I have never learned how to parallel park. Sad story I know. But it’s true. I am sure if I practiced I would figure it out, but it is rather hard to teach an old dog new tricks.
And why bother?
If I come to a place where I need to parallel park I just drive around the block multiple times until there are 2 open spaces in which I can easily pull into the slot without the tricky side step maneuver.
I wonder how many other disabled drivers there are out there like myself?
The Parallel Parking Disorder.
Probably not very many. Most people can parallel park, I’m sure.
Back in 2005 we traveled to Portugal and that is where I saw my first Smartcar.
When I first laid eyes on the Smartcar, I thought to myself…”Now there’s a car I could parallel park!”
Problem is… the Smartcar is a toy car. 2 adults and a teenager would never fit inside. Where do you put your groceries? A loaf of bread for that matter? I guess you tie everything on top!
Sunny Side Up 
Hi,
It certainly is a cute car, but not very practical for the average person, as you pointed out what on earth do you do with your groceries.
The car would be ideal just to drive to work or something of that nature I assume, it certainly wouldn’t cost much to run.
As for parallel parking, practice is the key. ๐
Practice makes perfect I hear. But I don’t have time to practice, I’d rather spend my time driving around the block!
Dis wooks wike da pawfect car fur a FluffyButt. Wuv, Wookie
Pingback: Smarter than me | FiftyFourandAHalf
Hi Lori,
You inspired me to be late to work this morning and post on car technology. Thanks for the idea.
I’m not a big fan of the Smart Car for the reasons you said, AND because it is UGLY. My Mini Cooper was way better ๐ฆ and fun to drive. I don’t think the put engines inside the Smart Cars. There are little squirrels in there instead.
Elyse,
So glad I could help! I will be sure to stop by and see what masterpiece I inspired.
I think you are right about the squirrels too. Every Smartcar I have seen driving down the road is not moving very fast!
very funny ๐ maybe you could built a basket rack to fit on the front grill for groceries, etc.
Yeah Yeah,
Like I used to have on the front of my bicycle when I was a kid! Too cute!
I’ve never had, “Parallel Parking Disorder” but it seems rather nasty and I’m grateful for my own genetics.
Perhaps they can medicate you… Look into it.
Anyway, fun post ๐ You make me happy to have grown up in NY where the necessity of having to parallel park carries with it the oft under-appreciated fact that at some point I’d learned something.
Well — there’s 1 at least.
Hi Jared,
Drugs! Why didn’t I think of that? I am sure there is some type of medication that would help the disorder. If not solve the problem at least not feel bad about it!
I loved living in Germany. I saw a 3-wheeled car that was made for one person and had enough room in its “back seat” for a brief case and a small amount of dry-cleaning. It was literally shaped like a triangle. At the time, I was driving a Dodge Ram so you can imagine the massive “I want to run you over because I’m bigger than you, but I can’t because you’re so darn cute” disorder I was experiencing at the time. If only I’d had my camera handy…
(I would have gotten stopped by the polizie and been in jail for being unable to pay the ticket immediately, but I would have had my picture!! :D)
I think I saw one of those “vehicles” in Italy. So cute. He was a construction guy and he had all his tools in the back. My husband is in construction and I told him he needed to get rid of his pick-up truck and buy one of those. He laughed.
I remember my parallel parking experience for the driving test. Wow, that was a nightmare. I used to wake up in the middle of the night thinking about it. (Before I gave the test). Thankfully, I managed to pass.
Congrats on passing the test!
Totally can’t parallel park either. . . and I failed that portion of the driver’s test in the state where I lived then. I refuse to do it now!
Hi Mandy,
Same with me! Failed the PP portion. But see it hasn’t hindered us driving in the least, just parking! Parking’s over-rated anyways.
Just hilarious,
at least squirrels can push if you give them some nuts, my 96 Suzuki Esteem is powered by momentum. Once it stops, …..it stops ๐
Be A DJ
http://www.beadj.ca
Hello DJ,
When I was kid our family car was a VW Bug. My dad used to say there were squirrels running in the engine compartment in a wheel cage to make the bug move down the road! Too funny!
I like the Honda Fit a bit more. Milage is good, it’s small but holds 5 comfortably with all the groceries, and it’s way easier to parallel park. (ack! I can’t park too well either)
Bunnyisms,
I would love a smaller car, I drive a mid-size. The problem with very small cars is where I live. I do believe Phoenix is the accident capital of the US. I feel safer in my bigger car driving around the block looking for easy parking. ๐
Thanks for stopping by!
I have seen Smart Cars around but I have to agree with Elyse, the Mini Coopers have more panache.
If you start a club of those with Parallel Parking Disorder (or PPD, as we hip people call it…), I’ll gladly join!
Man, can I relate.
And as a 6-foot-tall woman, I can admit to a fascination with Smart Cars…and whether my giraffe legs would fit inside, or if I’d have to strap them to the roof with my groceries.
Fun post…congrats on being Freshly Pressed! ๐
Hi Mikalee,
You are in luck I was just telling cravesadventure I am starting a club-group. PPDA~ Parallel Parking Disorder Anonymous. Our meeting place will have a parking lot!
you’ll have to call it “parallel parking syndrome” first before you can advance to a “disorder.” a syndrome is when there appears to be common symptoms of a problem but there is not yet any hint to what is causing it. once you find a possible cause, then you graduate to disorder. then glaxo-kline with create a drug that they market to the insurance companies. maybe call it “parkophil.” or “parralax.” no, that sounds like you can neither park nor have a bowel movement.
oh well.
Dear rmv,
If I took both drugs in sequence I could learn to parallel park real fast so I could make it to the bathroom on time!
Life is much better without a car at all: http://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/2010/10/02/car-free-by-choice/ – But until then a small one is probably better than a large one.
Dear Andreas,
When we visited our friends in Bangkok a few years back I was stunned to find they only had a vespa for transportation. We stayed with them for a month so we did a lot of walking and public transit. I liked it alot, especially because I didn’t have to worry about parallel parking!
Thats the REAL smart angle of the smart car ….”Sorry, I guess I’ll have to go by myself and have alittle alone/quiet time cuz I’m the only one that will fit in the car!”
MJ,
Geez, I never thought of that angle! Now I definitely need that little car!
Ever since my downhill ski accident back in the late-90s I have a hard time parking in general because my range of motion on the left-side is so limited. So no you are not alone when it comes to parking challenged. Congrats on being FP!
Howdy cravesadventure,
Sorry to hear about your accident. Sadly I don’t have limited range of motion to justify my inability to parallel park. Nope just plain lack of simple driving skills. Welcome to my new group…PPDA Parallel Parking Disorder Anonymous!
Hello—-my name is Syed and i run the IEDEI blog about motoring, driving, and automobiles. Parallel parking is simply a practiced artform; it has nothing to do with disability or inability! Living in NYC, i have practiced myself into a frenzy, and can basically parallel park without even looking now. It is not difficult to do; it simply takes a couple of simple tips and it is just like anything else we do while driving. I think most people are just scared of it more than they actually “cannot do it”.
Hello Syed,
This post was all in fun, but you have given me hope. Maybe I can learn to parallel park. Should I sign up for lessons?
don’t feel bad. so many people can’t parallel park. here in NY, it’s mandatory. Not too many spaces to squeeze in to. But love the Smart Car. I’d be afraid to drive it, but I think it’s so adorable. Hey, who needs to carry more than a loaf of bread lol. Just playing around.
Val
http://valentinedefrancis.wordpress.com
Greetings valentindee,
I live in Phoenix so it would be very dangerous to drive a Smartcar here. For certain a deathtrap if ever in an accident, even a fender bender! And yes who needs to buy more than a loaf of bread. Silly me!
Great post! It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who can’t parallel park and will drive around until I can find a spot! The smart car definitely has it’s advantages and disadvantages, and I’m pretty sure I could manage to parallel park in it. ๐
Hi wingedcreature,
And don’t you think it would be a total blast to drive? Just like a little go-cart, whipping in and out of traffic!
I used to think that too until I moved to a city where parallel parking was an absolute necessity. Now I can park into the tightest spot imaginable, you just have to be forced to learn!
Rae, I am so parallel parking challenged I think that if I moved to a city where that was the only form of parking I would choose to walk or take public transit!
My name is Roxanne and I’m parking challenged. I am recovering, though. I’d say I have my 365 day chip. I was never a fan of parallel parking, especially on a busy street when people are impatiently waiting for me. I’d drive around and sometimes just give up and go home rather than try. My husband could thread a needle with an SUV. It was impressive. I struggled parallel parking even with a small car. Then I had a bunch of kids, got a minivan and it just became too much. I didn’t do it. But when my marriage fell apart and I realized I’m on my own — well, I vowed to force myself to parallel park. And I did, and I do. I don’t enjoy it. But I can do it, with a line of cars waiting for me– in a minivan. I am woman, hear me roar.
One day I’ll get a smaller car, though.
Roxanne,
Are you telling me that I can learn? What if I am not on that learning curve? What if I am destined to circle the block forever?
I’ve never learned to parallel park either! Glad to know there are other people out there!
Hello alohagirl612,
Maybe we should start a support group!
Awesome!!! I am parking challenged too! Getting better at it – but you are right – a Smart car would solve this challenge!!!! But you are also right – where would I put everything! (I can often be found traveling with bicycle or kayak in/on my car – would be an entirely new challenge!
It is very reassuring to find I am not the only one who can’t complete a simple task such as pulling a car sideways into a tiny spot. I also thought maybe you could modify the Smartcar to have a small trailer or sidecar to carry all your belongings or groceries, but then you’d be right back where you started! Thanks for visiting my blog.
I can’t parallel park either. ๐ฆ We seem to have a few things in common. I have a blog called Butterflies and Bunny Rabbits – living life as a sunny, optimistic person. Do you think that being sunny and not being able to parkl are closely situated on the same gene? I wonder? ๐ Happy to be at your blog. Looking forward to reading more. By the way, I have two blogs. The other is I Love This Husband & Wife Stuff: 365 things I love about being married. ๐
Thank you Karyl for stopping by and sharing our commonalities. Maybe there is some close knit DNA makeup with sunny dispositions and the parallel parking disorder. Two peas in a pod?
I can’t parallel park either. I make my husband do it or I use the same method as you, drive around until I can find a “pull thru.”
Sometimes it’s really nice to know you aren’t the only one.
I pay to park rather than risk parallel parking (and this is with a car that has a backup camera). Fortunately, I don’t need to venture into many places that require this skill. If I did, I’d be tempted to get one of those cars that park themselves.
Beth!
They have cars that park themselves?! I need one of those!
Hey Lori! Great post – I used to be able to parallel park – in fact I prided myself on being good at it, then I stopped driving for 8 years and lo and behold now I’m driving again I can’t do it.
Richard,
So it isn’t like riding a bike…you never forget? I’m sorry. But you can join our group. PPDA~ Parallel Parking Disorder Anonymous. Maybe you will get the hang of it again someday.
What a cute little car! Love your Parallel Parking Disorder diagnosis doctor…all the years living with this disorder and I finally get tagged. ๐
Come join the group Sunshine, there’s room for one more!
For sure…I need this group!
Really? You can’t parallel park either! Geez, I think there are more non-p/parkers than those who can manage that tricky maneuver!
I have never, ever, mastered the simple art of doing this. So I am glad to know I am not alone!
Hello Bleuebelle,
It’s okay you are not the only one! We are a growing group and the parallel parkers of the world will not hold us down!
You’re not alone. I can’t parallel park, either. Never learned. Wasn’t on my driving test. Now when I visit my city-bound friend, they just know I’m going to call them from 5 minutes away, pull up to their place, and then let THEM go park my car. To heck with parallel parking, anyway; CIVILIZED people have parking lots or driveways.
gringita,
Let’s lift our glasses high to civilized driveways and parking lots! Here, here!
Man, I should’ve had my sister do that for me when she lived in Philadelphia. I never once visited her apartment during the year she lived there for fear of parking.
Haha, I have my driving test in a couple of weeks and parallel parking is top of the list on “things I want to avoid”. Simply not something I’m good at. Great post. ๐
Please have a look at my articles as well, Feedback would be appreciated. ๐
Dear aamiraleali,
Hoping you pass your driving test with flying colors.
Thanks for stopping by and I will visit your blog soon.
Happy Blogging!
I have an acquaintance who drives a Smart Car, and he said it gets only about 30-some miles per gallon. My Honda Civic Hybrid gets better than 40MPG, so I couldn’t see any reason to buy one of these cars other than its parkability.
What? Only 30mpg? That’s not very Smart!
I had to laugh when I read your post– I really can’t parallel park either. And I can’t have a SmartCar because my son is 6 ft tall and I can’t see how that would work-ha.
Bravo– funny post and I enjoyed reading the comments everyone left too. ๐
Dear Thrift Shopping Buzz,
I am so glad to make you laugh today. And welcome to the PPDA club!
Great little post! Glad I read Freshly Pressed today. ๐
I too suffer from Parallel Parking Disorder, but only with real cars. When practicing for my driving test, I did just fine with cones. As it turns out, I didn’t even have to parallel park during my exam; the DMV guy liked how I drove on the open road and let me pass without the parking/K-turn portion! Since then (13 years), I’ve only parallel parked a handful of times but only if there’s ample space. I get REALLY freaked out parking with REAL cars versus plastic cones. There’s significantly more damage at stake! In fact, the last time I attempted to parallel park, I ended up scraping against a Jeep’s front bumper; their car was fine, it was mine that got all scraped up.
It’s one of the reasons I hate going into the city when there’s not a parking garage/lot around, and any time I drive somewhere new, one of the first questions I always ask is, “What’s the parking situation?” My sister once lived in a small, narrow-street neighborhood of Philadelphia and I didn’t visit her once the year she was there because I didn’t want to deal with the parking situation!
Jennifer,
I am in awe that this little post was Freshly Pressed. Because that is what it is…little. I loved your comment and it made me laugh because it’s longer than my post! Thanks for sharing your cone story! I can totally agree that it would be much easier to complete the task with plastic cones. Bottom line is the fear of hitting the other cars.
Honda Fit perhaps would be easy enough to park? You could park far away and get some extra excercise walking a couple blocks.
Loved the post. I also like acorn squash and parallel parking my full sized Ford pickup with a Smart Car in the back for added traction in the snow.
Millodello!
What a hoot! So are you chowing down on a plate of buttered and brown sugared acorn squash whilst parallel parking in the snow? I need a picture of that!
At least it’s a nice car.
Here we just call it a Smart.
And here is in Belgium ๐
Hello in Belgium,
I have not had the opportunity to visit your country, yet! Someday hopefully.
“Smart.” Short and sweet. I like it.
Thanks for stopping by!
i’m actually a terrible driver, but i rock at parallel parking. no idea how that works, but it’s true. that smart car…tiny and great mileage. love it! thanks for sharing.
Hi Eva,
This is strange, I wonder if there is a pattern here because I am a great driver, just can’t do the parallel move. Maybe the government could do a case study? Thanks for stopping by!
I can’t parallel park. I did it once, for my driving test, and have not done it since. I would rather walk five blocks out of my way than have to parallel park.
Amen sistah!
There’s nothing Smart about the price tag either, very expensive for what you get, I’ll stick to my old Acura. Acuras run forever, mine has 360,000 miles with very little maintenance, I tell that to anyone who will listen. Nice post, thank you.
Hi Hamid,
All new cars are out of my budget. I hope to own a late model Camaro someday, when they are in my price range, say around 2020. I love the body shape, looks like a shark to me.
i didn’t know smartcars existed that far back. oh, it’s europe. that explains it. they get everything first. not fair.
i’m telling mom.
Oh I can almost guarantee you that even the Smart Car could not be parked by me! LOL Growing up in Philadelphia, PA I used to be able to do it. We lived in a row house on small streets and if you couldn’t park you had to drive around forever. Now it’s been so long there is no way. BUT, parking far away in a spot you can fit in is good exercise!
Wishful thinking on my part as well because size is relative, the fact remains that it is all about technique and skills which I lack in this department! Plus I need all the exercise I can get.
The car is i can say Cute.. I just wonder if i could fit in..
As you can see by the photo it was designed for an 11 year old! Cute car for “cute” kids!
Hehehehee… no, thankfully I can parallel park, but I wouldn’t mind having a tiny smart car, it’s just so cute! My history teacher back in high school is like you… ๐
It seems there are a lot of people out there like me…it’s quite comforting!
I know how to parallel park but I go out of my way to avoid doing it. I learned to drive in a very old sturdy, steel car with no power steering, so the cranking of the steering wheel involved in parallel parking was exhausting and I always felt like it wasn’t worth the trouble! I will park a block away to avoid it.
Hi Rayme!
Oh my goodness, I couldn’t imagine even trying to PP without power steering. I bet you had biceps to spare!
I can’t either. I practiced and learned, yet I failed it on my driving test. It doesn’t seem to matter, though, since parallel parking has faded away in my state. But I could park the smart car. It’s getting in and out of that thing that scares me!
I can actually get by here in Phoenix also without having to PP. Downtown is about the only place where there is quite a bit of the uncivilized parking spots. Since I don’t go down there much and if I do Alan is with me and he can PP….I’m covered!
I can relate on so many levels! I definately cannot parallel park and will cheerfully walk an extra block or two if that’s what it takes to find a parking place. Fortunately, where I live it’s never really a big concern. However, where I live it WOULD be a big concern to drive a sillysmart car. They’re cute-ish, but we are truck people here in Idaho – I can’t imagine it’d be safe.
As an aside, when I was a kid we owned a Vespa car. It was powered by two Vespa scooter engines. When mom bought dogfood, we had to sit on top of it in the backseat – we’d have to take off the vinyl back window so our heads could stick out!
A Smartcar would probably be invisible in Idaho. The big 4×4 trucks sit up so high they couldn’t see those little toy cars. They would crush a Smartcar like a small bug!
I really enjoyed your post! I cannot parallel park to save my life! I am the laughing stock of my family as I too have to drive round the block a few times until I find a space I think is big enough (which is made extra difficult due to the Dodge Caravan I currently drive!). I agree with the idea of a Smart Car for easy parking, but not for anything else!
bearbelle,
You can tell your family to stop laughing because after publishing this post I see that us Challenged Parallel Parkers are great in number! Stay strong!
My aunt is from Brooklyn and she can fit a Caddy into a spot the size of a smart car. I agree, however, on much preferring to just keep looking for a better spot.
As for European smart cars (ive not been in them here) they are very roomy. Inside you can fit quite a bit. I’m not sure how. Clowns discovered the technology first.
The better parking spot can be considered a treasure hunt and the pot of gold at the end of the commute!
I loved your statement… Clowns discovered the technology first. Epic!
I never parallel park. I learned to drive in Pennsylvania and it was not required. My son lives in Chicago and I’m amazed at the little spot he can get his car in. Must have got the parking gene from his dad.
I got my drivers license in Oregon and parallel parking was required and I failed that portion of the test, but not the whole test! I do have a valid driver’s license. ๐ I want to know how people get their cars in the smallest of spaces. I think it’s magic!
Hang in there, because technology is coming to your rescue! There’s already cars out there that can parallel park themselves, and before too much longer, you won’t have to worry about it – as unbelievable as that may seem…
LOL – The very first time I saw a Smartcar, I thought I was hallucinating! Didn’t think there was any way that could be real! Thanks for the fun read. ๐
Another one of my blogging buddies just posted about this subject. She said there are cars that even automatically brake if you get too close to other vehicles. And something in the works for vibrating you awake if you start to fall asleep! Unbelievable!
http://fiftyfourandahalf.com/2012/01/05/smarter-than-me/ here’s a link to her post….pretty good read!
Thanks so much for that link Lori. It put a smile on my face and I really enjoyed reading it. Have a great day! ๐
Thanks for sending Chris my way, Lori — and whoo hoo, FRESH PRESSED!!!! I am SO proud of you. I didn’t know this had happened until just now. Good for you, you deserve it.
Luckily I do not live in a city where you have to parallel park. There are always plenty of open spots. A Smart car would be a great small car for people that can not parallel park at all.
Living in cities where there is ample parking in a lot or diagonal parking is a benefit for those of us who can’t master the art of PPing!
Excellence.
likeee……………….
http://www.omnibazar.com/
Hehe funny.
I will tell you a way my father taught me, he was a high speed police driving instructor.
When you find a parking inbetween 2 cars, see that your car will firstly fit between them. Then what you do, you drive just past the back end of the front car. Then put your car into reverse. When the back slanting bit by the back window (back passanger and back window) is in line with the other cars boot (End of the car) then turn your steering wheel hard (all the way) so the front of your car goes outwards, and the back of your car goes into the gap. Now when the slanting bit of the front window lines up with the boot of the other car, then swing your driving wheel hard the other way, and your front end will swing in, and your back end will straighten up. With this technique you can get into the smallest of small spaces.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards from http://allanjourney.com
๐
This sounds very complicated to me! I fear I will be still looking for the biggest of big spaces to park!
good
haha yeah I can’t parallel park either. I’ve tried to learn but i seriously can’t do it… my friend has even tried to teach me multiple times, but clearly i just suck at parallel parking so i don’t even bother anymore. like you, i also circle around til i find a spot big enough for me to just pull into without the hassle of parallel parking.
Hello christinaiko,
Join the crowd! The support group will meet on Wednesdays. Because WE suck at parallel parking!
Hey Lori
Parallel parking Isn’t easy, my brother only 20 and he’s never been able to parallel park. Have you ever thought about getting a self parking car, Volkswagen does one and so does Ford, they also have one that can break without the driver breaking, although that’s not something I would personally test ๐ Hope this helps.
I wish I could afford a car that parks itself! Sort of not in my budget. And the auto-breaking is a feature I wouldn’t want to test either. Thanks for stopping by!
I live in Los Angeles, and parking here as every Los Angeles resident will know – it is a nightmare. I think I’m one of the lucky ones, seeing as I can parallel park. Problem is I appear to be the only one in my family who can. My uncle once took down a row of traffic cones in a very heroic effort to parallel park. And then there’s a dreaded three-point turn, where you back into a tiny corner and have to pull back out. It took me three years and one fluked driving license to get a hold of that.
Conclusion – we should start a driving disorders club.
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed!
Ashley
Thanks for the congrats, I was in awe!
And yes we are starting up a program for PPDA! Feel free to stop by anytime. There’s plenty of parking in a spacious lot!
I had to parallel park for my test, dont have a clue what to do now! pointless manoeuvre!
Agreed!
You paint a rainbow by saying, “Now thereโs a car I could parallel park!โ. Good one! ๐
I always try to stay on the sunny side with a rainbow of course!
How about the Smart FourFour – enough room for 4 adults and still incredibly small and easy to park?
I will have to check that car out! 4 adults, wow!
There is nothing to p/llel parking. Stop a foot away from the car behind which you want to park. Reverse and apply full lock once the “b” pillar passes the rear of that car and full opposite lock when you’re about 45 degrees. It works every time without fail. Much better than those silly self parking cars and you need less room too.
What’s a “b” pillar? And 45 degrees? I am sorry, too complicated! hahaha I am destined to drive around the block because I can’t understand the math or afford a self parking car!
You are not alone! I also never learned to parallel park. When I got my license in Pennsylvania, it was not on the test. And growing up in the suburbs where parking lots were the norm, it was never really a problem. Now, as an adult, I do wish I learned since it occasionally causes some stress. When going somewhere I’ve never been, It try to scope out the parking situation beforehand and have a plan on where to park. If I don’t, and I get there and there is only street parking, I panic a bit about how in the world I am ever going to park. I guess I should just force myself to learn…
Now there’s the best idea I’ve heard so far. A parking plan! I like it, I like it a lot.
What a relief to read your post! I’ve never been able to parallel park and will drive out of my way to find a lot and walk like 20-30 minutes to my destination to avoid it, lol. Not sure even a smart car would help me, tbh. ๐ Thanks for the chuckle!
Hi gooddeedaday,
Just think, we are getting plenty of exercise with our 20-30 minute walks! Happy to make you laugh.
Just an idea, but try changing “I Simply Canโt Parallel Park” to telling yourself that you can, indeed, Parallel Park. You know, challenge your belief systems.
Good luck with it!
* I’ve got MS and quit driving after I successfully PP’d my car into what i thought was a space – on an unlit road at night – but what turned out to be a black car. Ouch!
Ouch indeed!
Are you telling me I need to use the power of positive thinking to parallel park? I would give it a try but fear that I would park on top of a black car like someone else I know!~
LoL, it worked out it worked out OK tho – i left a note and the chap let me off for being so honest ๐ But it’s like H. Ford said “Whether You Think You Can or think you can’t, You are Right”
Parallel parking – the bane of my existence! Can we start a support group or something?
Great idea!!! I’d join.
I have Parallel Parking Disorder too! Let me know when the first support group meeting is, I will bring the cookies.
Dear fellow non-parallel parkers~
We are starting a support group meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Location TBA. But I assure you there will be a large spacious parking lot!
I have the same disorder except mine is worse. I can’t drive in the city, only on highways. ๐
Highways scare me sometimes with the huge semi-trucks barreling down the road at high speeds!
Cute car………Just keep trying……you will get it
Thank you for your encouragement!
Don’t feel bad! You’re not the only one who can’t parallel park! I’ve only been driving for 3 years and try to avoid this maneuvour at all costs. I had to laugh because I do the exact same thing you do and would rather drive around then try to park. I’d love to experience driving a Smart car, it really does look like a toy (though cute) and might be fun, but not sure how I’d feel with a massive SUV or truck next to me. I agree with Cat… we should start a support group!
I think you would feel very very small in a Smartcar next to anything larger than a mid-size car. But it is still the cutest little car!
This title spoke to me immediately! I am terrified of parallel parking. I cringe when my husband parallel parks his behemoth truck. I shoulda made parallel parking one of my New Years resolutions. Thanks for admitting to such a prevalent problem. ๐
Yes we are quite a large group. I didn’t realize. And it is very comforting to know I am not alone. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Beware I am completely biased because I used to sell these cars so let me lay some facts on the skeptics of these cars.
* Reported average MPG of these little cars amoung my clients was closer to 50MPG (for the average commute) rather than the reported 45 highway.
* For additional storage space when you are shopping fold down the passenger seat.
* There is more STANDARD safety equipment in the smart car than the average ecomonical car and even the fully loaded cars. 2011 smart cars (all trims) have dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, passenger and driver knee airbags. Fully collaspable steering collumn (very important for ANY small car, last thing you want is to be pinned by your sterring wheel), ABS, Electronic Stability Control, etc etc, the list of safety equipment is ridiculous.
* Most earth friendly car out there. From manufacturing to distribution to consumer to post consumer every footstep is accounted for. Mercedes-Benz has the smart factory (in France) use recycled water, powered coat paint (uses 70% less energy), uses post consumer recycables to manufacture the plastics and various other pieces in the car
Yes, the car is better for singles, commuters and young couples. Overall this is a great little car. I loved driving them around when I was working for the dealership in San Francisco. I go back often to see what is new and chit chat with everyone. I think many more people should give it a try and I think they will be surprised. I drove mine around like a race car. Weaving in and out of traffic was a breeze as well as parking.
Give it a shot.
Thanks so much for all the cool info on the Smartcar. I didn’t know they packed them full of so much safety equipment. And Earth friendly is good too! Maybe when it is just my husband and I we can make this OUR Smartcar!
Parallel parking is a pain. I either do it in one maneuver or I spend the next 10 minutes inching back and forth until I’ve finally parked.
See, see, that is what I’m talking about. The inching. I hate the inching!
I’m taking driving lessons right now (I turned 17 in July!) and I’ve had 22 so far. I learnt how to parallel park just a few weeks ago and I daresay it’s slightly easier than reversing around a corner! ๐
Thanks Mathew for stopping by my blog. I think it is great that you are taking driving lessons. My daughter is 15 now and I want her to go to Driver’s Education classes. I think it is very important. Maybe they will be able to teach her to parallel park since I can’t! Good luck!
Well I haven’t learned how to do it either so I prefer to walk, just when I reaaaaally need to drive is when I get all goosebumped just by worrying about it.
I enjoy walking too. Problem is where I live nothing everything I need is within walking distance, so I have to drive! And park!
So funny. I think I know exactly the street where that photo was taken (it is a beautiful Portuguese island, isn’t it?). And Great for Smarts, with those narrow sidewalks and historical old streets…
In Europe Smarts are either first cars for young people, or second cars for many families and they are great for day to day rush. And you can even park them front to the sidewalk ๐
Yes it was an island in the Azores..Ponta Delgada…good eye!
You’re definitely not alone, many of my friends cannot parallel park, and (I don’t mean to brag) but they are always amazed at how I seem to get it right. I think the trick is not to have a technique, just assess where you are, where you need to be and how to get there. I’m dubious about this new “park-itself” technology, I’ve seen it go very wrong!
On a different note, I love the “tone” of your blogging!
Hi jaygajjar,
I like your approach of not having a specific technique, maybe I will give that a try. Couldn’t hurt!
Thanks very much for stopping by!
haha I love the post Lori! I am a sports blogger, but I couldn’t resist. It brought a smile to my face when you said “now’s that’s something I could park” referencing the smart car… hehe the truth of the matter is you can teach an old dog new tricks..I am sure you’ll learn if you really try!
If you’re into sports in some fashion, I would love for you to check us out and show us some love.
http://www.blogsurface.com
-Christian
Thanks so much for the parking encouragement! And I will certainly stop by and visit your blog.
Love the car, who cares about parallel parking.
wrands
http://www.justmyphoto.wordpress.com
exactly!
Congratulations for Parallel Park!
i can’t parallel park either ๐ Maybe there is PPA – Parallel Park Anonymous out there somewhere? ๐
Love the title of your blog & the lovely uplifting funny posts ๐
Hello yoongz,
I believe we are trying to start a chapter of PPDA (Parallel Parking Disorder Anonymous) you are more than welcome to join. Thanks very much for the nice comments about my blog, hope you stop by again soon!
Ooooh… sounds great! Let me know when it does start – hehheee ๐ thot i’m not sure how i can make meetings, seeing we are in different countries :p Definitely coming back for more Sunny Side Up. Hope to see u at my blog too.
When I see more than one person in a smart car I can’t help but laugh. They are ridiculously tiny.
Not very roomy that’s for sure and more than 1 person inside one makes it look like a circus act!
So you thought you hit the jackpot, but Surprise! Not quite, right?
Great post, though!
Thanks!
If you’re willing to go slightly larger, I’d recommend a Fiat 500.
You get decent space in the back and it’s very, very practical. Also pretty good in fuel economy and you still get all the same benefits of parking a small car.
BTW… Parallel parking is silly anyway. It’s an awkward arrangement adopted in the name of saving space when in fact it’s easier to park at an angle.
From the comments I’m guessing you got Freshly Pressed, yes? I was in Thailand and saw entire families on the backs of motorcycles. I thought it was odd until I saw one little woman in a Hummer over here.
Everybody can’t do something I guess–besides, that’s why they have valet.
Yes, I was FP’d with a post that I really didn’t expect or anticipate. Funny like that! I was also in Thailand and saw the families on motorbikes. Crazy! I did not see any Hummers. I think the most amazing transportation anomaly I saw was a small work truck piled up to the sky with vegetation of some sort. How it didn’t topple over I’ll never know.
Seriously though. Who the hell can parallel park in this world? Worthless skill..
Wow. Looks like you sparked a parallel parking riot. I guess the only solution is to set up a couple of traffic cones and practice. i need to do it somewhere people won’t laugh at me.
The laughing I can handle, when people tap their gas pedal and honk their horns is when I begin to freak!!!
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I used to be a parellel parking champ because I lived in a town where the only parking was of that type. That was years ago and I am now an utter failure at the subject. I can’t even park well straight on between two lines. I feel your pain, Sister-friend. ๐
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Lori your blog makes me laugh so I going to nominate you for the Liesbter Award. you can pick it up at my blog: http//mhdriver.wordpress.com
Dear mhdriver,
The sad reason you have not been getting any posts from me is because….I haven’t been posting as of late ๐ฆ
I surely hope to make a change soon in this department. Wish me luck!
I’ll wish you luck, too, Lori. Hope that whatever the reason you’re so quiet is a good one. I miss you!
Dear Elyse,
I am still alive and no “good reason” for being quiet. Just a crazy busy time in my life. I need to jump back on board. So many silly stories to share. I miss you too!
What? You have a life? Amazing! Being too busy is a great reason for not blogging all the time! Come on back when you can — you’re missed!
Hi Lori I’ve been following your blog but I’m not getting any posts.
You are SO not alone. I’m waiting for the new affordable generation of cars that park themselves. ๐ The upside, health ~ I’m always a long walk away from where I want to go.
Toni
My daughter recently acquired her drivers permit. I fear she has inherited my nonparallel parking gene. Another soul to add to our community. I wish that street developers would just discontinue this form of parking all together! We would have a healthier America by far!
I guess I can relate – I seem to suffer from DJD also (distance judgment disorder), so I have great respect for curbs.
OH I have that disorder as well! Just this afternoon while picking up my daughter from school I went up over the median in the parking lot like it wasn’t even there!! We both looked at each other and laughed, what else can you do?
I think that’s why I like Snickers candy bars – I tend to do a lot of snickering when I’m near curbs and other tire-menacing, driver-embarrassing objects. ๐
I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Hopefully I’m doing it right and you’ve not got it yet. If you already have, take it as a token of my admiration (?) and award yourself the [insertawardhere] trophy. Good enough.