I don’t know where “Space Cadet” came from but it defines a person who is “not all there” or “missing a link” and according to the Urban Dictionary, does not relate to the physical world.
I used to be all there – really.
I could take one look at things and I would know what thing fit inside another thing. In fact, I was so accurate about measuring “things” that I thought I had special powers.
Like the times I could quickly look at a pile of leftovers and choose exactly the right size container in which to store them (for discarding later).
I was taught to save leftovers. Unfortunately no one will eat them here (except for pizza). But I keep saving them anyway.
Only now I don’t choose the right containers.
The refrigerator storage boxes are always just a tad too small, so when they don’t fit they have to be washed and I have to try to find the right size again – and sometimes again.
What a lot of work for temporary trash bins.
This brings me to parallel parking.
My friend Nancy at Not Quite Old just did a wonderful post on parallel Parking. I recognized myself there for sure and I won’t repeat writing about that embarrassment. Suffice to say I used to be a pro at parallel parking.
Now I am a space cadet.
Even pulling straight into a parking space is a major challenge! I have the dents to prove it and I am absolutely terrified of automatic car washes.
You have to fit the tires between those little track things!
And if you get that right, you have to stop the car exactly when it says STOP! If you don’t do what the sign says, the whole process gets derailed and the person in the car behind you is flipping the finger.
The biggest dents in my car are from car washes – no doubt the result of nervous backing up and going forward and backing up and going forward whilst trying to stay inside the rails!
So far, this warped space perception is the most annoying thing about aging.
It doesn’t hurt or anything like that, but it’s most embarrassing to be perceived as a space cadet.
I recently went to one of those Jiffy Lube places for an oil change and I felt like a space cadet too trying to drive in without hitting those little track things, so don’t feel so bad :).
LikeLike
Plus I always panic when the car wash actually starts because I fear I forgot to set the parking brake and the car is rolling along!! Hilarious post~
LikeLike
Thanks for the mention!
LikeLike
You are in GOOD COMPANY! lol
LikeLike
I remember Space Cadet Happy from a TV series when I was a kid. I think it was called Space Patrol, and we wouldn’t have missed an episode. I haven’t thought of that in years! It wasn’t as much fun as your post, but I thought Commander Buzz Corey (I’m not even sure if I remember the name right) was really cute!
LikeLike
I saw an episode of Brain Games which indicated that the males and their Y chromosome holds the ability to guess mass/volume more accurately. So I’ve always used this for misjudging my food is bigger than the container or my car is bigger than the garage door opening. And I’m sticking with it.
LikeLike
My dear this is a wonderful post … trust me – I am a regular space cadet myself -:)!
LikeLike
I am laughing. I’ll be a LOT of us recognize ourselves here. I won’t even try to parallel park, but always figured I lost it without sufficient practice. Now to discover that there’s a reason–aging! Funny blog post, Dor.
LikeLike
We are certainly a pair of space cadets! 🙂
LikeLike
Ditto about the parking break in a running car wash! 🙂
LikeLike
You are oh so welcome!
LikeLike
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog anita! Love your comment, especially the part about Space Patrol not being as much fun as my post! Haha! 🙂
LikeLike
Bad as I have become at guessing spaces, I am still 98% better than my husband at it. But what a lovely way to excuse lapses when there are visitors here. Thanks! 🙂
LikeLike
I love your response Daniela. It’s wonderful to find fellow space cadets. 🙂
LikeLike
Parallel park? I used to do that too but would never trust myself now. Thanks for reminding me about the aging thing Kathy! LOL! 🙂
LikeLike
I also almost never parallel park–and can almost panic if the only spots available require parallel parking.
LikeLike
Too funny! I dislike car washes too because of the little rails you have to follow but I also get vertigo if I watch the arms as they circle the car and spray.We simply adapt as we get older!
LikeLike
I never parallel park, ever – I would rather drive around until I find another parking 🙂 I know what you mean about the left over containers and judging the space 🙂
LikeLike
We are kindred spirits! 🙂
LikeLike
The trouble is I just get adapted and have to adapt again. 🙂
LikeLike
If the only spots available require parallel parking, I will drive miles away and walk. 🙂
LikeLike
I know! What’s with this space cadet thing as we age? I keep bumping into things. I have the bruises to prove it. Funny (and sad) post.
LikeLike