The Leather-chap Man

A week ago something happened for the first time in my life. And you may have a hard time believing it. It's not something so crazy to believe, I suppose, but the officer that pulled me over was a bit shocked.

"You've never had a ticket?" He peered through my open window with his motorcycle helmet visor up.
"Never."
"Really?" I could still hear the surprise in his voice.
"I'm a great driver. I always try to obey the laws."

He nods and rips the ticket copy off, hands it to me through the window. "Well, guess you were in the wrong place at the wrong time today."

Bummer.

So, rewind a bit.
It was mid-morning and I had planned to go to the temple (I make a habit to go once or twice a week if possible). I really, really wanted to get there in time to attend a session (temple are where work for the dead is performed. You can find more information here) around 10:45 because the next one would not begin until 11:30. I was literally around the corner, going 37 in a 25.
I know, I know. Shake your head. Shame on me, right?
I felt it driving down the road. Rochelle, slow down. You're not going to make it in time anyway and you don't want a ticket. A motorcycle drove past me, nothing special about this clothed man atop the bike. He looked like any normal motorcyclist in Arizona in the middle of summer fully clothed responsibly in leather chaps and a giant helmet. (really? Who am I kidding. No one wears full motorcycle attire in 105 degree weather UNLESS they are forced by a job like, say, a policeman).
Then as I continued to go 12 over, another motorcyclist appeared. Lights on.

AAAGGGHHHH. Can you hear my inner yell of frustration?
We had a nice chat. I was quite cordial and appreciative of his officer duties. He was quite authoritative and cordial as he handed me the ticket.

So, with frustration pulsing through my veins, wanting to crumple that paper and throw it out the window (which I didn't do), I put it nicely in my purse and thought, 'Well, shame I didn't listen to that inner voice. Slow down. Shame I got a ticket and am late anyway.'
Then comes the most important part.
'It is my fault, and I knew better. It BITES that I got a ticket, BUT, it was my choice and my fault.'

Accepting responsibility, regardless if it's fun or not, it KEY in this life. It is KEY in our relationships. Accepting responsibility.

We'll get to this more in another post. For now, drive safe, don't speed, the 12 mph over the limit is NOT worth the $225 ticket. (insert very sad face here)