Stupid Neighbors
Noisy neighbors are the worst...until it's you!
People often complain about noisy neighbors. Whether it’s squeaky floorboards, slamming doors, domestic disputes, incessant barking or whining, an overly loud TV, or a crying baby, neighbors can be the kiss of death for a good night’s sleep or just simple relaxation.
What if I am that neighbor?
It suddenly hit me today that I am that neighbor. Since moving overseas, we have parted with our incessantly barking Boxer (we were told Boxers did not bark. Ha.) and, thank the Lord, we are not yellers (there are more civil ways to fight and get in the last word), but other than those two examples, we are guilty of all the rest. We didn’t used to be. We were the picture of model neighbors, even going so far as to collect mail and trim a few extra bushes. Then, about 5 years in, we had a baby. And just when she started to settle down, we had another…who still hasn’t fully settled down. I’m not sure I knew just how loud babies and toddlers could be. They don’t even try to be loud, they just are. As infants, they cry for no reason at all (well, they would disagree- they think they have every reason in the world), as older babies, they learn the beauty of music with a pots and pans, and as toddlers, they embrace their new-found freedom of slamming opening and closing doors and jumping off furniture.
And, so I find that I am that dreaded neighbor- the one you don’t want. I think I forget until we have guests. You see, my mom flew in yesterday from the States to spend 3 weeks hanging with us and the kids. I was explaining how most of our neighbors don’t even make eye contact and how they “hate us,” I jokingly quipped. I really was kidding- who could not like us? 
So, this morning, as my jet-lagged mom was dragging out at 8am, she commented she knows why our neighbors hate us: our son screaming at 5:30am. Yea…that might be it.
So, I should say we live in a flat, which is a glorified way of saying apartment. So, we share walls on both sides. Honestly, I don’t feel bad at all for one set of neighbors- they may be old enough to be my parents, but one works nights (therefore is gone for middle of the night and early morning cries) and her partner parties at all hours to the tune of Johnny Cash (yes, even in Scotland, Johnny has a home). But, the other neighbors, I do feel bad for- they have done nothing to deserve this. Neither have any of the poor souls who have flown overseas next to us, for that matter.
Taking a collection for my neighbors
And, so, I am taking up a collection for our neighbors (and others in need). Since I drown them out with white noise, I would like to return the favor. For my neighbors, a good white noise generator with lots of options so they can tune us out in diverse and therapeutic ways, dependent upon their moods. For fellow travel mates on a plane, some ear plugs- not the best acoustic solution, but they will work in a pinch. And, lastly, for my mom, a portable travel sound machine that aides in recovering from jet lag.
….because an unheard neighbor is a good neighbor.
