To Whom It May Concern

Parking For Anyone But You

It's frustrating sometimes when you go to a place of business and can't find a parking spot, but right up front there are 8 or 10 handicap spots that never get used. It's understandable in most instances, especially at places like churches or hospitals where the expectation of those spots being needed by those with special needs is greatest. Heck, even at a supermarket I can understand it. Where it makes no sense at all however is at a fitness facility or gym, or at a fitness trail parking area, I mean, come on now, let's be reasonable here: If you are going somewhere to get exercise, why in the hell do you need to have a handicap spot?

A person can basically deal with that though, handicap spots take up about 5 percent of the overall parking spots, unless in a tiny parking lot in which you rarely find them all filled up anyway (well, Murphy's Law will tell you that when you are late for any sort of appointment the lot will be filled up except for those spots). What is REALLY freaking irritating is what I have seen at several department stores: specialized parking based on being elderly (uhm, hello??? Isn't that what the handicapped parking is for???), and even crazier, at the grocery store we frequent, they now have "Shoppers With Children" parking spots. Shoppers with children??? When does this madness end???

I suppose they will have "Receding Hairline Shopper Parking" for those with special balding needs, perhaps "Abdominal Gas Problems Parking" for that person leaving a trail of death behind his or herself, or even "Far Sighted Shopper Parking" for the semi-blind person, probably something great for the parking lot at your local optometrist, but damned if I am going to park beside that guy, not unless you like a series of door dings, depending on the number of far sighted shoppers park beside you while you are there.

Why can't I have any specialized parking for me? Perhaps, "Semi Athletic 'Hoping To Be In Better Shape Soon' Shopper Parking", or "Tired Grumpy Shopper Who Dislikes His Job Parking", or my personal favorite "Easily Irritated Driver With A Propensity For Speeding Shopper Parking"??? I mean, is it too much to ask for my own personal parking spot??? Hell, put it way at the back end of the parking lot for all I care, I JUST WANT SOME DAMNED RECOGNITION OKAY??? If the annoying lady with 3 kids can have her own spot, then I sure as hell should be able to, shouldn't I?

Blah, with my luck they would make my spot a sub-compact and I'd have to buy some nasty Geo Metro or something...