I wrote a letter to the editor of the local paper.

It's that time of year again when I can look out my window and see a row of cars along my street and on every spare foot of pavement around Woodward Elementary.

Sometimes, those spare feet of pavement that people think they can park on stretch over my driveway -- or, in some cases, actually into the driveway. I've come home around 3 p.m. or tried to leave my home around the same time and found it impossible. Someone has parallel parked themselves right in front of me, and I can't get out. Or, someone is parked right in my driveway and I can't squeeze back in.

We all expect courtesy when it comes to parking and the roads. If someone parks over the line at the grocery store, we grumble as we wedge ourselves out the driver's side door. If someone's bumper encroaches upon our driveway, we almost try to hit them as we're backing out. If someone cuts over a few lanes suddenly to get to an exit, we call them stupid.

But somehow, we don't always think these courtesy rules apply to us. I'm just running in to Kroger for some apples; people can live with this crappy park job. I'm just running in to my dorm to get my wallet; it's unfair that I get a ticket for parking in the reserved spot. I'm going to be late; I need to claim this intersection and almost run that red light. I'm just getting my kid from school; why can't I park here in front of this driveway?

We forgo these common courtesy rules so that our lives can be just a little easier, for just a few minutes. We tell ourselves that our neighbors can live with it for a bit so we can go about our business without walking a few extra steps or waiting a few extra minutes. And then we turn around and get mad when other folks do the same thing.

Me, I know I'm not perfect. My Corolla has gotten several tickets at Ohio Wesleyan because, as a student, I just didn't want to buy that parking pass -- but I still tried to park in the school lots because I was inevitably late and didn't have time to hoof it from a further distance.

Parents at Woodward, your kids can wait. If there is anything our young people have learned from their parents, it's how to be impatient. They can take a few extra steps to find your car.

And don't be too surprised if I start charging for parking when I need to get somewhere.

The end of my best year ever

The age of 21 is often met with excitement in the U.S. because it's the first year people can legally drink. True, it's been quite enjoyable being able to buy my own beers, but there are many other factors that made my 21st year the best year I've ever had. Thanks to all those who made it possible, and I'm looking forward to starting another year tomorrow, on Aug. 18. :)

• Graduated with a double major in journalism and religion in three and a half years of college. Served as managing editor of the paper for my last semester, and had almost too much fun writing my religion senior thesis on the Borgia family.
• Got engaged to the love of my life at my fall sorority formal, and had overwhelming support from our friends and family. Though we cannot get married in Ohio, we are enjoying the engaged life and will hopefully be making plans soon!
• Joined a Sweet Adelines barbershop chorus, the Capitol Showcase Chorus, as a bass. Won first place in our division in April!
• Saw two of my favorite artists, Britney Spears and Miranda Lambert, live in concert.
• Served my Delta Zeta chapter as president, and got to swear in my amazing successor in January of this year after a successful formal recruitment.
• Recently took the position of area Delta Zeta alumnae president, and will be able to keep in touch with the wonderful women in my chapter as I coordinate events with local alums.
• Took a part-time position doing sports agate at the Columbus Dispatch, and broke into the professional journalism field.
• Am now reporting full-time at the Marion Star and am having a wonderful time putting my natural nosy curiosity at work for money and helping serve a community new to my life.
• Filled my house and life with all sorts of wonderful cats.