<div class="pull-left">http://38.media.tumblr.com/36cdb50c1c3a17845dc9cb7b9f50465d/tumblr_nhzt7f00TJ1rywf65o1_500.gif
<center><a href="http://rebloggy.com/%2Ashigatsu/search/bestmatch/page/2">Source</a></center>
</div>

It occurred on my way home after work around 9:00 PM. By that time, it's quite dark in Toronto, Canada, the temperature dropped just below 1-degree Celsius, and the poorly lit street lights didn't help much. Exhausted from work, I took my time walking home but relieved to know that my place was just right around the corner. Until...
***
# <center>A black car pulls up and parks ahead in the distance. </center>
<center>https://78.media.tumblr.com/752e21b35b7331cf36671895b762bfd2/tumblr_p0xngkHCi21v6qhdmo1_500.gif</center>
<center>[Source](https://www.tumblr.com/tagged/black+gifs)</center>
***
Now, there's been occasional home invasions and robberies in my area. Once in a while, somebody gets shot/murdered, but rarely. That said, I've always thought my area was a fairly safe area and I still do. So, I didn't expect any threats.
***
My place was just right around the corner pass the car. When I walked closer to the vehicle, which was parked on the side of the road, a guy (we'll call him Guy) stepped out and started looking through his trunk. As I was walked pass, he had mumbled something in my direction. I peered in his direction and asked him to repeat it. 
***
## <center>"Shoot his leg"</center>
At that moment he immediately grabbed my arm and told me to give him all my belongings. I stepped back but he wouldn't let go, so I grabbed his arm and squeezed it until he eventually let go. Then, his friend stepped out of the car. He had a black balaclava on with his hands in the kangaroo pocket of his hoodie.

Balaclava threatened to shoot me if I didn't give him my belongings. I called his bluff.  I exclaimed, "**Fuck that! You're not getting shit!**". Pointing to my right leg, Guy then said, "Shoot his leg". Balaclava pulled out his gun from his kangaroo pocket.
***
<center>http://eloftalmologocurioso.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/community_image_1394372420.gif</center>
<center>[Source](http://eloftalmologocurioso.com/categoria/gifs/)</center>

My immediate thought was, if I get shot in the leg, then I wouldn't be able to work and if I don't work, then I can't pay off my debts. And if I don't pay off my debts, then I'll be in more debt.
***
So I forfeited by belongings, i.e., my phone, wallet, and my backpack. Balaclava took my phone and returned to the car. Guy ravaged through my backpack and realized I had nothing of value so he returned it. As he looked through my wallet hoping to find cash, I was hoping he wouldn't take the lottery ticket I had just bought. I know! The percentage of winning $60 million is close to impossible, but you never know! Anyway, I never carry cash -- only cards. So, Guy returned my wallet. How thoughtful. He jumped in his car, then drove off. 
***
Unfortunately, I couldn't recover much detail from last night mainly because I was too exhausted from work. All I remember from that incident was that they were just kids -- as in high school or a bit older.
***
I went home grumpy and sulky about my now-gone notes and write-ups. Strangely enough, I wasn't frightened or traumatized. I think the fact that all my notes were gone might have overwritten those emotions. If only they were decent enough to at least email me my notes!
***
<div class="pull-left">https://sa1.narvii.com/6617/bc2a5d714432ede9d5258d5313776e094feb4010_00.gif
<center><a href="https://aminoapps.com/c/parappatherapperamino/page/shared_folder/free-to-use-parappa-gifs/qk7V_3Di3pInnZ7Rove1elXoJBaPgvvXgpQ">Source</a></center></div>

On the plus side, they may refer to this incident in one of their rap songs! That's right folks I could be in a rap song one day!

What have you accomplished??
***
# <center>So what did I learn from this experience?</center>
# 1. Backup valuable notes.
<div class="pull-right">https://cdn.dribbble.com/users/737003/screenshots/2032212/cloudtimelapse.gif
<center><a href="https://dribbble.com/shots/2032212-Cloud-Time-lapse">Source</a></center>
</div>

Over the years, I wrote a lot of ideas and concepts on my phone -- screenplays, stories, business plans, marketing strategies, and even more recently a lot of content for Steemit and more miscellaneous notes. The gun threat and having my phone stolen was least of my worries. I was more annoyed that all my written material was gone. AND I have a short-term memory. 

So I realized, moving forward, I should keep a backup of any valuable information, either in the cloud or my laptop (which might be a bad idea, since it's slowly dying now). 

# 2. Self-reflection is necessary.
<div class="pull-right">http://www.tcarts.in/dept/logo/psy.gif
<center><a href="http://www.tcarts.in/dept/index.php">Source</a></center>
</div>

I was reminded that I'm essentially working to pay off my debts. I'm aware a lot of people are in that situation -- grinding at some miscellaneous job to pay off debts. However, for me, I thought that perhaps I need to re-evaluate my priorities, because if my initial thought when having a gun pulled on me paying off my debts, then self-reflection is necessary.

# 3. Lock your devices.
<div class="pull-right">https://media.giphy.com/media/ABfNx2KM7dB7O/giphy.gif
<center><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/locker-combination-lock-ABfNx2KM7dB7O">Source</a></center></div>

I've never pattern/password locked my phone until two years ago. So I'm glad I did. Especially now because of cryptocurrency. If you haven't done so, I highly recommend it, especially if you used your phone for ANYTHING related to cryptocurrency.

***
In retrospect, I was fortunate to not have started a physical retaliation when Guy first grabbed my arm. I didn't even consider another person in the car. For all I know, there could've been more kids in the car and the outcome could have been worse.
***
**I'm sure there are people on Steemit who've experienced similar situations where you had no control due to a gun threat. Ain't that a bitch?**

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sYUthjyTb8
<center>Johnny "Guitar" Watson - [Ain't That A Bitch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sYUthjyTb8)</center>