The key word of this summer is noise. Noise from the neighbor’s chain saw as he removed the old pear trees bordering our properties (sob!); noise from the gut and rebuild taking place around the corner from us (the jackhammers are back for the second week); noise from a neighbor on the other side bulldozing part of his lawn and hauling in loads of gravel so he can park more cars.
And noise from Team Sheltie as they protest the auditory assault that has been relentless for weeks. We could shut our windows, but it’s been a hot summer and we don’t have air conditioning; we rely on air flow to keep things cool. I’m fine with that. Noise doesn’t normally bother me, at least not like it has lately. This summer the noise seems extreme . . . or maybe I’m more sensitive to it. Perhaps it’s a little of both.
Either way, after several weeks of listening to me moan and gripe, Mr. Petrol Head surprised me with a pair of wireless Sennheiser noise-cancelling headphones. They’ve quickly become my new favorite thing. I put them on, pull up some soft background music (orchestral, no lyrics, but not quite meditative or I’d get sleepy), and I start writing.
It’s only been a few days but my focus is sharper and my word count is up considerably. With any luck, the key word of the rest of my summer will be productivity.
Brilliant idea! I wished I’d pursued that strategy when I was visiting my brother last winter in Phoenix. They had the tv on constantly and I was working just around the corner from it. Absolutely exhausting! Onwards to producing more words.
It’s never too late, Jodie. I’d highly recommend a pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones whenever you’re writing in a busy place. Some people thrive on the thrum of activity and ambient noise when they write. I am not one of them! LOL
Thank goodness for technology! Especially the kind that helps us cope.
Enjoy your quietude, Laura.
Thanks Marjorie. You’re right – you’ve gotta love technology!
Jackhammers and bulldozers and chainsaws, oh my. Music is a much better option. Thankfully, we’re getting a break in the weather too. I’m useless in the heat.
The heat is a challenge as well. The noise is at its peak in the morning when it’s cooler (work crews take advantage) and by afternoon when they’re booking off, it’s almost too hot in my office to work! So the headphones are a lifesaver in the morning.