[mca]

My wife and I moved into an apartment in November 2009. We will likely be there until November 2010. It is my first experience living so close to other people since my college days in the dorm.

The first few months were fine. However, four weeks ago a young lady (21 or 22) moved into the apartment above us. She came down from Illinois and her parents were here to help her move in. From what I could gather from her father, this is the first time she has lived on her own. Seems like she graduated high school and then attended school to become a dental assistant.

Initially I thought this was a cool situation b/c she would be working 9 to 5 and she wouldn't be throwing parties. After all, she doesn't know anyone.

Then her entourage arrived. Three friends from Illinois suddenly show up just days after her parents left. Two guys and one girl. It appears as though one of the guys is her boyfriend.

So, long story short ... they are loud as hell upstairs. I have been very tolerant until last night. At 2 am her douche boyfriend rolls in drunk and rowdy. I awoke to a loud bang (sounded like a table was knocked over or something). Then I hear stomping and her lab puppy running around barking.

It was the last straw. My adrenaline soared. I got dressed, went upstairs and knocked on their door. It required three tries to get them to answer. Finally her boyfriend opens the door and says "WHAT?" ... obviously defensive and confrontational. He had his chest all puffed out and looked like he wanted to throw down.

I kindly and calmly explained that they needed to be more aware of the fact that people lived below them. I asked that they be more respectful in the future. He seemed rather uninterested in what I had to say ... he repeatedly said "ok, ok, ok".

I honestly don't see them making efforts in the future to be more quiet.

So my question is this ... what can I do to help me sleep through the night? When I run the HVAC (fan only) it is enough white noise to drown out anything above me. Running the HVAC all night is too costly though.

Do noise machines work? What about ear plugs? Anything else I can try?

Thanks,
Craig