The Muffs

Photo Credit:  Dean Paul, circa 1987

Indoor recess can get to me sometimes.  I want to support the fun, but the noise level just about gives me shingles.  I don't feel like bugging the Thirdlanders because they should get to enjoy their recess time, but the noise level can get fairly high.  As I walked by the cubbies during indoor recess yesterday, I noticed  ear cancelling headphones in a Thirdlander's cubby.  He uses them only occasionally.  I tried them on.  This was a life changing moment.  I could barely hear the Thirdlanders at all.  I could see them enjoying their card games, their Lego creations, and their role playing dramas, but I could not hear them.  After recess, I asked the Thirdlander who owned the muffs, "Why don't you wear these all the time? They're amazing." He just shrugged and said I could use them whenever I want.  The kid's a gem.

At dismissal time a few hours later, I walked over and tried them on again.  As I led the Thirdlanders down the hall, full of hundreds of boisterous kids, I could barely hear a sound.  It was a miracle.  

I've been reading reviews for noise cancelling ear muffs this afternoon.  Some of them can significantly cut down noise at a firing range, which could be an added benefit if I ever want to take up marksmanship as a hobby.