I spent my Saturday monitoring the repairs to our door. I knew our landlord would replace the door with the same cheap door and same cheap locks and would also not consider that they shattered the door frame, and thus, a wooden door frame isn't good enough.
SO, a trip to home depot was in order. I bought two Segal cylinder deadbolts to have the work men put on the doors (away from the simpler dead bolt--duh, so they can't just kick the door open with a simple blow to the same area), two brackets and a 2 X 4, and metal sockets for the other deadbolt. I had them put the heavy guage deadbolts on both the front and back doors and also the metal sockets (because it'll be a lot harder to kick through metal than wood). Also had them put up the brackets and 2 x 4 on the rear door as a last measure. The back door is recessed, so if in the event someone actually succeeded in kicking open the door, they won't be able to fit their fingers through to remove the wood or smash through it.
The Segal locks were $59 a piece. I find that rather cheap, don't you? Considering personal security...As frugal as we all need to be, there are certain things we should never compromise on and security is one of them. I feel better now that everything's up to par. We'll be removing the Segal deadbolts whenever we move (as we paid for them). I've also got ADT coming out on Friday to set up services.
On the crazy phone call front, I called ATT on Friday and set up privacy manager (thanks for the advice on that!) No more creepy phone calls this weekend. I will be speaking with our dean of discipline and principal tomorrow regarding that.
Hubby and I had a chat about finances. It was a good talk and we both agreed on paying off the car ASAP. We also agreed about wiggle room in the budget for us, but also living just as we have (not upping money we're spending on food and such). I also brought up teaching summer school. He, of course, tride and true loving man that he is, does not want me to teach it 
But it's up for further discussion.
I hope you all are ready for the week ahead.
One last thing, I was sorely disappointed by Earth Hour. Mayor Daley did not even cut off street lights for the world wide event, and when we excitedly went on our front porch to look at the skyline, it was as if no one had shut any lights off. What's wrong with this city? How disappointing. Can you imagine the impact if everyone actually abided by an hour per month of no electricity? Sigh.
safety precautions always worth the money
March 31st, 2008 at 02:36 am
March 31st, 2008 at 03:33 am 1206934439
March 31st, 2008 at 03:34 am 1206934445
March 31st, 2008 at 03:34 am 1206934498
Earth Hour has triggered some strong emotions from many different viewpoints...but the one thing it really accomplished is that people are TALKING about it. I believe that awareness is the first step...so let em keep on talking and debating. Getting people aware ONE AT A TIME is better than getting no one at all. (putting the soap box back on the shelf now)
March 31st, 2008 at 04:04 am 1206936267
March 31st, 2008 at 11:53 am 1206964414