Apt living

We are living in an apt complex for the next few month and here are some of the interesting things I'm learning.

Pros:
1.  The boys think we are living in a Hotel because there is a pool and hot tub
2.   Very own playground
3.  No yard work
4.  Interesting neighbors
5.  Lots of cultural variety
6.  Cheaper rent
7.  All the kids call me maam' ( because I am the only adult watching the kids at the park)
8.  Lots of opportunity to do missionary work.  Humble souls everywhere.
9.  Kids get lots of attention. They are the only blue eyed kids here.
10.  Learned to hang a fleece blanket over my windows at night to block out the security lights and extra noise.  how white trash is that. When in rome...

Cons:
1.  Smoking habits. Everyone smokes a ton.  Cigarettes or marijuana or pipes or flavored cigarettes.  If people would stop smoking they might have more money to get out of these apartments.  Did you know that smoke can seep through walls, ceilings and air ducts?  It can.
2.  Spitting.  Post pubescent men feeling the need to spit into the bushes. (I do not let my kids near the bushes)
3.  Alcohol.  Why would adults drink beers in the middle of the day and all afternoon.  Its not a holiday or any celebration what so ever.  If people would stop drinking they might have more money to get out of these apts.  Or maybe get a job...
4.  Cat fights.  I am not a yeller.  I do not understand why 2 adults would need to scream out their issues at 2 am in front of the complex.  I did feel like I was watching a jerry springer episode out my window.
5.  15 or so unsupervised kids all afternoon.  The parents kick them out of their apts after school so they hang out by the playground.  they are 3-13 years old.  I'm just waiting for someone to get hurt or stolen.
6.  Parking my Expedition in a garage meant for a Honda Accord.  I've already scratched the car twice.  Stupid garage.
7.  Old windows.  On our first night Scott said, "aren't you going to close the windows?" I replied. "They are."
8.  Walking miles with groceries from parking to my corner apts.  It is helping me buy less items because I know I will have to carry them.
9.  Walking miles to take out the trash.  Let be honest. Scott does this one.
10. The people in my ward are very hesitant to come visit because of the interesting environment.