[NWPilgrim]

jmarshall, you did good! Adreniline dump is normal and you did well handling it. Now you have more experience and will be less suprised by it next time. If you were unfamiliar with that physiological response, then you did SUPERBLY to act so deliberately.

Better locks, cell phone and land line phone (when you really need something NOW, then have a backup) at bedside, maybe an alarm system. For a small place you would not need an extensive alarm system, just a door or motion sensor and an audible alarm. You can get various door reinforcers besides locks (chains, bars, etc.) but the first thing is a better quality lock and deadbolt.

You protected yourself and your girfriend in an effective and legal manner. Enjoy being a man, and celebrate with your girfriend. When you settle down a bit think through how you can improve your advantage next time. I guarantee the next time the shakes won't be as much an issue.

Being a man isn't about whether you get scared or the shakes or anything else. It is whether you act when you need to, in spite of those things. You did.