Self Respect.
I wonder how it gets to this point.... the point of where standing up for yourself, protecting yourself and those you love, becomes a "choice"?
Ok, don't get me wrong... I still have the POWER, still went ahead and filed the petition for a restraining order this afternoon.
What threw me off a little was A. The clerk couldn't give me information on whether or not using a weed eater on my sunflowers constituted a crime using a weapon (she said it was a legal matter and couldn't answer).. so I winged it and said yes. I had to guess length of time for the order as well (I requested the whole 5 years maximum) and distance (10 feet - because after all, it IS his house right next door) for the same reason... and then B. The judge would decide by 5 pm today whether or not to grant it. And I get that, I really do, but if someone gets to the point of going for a restraining order, what in the world would cause a judge to deny it?
So, taking a deep breath as I wait, I remind myself that I HAVE THE RIGHT to choose if I want house guests (2 or 4 legged or both) without my neighbor's permission... I HAVE THE RIGHT to feel free to enjoy my back yard, front yard, driveway, and home... whenever I wish... and that I HAVE THE RIGHT to own my property and everything in it.... remember, there was a time not too long ago that women weren't even allowed to own property.
So despite my ego(?) inner demon (?) INSANE psyche trying to tell me that it's not worth it, that I'M not worth it, I'm going to keep moving forward.... because harming myself physcially or emotionally because I'm scared or don't want to deal with it and then just be under the control of that man further in any way is DEFINITELY NOT WORTH IT.
UPDATE: PETITION GRANTED!!!! I'll find out the details tomorrow!
LATER!
Ok, don't get me wrong... I still have the POWER, still went ahead and filed the petition for a restraining order this afternoon.
What threw me off a little was A. The clerk couldn't give me information on whether or not using a weed eater on my sunflowers constituted a crime using a weapon (she said it was a legal matter and couldn't answer).. so I winged it and said yes. I had to guess length of time for the order as well (I requested the whole 5 years maximum) and distance (10 feet - because after all, it IS his house right next door) for the same reason... and then B. The judge would decide by 5 pm today whether or not to grant it. And I get that, I really do, but if someone gets to the point of going for a restraining order, what in the world would cause a judge to deny it?
So, taking a deep breath as I wait, I remind myself that I HAVE THE RIGHT to choose if I want house guests (2 or 4 legged or both) without my neighbor's permission... I HAVE THE RIGHT to feel free to enjoy my back yard, front yard, driveway, and home... whenever I wish... and that I HAVE THE RIGHT to own my property and everything in it.... remember, there was a time not too long ago that women weren't even allowed to own property.
So despite my ego(?) inner demon (?) INSANE psyche trying to tell me that it's not worth it, that I'M not worth it, I'm going to keep moving forward.... because harming myself physcially or emotionally because I'm scared or don't want to deal with it and then just be under the control of that man further in any way is DEFINITELY NOT WORTH IT.
UPDATE: PETITION GRANTED!!!! I'll find out the details tomorrow!
LATER!
Replies
I am glad to hear that the petition was granted. I had to laugh about your quandary with the weedeater -- is it a weapon or not? It made me remember when I chased the now-X back into his car with my pitchfork LOL!
As far as the question of your neighbor attacking your sunflowers with a weedeater, I would say it was TRESPASSING plain and simple. But who knows how the law words these things? I\'m just relieved that you took this positive step toward standing up for your rights and getting the law to back you on it.
YOU GO, GIRL!
Well done for taking control of your boundaries!
It is sad that one has to resort to such desperate measures to safeguard oneself from neighbours who think they have no limits. But I am, so glad to hear the petition was granted. Good for you!!!
You did great getting that restraining order. Your neighbor so obviously has problems and you needed to set limits with him. Now be sure to report each and every time he might not honor that order.
Sheriff showed up just before 7 to serve him... MAN, that was FAST! Haven\'t seen \"hide nor hair\" of any of the family since. Can\'t wait to get my copy to see how much the Judge has granted (I asked for a 5 year order, with a minimum of 10 feet from my property - which would mean he\'d have to go AROUND to the other side of his house to mow his lawn and his wife and kids would have to mow near the fence.... poor kids (NOT) I think this is gonna be the first time they actually have to do something physical.