Today I had a job interview. I think it went well. You never know though. I met with some really talented people, so hopefully I measure up.
Before I forget, thanks to all the Facebook users who have visited the Year of Giving. Also, for those of you who have not became a “fan”, check out the Facebook page. Take a look, I will be putting up some video there which I have not been able to add so far to my blog. Also, become a fan…who knows who will see that you have become a fan and be inspired to incorporate more giving into their life.
On my way home from the interview, I saw a Parking Enforcement Officer walking along one of DC’s downtown streets. I knew immediately that I had to give my $10 to him. I walked up to the 23-year-old who was typing away on his handheld parking enforcement device. Stephén wins the prize for the recipient who was best prepared for winter weather. The DC native had on some serious winter gear. He had a total of about 5 square inches of skin exposed, that’s it. Perhaps that helps keep his identity hidden as well in case somebody gets really angry with a ticket he writes! Anyway, I was intrigued to speak to someone with a job that puts them in a high degree of direct contact with the public…and often the interaction is not civil.
With an average of 50 tickets written each day, Stephén says that every day is an adventure. He has been doing this for over a year and says that he loves it. Even upset vehicle owners don’t deter him. “If someone is wrong, then they’re wrong. It’s that simple.” He understands people get upset, but, he wishes they would understand that he is only doing his job of enforcing the rules. If you break the rules, then you get a ticket he says. Despite plenty of irate confrontations, he says nobody has physically threatened him. I would not have been surprised to hear that he had been assaulted. People can go a little wacko.
So what is Stephén going to do with his $10. He said he would buy some lunch with it. He thanked me for calling him a parking enforcement officer and not a “meter maid.” “You’re probably the first person I have come into contact with on the street who has got that correct.” He is a likeable guy. The only thing I could possibly fault him with is his love for the Dallas Cowboys! I can’t believe we have a lifelong DC resident that is a Dallas Cowboys fan. Unbelievable! “There’s more Cowboys fans here in DC than Redskins fans,” he said. Given the ‘Skins performance this year, he might be right.
Year of Giving 
Well, I’m afraid Stephén’s hard-line interpretation of “if someone is wrong they’re wrong” doesn’t take into account how horrible DC parking signs can be. I’d like to think that the District isn’t deliberately making parking rules confusing to increase revenue, but it is so bad one must wonder!
I’m sure if I looked, I’d find a blog dedicated to posting pictures of the confusing parking signs in DC. Sometimes there are two signs that appear to be referencing the same spot with different and conflicting rules posted. Sometimes the sign is so worn out you can’t read it. Often the sign that is posted is in conflict with what is written on the meter itself! Seriously, you’re taking a chance anytime you park in DC!!!
But obviously this isn’t Stephén’s fault, and so I’m glad you showed him some $10 love.
Reed
I came across your site via Facebook, and just want you to know that what you are doing is truly inspiring! I’m sure there will be many people who seek to imitate what you’ve done, which is a good thing in many ways, but you’ll always have the satisfaction and fulfilment of knowing that you were the first!
I hope the year exceeds all of your expectations and I look forward to continuing to read all about it.
Cheers
Dave
Go Cowboys! Be careful out there, Stephen!