I have been on a rant ever since we “crossed over” into Ontario. We stopped at every Tim Horton’s across the province and no matter where we went … people backed into parking spots. I’m not talking about driving all the way through a double spot. I’m talking about hanging your bumper over the curb, blocking side walks, and probably denting a bunch of signs and light posts. Ontario is the nuttiest place I’ve ever seen for backing into spots. My stay in the Owen Sound area has only continued to prove my point. Almost everyone backs into the spots at both church parking lots. (So I do, too … because I don’t want to appear to be a foreigner …I think that’s how the Ontario government is screening for terrorists!)
So well known is my rant (and Doug got really tired of it – I don’t know why) that Andy found an article in the Auto section of our local paper. I harrassed Andy for backing into a parking spot, telling him it took more time to negotiate the lines. The things I say when I’m a guest in a vehicle! The American (woman) writer’s column title is “Is backing in just a guy’s thing?”. I guess the phenomenon goes beyond Ontario, but it’s astounding how often I see people backing in! Far more than in SK.
Has anyone of you Ontario people noticed how often you or others back-in? What is the reason?? (Doug had suggested everyone was trained for emergency evacuation – like from an oil rig – where you need to escape fast. I don’t buy it.) Is it just a guy thing??
However I have made a New Year’s resolution to try backing in more often. I find it frustrating because I can’t fit the lines, I hold up traffic, and in general can’t back in. What’s up with that? I can back out perfectly fine!
You know, I have read this post a bunch of times, and I have no idea what to say. I feel that I should think of something serious to write, but I’m drawing a complete blank on what to say. And I thought of writing a “Kristin, you are strange” comment, but I pretty much always make fun of you and I’d like to be nice for once.
You make my life so complicated!!
When I got my went to get my first driver’s licence, I was not required to parallel park on the street. Shopping malls were non existant at that time, so you had to park on the street close to the shops that you frequented. So, the easiest way to park, was to back into a spot between two other vehicles. After successfully acquiring my licence, I decided to see if I really could park between two vehicles down town. It was the easiest thing for me to do, so backing into a spot is the natural thing to do.
Excuse the “got my” in the first line above.
I’ve been thinking, and thinking …. what to write in response to this?! Vicar Kristin visited last evening and failed to back in – or out – of our driveway; had she done so, I’m sure I could have written something!! I’m wondering if she’s trying some sort of reverse (get it?!) psychology on us, or something.
Whatever … I’ll continue to lobby parishioners to drive IN to their parking spaces and hopefully by the time Doug makes his next visit, everyone in Ontario (or at least the parish) will be driving in to parking spaces and he’ll be wondering what on earth his lovely wife has been talking about with all this backward talk!!!
In spite of the above, I drive in to parking spaces … less chance of hitting stuff if I can actually see it, which I can’t when I back up!
Cheers!
Jennifer – I think you have given me the ultimate compliment. The logic of my argument is so compelling … I know this … and to have you confirm this observation with your “drawing a blank” is a great honour!
John – backing in isn’t natural.
Mary – “reverse” psychology – brilliant!
I didn’t mean to compliment you, Kristin!!
(Does that sound mean?? It’s not supposed to… really!)
who cares about any other post, Jen?!?!
Did you not notice that Kristin called me (well, my comment) BRILLIANT!!!!!
No need to write anything more, ever again, the way I see it!
So much for all of those lessons about being nice that you taught me as a kid, right Mom??
And yes, you are brilliant.
When you park on the street and the space you need is between two cars, you are supposed to drive up parallel with the car that you will be behind and then back into the space. To me, that has never been a problem since I started to drive at 18 years of age and that is why I say it IS natural for me. When I drive into a parking lot, I am more likely to drive into the spot, rather than backing in. You will notice, of course, that when I park in the shed at St. Peter’s, I always back into my spot. So, there you have it according to the gospel of John (P).
I am completely against people who back-in. I am sorry to say it, folks, but I don’t agree with this driving style. You take too long. It’s confusing. And I think it just seems a little silly.
Mom, I do not support your trying to learn how to back-in!
I love my son. And did I say “He’s a made in Saskatchewan product!” Thank you Rhett … you’ve just upped the EAST-WEST rivalry several notches! (And we know who won the Grey Cup don’t we! Of course, the East wasn’t really in the Grey Cup this year … that bunch of non-contenders!)
I think it is possible that a tide is beginning to turn …. those who back in are soon going to feel like “smokers” who are all alone out in the cold … starting their own little gangs … I bet they’ll have code language,too. I think the churches should have perimeter fencing with guards at the gate (just like the Owen Sound Port Authority) checking for “those types” who want to back into spots. And John – since you brought up the gospel …I’m sure I can find some Scripture to support this theory!
Jennifer – after my last post if you can resist making a comment that isn’t mean …well …. I’ll consider you a saint!
Mary – being on your “good” side has never felt so “good.” (Don’t you like my command of the English language!) I’m going to enjoy it for as long as it lasts … which will likely be until you reply to the above post!
I’m already a saint…. sheesh, Kristin, don’t you know your theology??? To quote the Chronicles of Narnia (loosely), what do they teach students in seminary these days?
—
For the record, I backed into a parking spot at the bank tonight because the parking lot was basically empty, driving in reverse is a good thing to practice, and this particular bank branch seems to have lots of customers who drive big vehicles, and when you drive a little car (a Honda civic), doing everything you can to see in a parking lot is just plain smart. It turns out that backing in to the spot was a good idea, because I was stuck between a van and an SUV by the time I was done at the bank. It would have been nearly impossible for me to see backing out of the spot.
“Here I stand” … so humbly corrected!
What do you stand corrected on – sainthood or parking?
BOTH!!
Kristin has been bugging me to comment and truthfully I am not sure where I stand. I think it is one of those things with no ‘right’ answer. Backing in between two cars is tricky with different kinds of door mirrors (i.e. right side objects are closer than you think). Placing the car equally spaced is almost impossible. But it is safer leaving, as Jen said above; you are also more likely to see a kid in front than when backing up. Yes you may hold up someone while you back in but really, you are sitting in a heated or air conditioned car listening to music or words of wisdom from your other half – so what’s the rush. If you want to experience a peculiar Saskatchewan driving habit all you need to do is ride with Kristin. You will undoubtedly notice that she drives at a leisurely pace (Kristin will say “safe pace”). People from Saskatchewan tend to drive slow, it is no reflection on their intelligence!
Will anyone please say “Poor Kristin”?!?
I’d say it …. but it would cost you sooooooo much Kristin I’m not sure it is worth it!!! We WILL remember your pathetic begging though!
Upon further thought, I really do think a “poor Doug” is – once again! – in order! After all, Kristin did bug her beloved Doug to comment on the parking debate and when he does, she seeks sympathy. There really is something about “reverse” psychology in all of this, isn’t there Kristin?!
I think that, like most things, common sense and basic courtesy are the most important factors when it comes to parking. Don’t back in to a spot (unless absolutely necessary) if you’re going to hold up 50 cars. On the other hand, if you’re not going to hold anyone up, backing in to the parking spot is just another defensive driving technique.
I suggest (to myself as well as to all of you) that knowing how to handle your vehicle, either in drive or reverse, is what is most important.
Doug, you need to comment more often! I really appreciate the insights into your other (err… better?) half, and I’m sure that my mom (Mary) does too.
Jennifer – I bow to your wisdom! (on backing in, that is – but Doug should comment more too!)
Mary – I wasn’t employing reverse psychology … as it turns out, it must have been “perverse psychology” because I know Doug always has a “smart” comment to make. …
So Kristin, what topic are you going to enlighten us with next?
(Am I getting too much fun out of your blog?)
Doug:Kristin is no slouch on Ontario highways. When she drove to Kitchener on Christmas day, Liz was with her and she did not have any problem keeping up with me. I drove at 90 k most of the way and she wasn’t that far behind me. Yesterday we stopped at Tim Horton’s for a coffee and once again I backed in to my spot and I was equally distant from the two lines that I parked between. It is all a case of getting used to what makes you comfortable in your driving habits. I agree with Jen that it is easier to watch for pedestrians when you drive out of a parking space. Besides, how many times would you have 50 cars waiting behind you when you want to back in.
I forgot. Kristin is trying to get everyone to say “POOR KRISTIN.” So I did!!
oh, John … what did you do that for??!
I’m not going to “back” you up anymore, just because you did that!
I think the ultimate goal should always be to find a pull through spot. That way you are facing forward and don’t have to face my wrath for backing in!
I have listened to your arguments and I have weighed them, but I have an instinctual reaction to this. This is not based on logic but a deep peace that resides deep within me because it is the truth. What I am trying to say is that God is telling me that backing in is not beneficial.
Was that sacrilege? Oooh, I am going to be such a good PK!
To become a PK, Rhett, your mother must first pass her internship! We’re keeping a report card on her …. too many check marks and we get to keep her!! And you should just hear the reasons we have for each of the red check marks she already has! Whoever said they had to make sense … after all, we are in Ontario with all its crazy drivers!
Enough about backing in or out …. what’s your next topic, Kristin??!
I agree, Rhett – pull through spots are the best.
Rhett – I completely agree that you are Spirit-led. And you have just enough sacrareligious tendencies to make the ultimate PK!
Mary – “Back” you up ….. really – you’ve been at peak performance on this topic!
John – You’re my favourite.
Jennifer – just in case you thought I forgot you …..no way! See my newest post – looking forward to what your opinion might be!
Boy, have I had my feelings hurt!!
John is your favourite, eh? You’re going to pay for that statement, my dear!
And I suppose John you’re going say Kristin is your favourite. Whatever happened to you loving the shy, quiet one?!?
Mary: You know that you are my “Sister in Christ” even if you are young enough to be my “Daughter in Christ.” However, that does not change the fact that I like sticking up for Interns. Our parish has been blessed with good Interns, so we have to keep them in highest regard.
Mary … I don’t think I need to say anything more after so humbly receiving John’s words, but I will ….
I was at a ministerial meeting today and Pastor Sheilah brought up my website & I explained the kinds of goofy things I write about, such as backing in to parking spots. Well! Here’s the outcome: Maritime people and people from Ohio do not back into parking spots. So I can no longer use the EAST phrase … I guess it is just ONTARIO folks who back in!