The Good, The Bad, The Ugly……

Today I experienced the good, the bad and the ugly. Let’s go right for the throat here – the ugly is my next door neighbor. She is all smiles to my face, full of hellos and small talk. She is often over at my apartment borrowing food, movies, and even my broom. Well, all that has come to a screeching halt. While smiling at me with her foremost fact, her hidden face is calling the apartment office and lodging complaints against us. I don’t want to get into all the complaints. Let me just summarize by saying that it is my feeling that the poor misguided dear is afraid of teenaged kids. Any time she sees more than one of them, she panics and calls the office with some wild tale of excessive noise or partying. Today, she took her campaign of harassment and terror up a level. She called the police.

I was cleaning my bedroom (did you know that in some cultures, dust is revered? Yep – it’s true.) and my daughter called me to the door because the cops were here. My daughter and 3 of her friends had been sitting in front of our apartment – no radio other than one boy had a set of headphones – talking and the police were there because they were too noisy and bothering the neighbors.

I came outside a little confused. I knew the kids hadn’t done anything wrong. I assumed that if they were bothering anyone, that person would have the common courtesy to knock on my door and tell me. I thought that perhaps the police might be annoyed by having to respond to such a non-essential type of call.

Well, annoyed they were. I came to the door smiling and in the spirit of cooperation. I know that they do not have an easy job and it is often thankless. I try not to every make their job any more difficult than it is. Imagine how surprised I was as the officer took a hostile attitude with me, got snippy, blamed me for 95% of the ills of the world….and then turned on his heel smartly and marched off. I tried to speak with him, but I was ignored. I called out at his retreating back – telling his squared and rigid shoulders that I was sorry he had to come out for so insignificant a call…..but that I found his behavior extremely rude.

I went back in the house fuming. I wanted to call the chief or captain – someone – and demand an apology. I know the man was doing his job…..but where does it say that his job is to be an asshole to an average person who is not committing any sort of crime? I picked up the phone to call – and then put it back down. What if I made a fuss and then needed police protection? Would the officer I had chastised be the one called to help me? If so – would he be speedy to the call? Damn, I hate this line of thought!

I was still fuming and debating…..when I heard a knock at the door. I went to the door and opened it – to find officer Grouchy-butt. I couldn’t believe my neighbor could have had time to call again so soon!!! Officer Grouchy-butt asked to speak to me outside. I stepped outside and he spoke his piece. He gave me his name. He apologized. He explained. He tried for a little PR. He gave me his name again. He shook my hand. He apologized again. His name changed, in my mind, from officer Grouchy-butt to Officer SaneandRational. A lot of what he said was propoganda, but the bottom line was that he came back and made a genuine apology for being an asshole.

I went back in and my daughter and her friends wanted to know why the cop was back. I took great delight in telling them that he had come back to apologize for his sorry attitude. They were amazed – and they saw – maybe for the first time ever – an authority figure (in uniform and with a gun no less)admit to bad behavior and try to make amends. I was as glad for their sake as for my own.

So there it is…..the good Officer SandandRational overpowers the bad Officer Grouchy-butt……and the ugly? Well…..she still lives next door.

We all know good, bad, and ugly people. And certainly not just for physical looks. They seem to pop up everywhere.

Yes, this happens a lot! You are one of the few people I know though, that doesn’t take all the crap that authority figures dish out! I don’t take it either, believe me!!! Live free. . .die happy!! I Try to live it!

I’d tell the neighbor her borrowing days are over.

::smoochies:: I’m loving the new colors, SW. I’m not so thrilled with the neighbor or the people in authority in Atlanta in general. I’m glad Grouchy Butt gave way to Sane Man. XOXO

Hey bring your neighbor on tuppence’s bus. W’ell either use her when we get stuck, you know shove her under the wheels so we can back up on something heartless and holding a tred, oR! boose her up!

or the alligator from my story can bite her in the butt. 🙂 *charitable is as charitable does* hmm lincoln would say love this dirtball 🙂

that line of thought i recognize. My sink has leaked the dishwasher water all over under the cabinet. the trap perhaps? anyway now that i’ve caused this fuss going over the mgmt will they come fix it?

Hey what’s this officer’s name? 🙂 maybe he’s sane enough for me to date him. Did he look goooood in his uniform. 🙂

I think you handles the situation well. Poor Teens. They were just talking and to have a Policeman on the offensive can really shake one up. Good luck with dealing with the neighbor. Tough spot.

Hiya Sunshine! Takes all kinds, doesn’t it! Geez… well, mostly just wanted to send a note of encouragement…rush hour with no nicotine totally su*ks!! LOL But we can beat this, girlfriend! Hang tough!

Look- There are alot of cops here…I figure if your daughter invites 5 friends, you could ‘turn’ the entire SWAT team! Good Job SW!!! Erh… could you tell me more about the place where dust is revered? :O)

This is a story with a happy ending, thank goodness. Are you sure you’re living in the right place? Surely, there must be somewhere the teens won’t be harassed. God bless the officer for being big enough to apologize.

The day it dawned on me that I must have picked my parents was the day I began to understand them and make peace with them. We were together for a reason. Thank you for your insight, oh wise one.

Nice to know one bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch… and can change it’s appearance as well as it’s attitude… luv ya 🙂

grrrr!!…what IS it with some people??…not all teenagers are bad!!..and as for officer jekyll and hyde…i sure just hope he was having a bad day..(rever dust, hmm?..i am an avid worshipper.;)

What a week! Sounds like you need some nice in your life about now. I’m cheering for you for all you have done this week, such a strong woman! You’ve been quite the mother, friend, community member, worker, (C)

neighbor, support to daughters friends, advocate, politician and all around superwoman. (Cheering, whistling, and waving the Goddess Flag!)

chutes

March 20, 2000

I’m REALLY impressed that he apologized! I want to learn how to make reproaches the way you do.

I’ll really give neighbor a scare, I’ll send over my 3 teens! Most officers are good ole folk, especailly the ones that brought home my teen daughter from the park for being out after curfew.

Don’t lend her your broom if she’s only going to fly around your head on it!! Sheesh. Yay for the cop for turning sane again. I have days like that too. Ask around. Emeera (nsi)

I am so glad the officer rethought his bad behavior now I hope the neighbor hears about it and follows the example. Thank-you for your note and understanding the joyous funeral

BBe

You’re a bigger person than he is SW. What gets into people anyhow!?! Pressures of the job? I dunno, but at least he did come back and apologize. I give him a 1 thumbs up. 🙂

Even cops have bad days. It’s good to know that a few of them can acknowledge that fact without having to blow someone away. Sorry your neighbor is such a jerk. Sheesh!

I’m impressed with the example the cop set for your kids. That’s great. As for your neighbor, she could use a sanity lesson from him. can I bite her for you? Love = Hugs,

Great lesson for the kids. Well written. Thanks.

Hey SW, do you have a ‘problem’ with authority figures? 🙂 Teenagers are kinda scary…all those hormones. Peace and love darlin,

What does she do with your broom?????Ride it? 🙂

Poor SW – you’ve sure had your share of run-ins with the law lately. I’ve talked to at least one real SOB (no offense to most lawmen) who was real cocky. It wasn’t pretty. Make that neighbor lady get her OWN broom!

Well…when you said “Ugly” I thought for sure you were talking about me…so I had to come see. I feel much love now!