"My mom never went anywhere without tissues. Dad always carried his pocketknife. I’ve added my own must-have to our family list. I believe there is no more useful thing to carry than a set of earplugs. As the world gets noisier and more crowded, a bit of portable peace and quiet is all that stands between me and madness. Every movie seems to crank up the soundtrack more than the last. The bus, the gym, and the grocery store all echo with shouted phone calls. Revving engines and barking dogs turn neighborhood walks into an audio obstacle course. When I pop those soft foam lifesavers into my ears, the loud edges of the world soften and retreat. I can hear my own thoughts again. I can find peace."