Saturday, August 2, 2008

A Run-in with B

Remember B? Many of you weren't around back then, so you'll have to read the back story. And if you promise not to judge me for my spiteful attitude, you can also read this.

Okay, did you read it? So that was over a year ago and we haven't had any more issues with her since then (if you don't count the dirty looks and icy glares). That is, we haven't had any more issues with her...until today.

The saga continues, my friends. The saga continues.

SO. Rich was outside this morning and when he comes in he says that B confronted him about the how we are watering our yard. It seems the water is running into her yard (her yard is downhill from ours...go figure). At first, I was going to ignore it because, although her tone wasn't nice, she didn't cuss him out this time (which if you read the back story...is an improvement), but then I glanced out the window and saw her taking pictures of the "water" in her yard. I'm not kidding people, this really happened. I'm afraid the "Listen Here, Mister" mode boiled up in me and I said "I'm going to talk to her." I was praying as I went out that God would help me keep my temper. And I did (for the most part), however I can't say the same for her. I went out to simply try and talk with her and see if we could resolve the issue. She immediately took the defensive and the profanities started flying...and I don't use the word profanity lightly. She went on and on (irrationally) about the water in her yard. I can't even make sense of what happened or what she said. She told me to get off her property and just kept yelling when I was asking her if we could please just talk about it. I almost made it through the whole encounter without saying something I shouldn't. But not quite. I may have told her she was crazy. And I may have meant it. And it may have felt good to say it. Bad, bad, bad...I know. It's just this lady really gets to me. She has absolutely no right to treat us this way. We've gone out of our way to accommodate her and she does nothing but respond hatefully. Sigh. I just don't get it.

28 comments:

His Girl said...

oh ugh! my friend, L. has a big ol B living next to her (what? that COULD be her initial too!) I am just not sure how on earth to resolve the issue, but we've been praying and praying too. Maybe the two 'ladies' can move next door to each other and scream and swear and you and L can be neighbors instead.

and me too, of course!

Teresa said...

I'm so sorry you had another run in. I just can't imagine what the problem with grass that gets watered for FREE and without any personal work. Really, it takes all kinds! I'm praying for you friend!

Anonymous said...

So sorry...perhaps we could have a fun slip n slide evening at your house just to stress ole B out!

:)

I am so counting my blessings for my neighbor, who literally races to mow his lawn when he knows we have a function at our house. He can't stand the thought of our guests being greeted with an unkept lawn. What a true gem they are!

Jamie said...

I'm sorry. We have a neighbor like that. He said he has never seen a place more unfriendly than our neighborhood. This is after I graciously shared a jar of my blackberry jam with him and his family last year. If that's not friendly, then, I want my jam back!!

Unknown said...

Yikes girl! Sorry it has been such a terrible time with B. I wonder what has happened in her life to make her so bitter? Anyway, hope you make it through.

Kara said...

Oh. Giiiiiirl! That so stinks. There is nothing worse than having someone that you have to see everyday be so hateful. It's hard to find your joy sometimes when you've got one of the local "mean girls" living next door! I don't blame you for calling her crazy, because I think we can all agree with you on that one.

Maybe one day in a quiet unprepared moment on her part, you will get to find out what eats at her day and night, because it can't be your little family. Maybe the Lord will use you with her one day........ya know, after you stop plotting her misfortunate "forking" or "toilet papering" incident that might happen to her at 3:00 in the morning some night. Hee. Hee.

Stay strong Alana. Stay strong.

Colored With Memories said...

I haven't read all the history, but sweet Alana...I can assure you one thing...if we lived down the hill from you, you could leave the water running day and night.

What is she worried about!?!

PS...I have a Kindermusik post coming soon!

Shelley said...

OH MY WORD! Oh Alana, all I can think of is SHE IS INSANE. Honestly, it worries me that she really is mentally disturbed. I am SO sorry that you had to go through that. I am SO sorry that wonderful people like you and your sweet family have a neighboor like that. OH THE NERVE. I don't think I could have been so nice.

Janelle said...

The B's in life make me sad, very sad. I can't even think what would make a person react that way.

I am so sorry that you have to deal with that. Your home should be a sanctuary for your family and the last thing you want to do is tip toe around a hateful neighbor.

Wish I live by you!

Rochelle said...

I DO remember B... and it HAS been awhile... Goodness... she is crazy. And girl, I promise you handled it much better than I would have. I'm sitting over here psychoanalyzing her - and yep, SHE'S a nut! :)

Okay... maybe that isn't so nice of me to say. She obviously is a very lonely women with too much time on her hands who is just looking for an arguement. It's SO not you and your family.

There, was that nicer? :)

(in other words, she's a nut)

Growin' with it said...

i didn't know whether to laugh or cry or hume a little for ya! so sad and makes me wanna go hug my fabulous neighbors now. surely a woman who needs more love than she'll ever except...hang in there and keep praying. i know God still does miracles. but sad for your family...especially your kids.

also wanted you to know that i've "moved"...here's my new spot...
http://growinwithit.blogspot.com/

Growin' with it said...

late night...blurred vision...hume was "fume" and "except" was accept on that last comment. i'm going to bed!!!

Lynn said...

Oh my....I read both of the back stories, and combined with this one.....I am speechless. Does she live alone? Any chance she may move anytime soon? Wow. We had a neighbor like this in our house in MD. How frustrating...someone with that much negative energy can really put a damper on your otherwise happy demeanor some days.

Celeste said...

She must lead a sad sad life. I couldn't imagine being so miserable!

beth said...

I am so sorry. But, I have to say, that we can TOTALLY relate to your saga. We have a saga of our own. We'll have to share stories sometime. It is really hard pulling into your driveway knowing that people are watching you and judging you and trying to control what you do on your OWN property!! It IS frustrating, it IS NOT fair. You guys have been unjustly judged. But, God is just, and he knows where the judgement falls. It's sad to see people with so much bitterness. Be assured that the problem doesn't lie with your sweet family, but with the condition of B's heart. Every time I'm feeling frustrated with MY neighbors, I'll pray for YOU! Hang in there!!

Susan said...

Oh, Alana. I feel so badly for her! She must have had some terrible things happen in her life to make her so unhappy and bitter! Or, maybe she just things they did. Of course, I feel badly for you, too!

I would just ignore her and when she approaches you in that manner, firmly tell her you will not discuss anything with her unless she is calm and polite and walk away.

I'll be praying for B this week. And, of course you and your hubs!

Glad you're back...

Susan

Kenna Sue said...

Uh... Hello!!! With utility prices beginning to skyrocket due to energy costs, I can't believe someone who is SANE would complain about having their yard watered FOR FREE by a neighbor. I wonder if that woman curses God when it rains and gets her yard wet. Gee whiz. Get that woman some psychotropics, please.

Denise said...

i think kenna sue is funny! maybe she should come over and set "b' straight.
i'm sorry for you. well, God didn't say loving your neighbor was going to be easy, and he didn't say like your neighbor. i think loving is praying for her (for me sometimes even that is hard).
i gotta place for sale next door to me! you can water my lawn all you want.
on the bright side, i bet you burned a ton of calories getting all worked up. so in a way "b" has helped you with the big "d."

Growin' With It said...

true faced...hmmm how ironic! that is what my pastor started his sermon off with talking about that book and showing a clip from it! now i've really gotta go read it!

thanks for the encouragement!

Fran said...

Ok...the 14 yr old would come out in me and I'd so want to do something stupid "to" her. And, you know I mean her yard or something...not really "to" her. :)

But, then the mature 38 yr old would come out in me and talk me out of it.

Argh!!

Carissa said...

having had an experience with someone that is reminding me of your current situation, i would have to say just three little words: borderline personality disorder. and if not that one, pick another personality disorder. in other words...that woman ain't right. and trying to be rational with her is going to get you nowhere. ignore. that is all you can do. cause in plain language...she's nuts!

Julie said...

I'm afraid I would be tempted to water my yard even more. Even if it didn't need it!!!! I tend to react irrationally when I get upset.

Anonymous said...

How horrible! I really don't understand how people get so angry about things like that. Why can't she just come and talk to you?

I hope it will work itself out and she will behave in a calm, adult manner!

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

That is the worst...the crazy ranting and foul language for no apparent reason. At least you tried to reason with her like an adult. Wow! I'm still shaking my head at the ridiculousness of the situation. What is she thinking????

Xandra

Darlene R. said...

I pretty much agree with all of these other comments! It's too bad that B has to be so sour.

Kill her with kindness, my friend!

Anonymous said...

Some people really are nuts. Isn't it surreal when you are confronted with someone who sees black when you see white? There's no reasoning to be done. CRAZY is a good word for it. Whew, makes you glad you don't have to LIVE with it!

Sing4joy said...

I have one of those too. But she infringes on MY space and then yells at ME about it. Sure makes it hard to do what Jesus would do. 'Course Jesus could probably just waive his hand and make her calm and quiet.

Kristen said...

Getting caught up after vacation -and YIKES! Oh it makes me thankful for our great neighbors (so far anyway). My sister and brother in law have some crazy neighbors -don't like dogs, don't like kids- well don't live in a neighborhood with kids and dogs. UGH!