I Wish My Slight Irritations Resulted in Pearls

There are two things that have been really irratating me recently:

Bikers and Parking

I attend University of San Francisco.....in San Francisco. I commute everyday taking 101-NB 46 miles to school. Now this drive is rather relaxing, an escape from stress and school. Humming down the busy streets of San Francisco, listening to NPR, I am at peace. Until, all of the sudden I see a zooming object in the corner of my eye. It could only be one thing, an inconsiderate cyclist. My heart nearly jumps out of my chest as I have to pull a Toyota and slam both feet on the brakes. The cyclist taking the law into his own hands cuts me off and if it wasn't for my paranoia, he would've been consumed by the front of my car. Now, I like bikes, biking is fun, environmentally helpful and gives you a sense of freedom that driving just can't equal. HOWEVER, just because you're on a bike does NOT mean you can make your own goddamn rules. If that cyclist had just stopped at the STOP sign, there would have been no need for an emergency stop half way through an intersection.

Many bikers I know complain about the lack of respect bikes get in the City, "Sorry, isn't gonna help me once you've hit me." WELL NUKKA if you don't want to be hit with my metal beast give me some respect and follow the fucking law. Stop being high and mighty about you mode of transportation and think about what you are about to do. YOU ARE NOT A CAR. If there is a bike lane use that, don't get in front of me in the DRIVING LANE. If there is a stretch of empty side walk use that. Use the road as a last resort, and respect traffic. In a physical confrontation, the car

always wins.

Well, if City bikers are bad, city parking is Samuel L. Jackson fucking a great white, bad ass. USF is not a commuter school and their parking policy is utterly ridiculous! Everyday I have to buy a square piece of construction paper for 8-15 dollars. Now, this deal wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the fact that this permit guaranteed me a spot, well it doesn't. And when you can't find a spot you have to options to surrender your car to the hipster valet with a PBR tall can in his hand or park on the streets. If you have ever been to San Francisco you know these two options are barely options. If you choose the buzzed hip valet, your car will end reeking of apathy, cheap beer, and could be totaled. If you choose the streets you have to attempt to squeeze into a minuet stretch of road only to be trapped in your car stalking the meter maids. UGG, to show my distaste for this awful parking, I made a sign and keep it on my dash.