I Have A Confession
Chaya’s post about cyclists prompted a lot of discussion recently. As a cyclist and pedestrian, I try to be fully aware of my surroundings at all times, try to act in a predictable manner, and watch out for those who aren’t paying attention. It’s all about safety. Me vs. a vehicle or another cyclist could easily result in injury at best, death at worst, and I try to do what I can to minimize that.
My confession is that I was totally “that girl” the other day. I was walking my dog down Capitol Hill to meet with a friend. I had the dog on the leash, my iPod on (not very loud at least), and was texting my friend to let him know that I was a block away. So let’s see: 2 electronic devices and a 10-month old puppy on a leash. The dog walked one way, I walked another. I paused to finish my text, turned to call the dog, and realized that I was blocking the entire sidewalk while another pedestrian stood there waiting for me to get my act together and move.
So I admit it. I can be just as distracted as the next person. I’m going to surrender my soapbox this afternoon and sit down for some crow. Can someone pass the salt?
Ha, that’s funny! Don’t feel too pad wesa, puppies kind of do their own thing whether you are paying attention to them or not!
Everyone has a lapse in awareness sometimes, we’re all human — but when you turned around and realized your thoughtlessness, did you apologize? Or did you grudgingly move your dog, never pausing in your conversation to acknowledge your mistake? I’m guessing I know the answer, and that’s what makes you okay.
Oh I was so embarrassed and apologized profusely. She nodded and said it was ok, that she wasn’t in a hurry. Obviously it stuck with me as this was last week.
I sort of love it when this kind of thing happens when I’m walking, because it provides the perfect opportunity to stop and pet the puppy.
i wonder how people react to accidental sidewalk blocking in other cities? i feel like seattle is still a really polite city where people apologize for a lot. coming from the east coast its still a bit strange to me when someone actually says "sorry" for causing a minor walking inconvenience.
for me, don’t say sorry, "get the f*ck outta way!"
I’m from the East coast and I’m sick of people apologzing because they are inept and stupid about walking, driving, or cycling. People think they are they only people in the world out here in Seattle. News item! Seattle’s just got bigger - just get the hell out of my way! jeez, people!