Published by JPLand on 21 Apr 2009 at 08:36 pm
Almost Made It
I should know better. Actually, I do know better…but I’m a slow learner.
Work took me on a five and a half hour drive yesterday. I had to get some work done at my desk first, but finally left the office around 1:00. I arrived at my destination with a colleague in time to eat some supper and then crash at the hotel. We met with some customers, took notes and pictures, and managed to get done 30 minutes before noon. Since we weren’t sure how long we’d have to meet, the hotel room was booked for two nights. We rushed over to the hotel to check out before they charged us for the extra night. I signed the receipt with 2 minutes to spare. So, we got on the road for another five and a half hour drive home.
We were about 30 minutes from the office this evening when we hit the interstate. I had been behind a Honda Accord for at least 2 minutes, and I didn’t have that kind of time. As I entered the interstate, I moved around the Accord and started my final descent. Not more than 1/4 of a mile I got clocked doing 76 mph in a 60 mph construction zone. Ouch. (The good news is that if he would have been another 1/4 mile down the road, that number might have been higher.)
I grew up with a law enforcement officer in my family. I’ve heard lots of excuses and attempts to get out of a ticket. When the officer approached my door, I decided that I wouldn’t try to wiggle out of it. I’d woo him with honesty. After the precursory introductions, the officer said “Corporal Somebodyelse clocked you doing 76 in a 60.“ I responded “That sounds about right.“ He went back to his car and my colleague and I discussed the various methods of getting out of a ticket. We both concluded that honesty was the best policy. The city of Cordele begs to differ. Honesty just helps them write the ticket a little faster because they don’t have to explain it to you.
As we re-entered the flow of traffic, my colleague said “Well, I guess you’ll have to back it on down the rest of the way.“ I responded “Just because you get tagged-out sliding into second, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to steal a base again.“ It’s a valuable life lesson. How valuable? $250. I’m hoping that since I shared the lesson for free, you might help me with the donation that I’ll be making to the city of Cordele.