Humble Pie (repost)

Running here, there and everywhere today to get Tristan and Izzy to separate playdates....to the grocery.....to pick kids up.....to meet a friend this evening....had me wishing momentarily that we had a car.  Would be so convenient to strap everyone in and crank up the air conditioner and take a ride.  Id love to cut out the waiting on smoggy street corners inhaling exhaust while trying to hail a tuk-tuk.

But then, I remembered that having a car doesnt necessarily eliminate hassle and stress.......

(Its late here tonight so Im reposting an old favorite from a couple years ago........)

Here's to tuk-tuks!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009

My Generous Slice of Humble Pie

Last week, we were just a tad late getting to dance class.

We couldn't find a clean pair of pink tights for Abi. The baby woke up crabby from her nap and I was driving with my knees slopping my make-up on while navigating these country roads that I know like the back of my hand. I also was gabbing on my cell phone with a friend (with whom I'd like to maintain a good reputation,) but alas, cut our conversation short humbly murmuring, "um...I've got to go. There is a cop pulling me over".

Bright blue flashing lights in my rear view mirror. Nuts!

Tristan pipes up from the backseat..."Oh cool mom! A police on amotorcycle"

Naturally, Im just as delighted!

A big burly officer poked his head in the window and our yapping cocker spaniel went ballistic!

"You were speeding ma'am"

"Yes sir, I know! ...I mean, I didnt know, but Im so sorry!" I babbled. "I know this is your job, but its been ten years since I've had a speeding ticket. Could you possibly reduce the fine?"

"Dont know about thaaaat" he drawled while confirming my story entering my DL# and insurance into his fancy mobile computer.

There is nothing more humbling than getting a slap on the wrist in front of not one, not two, but all five of your children.

But then he turns to Abi sitting beside me as if they are in cahoots against me.

"So, does yo' momma speed all the time or just some times?"

Abi looked at me with that deer in the headlights expression. This was a conversation I had never taken the time to prime her for!

She smiled oh-so-slightly answering tentatively, "...um.....probably never?"

whew!

I knew if my adventure loving Britain had been asked she'd have said something like "My mommy is a fast crazy driver!" just for the fun of it!

The officer was clearly enjoying the interchange (more than I) and continued with a series of questions for Abi about if I really didnt speed or if I was just good at not getting caught before he returned my license with nothing more than a warning.

....and a generous slice of humble pie!

Abi loved telling her daddy that she spared me from a speeding ticket.

And the next day, when the sun dawned welcoming a new and better day, Abi woke me with the words,

"Morning mom. Remember yesterday when we got arrested for speeding?