Just buzz me in.

I am going to try to paint a picture.
*I apologize for the length of this post, and keep in mind all buttons are labeled in Kanji*

Sunday's weather was beautiful - sunny and brisk... and by late morning it had warmed up plenty for Jody to go for a run. He likes to travel light and only has a small pocket on his running jacket, where he keeps his ipod. As our building has access control and anyone coming in needs a key or has to be "buzzed" up, I suggested we try the latter out. That way, he could run without the jingle of his keys in his pocket.

Fast forward 45 minutes. I heard this chime going off and realized Jody must be downstairs. I ran over to the control panel pictured above and saw his face in that small screen. Now in my mind, I think - "okay, the property manager showed us how to use this...I just need to press the button with the key above it and the doors will unlock."

So that's what I did, but the doors didn't unlock. I couldn't figure out which button to press to actually talk to him and the doors weren't unlocking and I could see him growing frustrated in that little screen so I...

Pressed every button.

Nothing.

So I pressed every button again, including the one that is separate from all the others - pictured below.

Big mistake. Big. Huge.


The alarm for the whole building sounded and I started sweating (that's what I do when I get nervous). I ran out our front door - in my bathrobe and slippers no less - grabbed the elevator and rushed to let Jody in the building.
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Although I really wanted to, I couldn't pretend I didn't press that button. Thankfully, Jody is calm and logical - always.
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As I called the property manager and left a frantic message, Jody had to run back downstairs. The server from the restaurant on the first floor was buzzing up to us, presumably asking if there was a fire and if he needed to rush the early lunch crowd out.

While the alarm was still sounding, I grabbed my phrasebook and we knocked on our neighbor's door. He was so helpful and over he came to silence the sound.

Unfortunately, silencing the alarm doesn't mean canceling the automatic call that had been placed to the police station and soon, a policeman was knocking on our door. Thank goodness Jody's portrayal of the alarm sound and the phrase "No Problem" were understood by Mr. Officer.
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Lesson learned: it happens, laugh when you can. And, of course, don't press that button.