My Thoughts: when the mood strikes.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Friday, February 22, 2008

         ...started out much like any other day though it was Friday, the end of the work week.  Friday is usually a good day --- just because it is Friday and the work week is coming to a close.  Yet there was a sense of foreboding.

         I stopped at Starbucks to pickup a coffee for myself and a friend at work, and I was running slightly behind schedule.  I wasn't as lighthearted as I normally am in the morning, but it didn't worry me too much... just a little strange.

         The night before I had gone through some clothing my daughter had given me and selected a few items I wanted, putting everything else back in the bag so I could give them to a friend at work.  I set the bag on the floorboard of the front passenger seat in my car.  Otherwise, I had my purse, my lunch bag and a bag of reading/writing materials including my bible, which I carry back and forth throughout the week. 

         I always grab a "drink carrier" whenever I pickup an extra drink on Fridays --- usually every week, I get a coffee for the receptionist.  (She keeps a Starbucks card refilled to make it easy.)  So, I maneuvered the carrier on the passenger seat so as to keep it level and prevent spilling on the short drive to work. 

         There are always a lot of police patrol cars on 9th Avenue North, which is my normal route to work.  They setup speed traps.  So as to make doubly sure I stay within the limit, I often use my cruise control even though its "stop-and-go" traffic.  That's what I did on Friday.  Of course, whenever you come to a red light and brake, it goes off.  Then once my speed picks back up, I touch the "resume." 

         After the last light and just before entering the parking lot a patrol car pulled out and began following me...  Then he turned on his lights and pulled me over.  He asked if I knew what my speed was and I said yes --- about 37 or 38 mph.  He said, No, you were going 49 in a 35 and we got you on laser.  I said, No, you must have gotten someone else.  I've been using my cruise control all the way in.  He asked for my license and registration and went back to his cruiser.

         I sat patiently, waiting, praying, knowing I wasn't speeding and slightly upset.  My cell phone was at home and I couldn't call the office.  He finally came back to the car and gave me a speeding ticket, which was completely unwarranted and undeserved.  I was angry as he smiled and said, Have a good day.  Somewhat sarcastically, I said, thank you sooo very much and drove into the parking lot to work.

         Look at me sideways and I was ready to cry and did cry off and on all day long.  I felt cursed.  I've been trying to get my bills paid off.  My car insurance recently went up after I bumped a parked car at the gym pulling out of a parking space.  Apparently, if you have three reported collisions in three years, they raise your rates ---- significantly.  I'm paying over $1300 for six months coverage now, even though these were just minor fender-benders.  I bumped someone at a red light --- no marks on either vehicle and I wasn't cited.  I backed into a pole in the alley-way at home and then bumped the car at the gym just before Christmas ---- all within a 3-year period of time.  My insurance company told me after six months my rates will go back down because the first accident will come off. 

         I've been keyed up and a little paranoid for about a month and a half.  I even had a dream that I worked in the Clerk's office and an officer gave me an citation for "reckless endangerment."  I've thought about selling my car and taking the bus, even though I have received no citations in over twenty years. 

         So, yes ---- I've been feeling a little "cursed."  Hopefully things will get better.