Creepy Old Men

Sometimes in life, it really is tough being a girl. We have to deal with the worst situations. Recently I signed up for a teacher re-certification class called, African American History in Loudoun County. I have attended a previous Loudoun County History class before, but I was creeped out by this old man who also attended the class. I had a feeling that if I signed up for this class that he might still be there since it is the last class offered in the series. I was right. On the first day of class, he pointed me out and tried talking to me. He even remembered that I was Mormon. Let me start from square one, because I need some advice.



Two years ago I signed up for this field trip-type class, because I thought it would be fun. I wanted to learn more about my local county history and it wouldn't cost me a cent. Unfortunately the experience was ruined by a strange old man. He is best described as six feet tall, gray hair, with big overframed classes. At first glance you might think he was a cute old man, with his frumpy body and walking cane. He even talks with a slight uppity tone. Shucks, you might even feel bad for the man, because he is always wearing a wool sweater from twenty years ago with holes to prove it. Then you might notice that he takes pictures at weird times during the class and they are never of the place we are visiting. He pulls a plastic throw-away camera out of his pocket quickly to once again put it away quickly.



The creepy level only increased as I noticed that he lingered right behind me to ask me a questions when the teacher was done talking. Or that he asks the weirdest questions about my religion, like "I was wondering, do Mormons bury their dead next to their church or can they be buried anywhere?" It became even worse when he followed me and my friend from class as we headed off to get dinner and joined us. Only asking me questions the whole time. I'm telling you he is a creepy man.



I guess I was hoping that he wouldn't remember me from two years ago. Oh no. I wasn't that lucky. He remembered me and my religion. I have always dealt with it, because he is an old man and I could probably kill him or run faster if needed. Last week he brought himself to the ultimate creep level. I have often wondered, what does he do with the weird pictures? I think he sits all day staring at a wall covered in pictures of younger women. Sometimes the pictures are so hurried that he only gets a profile of their face. In fact it might really only be a shot of their hair and a few eyelashes, but he stares at those pictures all day. Coveting, wishing, creepily dreaming about these women. I bet going to this class is the highlight of his week. And now my picture will be up there, because last week he took a picture of me.



As I sat down in the one room schoolhouse, next to a coworker. He sat down on the floor about two feet away (like I said, lingering nearby). All of a sudden when we were both laughing about something he pulled out a camera and I heard a click. I almost freaked out. I was livid. I turned toward my coworker and asked her for confirmation. She could only agree that the creepy old man had taken our picture. If the presentation was not just starting I would have approached him, but I had to wait. My stomach was turning as I let the anger build inside. I do not want to be another picture on the wall.



So after the presentation was through I approached him and said, "Please do not take pictures of me without my permission." He only replied, "No dear, I was not taking a picture of you," which only made me more pissed. He tried to change the subject by confirming that my name was Tracy. I could not be distracted as I repeated once more, "I saw you take the picture and now I ask that you do not take pictures of me. I do not like it and it makes me uncomfortable." He then changed his comment to, "Oh, I was only taking pictures of you because I think you are beautiful." Gross, I think I almost threw up in my mouth. I should also mention that he touched my forearm about three times in this brief conversation. Full creepage ensued.

Last night I talked with the teacher about the old man's creepy behavior. However, I have a feeling that it will not stop. I would like some advice on ways that I can creep him out. Maybe I should fart on him? Pull out my on large camera and start taking pictures of him (although, I think he would probably like it). Maybe I should yell really loud, "STOP LOOKING AT ME YOU FREAK!" I don't know, but I want to be prepared for next weeks class with lots of good creepy tactics of my own so please give me your ideas and advice!

** On a side note, I am still without a computer and have resorted to using the school computer when I am working. Therefore I have no posts...I can't wait to get a new computer!