Close call.

Yesterday when I took my roommate Geri to the airport, there was almost a tragedy.

I pulled up to the drop off curb and was helping Geri in with her bags (she had a LOT of them). I figured I'd be gone a minute tops, no big deal. Well, turns out Geri had left a pillowcase full of random necessities (towel, toiletries) in my backseat. I went to get them, and then she had to cram them into her already overstuffed suitcases. Then I helped her to the check in station, hugged her goodbye, and rushed back to my car. I would guess I was gone about 10 minutes.

There was an official-looking guy standing a few feet from my car, and he was writing a ticket.

Me: *tries to get in car inconspicuously*
Curb Nazi (CN): Ma'am, you left your vehicle unattended.
Me: Oh, did I leave it too long?*
CN: Too long?? You weren't supposed to leave it at all!
Me: OH! I'm sorry! I was just helping her in with her bags, I'm so so sorry.
CN: *hesitates, looking down at half-written ticket*
Me: *wants to say more, but resists, knowing it could make it worse*
CN: *begins writing VOID across the ticket with a deep sigh* Merry Christmas-- or, er-- Have a nice day.
Me: Oh, thank you! Thank you SO much! Sorry again. Sorry. Thanks. *runs to car door*

WHEW. Close call. I would like to thank the Curb Nazi, who is my new best friend. You are now the Awesome Guy Who Didn't Give Lindsay A Ticket.

Gotta go CLEAN.

See ya'll tomorrow, when I'll be blogging in Colorado!
-Linds

*Playing dumb is almost always the right course to take in these situations. "Really?? I had NO idea you weren't supposed to leave your car here. The 40 signs in all directions weren't a good enough clue. You need to spell these things out more clearly."