4th of July grumbles
Hope y'all had a festive 4th of July weekend. 'merca. I didn't do anything fantastic but survived the war zone that our block became over the weekend. Firecrackers going off until 4am - good times. Some fireworks even made it into the front pond. I'm sure the angels down the block had nothing to do with it. Naturally, they haven't cleaned up all of the leftover fireworks either and the 'hood looks like a dump. It's a party every day here in Neverland, and no one ever, ever has to do anything that resembles work. And it is strange how in such tough economic times, people have enough money for hours and hours' worth of pyrotechnic entertainment.
And then we have some new hipster hillbillies across the street who have frat-style yard parties throughout the night. "DOOOD! THROW ME ANOTHER NATTY-BO!" But at least when they're home their 23 dogs aren't barking. When they're gone their dogs get separation anxiety and bark at everything that walks by all day. I can't wait to get outta this dump by September, do or die.
I kind of like watching the cheesy, 4th of July family-friendly entertainment on the Mall coverage aired on PBS, usually hosted by the cheesetastic Jimmy Smits. This year they featured the odd combination of Natasha Beddingfield and the Sesame Street Muppets. Although from the looks of the crowd, it might not have been all that crowded down there. I shoulda left the madness of the 'hood to see the fireworks down there for a change.
Especially considering the freakishly nice July weather we've been having...dry and in the 80s during the day, and often down into the 60s at night. Usually we are punished in July with our typical swampy humidity. I should probably stop marveling as not to draw attention from the spiteful spirits of humidity and heat.
Clearly I need to get out of DC. Fortunately, next week I head home to Wisconsin for my 20th class reunion, held at the town's American Legion hall. Git 'er done. I'll take pictures.
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Please tell me the neighbors are not leaving their dogs outside all day.
I think its interesting the resurgance in popularity Natty-Boh has gotten recently. I remember growing up and even up until 10 years ago it was not well known outside of Baltimore and Maryland, and then only poor college students and the "working class" drank it. It is an acquired taste. I know I like it :-)
My theory with the resurgence in popularity is that its cheap to buy.
What you missed Aretha performing on the Mall in fur? Unbelievable.
I thought of this post later in the day.
I went from the house I'm renting to the house I'm buying to meet a fence builder there. When I moved onto this block (five years ago OMG) I really loved it. It's been downhill since then: the thug neighbors parking on their lawn, the crazy chick with the amazingly loud stereo, etc. So I got to the new house early, and looked around at this picture perfect block, introduced myself to one of my new neighbors (who was out front with his wonderful dog), and just observed how tranquil and lovely everything was. Just a great little patch of old bungalows and mature trees in the heart of the city.
Then, after making arrangement for some new fencing after I close on the house, I went home, saw the cars on lawns, the ratty chair sitting on the corner waiting for someone to take it away, etc., and thought, "I can't wait to move."
What's weird is that my block is not typical of the neighborhood as a whole (which is very pleasant)... I think it's more a factor of bad luck with some neighbors. And it's not like Houston has been experiencing big crime increases or anything like that. But I do notice more cars that go BOOM with the subwoofers, more broken glass and trash on the main street near the old house, more people who just seem to view the neighborhood as a place to throw trash out a car window... and there's just none of it at the new house, a mile away.
Find yourself somewhere that makes you feel happy as you head for home each day. It will make you feel so much better about life.
I agree with John. "Find yourself somewhere that makes you feel happy as you head for home each day. It will make you feel so much better about life" even if it means higher taxes, longer commutes, etc.
Keep in mind, too, your exit strategy (whether it's your retirement investments or your home.) Ask yourself seriously when it will be time to leave. Chuck and I have had great neighbors for 15 years and feel that 5 to 10 years more is a reasonable time to live in our current home. We'll re-evaluate in 2015 and 2020 to see if we're still happy.
I'm so bummed--I'm going to be in NYC when you're in WI. I'm excited about the trip (to a web usability and IA conference), but I really wanted meet up with you in good old Holmen. Next time!