Listen. Before I wrote this, I had to sit down and have a long talk with myself about negativity. I had to ask myself how much of it I wanted to put out there in the world (ideally, none). I had to mull over whether I've been using this blog space to complain about things too much (um, kind of- but I try to take these things and turn them into something fun and slightly entertaining, so I don't know? Does that count?)
I had to do all these things because what I want to write about this morning is most definitely negative. It causes angry feelings to happen deep down in my soul, and unless you're Saint Teresa, it probably causes angry feelings deep in your soul too. I've written about it before, probably too much, and really, there is only so much you can say about this topic before it just gets old.
So let me just complain about the school parking lot one more time, and then I promise I will shut up about it forever.
I'm just going to say what is on everyones mind while we're circling and maneuvering around each other in that mess. I'm going to put it out there, in very clear and simple language, because I don't want to hold it in anymore. It's eating a hole through my heart, like a little worm. And while I entertain fantasies of standing in the middle of the lot with a megaphone and shouting these truths at people, I know that to really do so would not end well. So I'm getting it off my chest and writing it here.
First: To the people who create their own lanes, stop it. Stop it now. I don't know what your perception of the world around you is, but the rest of us see lines of cars in rows (at my school it's specifically two rows). When you put yourself in between those rows, without rhyme or reason, it's confusing to other drivers and maddening. You deserve a wallop on the side of the head. I hope it happens someday.
Second: If your child is not able to get him/herself out of the car by themselves, then I am so sorry, but you do not belong at curbside drop off during busy times. If you have to hold all the other cars up while you put your car in park, get out of the car, walk around to the other side, and open up your child's door to let them out, then you should consider parking in the lot and walking your kids to the crosswalk.
Third: The same goes for drivers who have their kids put their backpacks in the trunk. Seriously? Your kids can't just hold the backpacks on their laps for a few uncomfortable minutes until you arrive home? We all have to wait for you to get your car organized before you can roll your ass out of the way? How very self-centered of you. You're an idiot.
Fourth: Save the long conversations with your kids for another time. Say a quick goodbye and get them out of the car. In case you haven't noticed, there are 25 cars behind you waiting for your spot. Dummy.
Fifth: To the opportunist who speeds around the other cars and slips into a curbside spot out of turn, that's asshole behavior. Don't be an asshole.
Sixth: If you are waiting curbside, please know that this is a line that moves. I've seen people just park and pick up a book. WTH, people? The line of cars circles out onto the street. What are you thinking? Keep it moving, before someone reaches through your window and hits you over the head with your book.
And finally, if you are speeding-in other words, going over 10-15 miles an hour- I need to tell you something. Lean in close. YOU ARE IN A SCHOOL PARKING LOT. That means THERE ARE SMALL CHILDREN EVERYWHERE. They are coming out from behind big cars. They are lagging behind their parents. They are clueless to big, heavy vehicles with drivers who lack the common sense to drive safely when they are around. If you hit one of them, there isn't a name I can call you that will make you feel as bad as you'll feel knowing you injured some one's baby. So slow down.
******
That's it. Whew. I do feel better.
On the bright side, I have noticed that there are lots of people showing kindness out there as well. More than once, someone has let me go ahead of them with a smile and a wave. That's happened a lot. Gives me faith that we're not all stupid.
Okay, that's it. Hopefully, me complaining like this won't have too negative an effect. Who knows? Maybe someone will read this and actually give an offender a wallop on the side of the head.
I'd love to see it.
I had to do all these things because what I want to write about this morning is most definitely negative. It causes angry feelings to happen deep down in my soul, and unless you're Saint Teresa, it probably causes angry feelings deep in your soul too. I've written about it before, probably too much, and really, there is only so much you can say about this topic before it just gets old.
So let me just complain about the school parking lot one more time, and then I promise I will shut up about it forever.
I'm just going to say what is on everyones mind while we're circling and maneuvering around each other in that mess. I'm going to put it out there, in very clear and simple language, because I don't want to hold it in anymore. It's eating a hole through my heart, like a little worm. And while I entertain fantasies of standing in the middle of the lot with a megaphone and shouting these truths at people, I know that to really do so would not end well. So I'm getting it off my chest and writing it here.
First: To the people who create their own lanes, stop it. Stop it now. I don't know what your perception of the world around you is, but the rest of us see lines of cars in rows (at my school it's specifically two rows). When you put yourself in between those rows, without rhyme or reason, it's confusing to other drivers and maddening. You deserve a wallop on the side of the head. I hope it happens someday.
Second: If your child is not able to get him/herself out of the car by themselves, then I am so sorry, but you do not belong at curbside drop off during busy times. If you have to hold all the other cars up while you put your car in park, get out of the car, walk around to the other side, and open up your child's door to let them out, then you should consider parking in the lot and walking your kids to the crosswalk.
Third: The same goes for drivers who have their kids put their backpacks in the trunk. Seriously? Your kids can't just hold the backpacks on their laps for a few uncomfortable minutes until you arrive home? We all have to wait for you to get your car organized before you can roll your ass out of the way? How very self-centered of you. You're an idiot.
Fourth: Save the long conversations with your kids for another time. Say a quick goodbye and get them out of the car. In case you haven't noticed, there are 25 cars behind you waiting for your spot. Dummy.
Fifth: To the opportunist who speeds around the other cars and slips into a curbside spot out of turn, that's asshole behavior. Don't be an asshole.
Sixth: If you are waiting curbside, please know that this is a line that moves. I've seen people just park and pick up a book. WTH, people? The line of cars circles out onto the street. What are you thinking? Keep it moving, before someone reaches through your window and hits you over the head with your book.
And finally, if you are speeding-in other words, going over 10-15 miles an hour- I need to tell you something. Lean in close. YOU ARE IN A SCHOOL PARKING LOT. That means THERE ARE SMALL CHILDREN EVERYWHERE. They are coming out from behind big cars. They are lagging behind their parents. They are clueless to big, heavy vehicles with drivers who lack the common sense to drive safely when they are around. If you hit one of them, there isn't a name I can call you that will make you feel as bad as you'll feel knowing you injured some one's baby. So slow down.
******
That's it. Whew. I do feel better.
On the bright side, I have noticed that there are lots of people showing kindness out there as well. More than once, someone has let me go ahead of them with a smile and a wave. That's happened a lot. Gives me faith that we're not all stupid.
Okay, that's it. Hopefully, me complaining like this won't have too negative an effect. Who knows? Maybe someone will read this and actually give an offender a wallop on the side of the head.
I'd love to see it.
Hi Tacy! It was great meeting you this morning and I just wanted to say I enjoyed this post too--and I don't even have kids! I do live by a school though and I agree that some of these parents are obviously crazy by the way they drive. I just hope they read this post!!! Keep up the great writing and I look forward to more! ~Kathy
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy! Thank you for stopping by and taking time to read this. It was wonderful meeting you and THANK YOU for your knowledge and resources. I'm looking forward to the next meeting!
Delete