I’m sorry . . . coming back from a meeting, I went to my car in the parking structure across the street and when exiting I inserted my parking ticket and then my credit card but it was rejected. I tried another credit card; rejected again. So I pushed the button to call for the attendant and I’m guessing that I pushed the button and waited for at least 10 minutes. No one ever came and I couldn’t leave due to the lift gate. So I backed up and went to the next exit. This time I did not have my ticket and the machine said repeatedly, “Please insert ticket.” I kept repeating that I don’t have the ticket so I pushed the new button but – you know where this is going – no one came. No attendant. No help. No way to get out.
It’s funny, someone told me what I should have done is run across the other side to where the cars enter, push the button for a new ticket, insert that new ticket and drive off for free since there would’ve been no time on it! I would’ve never thought of that in a million years.
So at my wit’s end, I did what any other like-minded sinner would do: I waited for the valet to go through and then accelerated the gas pedal and went through the gate to the street and on to my next appointment.
At my next meeting I had several law enforcement officers shaking their heads, laughing, some even threatening to slap the cuffs on me. They told me I could have been arrested. Of course they wouldn’t – but if they did – I would hope that one of them would call the Irvine Co and explain that I was stuck in a parking structure and couldn’t get out and that no one answered my call. This brings up a new question; what if someone had an emergency or was being attacked?
There was one thing I knew for sure: I was back in the city. I mentioned in a previous blog, Down Time that the city has its own peculiar life rhythm. If there’s a lesson to be learnt, it’s that you better hear the music . . . and learn to keep step.
Be patient, have a wonderful day and don’t let anyone steal your joy!
Love, P.W.
Patricia Wenskunas
