Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Flipped

On Sunday we went to Publix to do some grocery shopping. In an effort to get a better parking spot, I cut through some empty spaces and turned to follow the one-way arrows marked on the pavement. I made the turn pretty quickly, as a little silver car was backing out. The silver car had plenty of space, but I know I cut it close. We pulled into a spot and I heard the silver car honk.

I looked up in the rearview and I saw the driver, a girl wearing a Publix apron, stop behind my car and flip me the bird. I was shocked. Not that I did not deserve getting the finger but because the girl was clearly an employee of the store, and I recognized her.

In the store I saw one of the other employees looking over a work schedule and I asked him who was it that just got off shift. He told me Courtney. I thanked him and I left it at that.
The next day I had to run back to Publix to pick up some diapers. Who was the girl bagging the groceries? Courtney. I waited until no one could overhear and I asked her, “Do you drive a silver car?”

“Uhmmm. Yes.” She said.

“Yesterday, as I pulled in, you gave me the finger. Now I know I kind of deserved it, but didn’t you think that I might recognize you. I mean this is the place you work.”

I could see the flush of embarrassment creep up her neck and into her face. “I’m sorry.” She responded.

I half chuckled. “Don’t worry about. I am not going to say anything to your boss. I know I was wrong the way I pulled into the lot. Are we even now?”

She just nodded.

Part of me feels bad for saying something to her but another part feels great because it is not often that a person knows who flipped them off.


By the way there is a new MooneyAngelo posted.

29 comments:

LizzieDaisy said...

You were so nice in that you didn't flip her off when she said yes and wait to see if she caught on. :)

You know, I've never done that to anyone but I've always dreamt about it. I should ask Courtney if it was worth it or not now... hee.

Am I first?

Lois Lane said...

LOL! I'm glad you told her. Next time she might actually think before reacting. Even if the guy who got close to her car was a turd head. :P
Lois Lane

c said...

Y'know what's funny? What you did is *such* a Dad thing, but in a totally good way.

You let her know that what she did wasn't acceptable, but that you were wrong, too, so it's all good.

What a Dad you are! Even to kids who aren't your kids!

Anonymous said...

As an employee what she did was inappropriate and she needed to be called on it. I think you handled it exactly right - taught her a lesson but didn't get her supervisor involved. And I suspect you had a little fun playing detective, too.

mreddie said...

You did a good thing and possibly served as a lifelong lesson for her - and maybe you. :) ec

Meegs said...

Awww, Misfit said "your kids"... as in more then one... yay. :-)

Anyway, now that thats out of my system: this is something I've dreamed about before, being able to talk to the person that flipped you off. You have been given a gift my friend.

Kate Giovinco Photography said...

I flipped a friend of my moms off once. And damn it would you know he said something about it. I was horrified. But he deserved it!

Melanie said...

I love it! I am so glad that you said something to her. Maybe next time she won't do it. You may have prevented her from flipping off some psycho or something!

Anonymous said...

When the cards are down, 'full grown man-with-goatee intimidation' trumps any physical gesture form a spindly youth.

Did you 'bow-up' on any grannies while you were at it?

Carrie said...

LOL!!!! I wouldn't have had the guts to handle it in that manner, but I admire you for doing it!

Susie said...

Woo-hoo! You're a BoB finalist! :)

I knew you when . . .

Mama Duck said...

I would never have the balls (nevermind anatomically) to say that. Good for you.

Also, I snicker every time I see a Publix...it sounds dirty.

What is wrong with me?

Tammy said...

I so would have never said anything to her (something about not having the balls).

But, good for you!

Kami said...

Dude, I admire the set you have one you. KWIM?

islandarts said...

I never flip the bird unless I'm SUPER pissed for this very reason. One time i was in a traffic jam and the guy behind me was being a hemmeroid after about 45 minutes of him I flipped him.
Gosh that was the stupidest thing ever... in a traffic jam. when you have no path of escap. stooopid.
For some reason he didn't get out of his car and beat me. i'm so blessed.

Milliner's Dream, a woman of many "hats"... said...

I think you wisely taught her a lesson, but did it rather nicely.

Hh

Cat said...

I'm just disappointed there wasn't a throw-down.

Man! What a gyp.

Meow (aka Connie) said...

Well done. Don't know that I could've been so nice about it, though, even if I had've deserved it. You must be just an all round nice guy !
Take care,
Meow

kimmyk said...

way to take the high road and show her whose boss.

what's susie talkin bout bob finalist???

Nature Girl said...

Good job calling her out! Even better, not getting her boss involved..I hope if my kid ever does something like that, he gets taught his lesson in a nice way like that. I on the otherhand, probably would have called her boss! I hate that about myself! I'm proud to know you! Stacie

Anonymous said...

I would have told her boss right in front of her. I would have flipped you off anywhere, other then my place of employment. I always cut through parking spaces in parking lots and if there is someone out there that has never done that, please let me know who they are. They're lying

Anonymous said...

Ha! Bet she'll never do it again!

Anonymous said...

Hey Bill, congrats at being a finalist at thebestofblogs.com! No contest, as far as I'm concerned!

Anonymous said...

Hey William, Congratulations on being a finalist at BOB. I know you mostly through Kristine's site - but mrtl's also. Of course, mrtl!

She's so kind to be our champion.

GOOD LUCK TO POOP AND BEST WISHES TO BOOGIES

Ken said...

That's the best! I knew I liked you for a reason.
And congrats to you for your finalist status too!

Susie said...

BOB - Best of Blogs. Poop & Boogies is a finalist for Best Daddy Blog!! Congrats Bill!
http://www.thebestofblogs.com/

ieatcrayonz said...

You are an evil old man.

I love it.

Denise B. said...

Actually, I think the way you handled it was perfect. You let her learn a lesson without humiliating her or getting her in trouble with the boss, and you admitted you were wrong as well. Good job!!

Just Jan said...

i love it....you handled that in a great way. Hopefuly she'll think twice about flipping someone off while in uniform again..lol