Meet the Neighbors
This happened quite a while ago, so it’s backblogging, but it’s really funny, so I have to post it.
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I’ve had a rough couple of days. I don’t know how I can be so tired and have such a foggy brain. Must have something to do with hormones. I’m feeling a lot better today though. I even had the gumption to try something new at lunch. Anyone had quinoa? Um, LURVE it.
So, now that we got that behind us, I should tell you that we’ve had the opportunity to meet both of our neighbors in the past week.
The last couple of days have been cold, but not rainy, so the kids and I have been spending time in the garden. Our neighbor has been out a few times and we’ve been chatting a bit. She’s a lovely older lady and she often brings in our trash bins, so I know she’s looking out for us.
I mentioned our upcoming trip to the U.S. (NEXT TUESDAY! YAY!) and she asked if there was anything that she could do for us while we’re gone. The only thing I could think of was to keep an eye on the house, which I already knew she was doing anyway. We made chit chat for a few more minutes and then she went to mow her lawn, which she shouldn’t have to do.
We also had the opportunity to do a good deed and take a package for our neighbor on the left, who wasn’t home when the post came. These are the neighbors who share our wall and we haven’t had much opportunity to talk to them, so I was looking forward to them stopping in to get the bag.
A few days went by and no one had come, so I just figured they must be out of town or had other things going on. The package just sat on the floor by the door and didn’t bother anyone, and we went about our lives, until this afternoon.
It didn’t surprise me at all to see a random person at our door this afternoon since I knew that someone would be by to get the package eventually. Granted, it could have been a better time since Liam was in his room yelling and crying about being in time out, but whatever…he’s almost four.
The woman at the door was a little younger than I expected Harry’s wife to be, but I figured she was his daughter and thought maybe she lived with him or was visiting from out of town. Needless to say, my greeting was warm and friendly when I opened the door.
I was bending down to pick up the package when she asked me a weird question: “Duh yew ‘ave a bayee-bee?”
I was a little stumped by that one after thinking she was just coming to get the package, right?
Me (completely confused because baby is sleeping): Yeesss….
Woman (you’re on your own for the British accent from now on): I was next door and could hear a baby crying and crying and I just wondered if anyone was home.
Me: Oh no! Is he bothering you? He’s just really mad because I’m making him stay in his room.
Woman: Oh! Um, ok then…as long as you’re home. (she turns to leave)
Me: Did you want your package?
Woman (clearly thinking I’m nuts): What?
Me: Your package. Isn’t this you? (pointing at the name)
Woman: Uh, yeah. Yeah sure. Thanks.
Me: Ok, see you later. Have a good afternoon.
Um…did you get that?
SHE THOUGHT THE FREAKING BABY WAS HOME ALONE!!!
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKK
I almost didn’t hear the door. What if I wouldn’t have answered? Would she have called the cops? It would have been bad if she did because I looked like complete crap because I hadn’t showered or anything. I’m sure they would have hauled me in thinking I’m a total loser.
As I got to thinking about it later, I realized that I’d completely neglected to clarify that the “baby” was asleep and it was my my four year old son who had been driving me bonkers all day long screaming his lungs bloody.
Smart. Very smart, Heidi.
So, when Aaron got home, we agreed that Liam should go over there and ‘pologize. I still hadn’t showered (just a glimpse into how glamorous my life is these days) and I was cooking a pasta dinner for Aaron’s birthday so A offered to take him over there to do the deed.
As the story goes, the neighbors invited them in and they chatted for about 30 minutes. Liam apologized in addition to asking about their refrigerator, for a drink, and if they had any cookies, and the couple was charmed by him.
But, when Aaron got home and I asked about the younger woman he looked at me like I was mad. The woman that L apologized to was older than dirt - clearly not the woman who’d come knocking.
I felt SO bad. Poor Aaron went through all of the explanation to these people who most likely hadn’t heard a damn thing because they’re both nearly DEAF.
I’m sure that they think we are CRAZY PEOPLE. In fact, they’re over there right now talking about the Crazy Americans who live next door. I know they are.
My only hope is that someday they’ll mention just how crazy we are to the person who picked up their package and she’ll figure out that I’m not a child abuser.
And from now on, Liam goes in the bathroom when he’s screaming. There’s one on each floor and they are all on the OPPOSITE side of the house from the shared wall.
I’ll just have to remember to close the windows.
