For some reason, last week was excruciatingly rude. Our City park just two blocks away has free outdoor summer concerts on Wednesday nights in July. Last week it was too hot for me, so I parked myself in our Library to putz on the laptop. It's a great place for people watching since the Clubhouse is right at the entrance.
Despite a huge sign placed at our entrance (by the City) asking people to "Respect Our Neighbors - No Concert Parking" a Jaguar parked smack dab parallel to where I was sitting! I gave the driver the benefit of the doubt thinking maybe she was picking up one of our residents who would just meet her there (quickly). Nope. She got out of her car, decked to the nines in the perfect little summer outfit with designer sunglasses and a straw hat that was to die for.
I walked out as she was done primping and locking her car and nicely said "Oh, sorry! No parking here"
"I'll just be an hour or so"
"Not even five minutes of parking is permitted. See the red curb?"
"Oh, the Fire Department won't be coming, I'm sure. I'm just walking over to the concert"
"Then you probably noticed the large sign at the entrance right there ... no concert parking"
"You have plenty of room to get in and out if I park here"
So I took out my phone, walked down and took a photo of her license plate. Then I pretend made a phone call all while she is asking what I'm doing. (I explained that the City and the Police Dept work very closely with neighbors of City Parks so that they can continue to host events). And then said into my fake phone call "Oh, sorry .... Non emergency services, please". She was very haughty but did pack up and leave.
The very next day, I went to our 365 Grocery Store. There are two handicap spots near the front door and someone was stopped in front of both of them, obviously using their phone. I lightly beeped after having my turn signal on and waiting. Nothing. Then I honked. Nothing. I parked in a different spot, got out with my cane (just for show) and walked over to knock on her window. She would not open it (I don't blame her ... a cane smack across the face might hurt) ... yet she continued to stay right there! I explained she was blocking the only two handicap spots in the entire parking lot.
What is with people? Geez I would feel horrible if someone had to limp over to ask me to move away from the handicap spot!
Last, but not least, there is a traffic light from our condo complex at the main little street in Lake Oswego. Cross walks on the north and the south, with pedestrian signs. A young woman was so busy watching her device that she didn't look to see that the crosswalk was closed, blinking RED ... do not walk. The person in the car who was turning left, had a serious case of "pedestrian rage" and honestly almost ran right into her, then blared the horn. Almost a complete cat right in the middle of the four land road!
My grand daughter lives in Portland and says, "People there feel very entitled." I noticed she is becoming the same way. All Liberals ya know. HAH!!
ReplyDeleteWell smack me if you think I sound entitled! What do you notice that has changed about her?
DeleteNot all liberals ... just so you know!
It's a "Me First" world out there. Your first illustration of that takes the cake, your second one could have just been a person who was so wrapped up with herself she didn't see what she was blocking and that last example, was a total airhead!
ReplyDeleteI could make excuses for all of them. Just wasn't feeling it! The second woman could have moved when I knocked on her window to tell her she was blocking two handicap spots!
DeleteP.S. Here, you really can take a photo and send it to the police for them to get a ticket for illegal parking. Photo must include license plate and the sign in the same shot.
ReplyDeleteYep. She moved so I didn't do it!
DeleteWhen I was taking my husband to speech therapies there was a guy with a Vette who'd parking taking up two handicapped spaces, so he wouldn't get door dinged, I presummed. One week I left a note on his car that if I found it there again I'd call the police or key it depending on my mood. After that he parked WAY on the outside of the parking lot. LOL Some people are just plain selfish and self-centered.
DeleteJudy, everything isn't political. Selfishness is not a liberal value.
Ah ha ha ha! Maybe someday I will be wild enough to lay on the horn until she moved!
DeletePeople do seem more distracted, and in a hurry. I can't believe the woman who parked in front of the handicap parking spots. What nerve! I always wonder if people feel any shame when they get home and think about how they've behaved. Probably not.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you encountered some real winners. Inconsiderate and law breakers come in all creeds and colors -- no one group has a monopoly.
ReplyDeleteThat is for sure! I just wonder if this arrogance crosses through other factors of their life. ENTITLED much?
DeleteWe once were parked in Maui watching the whales from our car (in handicap spot WITH placard). Ralph was dying and in severe pain from the bone cancer, but loved to get out every day to enjoy his little paradise. A crabby old man came over to say "can you please move your car?" I pointed to our placard and he said well we have one also and want to see the sights. WHAT? So I said, yes, so do we! Well, he said ... how long are you going to be? Depends on how long you stand there bothering me!!!