Parking Ticket

So here is my sob story:

I went to the gym this morning with both girls. The gym has a small lot which parking is free in, but the lot was full. So I parked on the street and fed the meter. When we were done at the gym, I checked and had about 15 minutes left on my time. So we went across the street to the library since I had books along that were due. Originally I was going to drive to the Greenwood Library, but Ballard library was right there so it seemed more efficient. We returned the books and looked through some board books in the childrens section. We did not browse the shelves or check out books or anything because I was trying to be careful on time. On our way out Addie told me she needed to go potty. So we visited the bathroom but as often happens lately, once she is on the potty she says she does not need to go. So we exited the building and I looked across the street towards our car and had a sinking feeling as I saw the parking enforcement vehicle. Sure enough there was a ticket on my window because I was 10 minutes over. I was so upset. I actually waited around a few more minutes so I could talk to the person who ticketed me, but once the ticket is issued there is no going back.

Seriously, what should I have done different? Skipped the gym so I did not have to park on the street? Then I would have to pay the gym childcare cost for not cancelling ahead of time. Buckled the girls in their carseats, moved the car one block so I could park in the free parking garage at the library? Such a hassle for such a short errand. Fed the meter more? Except that with Seattle's meters, there is no plopping an extra quarter in to add more time on, you are starting over on your time since you are paying by an automated machine that issues tickets for more than just your one parking spot. Skipped going to Ballard library? I could have gone to Greenwood instead, I just thought we would be ok and it would be no big deal. Told Addie we did not have time to visit the bathroom? But I want her to know that when she says she needs to go potty that I take her seriously and respond as soon as I am able (more on that later maybe).
I guess what I should have done was drop the books but not even enter the library so I took no chances of my time running out. Lesson learned? Not sure...

So I am thinking over whether I want to pay it. I can request a hearing and tell them my story. That would be admitting I am at fault, which I know I am by a measly 10 minutes, but hoping they lower the fine. But I dont know that it would be worth it because I would have to drag the kids along with me and who knows what time of day it would be at. Or I would have to pay a babysitter and at that point I am not saving any money even if I do get the fine reduced and feel better about someone having compassion.

So what should have been a visit to the gym where I paid $6 for childcare now cost me $6 plus $2.50 for parking plus a $40 ticket and on top of that, once again, Etta cried the entire time she was in the childcare there. Argh!