Rant: What is up with the Findlay/Lima yahoos? (Tiffin: crime, neighbourhoods)

[mmm...steak!]

Sorry, I just have to get this off my chest...

I work in Findlay and Lima, and I like to take walks immediately after work to de-stress. I usually change into something comfortable at work beforehand (i.e. NOT provocative!) Anyway, I can't walk more than ten steps without some idiot honking and/or hollering at me. I was used to this happening occasionally back home, but only in the less fancy neighbourhoods and not to such a crazy extent (NOT at least ten times during one stroll). It's almost like they've never seen a woman before, and I don't want to have to wear a burka just to exercise in peace!

So here's a PSA to any ill-mannered men in the region: it is NOT flattering to be yelled at and such rudeness makes you look like a fool

And to the gentlemen who refrain from such behaviour: thank you for showing respect

/end rant

[Art1979]

You know, that is a fantastic question. I've never really flagged one down to ask. They're high school kids from what I've seen, and have disregarded them/tuned them out. I can only suspect they're trying to get some kind of reaction or rise out of me. I continue about my route or sitting on the bench with my own devices.

Thanks for the heads up, but I don't know if the people you're trying to reach are on this board.

P.S. - I do recommend walking around the reservoir if you get the chance. There's a stone road around the top that makes a track. It's out in the county which makes it nice, quiet, and perfect for stargazing if the park rangers don't decide to bust your chops about trespassing.

[Paddington]

At least someone wants you. 10 years from now you're not going to get any attention from dudes.

[mmm...steak!]

Art1979: I usually act like I don't notice them because I know that they're just trying to get some sort of reaction, even though it couldn't be anything but negative. I was just wondering why it's so much more prevalent here than say, suburban Detroit... thanks for the tip regarding the reservoir though - sounds like a lovely spot for a jog

Paddington: haha thank you so much for the warning about being so undesirable in 10 years - I suppose I should just relish all that "attention" from those "dudes" while I can :P

[Art1979]

Originally Posted by mmm...steak!

I was just wondering why it's so much more prevalent here than say, suburban Detroit...

My guess is that they don't preoccupy themselves with anything else. Their not creatively thinking of ways to spend their time. A lot of kids drive around town with no real destination. The circuit may be gone, but the act of going for a drive isn't. It's somewhat similar to the reason why kids go mailbox smashing.

However, if you do see a man in KISS make-up strutting his stuff down Tiffin Ave., please feel free to honk at him. He actually wants people to do that.

[ImaMichigander]

Hey Art--

Thanks for the heads up about the Kiss dude.

I can pre-forumlate an answer for when we see him and my 3 year old starts asking questions. If we ever run in to him, heaven help him, as my 3 year old will begin her inquisition with him directly-- just as she did with the women cashier who looked, dressed and acted like a man, but was obviously still female.

Gotta love a toddler with questions...

[Art1979]

Originally Posted by ImaMichigander

Hey Art--

Thanks for the heads up about the Kiss dude.

I can pre-forumlate an answer for when we see him and my 3 year old starts asking questions. If we ever run in to him, heaven help him, as my 3 year old will begin her inquisition with him directly-- just as she did with the women cashier who looked, dressed and acted like a man, but was obviously still female.

Gotta love a toddler with questions...

Yeah, that's some of the local color. He used to dress up like the wrestler Sting when he was in high school, then Hulk Hogan, and now has settled on a rotation on the members of KISS. He's quite harmless, and just wants attention. I'd rather have him strutting down the street then someone running away from a crime scene.

And, now that I think about it, he'd probably hold quite the long conversation with the toddler, just cause she had the questions.

[1+1=5]

I know what you mean, and it scares the heck out of me when someone honks from behind me! I try not to jump out of my skin. Now I just bring my ipod so that helps distract me a little bit.