A good reality check...

[Fresno First]

So tonight I made a run to the neighborhood store to get some smokes and had an uncomfortable situation.

Here's the low down...I live in the 'preferred' area of town with low crime and rarely any violent incidents. The neighborhood Shell station is less than 5 minutes from my house and I usually make an early evening (7p-8p) 'smokes run'.

I like to think of myself as a person that is aware of their surroundings and tonight was no different. When pulling into the parking lot I noticed a guy standing about 30 yards from the entrance of the Shell but gave him no thought. He looked to be no more than 27 years old and it's a common place for teens and twenty something's to loiter in the area. I am an avid listener of talk radio and sometimes get caught up in the topic even after a few minutes of listening. The subject tonigh caught my ear and wanted to hear the final comments before the commercial break when I pulled into the parking lot. So I parked and listened to the remaining segment of the radio program (3-4 minutes) then shut off my car. When I opened my door I noticed he was about 10 yards closer to the entrance from when I first saw him but he still didn't raise a flag. As soon as I got out of my car he yelled at my "hey man, do you burn?", I replied with a quick "no" (flag went up).

So I continued into the store to get my smokes and noticed he walked in front of the door a couple of times then came in. When I asked the cashier for the cigarettes he got in line behind me but it was a little too close for comfort (about 18" away). I immediately went in to level yellow, changed my stance and my hand went directly by my pocket. I had at least 40 lbs. on him but his actions didn't make me comfortable. When the the cashier placed the cigarettes on the counter the guy said "that's a good choice", I acknowledged his comment with a nod, paid and left.

Although nothing happened and probably would not have, this experience reminded me not to be complaisant even in your own neighborhood.

Just wanted to pass this on for what its worth.

[THE Gimper]

Originally Posted by Fresno First

this experience reminded me not to be complaisant even in your own neighborhood.

Just wanted to pass this on for what its worth.

You're absolutely right. Situational awareness, so that you avoid trouble in the first place if possible, is at least as important (if not more so) than being prepared for trouble when it comes.

[crash5150]

Some people are just wierd.. but then again.. those are the ones that'll snap and do something when they thing they have the advantage. I've had similar situations a few times. I hate that nervous feeling inside.

[sealbeach]

I think he was offering to sell you some dope...

[woody]

Just curious on what "area" of town you were in.

[Keith(CA)]

I've never heard that term, "do you burn," before. What does it mean?

[Karatediver]

Do you burn rubber?
Do you burn draft cards?
Do you burn bras?
Do you burn your fireplace on the valley's no burn days?
Do you burn AG waste without a permit?

[Tom98915]

Originally Posted by Keith(CA)

I've never heard that term, "do you burn," before. What does it mean?

DUH... as in do you partake smoking reefer?

[Sigman]

I burn. My Audi does 4 wheel burn outs.

[Fresno First]

Originally Posted by woody

Just curious on what "area" of town you were in.

Maple & Behymer

[Fresno First]

Originally Posted by Keith(CA)

I've never heard that term, "do you burn," before. What does it mean?

He was looking to buy/sell weed.

[sealbeach]

Originally Posted by Keith(CA)

I've never heard that term, "do you burn," before. What does it mean?

Your Google foo is weak grasshopper...

The Online Slang Dictionary | Definition of burn

[sealbeach]

Humor aside, the important lesson here is that even though the situation was bizarre or strange to you, it was not LIFE THREATENING.

[Fresno First]

Originally Posted by sealbeach

Humor aside, the important lesson here is that even though the situation was bizarre or strange to you, it was not LIFE THREATENING.

Agreed!

[RECON]

Reminds me of a time I used to live up in the hills, lots of nice older folks and the tweeker bunch. My wife and I were kinda out of place, late 20's early 30's and no dope growing in our yard, or meth lab, or on SSI. One night I drove to the local 500 sq. ft. market to get some beer. It was dark, and not very well lit. I come out of the store jump in my truck and start to put the key in the ignition when I notice someone sitting in the passengers seat. I don't know why it didn't freak me out to much. I looked and him (all I could see was a silhouette) and said "what the F**k are you doing". He says "ah your not the guy I came here with", I say "no sh*t" he promptly left the truck. At the time it didn't bother me at all, just some drunk tweeker dude. I think nowadays it would have a different effect on me. Would scare the hell out of me. (I think having kids doe's that).