Last month we learned so much and grew so much in our skills. Also, Sharon got me started on the NRA Pistol Shooter's Course. My DH and I finished that together, timing each other and helping each other. If you get along well and aren't critical of each other, and build each other up, then the NRA course together is a hoot! Of course, the two of us are like a couple of little kids in a candy store, when we're "doing" shooting, anyway. Making little holes in paper is too much fun!!! So, given that info, I decided to do a mass mail out for all my girlfriends and their husbands, as I don't want them to have the kind of trouble that got me into all of this. I'd love to see them avoid the trauma.
So, here is the e-mail that I sent out today to my entire list:
"Hi, I'm sending this out to my entire list in the Houston area. If you're a guy and getting this, obviously it's for your wife or girlfriend ... not both!
Please, send it on.As I was confronted by the pervert in the Ladies' Room of the Dollar Cinema, I realized that the cell phone that I carried to protect myself by calling 9-1-1 was virtually useless. Can you imagine me telling a man that couldn't speak a word of English, who had rape on his mind, "Hold that thought while I dial 9-1-1 and call the Police for help, and if you don't mind, Sir, wait until they arrive to arrest you, before you attack me, por favor!" I'd have been better off throwing the dang thing at him and hoping that I could run past him to the door, while he ducked! That was when I realized that I had to take control of my own safety and defense, because the Police cannot protect me and are there only to take the report AFTER the rape. That's when my husband bought me a gun. However, that was only the start. Carrying it safely and legally for defense is a responsibility that not all are willing or able to take on. How do you know? How can you defend yourself, while not hurting yourself and/or others that you don't intend to hurt? Which gun is right for you? Where can you carry, and where is it illegal to carry? All of these questions and many more were answered for me in my CHL class and at the PSC Women's Program. Plus, I gained much needed support, skill, and confidence in my own ability to defend myself, if the need ever again arises. More importantly, I learned when NOT to pull a gun and when not to shoot. I also learned that the very fact that a woman has a gun and is prepared to use it to defend herself can be as much a deterrent to an attack as she needs. In addition, the CHL class taught me valuable skills in de-escalating a dangerous situation, so that no one has to get hurt. I highly recommend these classes.
Considering the recent rape of a woman at a gas station on FM 270 and FM 518, I thought that you all might like some info on how to get self-defense training in a non-threatening, fun setting. Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHL's) are tabulated by the Texas DPS according to Zip Code. Last year Zip Code 77573 (League City) was issued 414 CHL's, more than any other Zip Code in Texas. The year before, we were issued 298. The largest number of CHL's in the State went to 61 year olds. The next largest to 60 year olds. With the majority of CHL's going to ages between 55 and 65, statewide. Those statistics should be telling us something about how safe we feel in League City and how safe elderly folks feel in Texas. Elderly women are most often the victims of violent crime from strangers, yet more CHL's go to men. Women are the least likely to report violent crimes against them, yet more women are attending self-defense classes in record numbers, according to reports from CHL instructors and women's defense class instructors.
Here is where I go for self-defense classes, and I invite you to join me. It's for women only, taught by women. A friendly, fun, safe environment, where you can ask any question you like and be taken seriously. See you Saturday, 2/2 at 0845!!
PSC SHOOTING CENTER
A program for women interested in personal defense and more.
Taught by women, in a safe nonthreatening environment.
Aimed at all levels of shooters from novice to advanced.
The program includes instruction in safe gun handling and shooting skills.
WHERE
Range 2A
WHEN
8:45 AM to NOON - 1st Saturday of each month - 2008
Jan-5 Feb-2 Mar-1 Apr-5 May-3 Jun-7
Jul-5 Aug-2 Sep-6 Oct-4 Nov-1 Dec-6
COST
$10 for PSC members
$15 for non-PSC members
EQUIPMENT
Bring your own handgun, ammo (no reloads), belt, holster, and hearing and eye protection.
A sturdy belt is manditory.
or
PSC will provide equipment for you: (.22 Ruger, ammo, hearing and eye protection).
Instructors will have a collection of loaner holsters available.
CREATURE COMFORTS
Soft drink machine, water fountain, clean restrooms, and shade on range 2A.
SPREAD THE WORD! WE GUARANTEE A GOOD TIME!
FOR MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO PSC or FOR MORE INFORMATION:
http://WWW.PSC-RANGE.COM
RSVP
sharon@psc-range.com
I really hope this helps.