Parking Quandries

I've decided to go back to Olympia today, to do the things that need to be done in a more suburban environment.  Urban life is difficult, if only in the paucity of Walmarts, Targets, Michael's, Joann's Fabrics and Home Depots.  Driving is difficult.  Parking is impossibly frustrating.

Each time we venture out past the neighborhood, where everything needed is within walking distance, I have to give up my parking space.  Upon returning, I must circle endlessly through the side streets, trying to find an open space (unlikely), or waiting to catch someone leaving. Every possibility seems to turn out to be a 15-minute loading zone, or a handicapped space. And it's all so random.  Cars park nose-to-nose or tail-to-tail, it's all so untidy. Even when I do find a spot, I am incredibly nervous that somehow there must be something wrong or illegal about it. I'll park the car, then get out and walk around, wondering if the curb's paint wore off, or someone stole the "No Parking EVER" sign. 

When I finally give up and decide that yes, this place will do, I have to consciously remember where I parked this time, so I know where to find my car the next time I want to go out.  And as I walk to where I think I am, I worry all the way that my car will be gone, either towed or ticketed, or that no, that's where I thought I left it, not where it actually is this time.

As you can see, city life is stressful for me.

Last night, Alex came over to Juli's apartment after work, and we visited for awhile.  He asked for a ride home to his place, over in West Seattle.  My first question to him was "is there parking?" He told me, "You can park wherever you want, you can even take up two spaces if you want."  Okay then, I'll do it, if only for the pure joy of parking with abandon.