Fireworks and war

There's a full moon behind those clouds tonight and that explains the fireworks - it is the last day of celebrations for the New Year. The Year of the Rabbit has literally been brought in with a bang, or many, rather. Fireworks are seemingly unregulated here meaning they are loud, big, and EVERYWHERE. The amount of professional-grade fireworks here is frightening. And the little sign at the gate of our complex that says no fireworks, ha! Try and stop them!

I think the guards like them, actually.

I did not realize before just how big these things are, but put them up against an apartment building and wow - truly huge. When some of these suckers expolde, their diameter spans over 10 floors. So tonight I see my neighbors not in the dim city haze of night but in the bright, sparkling, unrelenting glow of fireworks. It's an interesting perspective - colorful, cool, and a very real eye into war. Not to say that I know what war is like. But I have a much greater appreciation now for those who come out of war shell-shocked. If I had to listen to this every night, and day, and night, and feared every pop, I also would go insane. One night is rough. And I'm not in any danger even. I don't know how anyone could come back and NOT be shell-shocked. Maybe if every soldier returning from war was insane we wouldn't fight any more wars.

Right.

But did I mention that they're loud?

Happy Year of the Rabbit!

neighbors

our downstairs neighbors have moved, and all prospective neighbors have come looking during naptime. I feel this is completely unfair to the poor soul who sees the cool place below us. the apartments here aren't bad, with beautiful hardwoods, lots of space and lots of light. but there is little sound-proofing.

all I know is hd doesn't walk anywhere. she stomps.

and that must suck if you live below us.

cause really, how much could area rugs deaden the noise anyway.

and did I mention she has officially entered the constant whining/tantrum phase and never sleeps past 6? and that we have another one who will inevitably be walking around before your new one-year lease expires?

like I said, poor soul.