I dropped my car off at a local repair shop this morning– time for the yearly inspection– then opted for walking home. I got some steps in, and was reminded of how noisy everyday life can be.
It was around 8am, so the hustle and bustle of a new day was unfolding. Lots of construction vehicles, several flatbeds loaded with modular housing making their way through town, the occasional car or motorcycle that needed a muffler or maybe intentionally modified to be inconsiderately loud. I didn’t check the decibel level along the way, but I’m betting it was at hearing loss levels at several points.
No other commentary, really, just making an observation about how rote things can get, how unremarkable things may seem from inside a well-insulated vehicle with the windows up. Walking the route one normally drives offers a different perspective, for several reasons– one being that it prompts one to consider hearing protection, though something short of noise cancelling.
3 Cents' 