Thank you! I hope so too!

Damn man...that sure sounds tough...I'm glad you're ok though, if anything for now

You are a fellow Michigander??? Oh my word I had no idea! I'm really sorry, I'm not near there and don't know of anyplace...but if I do hear of anything from any of my friends, I will certainly let you know. I'll definitely ask around!!

It does indeed sound like you need to, pardon the expression, get the feck out of dodge. I will carry a good thought for you in hopes that none of the criminal activity directly harms you or your family.

Incidentally, the next time I have to drive 'cross the state, want to have a coffee with me somewhere? I'd be so very honored to meet such an awesome artist!

Oh yea, I've moved in and out of the state a few times now. Thank you so much for keeping and eye out and send good thoughts! We definitely need out and soon! There's a large area for us to look in for options, but finding a place has been frustrating!

Do you go to either of the convention in state?

Not presently, I just drive across state to visit family in Canada. :)

I've been asking and nothing is turning up, I'm so sorry. :(

Woah... I've visited friends in Ann Arbor a whole mess of times, always seemed relatively quiet. Your artwork is brilliant, I don't doubt your portfolio would impress. I'll keep an ear out, stay safe!

Ann Arbor seems very quiet and nice (and full of places to get excellent Korean food)! I would love to live there, I live just outside in a crummier area.
Thank you so much :)

I will be praying for the safety of you and your family. I don't know what else I can do...

Thank you so much, that means a lot to me

I've been in a similar neighborhood when my daughter was about 2.
I feel for you. *Hugs*

God can fill the gap when we are helpless. He has helped me in hopeless situations before. When I cannot be there myself, prayers send angels with mighty, flaming swords to fill in the gap. Right now angels are around Plaguedog, her husband, and her children, watching over them, and protecting them. :)

Best of luck getting out of there safe and soon!

Thank you! Crossing my fingers that the months until our lease is up go by quickly and quietly!

Oh, geez... I'm so sorry to hear you're having to deal with all that-- it must be terrifying.

The one thing I would be able to help with is firearm training, if either you or your husband are interested (and haven't taken it already). My college is within reasonable driving distance of Ann Arbor, and I'd be happy to come out once I get back up to school. I know enough to get you up to speed on the basics, and can also put you in contact with professional instructors who could train you up even further. It's hardly a real, full solution to your problems, I know... but if you think it would help you find just a little peace of mind, let me know and I'll do whatever I can.

Best wishes for the job search and for your family's safety.

I would love to touch up my shooting skills. It's definitely something we've discussed and think is a smart idea, unfortunately this place banned handguns, with threat of eviction if you keep one in your place - but obviously that doesn't stop people who don't live here driving up and shooting out windows or robbing and killing someone in the hall way.

I really appreciate the offer, and would be all for hearing more about who is teaching in the area. Frankly, even after we get out of here, It's something I want to learn.

Thanks :)

That's irony for you. They ban people who will listen and obey laws- from owning guns- while others- who clearly care nothing for the law, are shooting windows out of cars. (Maybe if they made shooting windows illegal? What good do laws do the innocent, if only the victims follow them...)

My advice? Buck the system and get a gun. Do not advertise it, leave it laying around, or tell anyone. (But your husband and kids, teach your kids to respect it. Give them respect and not fear and they will not mess around.) Keep it locked and hidden. There are many hiding spots for it, including floorboards, walls, crawlspaces, heater vents, behind appliances, behind drawers, etc that most people would never find, even if they were looking. A trigger lock prevents it from being used by anyone but the people with the key to open it.

Ideally you want it on your person at all times, ready to go, with one in the pipe. I carry a Glock .45 in this condition every single day. It takes me 1/3 of a second or less to draw it and have it ready. I practice drawing it a lot, but I try not to practice in public

If you need it, then you will have it. In your apartment is better than not at all. And if you will need it one day, the life you save may be yours, your husband, or that of your children. IMO it is worth ignoring laws that only the law abiding will follow, while criminals terrorize and hurt the law abiding, breaking laws every single day.

If you are on a budget, a used Hi-Point is not a bad gun. >$100. If it has issues, their warranty is one of the best in the industry. I'd rather have a Hi-Point that works reliably than my fists.

Th second amendment is the most sacred right (It protects the rest of our rights) we have in this country, and a lot of highly responsible, decent people would jump at the opportunity to help you get familiar with a firearm, get comfortable with it.

I wish you the best, in safety and comfort of your dwelling. Merry, safe, and warm (And blessed! <3) Christmas to you and yours.

How spooky, I'm sorry to hear that.
I live out in some deep Florida country, it gets scary out here. I mean, we all own guns, we all shoot guns like it's a hobby, you hear them going off every day, but we've had bodies found in the area, a naked guy high on drugs running around with toddlers trying to break into people's houses, and a lot of other crazy shit like that.

D: I have heard lots of stories about Florida. But AHHHHH that sounds crazy!!

Praying for the safety of you and yours.

Thank you that means a lot to me!

Oh wow that is a terrifying thing to have happen. << I live in a complex in Wixom MI and thankfully nothing like that has happened here.

I hope you find something wonderful in Ann Arbor and can get out of there ASAP! If I hear anything about any jobs from there I'll be sure to let you know. I'll also be praying for your entire households safety.