FML!! TANJ!!! I was frakking mugged!!! (And need help/advice!)

[bryce]

I know I don't post around TBBS as much as I used to - The Great Satan (Facebook) kinda sucked me in. But I'm going to fix that, because I miss this place - especially TNZ, Trek Tech, & the SciTech forum.

After years of trying, I finally moved back to Arizona! (With my oldest biological daughter and my oldest biological son.) I don't have a job, money has been *super-tight* - but I do a *LOT* of volunteer astronomy & science educational outreach through UofA Science and about 1/2 a dozen other orgs and clubs and groups and institutions (both formally and informally) - and I'm a docent and telescope operator at a local planetarium's public viewing telescope. And a lot of school and public and private star parties, etc...

I have been wanting to start a science blog called "Science City" (or maybe "Neuropolis" - or *both*) but a couple of years ago my "cheap"(ly made) netbook broke, and no job, couldn't afford another.

BUT...then a couple of months ago a guy I volunteer with - and who is a die-hard Mac user - told me that he had a small Acer Aspire One Atom netbook he brought to run his telescope software, but he just really does NOT like PC's...so he said that I could have it. Free. And it was like, literally, ONLY USED *ONCE*!!! (By an old man to take his telescope around the block and back once! LOL!)

And so I was all set to start my blog - I was going to cover science stories and research and activities -- both professional, amateur, and citizen science...as well as our many science exhibits and activities and events for the family and public...our *multiple* FREE public science lectures...too stuff like the free public viewing telescope I help run.

BUT...then 3 days ago, coming home, in my own bad neighborhood...I was basically mugged. Surrounded and threatened by some large guys who I thought were gonna kill me. They took - *demanded* - my laptop (and it's nice 4-hour battery...and the 8GB microSD card I had in it's slot, etc...)

I have an anxiety disorder and PTSD *normally*, so I've had to go *back* on benzos (Klonapin) for the first time in a year and 1/2, just to be able to sleep at night - or even just rest and close my *eyes* without racing and circular, repeating, re-occurring thoughts - and to stop the shaking and vomiting and panicking! (Luckily, my tolerance has dropped a lot after all this time.)

I haven't eaten at all since it happened...and have no appetite or desire to eat. I can't relax, or even read. Even with the meds I keep re-living the mugging (luckily I wasn't beaten, just ganged-up on, intimidated, and threatened by 4 really big guys - and I am a short - 5'4 and skinny - 130lbs.)

I feel helpless, and out of control. Like I have no control over what happens to me at all. And I blame myself, because I had a *feeling* I shouldn't have been out at night with the laptop (small as it is...they saw me take it out of my bookbag to plug my dying phone into the USB port.) And, *OF COURSE*, as a gift it wasn't insured!

And of course the took my grocery and internet serviced money. (Again, my fault for carrying cash! Though they also racked up some on my debit before I could call the bank when it finally opened up! So my internet may be canceled.)

Mostly I feel like my one chance to start a science news-magazine - or at least do local interviews and write original content to share (and maybe *sale?) and try to make as name for myself and get off of the dame dole.

I wanted to ask here if ANYONE might have, or know someone that has an older (but not ancient, of course) laptop, netbook and/or tablet...Nexus 7(!?) that they are upgrading or going to be upgrading beyond...and would either be willing to donate it, or sell it REALLY cheap - and/or maybe take payments? Or left me *work off* the cost?

Or maybe you - or someone you know knows of somewhere where there's good deal on PayPal or something like Freecycle? (I just am not PC literate like I once was, so have NO IDEA what is a fair price and what is a rip-off.)

I know it's silly, but I feel like my one chance to DO SOMETHING and MAKE SOMETHING has been taken! I feel so angry and helpless and *impotent*!!! USELESS!!! I have even felt *suicidal* over this - seriously!

I also have a Paypal account connected to my email: 03dashk64@gmail.com - so I can transfer payment that way or something.

I am even willing to *work* it off...I can cook, and clean, and babysit...ANYTHING!!! I WILL DO IT!!! (Need a kidney!? Firstborn child!? Let's make a deal!)

And if you don't know where I can get a laptop, please pass this around and ask around, if you can and feel comfortable doing it!

Thanks for listening. My apologizes in this is the wrong forum mods - or I violated any rules. I really want to MAKE something with my life (that's why I volunteer so much) - I want to be a science writer/teacher and STEM/STEAM educational outreach volunteer on the side...and amateur astronomer/citizen scientist and activist for education.

I want to teach people - and those grown-up people - science..and philosophy and art and science fiction...

 

[auntiehill]

Soooo.....you just posted your email to the entire world so you can get a laptop because it's urgent that you immediately start a....blog? This hardly seems like an earth-shattering emergency, and this isn't the place to ask people for merchandise or funds.

Surely you could just WAIT a bit, gather your own funds, and eventually buy or borrow one for yourself.

You don't happen to be related to a Nigerian prince, do you?

 

[RevdKathy]

Actually, you've posted your own answer. You say you're willing to work for this, even basic menial work. Those sorts of jobs, while low paid, are much easier to get than career type jobs. Look around, get yourself a job cleaning, waiting, even babysitting. Save up and get your own laptop, along with your self esteem. Which you seem to have lost while posting on the internet begging. A little less volunteering and a little more mindless graft for a few months will get you nearer your goal under your own steam.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

Nothing I can add to the laptop part of the conversation. I just want to say that I, too, have PTSD from having been the victim of a violent crime, and I feel for you. I found psychotherapy, writing, and exercise to be far more helpful than meds. Of course, YMMV.

 

[An Officer]

It must not be at all easy to ask strangers. I'd imagine it must be desperate times for you to have to resort to this. I can't guess at what you're going through, but I do hope things improve for you very soon. Be patient and keep your chin up.

 

[Captain_Nick]

Don't be too harsh. This is probably his way of starting to come to terms with what must have been a very unpleasant experience.

 

[rhubarbodendron]

I agree.

Bryce, first of all: get yourself something to eat and get some sleep.

Secondly, switch on grey cells: you obviousely have computer access (else you couldn't post here). What keeps you from using that computer to set up your science site and magazine? Interviews needn't be typed instantly. There's this 5000 year old invention called hand-writing And these days you don't even need a stylus and a moist clay tablet for it. Talk with people, make notes, use your memory and make a good article from it. That's both the scientific and the journalistic way.

Priority #3: getting a new tablet or laptop occasionally. Have you considered goodwill stores yet? Many of them, particularly in big cities, have really cheap computers. While a tablet or laptop might not immediately be available, you could still ask them to set one aside for you in case they get one. And in the meantime you can save up for it.


And after you set up your website, I recommend you take classes in self-defense. While they won't be of much use against 4 opponents, you'll nevertheless gain more self-confidence. It'll show in your body language and keep people from mugging you again.

You did report the incident to the police, didn't you? If they catch the muggers, you might get your stuff back
Also, keep an eye on ebay and craig's list - stolen property often gets sold there, I hear. A few weeks ago a lady found her own bicycle there that was stolen the previous day.


Now, grab at least a chocolate bar - you need C6H12O6 (aka glucose) - and go to bed!

 

[Captain_Nick]

And talk to someone.

 

[Captain Ice]

I have three words for you since you say you are in Arizona.

Maricopa Workforce Connection.

They will help you with dusting off your resume, make sure you have the tools you need for a job search in the 21st century, and even help you network with other job seekers. They also have grant money available to assist you in getting job skills training.

 

[siskokid888]

Don't know about the strange places west of the Hudson, but here in New York we have the Crime Victims Compensation Board. If you are victim of a crime and lose property or are injured, the state will help you gain some compensation or help with medical costs. Check with your local police department to ascertain if Arizona has a similar program (though with the anti-government fervor of the flyover zone, I would doubt it.)

 

[Tora Ziyal]

^ Good idea, but per the AZ Criminal Justice Commission, they don't cover lost or damaged property. I checked out of curiosity because I've dealt with the issue in Maryland.