I’m on my patio, wearing earplugs.

And my neighbor’s music is playing so loud; I can still hear it, even with the earplugs.

I finally got off work and was looking forward to some quiet time on the patio. I gathered my books, got something to drink, and stepped outside into the sunlight. Only to hear perpetual thumping from the neighbor’s second-floor bedroom window, which overlooks our backyard.

It was so loud that Shazam picked it up and promptly told me it was Ivy by Frank Ocean.

I’m on my patio, wearing earplugs. My neighbor’s music is playing so loud; I can still hear it. It was so loud that Shazam picked it up and promptly told me it was Ivy by Frank Ocean. I am amazed by how annoying music can be when it is not my music.

Surprisingly, this song wasn’t what I consider an annoyingly loud, drum-heavy song. It was actually quite melodic. But not with the bass and treble lines thumping at full volume.

I was amazed by how annoying music can be when it is not my music.

It is not much fun when you don’t get to pick the music. You are just subjected to listening to it.

They finally closed the window, and—guess what—even with the window closed and wearing earplugs, I could still hear it!

Argggghhhh! (with additional sputters of frustration and annoyance)

It is not like I have an overly quiet patio. I’m well aware that we have six backyards joined together for six different houses. The house directly behind the patio is only four yards from our shared fence. The only way we could be any closer was if we lived in the same house.

It seems impossible to find any peace and quiet outside.

Right now, besides the music, someone is hammering a piece of wood. Our neighbor’s dog is panting and running back and forth, jiggling his metal tags with each step. Cars are driving by at 40 mph past our quaint suburban neighborhood on the street only about 15 yards south of where I am sitting.

Here comes a car with a subwoofer and a strong, steady beat. Maybe it will drown out Frank.

And it is gone.

So I knew that my patio would not be silent by any means. Just the proximity of our neighbors makes that a bit impossible. But I had hoped for a little respite from the day’s stress. A chance to unwind. Bask in some sunlight.

Whose idea is it to pack so many people in such a small space?

Probably developers. To get the most money for the land purchased. Twelve homes equate to more money and a higher chance of a sale than six homes on the same block at a higher price.

That is also why we have a shared driveway. We don’t get our own driveway to park our cars in. Nope, we share one with six other homes. We are not allowed to park in it. The only two options are parking in the garage or on the street.

But that is why these homes are more affordable than most. Most of us are willing to put up with a lot for a bargain.

Although, for the sake of neighborhood sanity and goodwill, I wish we were just a few more yards apart or, at the very least, had more trees for privacy. Because as I sit here trying to write, I realize no less than 26 windows are facing my direction.

Noise and no privacy.

Standards for the modern, almost affordable neighborhood.

Vent over. I will now return you to your regularly scheduled, hopefully, quiet life.