The Sounds of Life

As I was trying to decide which studio I could be happy in, I struggled with separating my likes, dislikes, and needs from the likes, dislikes and preferences I advocated for within our marriage.  One of the biggest questions related to noise.  Most of the studio apartments were external facing - some right up against train tracks, some facing a brewery and the interstate, and some on a corner likely to get noise from both.  And then there was the question of how much noise I could tolerate from having people above me.

As a couple, we had always tried to avoid noise.  We looked for top floor units that faced quiet interior courtyards.  My ex hated noise.  He would complain about it all.  And as the marriage ended, I learned he was upset I didn't validate those complaints more.

So my question was, "Do I have an aversion to noise as well or do I have an aversion to listening to complaining about the noise?"

Well, I took a leap of faith.  The timing was right on a mid-floor unit that faced the brewery, interstate, and railroad tracks.  And it was the cheapest priced studio so could allow me to have more wiggle room in my budget.  And that is the unit I chose.

I've now been in this unit for two months and it was a leap of faith worth taking.  I regularly leave my patio doors open so that I can not only enjoy the breeze but also listen to the life happening at the brewery next door - the laughter, conversations, music, trivia, children playing, etc.  It also means I get to enjoy the rhythmic sound of the frequent trains that pass by the tracks just steps away from my building.  There's also an added bonus of a Carolina Wren that often sings before sunrise and after sunset right out my window.  

I can close the door and close out most of the sound if I need to (sound proofing is quite good in this building), but I'm often choosing not to do that.  

I really like the sounds of life.  I think it makes me feel a little less alone.