I've discovered this Overeaters Anonymous meeting that i love love love. Last time i opened the venue and set up the room nicely, put out a carafe i discovered in the kitchen filled with cold water and nifty mugs and everyone liked it. This week i'd like to do something even more special.

The tabletops bother me as they are that dreadful textured plastic (utility tables) that cannot be wiped clean (i tried). I would like to dress the table specially with a giant black cloth and top it with an achingly beautiful lustrous white moiré table cloth and strew it with some faux yellow roses (the flower of friendship) and put out the water and cups again. I'd also like to play a beautiful instrumental piano piece by one of the members' son to greet people as they arrive. It's Thanksgiving and i would like to have a little celebration as it will be my only activity that day as i don't have any family except for my dog.

The only think is, if i arrive early to do the preparation i will be in the building alone. It's a stand-alone building, a museum. The doors are locked until i open them 15 minutes prior to the meeting at 10:00am. It's in a suburban area and seems peaceful but the building *will* be deserted except for me. I have pepper spray. It will just take about 15 minutes to do the preparation. I had no trouble last week and i was there even earlier. It was very peaceful and i enjoyed the quiet of the venue and setting up the room for maximum comfort, spacing the tables and chairs properly and fussing. I love to fuss! It's in the morning, a Monday. There are windows but only at the top of the walls. I have a cell phone and there is a landline in the room.

Just wondering if you think it's a security risk to arrive early and be in a deserted building alone for 15 minutes or If it's just a minor risk worth taking for the pleasure of making the meeting extra special and cheering up a difficult day for those of us suffering with food issues.

Doing much better overall. Healing more and more each day from my big upset. Still a ways to go yet. Spending a lot of time alone, resting on the sofa under a fluffy comforter with my dog. Was able to listen to music today but still can't watch TV or read or knit or journal regularly.

Got a lot done this week despite feeling so punk: blood test, prescription refill, bought essential Fall and Winter clothes, got the pepper spray, got a sturdy barrier put on my door, had my flaky toilet assessed by a plumber, scheduled a replacement toilet, got wished well in my recovery by several neighbors as i was wearing a medical mask to discourage them from trying to chat, tore down all my artwork so it's not so obvious i'm an artist, cleared out my entrance hallway so there is nothing to see when i open the door for delivery people, slept well several nights, etc.

Haven't been able to check in on my other thread, apologies if anyone posted, but have been trying to stay off the computer, tho i am allowing myself this thread and will check for responses.

Thanks!

[Victoria'smom]

Can you take someone with you? Or at least talk on the phone with someone?

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

Can you take someone with you? Or at least talk on the phone with someone?

Thanks MM! I'll try and think of someone to bring. I need both hands free so i don't think i can talk on the phone. I might be able to get one lady to arrive early with me. Last week she sat outside in her car making phone calls prior to the doors being unlocked so she might be happy to arrive early with me and get inside before to ease her anxiety. Great idea!

[bpcyclist]

What is the crime rate in the neighborhood in which you will be doing this?

[fern46]

Since you can unlock the door, can you just lock it back after you go in and then unlock it again when it is time for the meeting to start?

I think your plan sounds lovely. I hope it works out for you.

Originally Posted by fern46

Since you can unlock the door, can you just lock it back after you go in and then unlock it again when it is time for the meeting to start?

I think your plan sounds lovely. I hope it works out for you.

Thanks Fern! I'm excited about my plan too! I open the door with a FOB so there's no way anyone unauthorized can get in the building. I unlock the doors just ten minutes prior to the meeting. So i think it's pretty safe. An attacker would have to be staff and have their own FOB and know that i'm in the building or have been waiting in the building all night. In the light of day this morning i am pretty sure it is safe. It's just after sunset that i start getting all nervous about things. My mum was the same way so i come by it honestly!

Thanks for your input! I'll let you know how it goes. I feel like i might have made a good theater set designer, ya know?

Pretty much zero ACTUAL risk, nice payoff. Go for it.

I am curious about your having taken down your art so no one will know you ae an artist. What is wrong with them knowing that? Do you have paranoia ramping up, or is this a pretty typical level for you?