Definitely…

Someone IS getting into my house. In a general check, little seems to be missing, though I will do a more thorough check once my final is complete. I am insured, but that is not the real problem and there is a spend down or, co-pay, whatever it is called. As well, my internet is still being used by someone else. I am starting to think that my computer problems are, potentially, related to my home intrusion. I have started removing pieces and parts from my computer, when I leave, to try to ensure it cannot be used. However, I still do not know who is doing it, precisely. My neighbor gets the most scrutiny because of his criminal record and some other things. Though in this neighborhood he is certainly not the only suspect, he would be the one who would be most likely to break in every time I am out simply to use the internet (or try) and to steal small food items (he probably gets the munchies while breaking and entering).

What to do. I have called my landlord, and I expect a call back soon. I will not go into details with him on the phone. I am going to ask for a meeting here at my place, or at his home, and we are going to discuss some things. This problem, now that I see free time coming up, is going to be tended. I will not live like this. All I can say is he a.) best not be related to these people and b.) best not have known about the criminal history when renting, without telling me and offering security (if he wants to have a bleeding heart, then let him be the one to suffer for it). I will be seeing if the V.A. has any resources, and perhaps start looking for a lawyer. It depends on how this goes.

As far as the CO2, I am unsure about that. I have left the windows closed, initially for the last week or so, while out of the house, and completely for the last few days. No alarm has sounded. I have been moving the alarm between my bedroom and the living areas as well. That too is a frustrating thing. But right now, I just do not have time to find another place to live, study 5 chapters of engineering calculus III, and deal with the break-ins.

I may end up just abandoning this hell-hole. I would rather see the creep that is getting in here go (most likely back) to jail, but this area is not keen on punishment. Even when the parolee criminals get popped for drugs, they just get a finger shaken at them. When they get popped for DUI, or get in a BAR FIGHT, they do a day or two in jail, or half-in half out-for work. I think they have to kill someone to get a couple years in jail. This area is cowardly toward criminals. I would daresay, more, enabling to the criminals.

I have been looking at home security systems and a new computer, After reviewing my wallet, I realize those are pipedreams, for the moment. And, the home security will require a lot of work, ingenuity, and some not so small security measures of it’s own. I do think that however this works out, as soon as I can scrape the money together, I will be putting in just such a system. It will go with me wherever I go, save when I go “camping” of course. But I will always need a base of operations, so it will always have a place.

On the up side, my last calculus test was better. After the slow slide down from a high B, it was good to get a better than solid B. My quizzes are busting my gpa, as my tests are solid if less than I had hoped. Our professor will allow the final, if it is good enough, to replace another test but not the quizzes (which equal a test, totaled and mixed in). I am a bit frustrated with that, but it is just the way of it. So far, I am getting right above a B- (83.6%). A lot is riding on this final. A solid B or above will keep me in B range, I cannot make an A but I can lose the B, perhaps the B-. So, I study, when I can keep my mind on it. Arggghhhhhh! Now, though, I am a bit surprised to have made it this far. I think of it, given the situations involved, failing to succeed yet succeeding in not failing. Nothing to write home about but I will take it.

Update:

The landlord called back a short bit ago, and wanted to come over. He purchased a better CO2 detector, one with a digital read out and wanted to bring that by in any case. So, we I will be having this discussion very shortly. Wish me luck? Nah, stick with praying for wisdom and resolution, please. Unless you are not of the fold, then I suppose wishing me luck will do. (Hey, why beg a man poor in something for that which is not his, accept his offer graciously, if judiciously, especially when being supplicant in that request. Gee, even I know that.)

Update:

The landlord was quite concerned. We spoke of a number of topics. I assured him that this was not a health issue, though I think I actually mistook his question. As I thought about it later, I realized his concern was not about my state of health as to my understanding of the situation, but of concern for the events' impact upon my health. People speak differently, and hear differently, but body language says a lot. His questions were of concern, not doubt. The new CO2 monitor is in, on, and working. New locks are to be installed. And, when discussing a security camera system, I think he was planning on covering that cost! Now, I do not think I could do that, but it was quite kind, generous actually. It goes to his character as a man and landlord. He has taken care of any doubts I might have entertained regarding him in this matter. So, I will stick around and see what I can do. These new locks are supposed to be bullet proof. My only worry is that there may be another way in. I cannot imagine how, but I do know thieves and cheats are quite good at what they do, like to do it, and can find a way if they have all the time in the world and no stated moral ethic.

Dang, it looks like first a computer, then a video surveillance system. With even one class on my tab, plus these when able, I will not have much for that which I had hoped. Still, I go in for foot surgery (the first of 2 surgeries, the next 4 to 6 weeks later) next week, 2 days after my final. All save the big toe, on both feet, are hammered nearly straight down. It didn't used to be this bad, I am sure. But years of inactivity have done their worst. I actually used to be able to do a 4-5 minute/mile 5 mile run. Not great, but I'm not sure I even could with me feet as they are (though the beer belly wouldn't help either!). So, I probably would not have been able to get out much anyway. Still... @%#$$%^#%@# I almost hope I do, and I almost hope I do not, ever catch who is doing this.