I go to drawing class last Tuesday (which is actually an open studio, there is no instruction, so it's a bit untrue to call it class) and am in the parking lot gathering up my supplies as a car pulls in, parking facing me. The driver gets out of the car, has a package under his arm and walks inside.
While leaving his car running.
I'm listening to the Clipse CD (wow, what a surprise) and watch. I suspect the gentleman will be running in, dropping off his stuff and leaving. But a couple of minutes pass and he doesn't reappear. I get out and look in the car. the engine is running, the keys are in the car and there is no one else in the vehicle.
I walk inside and set down my art supplies. And think. And then walk out to see if the car is still there. Yup. I tell the receptionist and she walks out with me to see. Still there, still running.
There are several classes going on, so she says she will ask around. I return to class. I ask during a break what the resolution was. I am told:
"I found him, he was in the photography class. I asked if someone left their car running. He said 'Oh, that's mine.' I ask if he would like to cut if off. He said 'no.'" The receptionist now adds a flourish — a quized, cocked-head look, not unlike that of the dog/His Master's Voice.
"Well," she continued, "with the price of gas what is it is and all, I just thought you might want to turn it off."
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'll only be a minute." (This is keeping in mind that it has been 10 minutes already at this point.)
The receptionist gave up and left.
Who does this? I can get maybe that the car is difficult to start. Maybe. But c'mon. Running, in the parking lot, with the key in the ignition? Oy, people.
I would have been impressed if you had taken it for a spin. mostly because i usually want to do that.