Once in a Blue Moon...

Welcome, August, with a full moon... & it will leave us with a second full moon on 31st August. Two full moons in one month make for the rare Blue Moon. 

Some believe full moons leads to the "crazies" coming out of of the woodwork, & today made no exception to that superstition. I discovered I have a neighborhood "crazy" who just happens to know exactly where I live, & has taken a very certain interest in me. So much, in fact, that it caused enough alarm to my neighbors, & then to myself. I could not even walk home from the L alone tonight, Mace & all; I called a neighbor & asked him to walk me home.

This "crazy," or Sid, as he has called himself, has reportedly taken to pacing in front of my house. I saw him for what I thought was the first time yesterday, when my doorbell rang. I went to the window to see who it was, & upon not recognizing the man standing downstairs, I returned to my office. My doorbell continued to ring. I just let it go as I assumed this man was here for someone else in my building. 

I had no idea that my neighbor went downstairs upon seeing & recognizing this person. My neighbor confronted "Sid"; asked him where he lived, if he knew me, etc. My neighbor ended up sending Sid away & telling me about the incident today.

I realized later this evening that I must have first been seen by Sid on Monday when I walked to the pharmacy, the market & back again. There was a man on the corner of 31st & Halsted who attempted to gain my attention both times I walked past, but I paid him no mind. "Miss, excuse me, miss!" he said, & I just ignored him as he was seated on a corner & I was not about to engage in anything with a man seated on the pavement at 31st & Halsted. I assume, if this was Sid, he must have followed me from here & found out where I live. 

Today, my very best friend from NIU visited. He quickly stopped by the neighborhood CVS close to my apartment; & I told him to just, "take the alley," as it is a quick way through to the shop. My friend returned from CVS & asked me if Sid fit the description of a man he saw in the alley... & he described Sid perfectly. I had made no previous mention of Sid's appearance to my friend prior to his sighting. So, I am no longer allowed in my own neighborhood alleys, even in broad daylight.

I am disheartened, but mostly nervous, that there is a Crazy Sid who happens to know where I live, & has a certain interest in me. I shall be extra aware from here on out. I just wish that I could still feel that, "I walk around my neighborhood like I own the place," feeling. Not right now, at least. Especially considering the full moons this month & the purported crazies that come along with it.