Pax -- so sorry about the loss of your friend. Sensless and tragic.

Dear upstairs neighbors,

Are you running a day care up there? I honestly thought that since your kids were grown, we wouldn't have herds of little elephants running across the floor above us and screaming quite so often. It's great that you've made so many new friends while you spend your winter holidays here, but how I yearn for some peace and quiet! Glad we're getting away for five days tomorrow. I need it badly before I say something I live to regret.

Dear self,

Never again buy or rent any place underneath anyone else!