Nosy Parker
Dec 3rd 2008
Julia LondonOn Writing!
When I was a kid, there was a period of time we lived in town while they did something out at the ranch, who knows what, and the woman across the street used to take our her binoculars and look our way. I knew this because my mom would stand at the window looking her way and say, “Hey, she’s spying on us!”
I don’t have binoculars, but God knows I’ve wanted some. I have discovered I am a very nosy person. I look around at stop lights to see what people in their cars are doing. One day, I saw a man in a car next to me who was sobbing. How heartbreaking is that?
My office is in the front of the house, so I have a full view of who gets UPS or Fed Ex deliveries, how often, and how big. I see when they get new furniture. I see what they throw out in the trash. I pay attention.
It’s not just my neighborhood, either. I never miss Dear Abby or Dear Carolyn in the paper. That’s like looking in someone’s window to read about the dysfunction in their lives without fear of getting caught. A freebie, if you will. I get really irritated when Jack London comes home from work with a juicy tidbit about a co-worker, but doesn’t ask the pertinent questions or investigate as he ought.
I think that is why I like to read. That’s really peering into other people’s lives, isn’t it? Who cares if they are made up people? It still satisfies that curiosity in me to see what they do and what they are thinking.
Now lest you fear if you were ever with me for an any length of time that I might go through your purse, never fear. I have personal boundaries and a few ethics. I nose around strangers, not friends, because that would be crass and rude.
How nosy are you? Do you know what your neighbor is up to? Do you have a nosy neighbor that keeps tabs on you?
62 Comments »
Love Sac Fan on 03 Dec 2008 at 1:30 am #
I think that is why I like to read. That’s really peering into other people’s lives, isn’t it? Who cares if they are made up people? It still satisfies that curiosity in me to see what they do and what they are thinking.
Janae on 03 Dec 2008 at 2:02 am #
After growing up in a small town where everyone knew everyone and their business, I like the anonymity that LA offers. OTOH, I wish I knew my neighbors better. I’ve kind of given up on befriending our Asian neighbors, who really, really keep to themselves. I do wonder what on earth they’re doing, and how they manage to not be seen by us ever. Someone has to be going out for food. I’d like to ask Mr. J if smoking in the garage is really smart; or if he’s ever smiled before. But I respect their privacy. While I might be curious, I’m not going to go out of my way to find out what’s going on in their lives.
Love Sac Fan on 03 Dec 2008 at 3:24 am #
Ouch !!!! I wish I knew my neighbors better. I’ve kind of given up on befriending our Asian neighbors, who really, really keep to themselves. I do wonder what on earth they’re doing, and how they manage to not be seen by us ever. Someone has to be going out for food.
Judy F on 03 Dec 2008 at 5:40 am #
I love sitting in my chair in the living room and watching what all is going on on my street. But I am not very nosy. The house across the street has been empty for months, have no idea what happened to the people that lived there. My upstairs neighbors had an eviction notice on the front door. Dont know why. I guess I am pretty private and don’t ask many questions.
I guess reading is a safe way for me to try to be nosy.
Sherri Erwin on 03 Dec 2008 at 7:48 am #
I am you, Julia London! I’m sooo nosy. From my kitchen window, I can see across the street into my neighbor’s tv room and I regularly check to try and catch them watching porn. Five years now, no porn. You think I might give it up. But I am delighted when I find them watching the same show I’m watching. I can follow the program action while doing the dishes. Bonus!
jessie on 03 Dec 2008 at 7:48 am #
Oh my gosh, Julia, get out of my head! I totally could have written the Dear Abby, Jack London, and reading parts of this post. I never miss the advice columns. My ex-boyfriend, who goes to school with all of our friends, doesn’t care about all of the juicy gossip. I tried to train him how to ask the right questions anyway, but he’s never learned. And sometimes when I try to explain why I read romance novels (not justify, because I shouldn’t have to justify, just illuminate my reasons for the curious and sometimes insulting), I always mention how nosy I am and how romance novels are like a window into someone’s most personal life.
Karen Hawkins on 03 Dec 2008 at 7:56 am #
Oh, Julia, we are indeed sisters lost at birth!
I looooove to know what my neighbors are doing! Best of all, though, is overhearing conversations at restaurants. My guy is an investigator and he has a natural curiosity encouraged by his job to be nosy and while we’re out on a date, we’ll often pause in our conversation and listen to the couple/people at the table next to us and just listen … sometimes for a long, long time. I tell him it means he has a writer’s soul.
As for Dear Abby, I could SO do that column! I had a good time writing the Dear Bob column for my last book, in fact. TOOO much fun!
Kim on 03 Dec 2008 at 7:59 am #
hmm, I’m sort of nosy but not about my neighbors. I don’t want to know what they are doing AT ALL. All my curtains stay tightly closed the the deadbolt and chain are on 24/7. The house next to us has been empty for about a year and I’m estatic. The last time someone was there he was a squater and tried to commit suicide on the front steps. It was horrible. One other time I looked out my kitchen window as I was doing dishes to see the neighbor smoking weed with his toddler on his lap. So, seriously, I do NOT want to know what my neighbors are doing.
Now when my DH comes home and tells me some story, I have questions and he’s always forgotten to ask about the details. Men! You just can’t trust them to get the full story.
To go along with other people reading to fulfill their nosy-quota, I love to watch those reality shows that follow people around. Keeping up With the Kardashians, Tori and Dean. LOL
cail on 03 Dec 2008 at 8:07 am #
welcome LSF!
I’m extremely nosy. Facebook has made being nosy extremely acceptable. It’s truly a wonderful invention. Heck, I even get all my gossip fed to me in a very nice column on my home page!
As far as neighbors go, mine aren’t very nosy, but are friendly.
Freedom Writer on 03 Dec 2008 at 8:24 am #
I have just one word for you “Google”. I prefer to be a little more anonymously nosy. I have known most of my neighbors since I was a child and remember most of their homes being built in our neighborhood. (I bought the house I grew up in from my mother) But I love the internet. I look at the obits everyday. It is a great source of interesting names, and I sometimes find out that someone I know has died or had a loved one pass. Recently in the obits I saw that two young men I knew during my childhood and young adult years had parents pass away. And, yes I looked both men up on the internet after I read the obits. Just the other day I found a couple of interesting tidbits about one of DH’s professors online.
KarenH–I too like to listen to others’ conversations in restaurants and public places. People talking on the cell phone are the best. They talk very loud as if no one else is around. Of course, I do have to make up the other end of the conversation.
SuzyQ on 03 Dec 2008 at 8:48 am #
For the most part, I really don’t pay attention to what my neighbors do and part of that is probably because I work all day. But there are times when you just can’t help being nosy. Like when the neighbors are having a fight at 12:30 at night. In the middle of the street. In the pouring rain.
Kari on 03 Dec 2008 at 8:48 am #
I’m not nosy. I really don’t care what my neighbors are doing. BUT I alwasy have a fear that one is spying on me through our bedroom window. I don’t know why either. I got so bad that I ended up putting curtains over the blinds. One day I will get over it or else put a sign in the window asking no one if they like the view.
KarenH- We always seem to sit by the older generation of people at restaurants. It’s either kindney talk, doctor talk, or grandkid talk. I must be hitting the wrong restaurants.
PS. The neighbors across the street are getting new sod today. The truck just pullled up.
elsiehogarth on 03 Dec 2008 at 8:51 am #
I am very lucky to live on the street I live on because practically everyone on it is retired. My house is actually surrounded by retirees. The are the best watch dog/alarm system ever. They know when a car is not from the neighborhood and actually go out and talk to the driver, know when the mailman comes around, know the UPS man etc. I don’t have to go and get the gossip because they give me scoop on a weekly basis. So…”my name is Elsie and yes, I am nosy.”
Louisa Edwards on 03 Dec 2008 at 9:17 am #
My last neighborhood was chock full of observers. It was a little like living in a fish bowl. The lady next door knew, down to the person, who ever visitor to our house was, what kind of car they drove, and how long they stayed. The upside was that I always knew if something happened, like a robbery or fire or the cat escaping through the front door, she’d be on the case!
Facebook is my current favorite way of satisfying my inner voyeur. Those Friend updates are great! Little snippets of people’s lives.
JudyPatooty on 03 Dec 2008 at 9:19 am #
I love keeping an eye on my neighbors! It can be very entertaining! I live in a condominium and all of my windows face the courtyard between my building and the next. So anytime my neighbors are doing anything even remotely interesting outside their front doors or on their patios, I can be nosy!
If I weren’t so nosy, I’d never have figured out that one of the downstairs neighbors across the way is a Muslim! I spied him doing his prayers one Saturday morning. He had left his bedroom curtains open. Silly man. Doesn’t he know he has a nosy neighbor?
Kay on 03 Dec 2008 at 9:26 am #
LOL, Julia. I think writers are naturally observant people—I prefer that term to nosy
I check out what people have in their grocery carts andwhat they buy at other stores. I notice what is in cars I when I ‘m in the parking lot and what strange car is in front of a neighbor’s house when I turn off the outside lights at night.
I also notice what people are wearing. Not because I’m interested in fashion.
I know what you mean, elsiehogarth. When we moved into this house 15 years ago, most of the neighbors were retirees. I felt so safe knowing all of those eyes were on my home. Now, everybody has busy lives and nobody is home in the neighborhood, except the guy next door who works from home.
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 10:02 am #
lovesacfan/janae — we have new neighbors, and I have tried twice to introduce myself to them. Both times they couldn’t get in the house fast enough. Hmmm….
Judy F — I don’t go out of my way to get the details, but if another neighbor offers, I’m listening!
Sherri-hahahaaa! Porn police!
Jessie — men are generally worthless. With a few notable exceptions.
Karen — hearing stuff doesn’t do it for me. My mind tends to wander. But maybe just haven’t had any really good convos to hear
Kim — reality shows! Housewives of any city gets my vote. Talk about getting mired in the petty gossip!
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 10:04 am #
Cail and Freedom, I am also a big fan of Facebook, Google, and even Twitter for those quick updates.
SuzyQ — ambulances and police cars also bring the best out in me
Kari — that’s a good report! Right off the bat, too! haha
Elsie and Kay — the thing I like about retirees (and Louisa, this goes for nosy neighbors, too) is that they bring the gossip TO you.
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 10:04 am #
Anyone have a neighborhood yahoo group? We do. That’s another excellent way to find out stuff, because no matter how nosy you are, there is always someone even nosier who is complaining about a neighbor doing something they ought not to do. Pure gold.
Yasmin on 03 Dec 2008 at 11:05 am #
Man we had a neighbor that was soo noisy. We live in apts and she had just moved next door. Everytime I opened my door she would open hers EVERYTIME to peek out even after 11pm when I got home. Then she doesnt even say Hi or anything. More than her nosyness I think I was just plain creeped out by her. Her layout of her apt is not like ours so either she was sitting in the hallway by the door or she ran to the door to open it. The neighbor that lives in the duplex across the street opens her blinds and she sit in front of the window and looks out. I dont mind her looking but the other lady sheesh. I am nosy too but at least i dont run to door…I run to the window
Claudia Dain on 03 Dec 2008 at 11:09 am #
Big long reply sucked into the ethernet. Dang.
Short version: if anyone wants validation for being snoopy, watch Rear Window. *g*
Claudia Dain on 03 Dec 2008 at 11:11 am #
Julia, LOL, a neighborhood friend of mine is on our neighborhood yahoo group. I keep telling myself I should join it, but she said, “You know how we love living here? Don’t join the yahoo group. You’ll realize all the neighbors are nuts.”
Karen Hawkins on 03 Dec 2008 at 11:23 am #
Claudia, yeah, I guess there’s too much sharing sometimes. I just look to watch and guess. The real answers would probably disappoint… or maybe not!
Ohhh, I’ve heard some GREAT convos. I overheard a couple break up, heard one guy telling another about how he was soooo tempted by this woman at work but ‘couldn’t go there.’ heard two women discuss why they married and how it had changed over time.
One time, on a cell, I heard a guy was talking to what I thought was his wife, when his REAL wife beeped in. It’s really amazing what you hear — little snippets of life and love.
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 11:40 am #
ohmigod, Karen!! I would have been in heaven to hear those convos!!
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 11:41 am #
So on our yahoo group, someone asked the question of why police were at a certain house. Not only did another neighbor call the police station to ask, she went to that house and VERIFIED THE FACTS with the person in question.
It was a burglary (good to know, I suppose). But what if it had been something else? Like domestic violence? Someone stuck in their chair and can’t get out?
Years ago, when I was a public administrator, one of my departments was the medical examiner. talk about juicy tidbits. eeewweeee!
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 11:43 am #
Okay, here’s one: a prominent person around town was found dead in his house. Only a few of us knew that he died from a wine enema. Yes, people, if you are a raging alcoholic, and drinking straight out of the bottle doesn’t do it fast enough for you, you might try your own, self-administered wine enema. Just don’t overdo it.
RachelG on 03 Dec 2008 at 11:44 am #
I’m usually so engrossed in my own head or the task at hand, that I rarely notice other people. I’ve walked past my own sister at Wal-Mart and not seen her.
That’s not to say I don’t love gossip. I absolutely do. I can live for days on a juicy piece of gossip. The problem is, I never hear any. The next time I am at an RWA conference, I’m thinking of getting one of those Loud ‘N Clear hearing devices.
Rachelg
renee lynn scott on 03 Dec 2008 at 12:04 pm #
I only spy on the teenagers. Well mostly. I mean I don’t go out of my way to see what the neighbors are doing. But if the police sirens wail pass my house, you better believe I’m on the front porch. Sadly, that tends to happen at least once a week.
Renee
colinfirthfan on 03 Dec 2008 at 12:43 pm #
I have NO idea what my neighbors are doing. Of course I leave home at 8:00 AM and get back late. The days I work from home though I peer out the window every time I see something moving.
I know some of the neighbors - mostly the ones with kids. The others I have absolutely no idea about.
KarenH, those are fascinating conversations to hear.
I once picked my son up from a birthday party. The party place was attached to a mall. I saw a couple with 2 girls (probably 10 and 8). The older girls was sobbing. The dad (I presume) was shouting at his wife with a lot of “F@*&” thrown in. Something about she took too long somewhere. I was shocked. Dragged my son far away and I locked the doors in the car and drove away fast. I thought he was going to hit her soon. What amazed me is that he didn’t care who heard him. And the language in front of their kids!!
*shudder*
Yasmin on 03 Dec 2008 at 12:50 pm #
Lol I just remembered. The other day when I arrived home my mom was spying on this pair of guys across the street. I saw them when I drove in but didnt think any of it. Anyway I walk into the house and it is pitch dark. So I turn on all the lights and yell that i am home. I am promptly shushed and told to shut off the lights. My mom is spy thorugh the blinds and thinks there is something iffish about them. Needless to say that it wasnt a drug hand-over or clandestine meeting or anything like that. They were just waiting to get picked up.
Janae on 03 Dec 2008 at 12:52 pm #
Julia/LoveSacFan - I’ve said hi to our Asian neighbors, have only gotten a blank stare from them, and they head back into their house at the speed of light. I know that they speak English because I’ve heard them speak it when the windows are open. Their landlord is Asian, quite friendly, and we talk to her whenever she’s in the neighborhood. We have another Asian family in the neighborhood, too, who are friendly, but reserved. I can respect that.
Am I the only one who people share extremely personal stories with while standing in lines? For example, an older gentleman shared some suspicions he had about his ex. They had 3 children together, including a son who died at birth in the 50s. Mr. Grocery Line said that he thought that his ex convinced the ob to kill the son because he was not Mr. Grocery Line’s son, but a product of the affair that ended his marriage. Or there’s the guy who told me he was ‘getting the boys fixed’ since he had a boy and girl and didn’t need anymore, after asking me if we were going to have more when my ds was 2. I’ve perfected the non-reaction, which people tell me will help me when my kids are teens because of these stories.
colinfirthfan on 03 Dec 2008 at 12:58 pm #
Janae, that’s funny about the grocery line stories.
I can’t remember any stories I’ve heard.
Kari on 03 Dec 2008 at 1:06 pm #
So I’m sitting here reading TGB in between working and lunch, and I look out to see the progress of the sod being laid. But what do I see?? POLICE!!! I’ll admit they are very good looking police, too. From what I can see through the slats of the blinds, they seem to be talking to one of the workers. I wish I could read lips. They keep pointing to a wall in the garage. hummmm. Now another police car has pulled up. 4 good looking men in uniform on this fine sunny Wednesday afternoon. Now, if only I could find where my son put the binoculars…..
What a day for this blog!! Who else would I share my non-nosy sights with?
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 1:16 pm #
Kari, you MUST keep us posted! That’s the sort of thing I live for.
Janae, people don’t usually say much of anything to me, but my stepfather is that guy. I have found him not only telling his life story to some poor schmoe, but the stories of other family members, too! Once, I asked him what he was doing, and he said, “I like to meet new people.” How about a hello, how are you? LOOLOLOL
Kari on 03 Dec 2008 at 1:25 pm #
My curiosity got the better of me so I walked down the driveway to get the mail and tried to overhear what was being said, to no avail. Darn my luck. They walked around the house then into the house and stayed there for a while. This house has been emply for like 2 years. It’s not even finished being built.
They are now back outside.
I wonder if they found an arm or a leg on the pile of sod?? ?? Wouldn’t that be freaky?
About 2 minutes after they had arrived the Cuban workes left (I’m going to hell for giggling at that).
Deb Marlowe on 03 Dec 2008 at 1:27 pm #
Kari–too funny! You are living the blog!
I live in the boonies and don’t have too many neighbors. Most of them are very nice and most of them are also perfectly willing to come over and spill all the oddities that happen to them. No need for spying!
SheridanLA on 03 Dec 2008 at 1:32 pm #
Lovesacfan… I love Love Sacs.. my fave is when the photographer next door moves his and it fluffs all up.. I run from across the room and leap onto it.. aaah, the simple things
back to the topic. I am observant, but not nosy. I lived in a small town not long ago and everyone was so nosy, then they had to tell you about it.. then they had to ask you questions about what they heard about something that someone saw that might pertain to something going on in your life. Drove me batty.
I know who my neighbors are by sight, but I don’t particularly care what they do in their private time (course, the couple in the next building is rather loud whilst being amorous, so knowing about their antics can’t be helped)
I think the neighbors not being social comes partially down to we are all taught and conditioned to not talk or trust strangers at all. Whether that be the “scary man” near a subway or the new people down the block. So sad.
SheridanLA on 03 Dec 2008 at 1:35 pm #
oh, and for those who like conversation snippets.. try overheardinnewyork.com submissions from NYC (sister sites from the beach, the office, everywhere) of overheard conversations.. I post some of mine on there occasionally (LaLa Land)
I love how people seem to think they are in a bubble and cannot be heard when you are 2 ft from them in a restaurant or line..
Janae, I am with you on people sharing things.. I sometimes check the mirror to see if I have a sign on my forehead that says “Tell me everything.. really.”
Kari on 03 Dec 2008 at 1:42 pm #
The workers have returned. With lunch. haha
The police have left.
If I wouldn’t feel like a Snoopy Snoozy I’d go over and asked what big deal was.
I think my excitement is over. The eye candy was nice while it lasted.
BTW, Tthe head worker has a mullet.
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 2:34 pm #
Sheridan, I was afraid to ask love sac fan what exactly a love sac was, and now I am really afraid to ask, LOL
Must go check out the overheardinnewyork! wooo-hooo! Ka-Ha, I might beat you to it.
Kari, good reporting. But you are totally making up the mullet.
Kari on 03 Dec 2008 at 2:51 pm #
I am totally not. I would not lie about something like that.
It is flapping in the wind as he drives the tractor around the yard.
Want a picture??
SheridanLA on 03 Dec 2008 at 2:57 pm #
hahaha a Love Sac is the most awesome-est bean bag that is so much better then a bean bag thing EVAH.
If I had room, I would totally buy them.. they are so comfy, well made, you can get them big enough for 2 people.
check out the website.. sometimes malls have a showroom for them around xmas (I know the gigantor Grapevine Mills in DFW had one for a bit) and you can sit/lounge in them.
mmmm.. love sacs.
oh.. just went back on the website and they have even MORE options for the total comfy bliss… might have to check this out again.
Ann in IL on 03 Dec 2008 at 3:29 pm #
Oh dear. Gladys Kravitz lives north of me and DRIVES ME NUTS.
You can see her peeking out her bedroom curtains and around the corner of her house if we are on the patio. She will even stand on the hill so she can see into our dining room window. We had cafe curtains on the window but changed to blinds AND drapes so we could eat in peace. When my sis and her boyfriend would sit on the patio she would stand up and yell to tell Kate when they were going in the house so she could go back in her house.
The only neighbor I keep an eye on is in his late 80’s and is always working on some project in his yard. I look out occassionally to see if he has fallen or needs some assistance.
One rental property had some rather odd traffic and it turned out to be a drug house - THAT I did keep an eye on - and finally had a undercover cop outside watching. They are busted and serving time.
Karen Rose on 03 Dec 2008 at 3:54 pm #
Julia, you have to be careful spying on your neighbors. You could be staring out your rear window with binoculars and see your neighbor offing his wife … or worse. He could see you watching and you could become his next victim…
Of course, this may have been done in a movie, once or twice.
KarenR from NYC, who saw a Hitchcock spoof on Broadway last night
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 3:55 pm #
Picture, Kari!
Ann, I promise never to be that kind of neighbor. That would drive me insane. Apparently, I am the nosy one, tho — and the only one ever at home.
Nichole B. on 03 Dec 2008 at 4:00 pm #
I’m not nosy myself, pretty oblivious really, but my next door neighbor is nosy- and she’s my mother in law too!
I’ll always remember, in the first couple of months of our marriage, DH had created a romantic evening at home with lots of candles etc. A while later we get a phone call. It’s mom letting us know we have candles burning in the windows.
Umm…thanks mom.
Thing about that is that to see our windows she has to be peering through one of her bedroom windows- it’s the only place she can see ours from in her house. Uh, what? And how often do you wander in to check on us?
Oh well, she’s a great lady- just nosy!
Kari on 03 Dec 2008 at 4:24 pm #
LOL, Julia!!
I posted a couple up on the forum. Can’t miss ‘em.
Paula on 03 Dec 2008 at 4:29 pm #
Hello I’m back and in one piece!!
I don’t watch out of the window at my neighbours but my boys like to see what is going on sometimes.
Last Thursday as the 2 friends that had come to have tea with my boys were going home 2 fire engines went screaming past lights, sirens the whole works. My youngest wanted to go and see what was going on , the engines had stopped about 6 houses up the road. As it was dark I wouldn’t lwet them so they went upstairs and watched out of my bedroom window.
If I see a person or car behaving suspiciously then I will watch but we live on a street with a cul de sac opposite us so there isn’t too much to see.
Sorry if theis doesn’t make much sense but I’m still under the influence of the GA that I had on Monday!!
Sabrina Jeffries on 03 Dec 2008 at 4:29 pm #
I confess to being a LITTLE nosy from time to time. My office overlooks the street, too, so I see things. Just not enough things. And of course, I make up stories to fill in the gaps about what I don’t see.
And what is it with husbands who don’t give you the good gossip? My husband NEVER remembers any of the important details. He can tell you what the stock market is doing at any given moment, but has no clue whether his friend is getting a divorce or not. He’s useless–useless, I tell you! For gossip, anyway.
Yasmin on 03 Dec 2008 at 5:04 pm #
I have heard the The Love Sac are sooo comfy. I heard it through my brother who has a friend that has some in the game rm in their house.
Michelle B on 03 Dec 2008 at 5:39 pm #
My DH is a Security Forces Officer (Air Force Police) and has had to do Homeland security type traings for those living on a Military Base. He always says, “God Bless your nosy neighbors!” They may know all your business, but they also know when something is not right. The informal version of a neighborhood watch group.
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 6:02 pm #
Nichole, that is a just a little too close for comfort to have an MIL! egads! I just had a bad shudder thinking about it.
Yasmin, I am very intrigued by the love sac now. I’m going to go check it out.
Michelle, its true that nosy neighbors know when something isn’t right. They just know too much, LOL
And Sabrina, what kills me is that Jack London will know if his friend is getting a divorce — but he won’t know WHY. AUGH
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 6:02 pm #
Paula, we’re so glad to see you back and in one piece! At least we think you are!
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 6:06 pm #
A special shout out to Kari, for actually taking the mullet pictures and posting them for all of us to enjoy! HAHAHAHAAA
Kathy/Cookiedough on 03 Dec 2008 at 7:24 pm #
I’m home! I had to get up at 5:30 so I could get on a bus at 6:30 to arrive to a shift at 7 .
big ick!
but what a great day. the shift was an emerg sitting with a 17mos old. she’s teething but a cutie. Their daycare rules are runny poo, not allowed to come in, so since the agency has a contract with the military, the family resource centre calls my boss. I have the most experience with children , so I get to do it.
My mom was a great nosy neighbour. She lived across a parking lot from a Morman church and for years watched the families grow.
As for me, I love peeking during an evening stroll to see how someone has decorated their house.
I also have a perfect view of what my neighbours watch on tv. one time, i tried to use my remote to change their channel- just to see if it worked- but darn it, it didn’t.
We had the same digital cable so I thought it would be hilarious to try.
I’m bad
Judy F on 03 Dec 2008 at 7:54 pm #
My mom is very nosy we found a book both parents kept of things that went on in the neighborhood. Things in their like so and so kids cut through the yard, they talked back. It was funny.
I am the person that people seem to like to talk to in stores. It drives me nuts cause basically I am pretty shy unless I know you very well. I had some lady in Walmart tell me about her recent operation. (she was returning her jeans cause they no longer fit) Thanks for sharing.
It happens to me a lot, post office line, grocery shopping. I wonder if I put off a vibe that says oh she would love to chat. NOt
Back to my mom she called me before to ask me if I found out anything about my neighbors eviction notice. I told her no, she’s like oh I really wanted to know. LOL
jessie on 03 Dec 2008 at 8:48 pm #
So, this is off topic, but I wanted to vent to people who would understand…I had someone in my medieval lit class, a man in his forties (not the professor, the guy was sitting in on the class), very intellectual, medieval scholar, yada yada…as we were talking about medieval love song lyrics, somehow we got onto a discussion of romance novels, and he chimes in,
“Romance novels are pretty much about date rape without the pills, right?” Then he goes on to say some pseudo-intellectual BS, and someone makes a comment about that, and then I raise my hand and say,
“Maybe in the 70s and 80s books like that were being written, but romance novelists don’t really write things like that anymore.”
The entire class erupts into, “Oh yes, they do! My friend just read this one…and have you seen those Harlequin novels at the grocery store…I read the Christian ones…”
I’m trying to not blow up while I say that, “Um, no, I actually read these books, and I KNOW that they are not like this. Especially not the well written ones, of which there are many.” But imagine me a little more incoherent.
I know these people haven’t read any romance novels lately! One girl said…
jessie on 03 Dec 2008 at 8:51 pm #
(oh, and we were primarily talking about HISTORICAL romance novels)…
and one girl said, “Well, Nora Roberts is really good, but she’s in a class by herself, so you can’t really count her.”
I didn’t say this, but, um, pretty sure she started out writing for Silhouette or HQN. Then I do say, “Nora Roberts doesn’t write historical novels.”
The girl, “Um, yes she does.”
Me, “She’s written a couple, but she’s primarily a contemporary novelist. She writes very few historicals.”
Girl, “Um, yes she does.”
Really? Really? Then my professor has to end the discussion, but I’m pissed off for the rest of the class.
Julia London on 03 Dec 2008 at 9:52 pm #
kathy, that is hilarious — they would have freaked out! I like to check out decor, too, when running around the neighborhood. There are people with way more taste and imagination than me.
Jessie, HOW INFURIATING! I have never understood the need to tear romance down. I don’t read thrillers, but I don’t tear them down. I don’t read medieval scholarly works generally, but I don’t tear them down. It is maddening! Sorry you had that kind of day, Jessie! just know that you have a community here, and the number of people who read romance and enjoy it continues to be larger than other kinds of fiction, so you were in one of those wierd situations where you had all the dufus ouliers who don’t read romance in your class. AUGH
jessie on 03 Dec 2008 at 11:28 pm #
Thanks for the support, Julia! :):)
Kathy/Cookiedough on 04 Dec 2008 at 6:12 pm #
Sometimes my display came up on my tv screen for no reason, so I always blamed them. but since it didn’t work the other way, I figured it was either me leaning on the remote or the cat stepping on it.
TinaLouiseF on 06 Dec 2008 at 2:16 pm #
For 5 out of 8 years I’ve worked for the County, the view from my desk is the restrooms. And such a lovely view it is.