“A little backstory: one of the jobs I have is working for a city as a recreational aide (so think parks and rec, the tv show) so basically I handle light paperwork and paid registrations for classes that the city offers. One of those classes that you can take is Zumba. We also have a nearby football field so people who attend games must also share parking with Zumba class goers who have specially reserved parking. The bottom line here is that people have to keep it civil if the parking lot gets a little crowded. No big deal! I also put up plenty of signage showing the reserved Zumba parking.
So one day this lady parked in a Zumba spot and gets out of the car. Usually, I wait to see if it’s a Zumba lady but she seemed very obviously there for the football game since her daughter was dressed as a cheerleader, so I walked out and asked her if she’s there for football. This is how the convo went:
Me: ‘Hi there..so are you here for the football game?’
Her: ‘Yes?’
Me: ‘Well this parking lot is actually reserved for a Zumba class. I have a sign right over there that says no football parking. So I’m gonna have to ask you to park somewhere else, please.’
Her: in a very rude tone ‘Well I’m not from around here so I didn’t know where to park, and I’m not going to park far away and make my kids walk in this heat, buster!’
Me: ‘I understand that! Okay, but for future reference please don’t park here next time.’
Her: ‘Well LIKE I JUST SAID…I’m not going to park far away and make my kids walk in this heat buster! So let me just walk over and drop my kids off and I’ll move my car.’
Me: ‘Okay. Yes, I heard you. Thanks!’
Then we parted way and walked off. During my entire shift, I looked outside the building to see if she left yet. She hasn’t. An hour passed by, which is how long the Zumba class is. This lady said she would move her car after dropping her kids off! But nope, she didn’t. Whatever. So I come up with this genius plan.
I walk outside and place the sign (it’s one of those large stand up signs) smack dab in the middle of the parking lot entrance, a bit close to her car so that when she tries to leave she’ll either have to get out and physically move the sign herself or do a three-point turn.
I cackle to myself with delight.
So I sit and wait patiently for her to come back. And lo and behold, she does, around the time the class ends. Which is way past when she said she would move her car. I watch as she places her child in the backseat and gets in the driver’s seat. She backs up, but oh no…the sign is in her way! bummer. She parks her car again, gets out of her car VERY ANGRILY, and moves the sign over to the curb.
I’m watching this all unfold and just laughing my butt off. It was truly satisfying.
That’s what you get for being rude to me and not following directions, lady.”