Thursday, November 12, 2009

Fast Times At P-Town High

When the alarm went off at 6 this morning, my first thought was really? Did Austin sleep all the way until 6? Like that hour of the morning is something to celebrate but after the weeks we've had of routine wake-ups at 4:45, 6 am felt like a gift from the universe.

I rolled over to Brad who was coughing and sputtering away, clearly not getting any better despite yesterday's rest and an early bedtime. I know! I thought. I'll sub for Brad and let him rest today! He won't have to race into the school to drop off sub plans or make any special arrangements. He can just tell me what to do and I'll take it from there. Perfect!

I tested my idea out on Brad who was happy to accept my offer which means he is really, really sick. Brad never gets sick, never misses school and rarely accepts help so his eagerness told me he feels real, real crappy and isn't just hankering for more time to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. (Note: I'm sitting in his classroom as we speak and there is a full-sized poster of that game taped onto his white board. What is is with grown men and video games?) Anyhoo, I got myself ready, did the girl's hair and rushed out the door, feeling great about being able to help my sweet husband.

My great attitude lasted all the way until I pulled into the school parking lot where I was pulled over by a not-so-friendly policeman. I was pulled into my parking stall and was getting out of my car when he instructed me to get back in my car and wait. Lights flashing, kids staring, me wondering what the heck? He asked for license and registration and then went and sat in his car behind me for.ever. before he returned to my window.

"You are being cited for going 26 mph in a school zone, which is 20 mph. Here's your ticket. You have fifteen days to appeal. Have a nice day."

Um, excuse me?

I very kindly explained that there was no way I could have been going 26 mph as I pulled into the parking lot because really? Brad's 90 Honda Accord really can't corner like that. And I'm not an idiot (despite what you're all thinking) because I saw the police car well ahead of time, knowing there is a police car parked in that exact spot every single freaking day.

He just stared at me.

Then he walked away.

That's when the rage started to build and I began to lose my cool.

But not before I looked down at the ticket amount.

Two-hundred and ten farging dollars.

And then I started to cry.

So I was crying in front of all the students staring at me, and I had to walk into the building crying, check in crying, and walk to Brad's classroom crying. Good times.

So it looks like today I'm subbing for free. And next week's subbing will also be for free. And my desire to help my husband and save the day was all for crap because my mood is ruined and I'm not evolved enough to bounce back from this in a timely fashion and return to my normal chipper self. Nope, I'm going to be pretty farging horked all day long. And think some not-so-nice things for Mr. Policeman.





How's your day going?

15 comments:

::lindsay said...

That sucks! That totally completely sucks, no doubt about it.

Poor Brad, I hope he gets better soon.

Sarah said...

I think when they issue speeding tickets they should be required to show you the speed they clocked you at. It seems pretty fishy at times. He probably thought you were a high school student pulling in to the parking lot. Bummer, it's like the old saying, "no good deed goes unpunished". I hope something good happens to you tdoay to perk you up a bit.

Sarah said...

I meant today. Sheesh.

Cajsa said...

I'm so sorry. I would have cried too. It reminds me of the not so nice policeman who pulled John over the second week we were here- he was doing fast offerings for our "new" ward which we weren't even members of. He was lost on top of it and it was when we were still living on a teacher's salary...I cried...everytime I thought of it and how we couldn't afford it. It still smarts when I think of it. Anyway...sorry...that story probably did NOT cheer you up. Hope it brightens up though...just think of the JOY craft ahhhh....Joy!

Janna G said...

That bites big time. do not read my blog about getting pulled over!

GS said...

It is a real pain in the hinny because you have to go to court (you should take all four kids) but you should challenge the ticket. At the very least, they will lower the amount considerably.

tharker said...

Oooh, I LOVE Anne's suggestion, you should totally take all four kids to court with you...at naptime...they'll drop that thing and have you out of there in a flash!

Sorry about the ruined morning. You're a good wife to do this, and even if it costs 210 bones, I'm sure Brad still completely appreciates you going in for him.

vwbabe said...

Dude, I am totally sorry I farged your day up even more. Just know this, I love you and will do anything for you even if I have to kill the police man for you!

Michele said...

Go to court! It's totally worth it. This coming from a girl who donned a knee brace and crutches to get a little sympathy in court.
It worked! (It was my Dad's idea).

Kelly said...

You have every reason to be horked.
I'm horked just reading about it.

I hope your day improves and that Brad is feeling better soon!

Janna G said...

I told you NOT to look at my blog.

Andre said...

That stinks!! That's a big ticket, too. Don't you hate instant mood crashers?

Ms. Kristen said...

I hear ya! Two weeks ago I got pulled over on Rd. 58 right next to Magills resturant for going 11 miles over. When did they change the speed limit? BLAH!!!!! I was given a 229 dollar ticket for going over and not having the correct address on my drivers license! It feel great doesnt it!
Tell sweet Hannah......Happy Birthday! Next year will be the big fat eight! Sweet Hannah!

Ms. Kristen said...

RD 68! I mean!

Heather said...

Crap... it was probably the same guy who pulled us over for slightly breezing through that stop sign.