I was going to bop in the Co-op for a couple things but that place being the most popular store in town and having a very small parking lot, I could find no empty spots. I drove the loop twice and on the 3rd go-around, I spotted a place on the end. I was parked by it with my signal on, waiting for a car to pass. It did but a small car with 2 young girls zoomed in from the street and popped into my spot.
I saw shades of "Fried Green Tomatoes" flash before me and felt like ramming the car because although they were younger and prettier, I was older and had more insurance.
Thank God I came to my senses and instead just laid on my horn. When the driver finally looked at me, I motioned with my hand that it was my intention to go in that spot. Much to my surprise, she backed up and drove out but looked straight ahead and very pissed when she passed my car. I could imagine what they were saying.... "Grouchy old Q#*! lady."
As I pulled in the space, a little guilt crept in. I am usually not such a JERK but somehow, the occasion called for it. So I was.
When I went inside and saw lovely produce, I forgot about my being a jerk but I'm thinking about it now. Just when I make up my mind to be kind and loving always, I go and behave like that. Darn!!!!!!
Jerk? No way! Since the driver backed out, she no doubt felt embarrassed and bad. Sometimes you gotta do, what you did. Long ago I used to live in San Francisco where parking was hard to come by. Once, I waited patiently for a parking space in front of my building when someone zoomed into it. I was tired from my freeway commute. So, I was livid. I got out of my car and calmly told the driver that I had been waiting for that spot and I lived in the neighborhood. Fortunately she was reasonable and gave it to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed the driver backed out. Usually the old "possession is 9/10 of the law" rules.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it would be nice to have a $50.00 car to ram into them but I am such a weenie, I'd have just driven off eating away at my stomach lining with a grump on.
Proud of you.
I don't think you were a jerk at all. You pointed something out to her and she responded. Sounds fairly civilized to me!
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad that we have to be "less pleasant than we wish to be" in order to teach these youngsters what their PARENTS should have taught them in the first place!!!!
ReplyDeleteAwww, dang...that sounded just like my mom...
xoxoxo, cd
Su-sieee,
ReplyDeleteAt least you remained "calm" when talking to the interloper. I doubt if I would have remained as calm. I felt like I wanted to drag the driver out by her long hair.
Patti,
I think you hit the nail. That was what probably stopped me from doing a Fried Green Tomato ramming scene. Her car was worth maybe $300 on a good day and my car is fairly new. Better to get out and get in a good old Montana hair pulling contest. Ha.
Beth,
You're too kind. Laying on the horn being kind and civilized???
Jeff,
Oh, maybe I was just a crabby old lady, tired of driving around and around looking for a parking place. Ha.
Clare,
You put things so well and with humor. But you're right. It's up to the parents to do the teaching.
I know how these responses of ours can eat at us. I've done similar things. And am always angry at myself for it.
ReplyDeleteIn the words of John and Paul, "Let it Be." It's really nothing in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps an opportunity will arrive to do it different next time and voila! Incident erased.
Awwwww Manzanita!!!! I think that mum knew exactly what she was doing. Yes she did. She probably thought - little ol' lady wouldn't say boo.
ReplyDeleteBut you did!! Hooorah for you!!!!!
I hope you had a great time shopping! Take care
x
You are sooo cool. Don't be worried that you were assertive. Weigh how many times you weren't. That should take the nagging guilt away.
ReplyDeleteYou are the best of the best and I love your blog!! Your motto of the day..."No Worries" :0)
Nope, not a jerk! Being assertive about fairness and the rules of society!! She wouldn't have moved if she didn't know she was wrong! Besides, I had an almost exactly the same experience while waiting for a gas pump. I was waiting, guy zoomed in ahead of me, I laid on the horn, he got out of the car, I stuck my head
ReplyDeleteout the window and called out to him, "Did you not see me there waiting my turn??? I asked. He walked back to me said he would move, I started to thank him, but he continued talking...."I'll move but you're an old bitch, what are you, like 80?" Then he moved his car. HE was a JERK (and he was no kid...grey, balding, overweight,and not a day younger than 60; I am 64!)
Nonetheless, I would do it again! It's the principle of the thing!
I agree with everyone, no jerk. And like everyone said, she knew it by leaving so don't feel bad. Those blueberries look amazing. Oh how I wish we had fresh fruit that had taste. Minnesota in the winter is not the fruit season.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. It's been awhile since I've been here so have some catching up to do. Take care and have a blessed afternoon.
I don't think honking was so bad. Sometimes you need to remind people of their manners. Love the blueberries. I have visions of pancakes and muffins now dancing in my head!
ReplyDeleteTeresa, "
ReplyDelete"I like the saying, "Squeek up. Are you man or mouse?" Sometimes it's right to and sometimes it's not. Oh well, as you said, we always get another shot at it. Thanks
Old Kitty,
The thing is, throughout my life, I've had to LEARN to speak up for myself because when I was young I was terribly shy. Maybe I learned too well.... Ha
Cherie,
Thanks. It's always conforting to hear your soothing advice and words.
Mellodee,
What a horrible man that was at the gas station. Just be thankful you aren't his wife. Think of the pitiful life she must lead. She's stuck with him 24/7.
Julie,
No we haven't see each other for a while. Thanks for visiting. March will "march right by" and we can all go out and plant our gardens. Hurray for spring.
Roxy,
Funny you should say that. I've been thinking about pancakes all week. Must be the season. Bernie of One Mixed Bag posted on pancakes, too. That's what started me thinking about them. :)
Dear Bloggy friends. Thanks for the consoling advice. I think we should strive for the middle ground. Balance is good. I have this darn Libra Moon and it always makes me see the other person's side too. Love you. Manzanita
I bet they knew what they were doing to begin with, so I don't think you were a jerk, you just spoke your mind. Those berries would make me forget a whole lot of stuff too.--Inger
ReplyDeleteWow that is amazing that the driver pulled out, alot would have stuck up two fingers and carried on x
ReplyDeleteInger,
ReplyDeleteYes, these gals were "Hotties." Had the look that they always took the easy way.
Red Nomad Oz,
I like that. I'll fight that title with Cody. Ha
Rumtruffle,
That would be the more normal action for a Montana person. :)
I so want some of those berries!!!! Believe me, I have been where you are with the parking lot scenario. It's not a pretty place to be:) LOL
ReplyDeleteI can not believe the girls pulled out, now that's amazing! Those berries look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great weekend,
Shawn
We're all entitled to a little bitchy behavior every once in a while. Keeps us humble.
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
bluecottonmemory,
ReplyDeleteHotties with a heart, huh? I think that has happened to everyone, sometimes on purpose and sometimes by mistake.
. Shawn,
I'm thinking if I had been the "Hottie" and took the place by mistake, I'd have driven out BUT, stopped as I passed the waiting car, rolled down my window and apologized for not seeing her waiting. This Hottie didn't look at me and looked really angry.
Thank bloggy friends. Love you all. Manzanita
No, not a jerk. I am, however, totally surprised that the young driver backed up and gave the spot to you. Wow, very impressive. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am now following you, too from Follow Friday 40 and over. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteHa! I love that movie and what a great scene that was! But yes, it is good that you held back and "behaved". Ha! Thanx for your encouraging words on my blog tonight, much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI think its cool they backed out. They might have been grumbling, but good for them for doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing and so did the girls. Loved your line about being older and having more insurance!
ReplyDeleteMan! Just when you think those young whippersnappers can't get any ruder! I say you go, girl!
ReplyDeleteNo you were not a jerk! You acted very civil under the conditions. But I think the green friend tomatoe thoughts was funny! You were lucky the girls had enough manners to pull out and give you the spot.
ReplyDeleteAt least you didn't do worse!! But, maybe next time you will just let them have it and not think about any movies.
ReplyDelete