Pepper spray

So for the first time, I've bought myself some pepper spray, largely because of this. I take the bus, the light rail, the subway around town and, to be honest, I mostly see people being really sweet with one another (for instance, I was waiting for the light rail a few weeks ago when a guy said something to me. I popped my ear buds out fully expecting to be asked for money when he said "Sorry...I didn't mean to interrupt you jamming but I wanted to tell you that your hair looks lovely in the sunlight. [!!!!}). 

Of course, these are adults. The two times I've felt threatened were by kids--one, a large white kid who was wearing a wool skull cap in the middle of July and who reminded me a bit of my old housemate who played free jazz guitar. He was going from seat to seat, leaning in really close (only to women) and growling "you got a dollar? You don't have a dollar? A dollar?" Asshole junkie. No, I don't have a dollar. For you.

Generally I feel pretty safe walking around downtown though I have had a few scary run-ins. Oh. And of course there was my stalker who I still see occasionally but who has left me alone since I freaked out and yelled at him. Thank fucking god. Still, every time I do see him, I fill with murderous rage that I allowed him to scare me for so long. God, there are such assholes in the world. I'm not putting up with that shit any more. Anyone who approaches me with ill intent is getting a full blast in the face. You've been put on notice, Baltimore (and D.C.).

To be honest though, I really, really want one of these.