Communal Living

Oh the joy.

We have arrived in our little corner of paradise and already it's falling down around me. I've never really lived in an apartment. Can't say it's been high on my priority list of things to do... but here we are. 1 in of a block of 6. That's all fine and dandy. But you'd think, considering this close proximity to others, your neighbours would be mindful of common ground and communal space. No. Apparently not.

It would seem our arrival and the arrival of our dog has stepped on some toes - even though we sought prior approval for said dog to be accepted onto the premises. Let me explain.

Sheis MY dog. She's been mine since she was 5 weeks old. Probably too young to be away from her Mum, but I am her Mum and have been for a long time. When we decided to proceed with our Sea Change there was but one bother. No Pets. 2 words, HUGE ramifications..... so, before agreeing to anything, we asked about taking our dog. No pets. Crap.

So, we wrote to the 'Body Corporate'. So happens that our 'Body Corporate' are the grumpy old drunks that live down the back. Our heart-felt letter (which is exactly what it was) and Crumpet's shining reference from my long-time friend and (in years gone by) housemate succeeded in winning over the owners of our new patch of paradise. Turns out that companion pets (which is pretty much what Crumpet is at the ripe old age of 14) are pretty well allowed to live anywhere they like. Should the Body Corporate reject our request, we'd have fairly good grounds to fight their decision and come out on top... So, in we moved with our much beloved (and sometimes pain in the arse) dog. Not my ideal circumstance for living with pets. I don't believe pets belong in apartments, but the alternative is simply too much to bare. Crumpet is part of our family and belongs with us, no matter where we are. It was heartbreaking to leave our dear little Neddy behind.... but let's face it. He is not an indoor dog. Well, he is, he's a pocket dog, but his resistance to toilet training means his invitation to live in a 'white carpet' apartment was just not going to happen!

So... here we are. Which brings me back to the couple down the back.

Yup. I'm not loving it.

Here we are in this lovely location, so close to the beach, lots of kids in close proximity... and 2 grumpy old farts trying to ruin it all!

I've been waiting for this since I arrived and the other day, we had our first run-in. After a few too many beers (not me, I don't drink beer, especially whilst playing with the kids) it all came to a head after I was told I was invading 'their space' by playing with the children IN THE DRIVEWAY. Needless to say, many much heated words were spoken and argument (of course) finished with the Dog. Apparently I'm expected to walk my dog 3km's to Long Reef whenever she wishes to relieve herself because a dog peeing on the lawn is unacceptable.

SHE'S A FREAKING DOG.

Apparently this sort of 'occurrence' is not uncommon and everyone else in the units forgives her when she's had a few. Well, no. I've made a decision not to. So when her apology came 2 days later, which was not an apology, I ignored it. You don't apologise for WHEN you said something. You apologise for WHAT you said!!! Now we don't speak to each other.

Fabulous. I see her about 3 times a day. It takes more effort to ignore the silly old bat that it would to just, well, forgive and forget! Damn it, I'm standing my ground. People like that are toxic. They should not be allowed to get away with the things they do. It simply sucks.

Thank God I don't have to live here forever. Honestly. If you want privacy, BUY A FREAKING FARM!!! Not an apartment.

I'm waiting for it to come to a head again. I really can't be bothered with it all.