Wash'N'Dry

As an apartment dweller, one of my least favorite things to do is WAIT for a washer or dryer to become available.

I live in a 43 unit building. We have FOUR washers (pictured) and FOUR dryers to share amongst the FORTY THREE units.

Most days aren't too bad and I can usually get a washer pretty easily, except for...YESTERDAY. Yesterday I waited for at least 30 minutes for my neighbors to get their items out of the washers (which had already been stopped when I arrived.) FINALLY...two little GIRLS come in (about 7 and 4) and unload the washers. They placed their items in the 3 working dryers (one is broken), and I proceeded to place MY items in the washer.

Now the wash cycle is 31 minutes, and the dry cycle is 48 minutes. Sooo...I set my timer to go back after 48 minutes. Do you think the girls (or even their MOTHER) returned promptly to remove their clothes from the dryer? Do ya?

Let me save you some time.

NO...THEY DIDN'T!

I gave 'em an extra 10 minutes and finally had to remove their clothes from at least ONE of the dryers so that I could use it. Mind you...I needed THREE, but I settled for one.

About 30 minutes into my dry cycle, the two little girls come back out to get their stuff. By this time it was dark and I wanted so badly to ask, "Where is your MOMMA?!?" At that point I was less concerned about their laundry and more concerned about their SAFETY.

Thankfully, we live in a secured building and although they don't live on the same side that I do, where the laundry room is located...they can still get to their apartment without having to go outside the gate. I watched to make sure.

One thing's for sure...I look forward to the day when I am finally a HOMEOWNER and have my OWN washer and dryer. That day is coming (once I get a job). I'm sure of it.

Now Let the DIALOGUE begin: For all the "apartment dwellers" out there who share a laundry-room...Do you remove your neighbors clothes if they take too long to get them? Or do you patiently wait?

Talk to me!

Til next time...