I was a jerk
 

I had some spilled cement in the bed of my truck and I cleaned it out with a leaf blower. I wasn't paying a lot of attention and the dust covered a minivan that was parked not far away. As I was getting in my truck a couple of guys came down the street and one said, "Nice job on the van." I said, "That's what happens when you park in front of a dumpster," and kind of laughed. As I drove off I looked in the mirror and they were getting in it. I didn't know it was theirs. I should have stopped and blown the van off, but I kept going.

The back story is I've been in a battle over my dumpster for ten years. If I leave it unlocked, someone comes along and fills it up. Some clown is parked in front of it about half the time the trash truck comes to empty it, so the driver just keeps going. So it sits full for another week and I only get about half the use of the dumpster that I'm paying for. So today this van is parked kind of in front of it - close enough that I couldn't back up to the dumpster and empty my truck. I had to park in the street and carry the trash to the dumpster.
But this guy didn't know all that. He got his car covered with cement because of the sins of others. I really should have blown his car off and I've been thinking about it all day. I hate feeling like a jerk.

I want to know how you move cement with a leaf blower.

Powdered cement.

Pat, you need cone in front of the dumpster saying "Tow Zone."

Powder form.

OK. I was kind of kidding. When they go to wash it and add water, will the van be encased in concrete? :)

We've all been there. Sometimes we are preoccupied and not thinking about the moment. Or if we are in a bad mood for any reason and we mistakenly take it out on the wrong person. The guilt is tough to deal with..If you happen to see him again, apologize.....Tim

No, it'll be encased in cement. It would be concrete if WD had added sand and/or gravel. I'm guessing he hadn't.
;)

Yeah, been there done that and had the same reaction that wd15 did later. Regret.

Doesn't sound like you where being a jerk to me. I've fought over my dumpster as well you pay for it, it's common sense that you don't park near a dumpster. A little dust on there can I'd no big deal. Don't beat yourself up over it.

Better to have been a jerk and feel bad about it than to be jerk-like and brag about it.

^^^ This.

There were problems with the one at work and a sign was made to go on the dumpster:

NO PARKING --
VIOLATORS
WILL BE TOWED

Problem ceased.

And if you would be allowed to paint a yellow crosshatched area on the pavement, that would increase the effectiveness of the message.

Probably a good idea to keep it locked at all times, too.

And that's the difference between you and a real jerk imo. Shake it off...we've all had our moments....well, at least I know "I" have :D. I don't like it one bit either btw...

A cone will probably wind up in the dumpster. I'd put a sign on the dumpster.

Yep. Only a real nice guy would even think about this.

post an apology on craigs list & look for them parking there again

what H&T said

you tow a few cars away, either your problems are solved or they are just beginning

What sort of a-hole parks in front of a dumpster?

A few years ago I was at Raceway Park( our local drag strip) for the Summernationals. When we were leaving, the traffic was all backed up and the line was long to get out and I was getting real cranky. When we got to the gate, I had to turn left to get home, but the security guy said I had to go right , which would have put me a few miles out of the way. I went back and forth a few times but he said he couldn't let me go that way. So, I got all pissed off and yelled at him "Thanks a lot you F#!$in fat hillbilly!" The guy just got this real sad look on his face, and said "thank you, that was real nice". Soon as I saw the look on his face, I immediately felt like crap. I just drove away. It bothered me the whole way home. I kept saying I cant believe I did that. Not that I never did anything like that before.., but it was just the look on his face that got to me. My bud I was with couldn't believe how upset I was.

Fast forward almost a year later for the next event there. As me and my wife was walking around, I see the same security guy again. ( the guy worked there forever, I had always seen him before) . Anyway I tell my wife I have to talk to this guy. We walk over, and I put my hand out to him and say hello. He's like how you doing. I say to him , " Hey I have to apologize to you for something I did last year. I cursed at you and called you a fat hillbilly. It was messed up and I felt bad so I'm really sorry." The guy just stood there looking at me like I was nuts. He's like are you serious, , "well I don't remember , I'm always getting yelled at" and he starts laughing. I just said well I did and I'm sincerely sorry. He says well that's really cool of you, and shook my hand . My wife was just standing there in shock. She said what the hell was that? She couldn't believe I did that. especially that I apologized, and after such a long time.
But it was a huge weight off of me. It had bothered me that much.

That's a cool story. I had to do the same thing to one of the esteemed members right here. And I mean esteemed.

+1....now let's hear yours :D!!!

Right. It should be in m4mm or "missed connections"

Vinnie-THAT'S why you are a stand up guy. You were generally concerned that it had an impact on that guy.

I've done jerky things as well, probably trying to be a tough-guy. I'm not, so then I just feel bad. :(

I have made things right whenever possible. I've found it m,ch simpler to keep the emotions in check in the first place. No, it is not always the easiest thing to do but I try.