Most of my life I’ve worked in rural places where parking wasn’t an issue. But the last 21+ years I’ve been parking in downtown D.C. My current monthly cost is $150.00 which is after-tax dollars. If that seems like a lot the day rate is close to double that.

I’ve paid that day rate also for a number of years and it really affects the bottom line on the paycheck. And yes it pays more when you work in D.C. but there are a lot of expenses associated with it.

For instance not parking in a garage at night. During my tenures working a night shift most if not all of the people that I’ve known to park on the street have had their cars broken into. One just took place recently for a friend with a nice car.

And we work right downtown near the White House on K street. For those of you not familiar with D.C. that is a good area. I know that my car could be vandalized at my home. I know crime doesn’t have any boundaries but I would never park on the street in D.C. be it day or night.

For even if your car isn’t broken into the likelihood of damage just by people parking is enough for people to buy rubber pads to put over their bumpers when they park. You can clearly see the action on the cars that are a few years old with scratches on the bumpers. Not just a few either. I’ve seen some where it looks like it must be almost a daily occurance. Another reason I’ll never live in a city.

All I know is I’ll be very glad when I don’t have to pay for parking and not worry about door dings in the small spaced garages by inconsiderate people.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• It was a nice weekend and the dinner with my better half on Saturday was so good in both company and food. Stella Notcha has some fine calamari.
• Its only Sunday night and I’m already excited about having the family later this week.
• Sometimes I think I hear my car say thank you after an oil change.
• I look forward greatly to the day I have a few minutes to write.
• I’ve got to force myself to get out in this cold and do some outdoor photography Monday.