Yesterday I made my appearance in court for my "moving violation" that occurred several months ago. I have been stewing over this ridiculous ticket for way too long. With camera in hand, I made my way to the courthouse for the truth to be told. Too bad my camera was confiscated at the front security desk. Good thing I printed off the mapquest page. After an almost hour long wait, a prosecuting attorney pulled me into another room. He fit a stereotypical model of a schmooze. His hair was slicked back and his smile curled up just like the Grinch when he thinks of his awful idea. He used such choice phrases like "look, I'm not here to talk you out of proceeding to trial" and "Officer so-and-so is here ready to testify against you. He even took notes" and my favorite of all "I am here to make you a deal to save you x amount of time and x amount of dollars". He rolled his eyes a few times and even held back a snort when he could use his new found knowledge of traffic laws. My 12 miles over the posted speed limit now became over 20 since unknown speed limits = traveling 35 miles per hour. I tried to remind him of the ever more important rule of driving in a manner to prevent accidents, but he just said too bad you got caught.
Usually, I just think my bad thoughts and smile. This time I half spoke my bad thoughts and fumed over the lack of justice that I was witnessing. They didn't want the truth. They wanted my money. Yet, in the end, I folded. I knew I was in the right, but I was done with this escapade. I have never in my 15+ years of driving all over this country received a speeding ticket or any other sort of traffic violation. The prosecutor noted that and knock the fee to $130 with no defensive driving test and a probationary 90 days to not get pulled over again. $130 and I was free. I took a few moments to think about it. I wondered how I would win in court. I have a feeling that my hear say evidence (camera wasn't coming into the courtroom) about the over hanging branch covering the speed limit would have been ignored.
I left angry and with a better understanding of how so many countries live with corrupt leaders and "law"givers. It was too much of a gamble for me to pay the full ticket ($176) plus court fees ($100+) and have the ticket on my record (who knows what that would have done to our insurance). $130 sounded good and the attorney knew it.
What I am left with is the questions why? Why can a police officer pull me over when several other cars were driving much faster then me? Oh wait, I know, I was the only one going slow enough for him to pass two lanes of freeway entrance traffic and a solid white line and catch the dangerous driver. Why am I being punished for a bad pruning job? Oh wait, I know, because the state needs easy money. Why else would the police officer pick such a precarious spot to park his unmarked police car? Why did I not have the guts to stand up for myself? Oh wait, I know, I never do.
Oh well, I guess my painting and replacing a wretched chandelier will have to wait. San Antonio needs an easy $130.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Glorified Saran Wrap
I just received our family's Christmas cards in the mail when the weather turned. I think that the bad weather had everything to do with my "bragging" on our Christmas cards about the weather being so nice. (curious about what I said. . .well wait until you get one of the cards in the mail. . .not sure if I have your address. . .email me or leave it as a comment on this post) We have endured many a hot summer days with hopes of the pleasant winter weather. So, when the thermostat was registering 40 degrees, I wasn't a happy camper. We set our heater at 69 in hopes of not paying too much for our comfort. Too bad the heater was running all night long.
Opening windows on sunny days and baking a little more than normal helped with the heater's persistent running. We even went to the extreme tacky lengths of shoving cloth napkins in to the door crevices to help stop all the cold air from rushing in. Finally, with help from a little know product called Window Insulation Film. What is this magic product and how would it be helpful? Take the idea of plastic wrap stretched tight over a window instead of leftovers.
It is quiet a process that involves alcohol wipes, double sided tape, plastic wrap, and a blow dryer. Each window is about a 10-20 minute process and we finally finished the whole upstairs Saturday night. Just in time for us to put up the Christmas lights. Unfortunately, we usually use the upstairs windows to access our lower roofs which meant a careful removal process and a even carefuller replacement. We went to bed grateful for a sealed house and hopes of a less frequent heater situation.
Sunday morning we argued with the kids about taking coats to church assured that the weather would merit a heavier jacket. Wrong. Overnight the temperatures shot up from the low 40's to the mid 60's. That to me is window opening weather and we are sealed in. Oh well, may be it will feel like winter again someday and we will be prepared.
Opening windows on sunny days and baking a little more than normal helped with the heater's persistent running. We even went to the extreme tacky lengths of shoving cloth napkins in to the door crevices to help stop all the cold air from rushing in. Finally, with help from a little know product called Window Insulation Film. What is this magic product and how would it be helpful? Take the idea of plastic wrap stretched tight over a window instead of leftovers.
It is quiet a process that involves alcohol wipes, double sided tape, plastic wrap, and a blow dryer. Each window is about a 10-20 minute process and we finally finished the whole upstairs Saturday night. Just in time for us to put up the Christmas lights. Unfortunately, we usually use the upstairs windows to access our lower roofs which meant a careful removal process and a even carefuller replacement. We went to bed grateful for a sealed house and hopes of a less frequent heater situation.
Sunday morning we argued with the kids about taking coats to church assured that the weather would merit a heavier jacket. Wrong. Overnight the temperatures shot up from the low 40's to the mid 60's. That to me is window opening weather and we are sealed in. Oh well, may be it will feel like winter again someday and we will be prepared.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Some Kind of Wonderful
Miss Meekers, you hold a special place in my heart. You are the special someone who made me a mom.
(Mia around 18 months and or Talia's age now)How could I be so blessed to have such a girl in my life? You can do everything. Your magical optimism is infectious and shapes our family's life daily. I love your obsession with reading and learning. I love hearing you sing and catching mini shows when you don't realize that I am watching. I love your diplomatic tendencies and your innate sense of equality (even though it is often slightly biased). Your siblings adore you and wait anxiously for your arrival home each day from school. I love finding you and your siblings immersed in some game you've concocted or find them rapt in attention while you read to them. Your beautiful smile and surprisingly blue eyes are only second to your precious spirit and tender heart. Thank you for who you are and who you make me want to be. 
Monday, December 7, 2009
Mr. Man
There is a reason why I call you Handsome. I love your smile especially when it creeps onto your face every time an engine roars or sheep are ramming their heads together.
(picture by Tiago and my iPhone) I love your curiosity even if the bugs' life is put at risk of closer inspections. Your love for life is as contagious as your laughter.
(picture by Tiago and my iPhone)Your tender spirit and love of Jesus is evident in how you treat all of us in the family and stray dogs that need attention. Nothing is more sweet than your consideration of Mia or Talia's feelings above your own. Thanks for reminding us about scripture study and prayers. Thanks for energizing the group and cuddling. I love your hugs and whispered I love you's. I love that you eat and drink like a horse but hide that evidence nicely (I mean your weight and not your ability to sneak food behind the couch and leave it there).I love you, Mr. Handsome Man.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Miss Giggles
Yep, I can't get enough of your sweetness. I love how you say prayers and how you say Jesus. I am sure that brings a big smile to your Heavenly Father's face. I love how you want water aka daughter and crackers constantly and will go get them for yourself whenever possible. I love you laughter that can be heard more frequently than not. I love your pleas to sleep in Mia's bed and how you let us know when daddy is at work. I love your excitement over airplanes and how you pretend fly airplanes throughout the house. I love how you love Lammies and pray it will last as long as you need it. I love all your hugs and cuddles and kisses. I love your crazy hair and precious smile. I love you, girl.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thanksgiving
Wonderful Times:
#1
Seeing the kids faces as we prepared the Turkey. Mia was much smarter than me. I assumed that the neck bag in the chest cavity was the extent of the giblets because we got such a small turkey and the rest of the garbage just didn't make it. Wrong! Oh well, I am sure that isn't the first time the bag was left in for the cooking. The bird was bagged and cooked upside down for a time. Then, cut from the plastic restraint and flipped upright and basted for the remaining time. This made for great drippings and a new tradition of gravy making in this house.
#2
We finally went on a family "Turkey Trot" after many years of talking about it. Right before we were going to eat, Fernando announced the race. It almost fell through when a massive spider was spotted on the driveway. My kids and spiders (especially Talia) equals rapt attention. They hovered over the spider trying to find all the parts we had learned about a few days before. I even had to take a closer look to see all the eyes. I was also the one who screamed the loudest when the spider decided to give me a closer look. We lined up finally and took off around the block. We made it with only a few complaints and warnings of possible death by running from the kids.
#3
Our annual "Turkey Chase" was silly like usual. Tiago snagged the most feathers with Fernando coming in at a close second. Usually, we have just colored our best rendition of a feather. This year and I think from now on, Mia suggested we color things we love and are thankful for.
Tiago drew a crane, dump truck, train, and bulldozer.
Talia got apples and a Lamb picture.
Mia had a Tinkerbell, candy cane, and a flower.
Best of all. . .Fernando was wake and with us for at least 4 hours. It was nice to have him home. Happy Thanksgiving!
#1
Seeing the kids faces as we prepared the Turkey. Mia was much smarter than me. I assumed that the neck bag in the chest cavity was the extent of the giblets because we got such a small turkey and the rest of the garbage just didn't make it. Wrong! Oh well, I am sure that isn't the first time the bag was left in for the cooking. The bird was bagged and cooked upside down for a time. Then, cut from the plastic restraint and flipped upright and basted for the remaining time. This made for great drippings and a new tradition of gravy making in this house.
#2
We finally went on a family "Turkey Trot" after many years of talking about it. Right before we were going to eat, Fernando announced the race. It almost fell through when a massive spider was spotted on the driveway. My kids and spiders (especially Talia) equals rapt attention. They hovered over the spider trying to find all the parts we had learned about a few days before. I even had to take a closer look to see all the eyes. I was also the one who screamed the loudest when the spider decided to give me a closer look. We lined up finally and took off around the block. We made it with only a few complaints and warnings of possible death by running from the kids.
#3
Our annual "Turkey Chase" was silly like usual. Tiago snagged the most feathers with Fernando coming in at a close second. Usually, we have just colored our best rendition of a feather. This year and I think from now on, Mia suggested we color things we love and are thankful for.
Tiago drew a crane, dump truck, train, and bulldozer.
Talia got apples and a Lamb picture.
Mia had a Tinkerbell, candy cane, and a flower.
Best of all. . .Fernando was wake and with us for at least 4 hours. It was nice to have him home. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Around the World in 25 Days
Hunting for interesting activities for each holiday has become a little more tricky since we moved from the heart of constant cultural exposure aka the DC area. We do have a few fun events here like the Sea World wonders, Lights on the Riverwalk, Bass Pro Shop with all its free fun including the free Santa picture!
, and this weekend's Handel Messiah concert just to name a few.
Today while reading the Friend Magazine (a magazine the Church of Jesus Christ publishes for young children), I stumbled upon a working advent calendar of sorts. It was called "Christmas Around the World". As we read each one, I realized that the activities mentioned would be fun to do as a family and kind of culturally uplifting. I have already tweaked some of the ideas to fit our circumstances. For example, day 6 tells us that Australians will go to the beach and sing carols. We do have beaches not too far from our house, but the Sabbath day isn't a day for us to make a day trip to the beach. So, instead, we switched the 5 day's activities from Germany and the candy left in the shoe (ok the candy will be substituted with a clementine orange) to allow us either a day trip to the beach with caroling or heading to Sea World on Saturday to listen to all the carols while we play in the artificial beach fronts.
You should check it out. There are some amazing things to do. I am sure thankful for all the research the people put into the calendar so I could have a no brainer Christmas time.
PS Enjoy browsing around on the website. There are a lot of great things even for those who are not of our faith. My kids love looking at this site on Sundays to help keep their thoughts focused on the One who brought the First Real Gift of Christmas. If you want, there are pictures that can be cut out and place on each day to remind you of what you did. I think I will just blog about it.
, and this weekend's Handel Messiah concert just to name a few. Today while reading the Friend Magazine (a magazine the Church of Jesus Christ publishes for young children), I stumbled upon a working advent calendar of sorts. It was called "Christmas Around the World". As we read each one, I realized that the activities mentioned would be fun to do as a family and kind of culturally uplifting. I have already tweaked some of the ideas to fit our circumstances. For example, day 6 tells us that Australians will go to the beach and sing carols. We do have beaches not too far from our house, but the Sabbath day isn't a day for us to make a day trip to the beach. So, instead, we switched the 5 day's activities from Germany and the candy left in the shoe (ok the candy will be substituted with a clementine orange) to allow us either a day trip to the beach with caroling or heading to Sea World on Saturday to listen to all the carols while we play in the artificial beach fronts.
You should check it out. There are some amazing things to do. I am sure thankful for all the research the people put into the calendar so I could have a no brainer Christmas time.
PS Enjoy browsing around on the website. There are a lot of great things even for those who are not of our faith. My kids love looking at this site on Sundays to help keep their thoughts focused on the One who brought the First Real Gift of Christmas. If you want, there are pictures that can be cut out and place on each day to remind you of what you did. I think I will just blog about it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)