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Summer Reading:

Love in the Time of Cholera,
Gabriel Garcia Marquez

(Still.)

I Will Fear No Evil,
Robert Heinlein

(Found this on the Boy's shelf. I really should know better, but here I go again.)

july 23, 2003.

The New Normal

This is the New Normal. The following rules apply:

  1. Never enter or leave the building without at least one person watching your back. Put up with the inconvenience of staying out for hours while the other person tries to have a social life, because they must never have to go in or out alone.
  2. When in the apartment, make sure both doors are locked. Check frequently.
  3. Wedge two chairs behind the front door. Put up with the inconvenience of stepping over the barrier or using the other kitchen door.
  4. The cell phone comes out with you at all times. Whenever you are in transition, it is on. If you hear Him shouting, you have already dialled 911 and have your finger over the SEND button.
  5. When leaving, the Boy goes first, and he locks up behind. When entering, the Boy goes into the house, scans, then the Girl goes up first (keys in hand) with the Boy close behind.
  6. Never answer the door without checking the peephole.
  7. If He is shouting in the front, sneak out the back.
  8. You must be ready to leave the car the second you turn off the engine. Lock the doors with the remote control from the apartment.
  9. Forget about doing laundry in the basement. The basement is where He lives. Let it pile up, then take it out. Parents can be helpful.
  10. Give parents an edited version of the truth until some conclusion is reached. Don't tell them about the New Normal.
  11. It's not only okay to eavesdrop on conversations out the front, it is necessary. Try not to listen to loud music or teevee programs; you might miss something.
  12. Keep a log of scary behaviour. Make copies for legal reasons. Tell the landlord every time you speak to him.
  13. Tell all of your friends the gory details. Do not pretend it isn't happening.
  14. Always remember that you're not the only person to be scared in their house, that you must deal with it even though it is massively unfair, and above all, that this isn't your fault.

One StanFest entry is up, although it occurs in the middle. I just wanted to get something out there...don't read it if you actually want to understand what's going on.