Over-optimistic Are Those Who Have Not Seen and Yet Believe
So, my earplugs are among my most prized possessions. Nothing is more important to a writer than a pair of earplugs when, for example, your neighbor develops musical ambitions, or someone starts blowing dust along the sidewalk with one of those damn leaf-blowers. My neighborhood isn't quiet, and most days I put in the earplugs at some point. It helps me focus to be immune to audible distractions.
However, I now know, having conducted an involuntary experiment, that my earplugs do not mask the sound of my living room ceiling collapsing.
Here's how I reacted. I looked up from my writing notebook and, with a sinking feeling of doom, said out loud, "What the f%#@ was that noise?" I put my notebook down, walked into the living room, and took a moment to understand what had happened, because, frankly, the whole room looked like it had exploded, and I didn't get it. Then I looked up.
"Oh my F%#@ING GOD!" I yelled, twice, probably louder than I meant to, due …
However, I now know, having conducted an involuntary experiment, that my earplugs do not mask the sound of my living room ceiling collapsing.
Here's how I reacted. I looked up from my writing notebook and, with a sinking feeling of doom, said out loud, "What the f%#@ was that noise?" I put my notebook down, walked into the living room, and took a moment to understand what had happened, because, frankly, the whole room looked like it had exploded, and I didn't get it. Then I looked up.
"Oh my F%#@ING GOD!" I yelled, twice, probably louder than I meant to, due …