opinions, so to speak.  The first topic of the season which is so important is SAFETY.

It appears as if there are so many stories regarding robberies, Black Friday nightmares, etc, that I believe that we as a community can come up with very simple ideas on how to stay safe not only this year, but for future years as well.

I can honestly admit, I do have around 10 purses.  Maybe more, but that's not what I am here to talk about.  I want to talk about everyone else's purses.  I think something that really gets my goat, so to speak, is how laxed some women are about their purses.  Sometimes when I am walking through the grocery store, I find purses on a cart, opened wide, where the woman has walked away.  Even if it's for a moment, I worry.  I mean, if you have ever seen the inside of a purse, it carries usually everything but the kitchen sink.  

My first safety tip of the holiday season is this.  Leave your purse at home.  I know it may seem like "Mission Impossible", but I feel it is the first step in keeping us ladies safe.  If you ever see me, you will never see me carrying a purse. You probably wonder how I survive.  Well, let me tell you.  

When I wake up in the morning, I get ready like the rest of the world.  Then, when I leave the house, I put my driver's license, cash and credit card in my back pocket.  Once in a while if I am in a "questionable" area, or feel unsafe, I will take all of the items from my back pocket and throw them inside of my shirt, in one side of my "unmentionables".  Then, in the largest pocket in my pants or jacket, I throw my cell phone.  Finally, in the other front pocket, I throw my keys.   That is it.  If you don't believe me, just ask my kids or check me out at Barnes and Nobles reading someday.  Believe me, this transformation did not happen overnight.  It has just become so convenient that it works for me.  

Now, for those of you that cannot certain live without your purse, how about an easier way?  Instead of not taking a purse, how about when you get to where you are going, you only put what you need in your pockets.  Then, throw your purse in the trunk of your car.  I mean, if you really think about it, what else do you need when you are in any establishment?  

Another crazy idea, if you are going shopping, alone, how about you carry an old purse which is empty.  I know this sounds silly but instead of carrying a purse full of identification and personal items, carry an empty one .  I know this sounds strange, but honestly, if you are a victim of a robbery, the guy or girl only wants your valuables, especially your purse.  Fill it with something slightly heavy, so it does not appear to be empty.  Let's take one more victim off the streets and make it a Merry Christmas this year

When you go shopping or out by yourself, why not leave all of your valuables at home.  The less gold, diamonds and jewelry you have on, the less the crooks will notice you.  Throw on a pair of jeans, a sweater, jacket, boots and whatever else it will take to keep you warm.  Try not to bring too much attention to yourself.   No need to dress like you are going to a ball, church or anywhere else special during these trips. 

Although this may not occur, what is the best reaction to a robbery situation?  Give that person whatever he or she is demanding.  Do not fight.  I know I have seen stories where the victim has fought and won.  In fact, a friend of mine who's car was almost stolen chased the would be robbers down the highway, called the police and was able to catch the criminals. Yet, not every story ends up so successful.  

Lastly, if and when you decide to venture out for your purchases, try to find a buddy to go along with.  Even your Grandma would do.  If you think about thieves, it's best to put them in the same category as a pack of wild animals.  Have you ever seen the nature channel?  Remember how that pack of wolves always singles out the most vulnerable baby and goes in for the kill?  That is exactly how criminals work.  They look for that one woman, or man, and take what they want.  Sad but true.

There are so many other ways to keep yourself safe. Please feel free to comment and add your own safety tips below so that we as a community can have a more safe and peaceful holiday season.