Clergy Parking
It has been my policy, from the beginning, to not use designated clergy parking. Often the hospitals provide nice, convenient spaces close to the entrance with big “Reserved For Clergy” signs. It is a nice gesture on the part of the business, but just seems to me unnecessary. Besides, we have too many fat and out-of-shape preachers who need to park in the far away parking lots and walk to their destinations, and avoid the elevators along the way. And I feel the same about all the spots in the hospital parking decks designated for physicians. Even when the deck is full, there will often be a dozen or more unused physician spaces. As I drive to the top to find a place to park, it occurs to me that of all people, a doctor would surely see the value of a little extra walking. But this is my own little campaign, and I do not expect you to join or even understand.
Recently I pulled into the back of a parking lot, and proceeded to walk toward the entrance. Near the front a lady pulled her Cadillac into a clergy spot. Emblazoned upon the side and bumper was Mary Kay. I met her as she was getting out, and cheerily asked, “What church do you pastor?” She did not reply that she was Assistant Minister at the Church Of The Mary Kay. Instead, she said she could not find a parking space and was forced to park up front. I told her that I understood, that I was a minister and that I unfairly took her space in the back of the parking lot. She was not amused.
If you would like to help in the campaign to replace all clergy parking signs with pink signs proclaiming “Reserved For Blue-Eyed Emus & Mary Kay”, then send me a t-Mail. Surely it would be a tax-deductible cause?
05.03.08 (5:06 pm) [
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posted by:
auntconi (
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post date:
05.03.08 (4:08 pm)
hahahahahaaaaa ... you, my friend, are very funny!
Serious, but funny! I love that about you.
Now as for the 'reserved for clergy parking' at hospitals ~ that is a courtesy to you and yours for your 'busy schedule' as you go from hospital to hospital to visit your church members ~ but you know that! :)
“Reserved For Blue-Eyed Emus"... *giggle
posted by:
intricategirl (
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post date:
05.03.08 (4:10 pm)
ROFL! I don't know why that comment didn't win her over. :D
posted by:
mimi (
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post date:
05.03.08 (7:30 pm)
as a mary kay consultant, let me assure you, i would never behave like that woman! shame on her...she should be a blue eyed emu! i support your cause, pdave! heartily! xoxox
posted by:
userfriendly (
reply)
post date:
05.03.08 (8:14 pm)
i've never thought you to be much of a comedian but.. this one about made me fall out of my chair..
posted by:
fractalmom (
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post date:
05.04.08 (5:57 am)
i confess. i have a handicapped sticker, but don't use it. the other week, as i was pulling into wally world, there were literally NO parking spaces. i whipped into the "reserved for expecting or new mothers" place. i figured hey, i was getting 3/4 pint in two days....and so was an expectant mother. i could have gotten out and pushed my belly out a bit, but no. i did not. i just grabbed the hand of the closest child and in we went.
i would gladly support your cause as i have no prejudice against blue eyed emu's who need to park. but i would also like to see designated parking for
older grandma's who are raising small children, have too many things to do that day and are going to have to push a freakin full buggy full of children's food and clothing 3 miles away to a parking place while herding 3 small kids who want to run and will be exhausted by the time they get there, get unloaded, hook up car seats and seat belts, and will need a quick nap before they have the energy to drive all that stuff home and put it away....
posted by:
bawdy (
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post date:
05.04.08 (1:04 pm)
How dare you take her spot! Too funny!
posted by:
PastorDave (
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post date:
05.05.08 (6:39 am)
Reply to: bawdy
In this day of $4 per gallon gasoline, a Cadillac is a rather silly vehicle to own. But, I guess if you can afford such a car, then you don't worry too much about the price of gas. Perhaps I should sell Mary Kay?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.05.08 (6:41 am)
Reply to: fractalmom
Probably you have earned your handicapped sign. Just don't put it in your will for the children and grandchildren to continue to use. I've a post coming up on the subject.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.05.08 (6:47 am)
Reply to: userfriendly
I prefer to think of myself not as a comic, but simply a happy idiot.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.05.08 (6:48 am)
Reply to: mimi
So, you are a Mary Kay consultant? You guys have a huge Headquarters/Warehouse about a mile from here. From now on when I drive by and see the logo, I'll think of you. Do you drive a Mary Kay Cadillac?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.05.08 (6:50 am)
Reply to: intricategirl
Friendly chatter in the parking lot seems to always get me in trouble. There is something about the agressive competition for parking spaces with 2000 pound vehicles that brings out the worst in some of us.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.05.08 (6:54 am)
Reply to: auntconi
It is a nice courtesy. If it were an emergency where seconds dearly count, then I would use the space. But I tend to feel guilt when I pull up to the special parking space close to the entrance, and see a granny or a mother with three kids arrive huffing and puffing from a 3-mile-hike from the back of the lot. And if it is a granny with three kids- well, I'll ask her why she never learned to use birth control. Maybe not.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
05.05.08 (6:58 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
can't will them in Ohio, LOL. They expire after 5 years.
posted by:
userfriendly (
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post date:
05.05.08 (7:07 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
i dont know about the idiot part, you have your clever moments ;)
posted by:
squirrelzone (
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post date:
05.05.08 (7:20 am)
Beautiful, loved this post as it made my morning :)
I also like to follow directions so the tmail is on it's way.
posted by:
mimi (
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post date:
05.05.08 (8:43 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
nope...no caddy, but if you decide to sign up, please let's do it on my team! LOL! I think you would be great at it! LOLOL!
xoxoxo
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
05.06.08 (4:21 am)
I think it would be more fun if they had spaces marked for all kinds of occupations. "This space reserved for Convenience Store workers." "Don't Park here unless you work the third shift at Dunkin Doughnuts."
posted by:
LadyG (
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post date:
05.06.08 (7:33 am)
LOL PD, It's very nice that you don't want to use your reserved spot at the hospital,also true about preachers needing exercise. but most preachers are in a big hurry, called up to pray for some member or their loved one's last moments so I vote that you keep it. You are a nice exception to lots of pompous ministers that I know.
posted by:
ggirl (
reply)
post date:
05.06.08 (9:49 am)
Surely you should start a foundation for the support of the initiative?
Good for you for taking the long way. I (though not a clergy member) try to make it a practice to park far away, take the stairs, etc., anything to add a little more exercise to the day.
posted by:
emerging (
reply)
post date:
05.06.08 (10:03 pm)
Reply to: mimi
With the kind of tact and wit described in this post, PD is an obvious choice to take on the arduous task of carefully suggesting products that might enhance a woman's natural beauty - "I bet your mother just adores your face, bless your heart." I can almost hear the ensuing slap.
posted by:
emerging (
reply)
post date:
05.06.08 (10:10 pm)
Some of us have scruples and would never park in a space designated for someone else - especially clergy. I figure I dodge enough lightning bolts without adding that little misdeed to my repertoire. I don't particularly resent designated parking - except when it isn't being used and the lot is otherwise full. Perhaps the solution for you is to cruise the lot and offer to shuttle those who have to park in the north forty before settling into your cushy space. Of course, then it's likely we'd read some dreadful headline about a Southern preacher who was apprehended by local law enforcement for trying to pick up elderly women in hospital parking lots.....
posted by:
mimi (
reply)
post date:
05.07.08 (7:09 am)
Reply to: emerging
LOLOLOL!
xoxox
posted by:
Barbara (
reply)
post date:
05.08.08 (7:56 am)
Comments like that prove that you are so your brother's brother.
