[daepp]

Last Sunday I hopped on the Interstate headed to a water polo game with my daughter. We were late, and I was driving too fast. I was not setting a good example to my daughter either. She did get to witness me being very polite and respectful to an authority figure.

However, it was 7:00 am and there were practically no cars on the freeway. I was driving a 2008 high performance, well handling automobile. I was safe, but nevertheless I was speeding.

When the cop pulled me over he claimed I was doing 84. I claimed it was 79 but really hadn't been looking at the speedo when he got me with radar. I really couldn't argue with 84.

He took his time writing me up - it seemed like forever. He came up to the car and said, "Sir, would you please step out of the car." I guess he didn't want my daughter to hear him say the following:

"Are you going to slow down?" Yes sir!
"Were you in a hurry?" Yes sir, I was, and it is because my family and I are always trying to do too much in too little time. We need to slow our lives down!
"Are you going to slow down?" Again, I say Yes sir.
"Have you ever gone to court on a ticket?" No sir.
"You might want to go to court on this ticket. I wrote you up for 80, but you might want to go to court on this one."
I say, "I'm sorry, I don't understand." (OK - I'm a little slow)
He says, "After I began writing your ticket I noticed that today is your birthday. I appreciate it that you didn't mention that to me. I won't be at court on your appearance date. Happy Birthday - and slow down."