Parking Lot Rage

I just got back from a very relaxing vacation in the stunning farmlands of Lancaster County, PA (more about that in future blogs). Shortly after I re-entered NJ and pulled into a food court to grab some lunch, I was reminded of the demanding, nasty nature of some NJ drivers.

I guess you could say I was lucky to find a parking spot near the food court at a certain outlet shopping center, considering back-to-school shopping was in full swing on a hot and humid August Sunday, but somehow, after the warmth of the people in PA on vacation, I forgot about the bullying that goes on in NJ -- both on the roads and in parking lots.

So we got out of the car after we parked, ate a light lunch, and then went back to the car to get home and unpack. We got in the car, buckled up, and then I started to back out of my parking space. Not only did I first turn around and look to see if I could easily pull out, but I have a really accurate and fantastic back-up camera. So I knew I wasn't going to hit anyone.

As I started to back out, I saw a car pull up really close behind me, quite obviously wanting to get my spot before anyone else could take it. The only thing was, he pulled up close enough to block me from exiting the space. So, as I crept back as slowly and carefully as I could to try and get out, he laid his hand on the horn and didn't take it off.

Okay, Buddy, I saw you. But if you want my spot there is one little thing you have to do first: LET ME OUT!!!

Instead of backing up more so that I had enough room to move, he decided he'd just lay his hand on the horn until I had no choice but to pull back into the parking spot and wait for him to MOVE.

Nice. Welcome back to NJ. So glad to be home.