Local Eateries

When I lived in an apartment complex in Provo, where I met John, you needed a parking sticker in order to avoid towing. Parking is pretty tight in Provo and this is a constant problem, trying to find parking when visiting friends. However, I was parked in my own parking lot with a valid parking sticker.

I woke up one snowy morning, got ready for the day and went outside to start my snowy journey up to Salt Lake, an hour long drive. I was testifying at court for an adoption finalization so it wasn't a day to be late.

However, when I went down to the parking lot, I couldn't find my car. Most of the cars had frost and some had snow covering them, so I kept looking. I looked on the other side of the building. I looked some more. And some more. How embarrassing, I couldn't find my own car.

I went back up to my apartment and asked my sleepy roommate to go out and see if I was overlooking my parked car. She couldn't find it either, so I had to face the possibility that it had been stolen. I called the main office first and they told me to call the towing company that patrols the area. Like parasites. Or Somali pirates. (Are those pirates Somali, or just hanging out close to Somalia.)

I called the towing company. I gave them the make, model, color and license plate number. They went out and looked, and indeed, they had my car imprisoned in their sinister lot. WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!

They informed me that the cost to release my car was $80.

I then summoned my NY attitude and began my tirade.

In an articulate, firm manner I reminded them that I had a valid parking sticker, even if it was obscured by the ice and snow and tinted windows, that if they were in any doubt whatsoever, they were foolish to tow the car, they were reckless, their actions were illegal and the action amounted to theft. I forcefully told them that I was required in Salt Lake for official court business and this delay could cause me to miss this engagement, for which they would be held responsible and that not only was I not, under any circumstances, not going to pay $80.....

Interruption: Now, imagine standing before me in all my righteous indignation and glory. I am a strong, independent woman who is not to be trifled with. I speak with power and I demand respect. My roommate is beholding me in wonder.

And then...

So let us return. Not only was I not, under any circumstances, not going to pay $80, but I demanded compensation, or at the very least (CRINGE AND HUMILIATION COMING) certificates to local eateries.

Certificates to local eateries.

That's what I actually said. It was seconds before my roommate had fallen to the floor laughing. she had tears in her eyes as I struggled to keep any of the 'tude that I had previously had, but it was not to be. I hung up as soon as they offered me $40 cash and could barely look anyone in the eye when I went to retrieve my car.
Later, I took my roommate out to eat at a local eatery.