(For an explination of this word--go here )http://www.bergen.org/AAST/Projects/Yiddish/English/comwor.html
I have a neighbor story for you (see www.wendysues.blogspot.com and www.ohjudy.blogspot.com for some GREAT neighbor stories) . At the time I thought, "Hmmm, I don't have any funny stories". Thankfully that was quickly remedied.
My sister and her son live with me. Her husband has a job in Utah and a marketing company that has business out here in California during the summer. She lives w/ me because 1) I like her and love having her live with me 2) She was supposed to be my live in help w/ the new baby--who decided not to show up until at least three weeks after she goes home. Her husband is here when he is in town. It is a good solution because it keeps both of us from being lonely all summer. She also spoils my kids and cleans my house. Enough said.
From my previous posts you know I live in an area full of creepy old people. I need to adjust that to MEAN SPIRITED , creepy old people. There are all kinds of crazy parking rules here--no parking in driveways, no parking on the street, don't have your garage door open--ever. I guess we can add--no parking in the visitor spot to the list.
My sister parks her car in a visitor spot, because it is for visitors. I had this pre-approved w/ the company that does property management here. I knew I would have a third car for the summer and with all the other rules, I decided to ask what I was going to do w/ her car. Many of my neighbors have live in help and I know for a fact that many of these people park in the visitor parking. No big deal. The spots are never full.
On Sunday, someone soaped her windows, but just the driver's side of the windshield and window. They also did it to the other car in the other visitor spot. Hmmm. Today we woke up to a note on her windshield that said "PLEASE OBEY THE "insert condo complex name here" PARKING RULES" in shaky, old lady handwriting. ohhhkayyyy. What should I do? I haven't had anyone soap a car since I was in seventh grade. By the way, don't you think it is strange that they soaped the windows BEFORE they left a note? Like soaping was the obvious first option. Seeing how I am not 12 anymore--soaping and note leaving are not really my style. I prefer to do things on a professional or at least adult manner.
One thing I do know is that I cannot allow this to go unchecked. It is NOT ok for people to treat my guests like this. She was parked in a VISITOR spot for heaven's sake. What should I do? Do I leave a note that says "I am not sure what parking rules you are referring to, please identify yourself or call my cell and lets discuss why you have a problem w/ my guests parking in the guest spot". Do I ignore it? Do I go into the whole song and dance about how I had permission, how she is live in help, etc..... I love a good neighbor war as much as the next guy--but I do still have to live here.
For some reason this has me really worked up. I am having a hard enough time trying to like it here as it is. Maybe this is just the excuse I am looking for to not like it here...Maybe I just need more Diet Coke.... Maybe I just don't like condescending (crazy) old people. The good news is that this person will either die or go into a nursing home really soon, I hope.
Any advice or better ways to handle this?
8 comments:
I would just ignore it. Well, first I'd double check with the property management people that you're still in the right. Then I'd leave it alone. If you catch the person in the act of soaping Cyn's car, then say something, but odds are they'll grow tired of it.
Or you could have D and J camp out in the bushes and watch for the perpetrator and squirt her with the hose when she starts soaping the windows...
How frustrating!!! I'm all for hiring lookouts. It's not like they'll have to work odd hours - have them outside between the hours of 2 & 4:30 pm, when old ladies go out for dinner. But instead of using the hose, have your spies use Diet Coke. That'll learn 'em.
Bek, this old lady sounds like the long lost sister of my neighbor (watch for her up coming story in my blog). She yells at anyone that parks their car in front of her house, she storms right out and says "do you have to park right there, I need that spot when people come to visit me." Like anyone is coming to visit your bird-infested home! My brother in law said under his breath to her, "lady, my car sitting here is the least of your problems." I forgot that she owns the whole street, and you must've forgotten that she owns the visitor parking lot!! I vote for the stake-out with the hose!
I like the stake out idea, but what if we get her wet, she catches pnemonia and dies or something?...
Revenge w/ old people it tricky...
Maybe I could fill Jacob to the brim with his bottle, then hand him to her and he can spit up all over her. He does it all the time anyway, why not put it to good use..?
Okay, here's what you do: You make a HUGE sign, which you put on the windshield, so the old fart can see it from his/her window (you know he/she's watching). You put: To the anon. person who left me a note and soaped my windows (that gets the persons attention and embarrasses them a little). This car is parked legally. If you have any questions, please (see, you're nice, you're reasonable, you said please) come see me at (insert your address number). Sincerely, Becca kiss my arse Bingham (just sign it Becca, I just couldn't resist) I"M SERIOUS! And sit on your porch/out in front with your feet up with a big 'ole Diet Coke! and wait!
I like the sign idea, but I would definitely put a picture of kittens on it to really get her attention. You could make it out of wallpaper remnants too...just an idea.
Anonymous mean-ness is the worst kind. I like Lisa v. Clark's idea best.
See, Tina really does need to write a book!! Wallpaper remnants, who'da thunk?
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