WHAT's on my MIND

So loads of folks say they like to peek at my facebook to see what disturbing tid bits are existing in my head these days. Yes, I am outspoken and somewhat "out there."  At my age of 47, I am into no nonsense and giggles.  I think there are some interesting topics that we can all contribute to and share. 
 
Let me get started with this.  Soooo many women are finding themselves back in the dating scene at my age.  Certainly, it may have been a while since you thought of how to do this.  I don't want to experience that point in my life again but drawing on  my 25 years of experience in the criminal justice field, I would like to offer you some common sense suggestions.
 
If you decide to cyber date:  Sure lots of folks have met some nice people on the dating sites. In many ways it can be safer than cruising the "bars."  At our age, who really wants to cruise the bars?  Unless it's a quiet wine bar...but I digress. 
So you decide to join a social network.  Please be wise, you get a wink from someone and begin talking.  Do not give our your personal email address.  There are ways for predators to track you through server addresses and your email tag name. DO NOT USE your name in your email.  I do but I do not use it for anything but known friends.  If you want to chat on an email account then set up an email account with yahoo or hotmail.  Use an email address that is not very revealing like"strongwoman@hotmail.com". Do not use lonely, rich, sexy, hot....what creeps you will attract.  Donot offer up your picture until you feel completely safe.   Be very cautious about any of your personal information , where you work, what town you live in, etc. You can get to know someone by keeping things generic at first.  If you decide the next step is to talk on the phone, buy a track phone and use that number. NEVER give out your home or pesonal cell phone number.   And in the event, you feel comfortable to acually meet in person, meet at a location you both agree on, let a friend or family member know who and where you are meeting.  You don't have to go into how you met the person just that you have a date with an acquaintance. By all means, take your transportation and park under in a well lit area.  Most of all follow your gut, so many people choose to ignore that.  That gut is always right, call it the holy spirit, your guardian angel, or an overactive brain/body connection but just know it is right.    As my friend Joni recommends, read "THE GIFT OF FEAR" available at my fave internet store,link.
 
Ok on to my next random thought.  Make sure if you live alone that you consult with a professional security company about your doors and windows. If you can afford, install a security system.  Put up motion lights around your house.  Sleep with your wasp spray next to your bed, it stings and squirts a long distance. (Thanks Patty).  Sleep with your remote to your car next to your bed, test it first to see if the panic button will alert from your bedside. If it will, notify your neighbors of your intent to use it if you are in danger. They will know what to do from there. 
 
Again LISTEN TO YOUR GUT.  Share with each other safety tips, we need to help each other. This is the first of many random safety tips I intend to blog about.  I will lighten up on my next tid bit.