Dear So and So

[emily_in_nc]

Oh man, that really stinks, Blueberry!

I absolutely hate having to hear other people's noise, smell their smoke, or whatever it might be that infringes on my peaceful home space, so this would drive me crazy.

We've rented and/or lived in enough multi-unit buildings since selling our house (on 11 wooded acres, where we had no idea how spoiled we were) that we're finally realizing that we do not want to share walls with anyone. We thought we chose really wisely in our current space, as it's a top-floor apartment in a small building where we are the only unit on the floor, so we don't share any walls, only our floor with the unit below us. But still, we can hear doors slamming, furniture moving, cabinets slamming, smell smoke coming up under our door from the stairwell, etc. Most people are just not conscientious! We try really hard not to slam doors, keep the TV turned down, etc., but others just don't seem to realize or care.

Anyway, I am sorry. I would be so stressed out -- sounds like you're getting to that point as well.

[Blueberry]

Anyway, I am sorry. I would be so stressed out -- sounds like you're getting to that point as well.

Thank you :-) Glad to know I'm not the only one.

The last of the 4 exams in 16 days is tomorrow - really hoping my sense of humor comes back when it's over. :-) We'll be back to every -other- week exams - which I find much more manageable. We have some nice weather coming up - looking forward to getting back out on my bike soon!

[ny biker]

Oh you are definitely not alone. There are many things to like about my condo but two things that I cannot fix persist in making me unhappy -- food odors from downstairs and next door and the fact that I hear every single footstep from upstairs. And don't get me started on the toilet seat slamming upstairs. EVERY SINGLE TIME. Sometimes twice in less than a minute. I can hear it from every corner of my house. Is she angry at the toilet seat? Punishing it for bad behavior?

Anyway, recently I was trying to read in my living room when the neighbors came home and started slamming stuff. I went and got my white noise machine from the bedroom and turned it on, and that helped. The other thing that might help is earplugs.

Good luck!!

[Crankin]

Sorry, Blueberry. That neighbor sounds crazy.
We are the middle unit of 3 in our new condo. It was built when they put in special sound proofing walls between the units. I have been told this is not done anymore. But, I think it wouldn't matter. I think I am going to be living in a morgue when I move. I've spent several hours there, and it's like no one is there, in any of the homes. No cars going in and out, and you don't see anyone very often. I met one of the neighbors, but the other ones, a couple, seem to never leave the house, or be gone when we are there. It's kind of depressing. I mean, I don't want noise and issues, but after deciding not to live in an age restricted community, I've ended up in one, as there appear to be no younger people. It's a small community, of 15 homes, on its own street.
I guess young people who want to move to Concord don't want to live there, although, it's very affordable, compared to most of the homes and even other townhouses.

I could never live in a huge condo complex, though. My parents lived in a typical huge, 70s style condo in San Diego. There was one self appointed older guy who walked up and down the parking lot looking for cars that were in violation of the guest parking spaces. It drove me crazy when we visited, as I didn't want this guy looking in my car. So, one day, I left a little note on my dashboard, that said "If you are reading this, you are an azzhole." Probably very immature (I was about 30), but the guy also harrassed me when I was at the pool with my baby, and he didn't recognize me. Of course, I had the properly displayed guest pass and he went to the condo office to complain. They called my parents! My dad was diplomatic, but said he had had enough of the harrassment of this guy. I never forgot this.

[emily_in_nc]

NY Biker, did you ever find any solutions for the food odor issue? I remember your posting about it here and many of us trying to help with possible solutions. Hope you found something to help.

Crankin, your new condo sounds like the DH and my ideal! We would love to live in a very quiet spot with unobtrusive neighbors. Sounds like pretty much the opposite of where we live now. If you want lots of people around (most way younger than yourself) and tons of social opportunities, just come to Playa del Carmen!