In December I bought a used drum kit. Gift to myself. I've always wanted a set of drums, ever since Grade 10.

But if you are not the novice drummer in question, there are many down-sides to being part of a household that's just acquired one.

For starters, the racket is horrible.

Playing along on my headphones to Highway to Hell by AC/DC  is affording me all kinds of pleasure, especially after a stressful day. It's a pretty easy song to play. And I've brought this enormous pair of sticks, almost as thick as tree branches.

But it's not that great for others in the house. Or the neighbourhood, for that matter.

"What a terrible noise," said my wife.

"What...? It's Highway to Hell!" I yelled, still wearing my headphones.

"Can you keep it down?"

"What...? Yeah, I know...  I really think I'm getting better. Thanks! l," I yelled.

Apparently, Ollie the Pug is also not a drum fan. He loves running downstairs with me, where the drums are kept. He enjoys this mostly because I always give him a treat out of the treat bag.

But when I start playing the drums, he dashes back upstairs in alarm. His curly tail goes all limp.

I suppose, to him, it sounds like a thunder storm. Also, bear in mind that the hearing of the average dog is much, much more acute than that of a human being.

That said, I'm a bit hurt  that Ollie is not digging my new sounds. Ditto for my wife. But hey, taste is subjective, right? In the meantime, I will continue to rock.