Lesson Learned

Driving in Arizona- Far away from the list of my favorite things. In reality I live about 25 minutes from work. In Arizona freeway time- make that 45 minutes. Its very frustrating to wake up from a wonderful sleep 20 minutes earlier just so that I can be stuck in stop and go freeway traffic.
So I decided it was time to beat the system. What I really wanted was a helicopter drop off every day. Apparently that is frowned upon. So I started taking detours, which led to some interesting places. However, after many failed attempts, such as the frontage road and back roads that everyone else was using, I finally found the perfect route. I had been enjoying this nice zig zag course until yesterday.
While at work, I had just a little time left and needed to buy something before I went home. Reaching for my wallet, I was SHOCKED that it was not in my purse. Praying that it had fallen out in my room and not in the pocket of someone else, I left for home. I left work at a different time, and to my dismay, many people take my "special route" at this time. This made it a whole lot less special. Stop and go was happening instead of zoom zoom zoom. I turned off my normal zig road to a different zag road because it appeared that less people were taking it. Happily finding my new freedom I was finally zooming down the road. Happily that, until I saw the cop in front of me, facing me on the other side of the road. My instincts kicked in as I slammed on my breaks until I got to 45 mph. In my defense and in honest truth, I really thought the speed limit was 40. As I passed him, I prayed that it was empty or he didn't see the outrageous speed I was going, because as you might recall, I didn't have my wallet, which meant- NO LICENCE!!! I almost died as I saw him flip around and follow me. My prayers that it was a coincidence that he pulled in behind me were dashed as he flipped on his lights and I reluctantly pulled over.
With my head bowed as if I had been sent to the principal's offices I wondered what the outcome of this would be. Oddly enough as he approached my car (which seemed like an eternity) he said, "hello, how are you today?" What?! He needs a new door approach because honestly- how is anyone at that moment? "I'm okay" I replied in a quiet, school girl voice. "Can I see your licence and registration?" Here it comes, I thought. I said okay and reached in the glove box. As I was reaching for it he said, "I clocked you going 45 in a 35 zone." "How fast?" was my -reply. He kinda got a smirk as though he was thinking haha I got you. As he said "45" I shockingly said "really- huh". All the while thanking the heavens that he ONLY clocked me at 45 and not what I was going before I saw him!!!
In my frazzled state I handed him my insurance card- not registration!!! I explained to him that I just moved here and that is my newest card until they send it to me in the mail. I had yet to recognize my error, and the look on his face showed his confusion. After a few more random questions he asked for my UT registration. As I reached for it, low and behold I pulled out my AZ Registration. It was then that I realized my error and said, "oh my gosh! I gave you my insurance card! I'm so sorry!" Dumb Dumb Dumb. But then I thought that maybe I'd get off for being dumb! However, the worst of it had not happened. He then asked for my licence and I had to tell him the bad news. I explained that I didnt have it, and that I actually didnt know where my wallet was, and that I hoped that it was at my house and not stolen because I never drive without it (I hope you're catching on that I was rambling now). I then realized that maybe I shouldn't tell him that I didnt know where it was. So I summed it all up with, "I'm sure its in my room. I just cant believe that I dont have it because I always do! and of all days...." He asked if I had anything with a picture ID. Nope. Sure didnt. Well- except for my employee badge at work. (I know you're all saying- no you didnt offer your employee badge! Well yep. sure did.) He said that didnt count.
Shaking his head and standing there in utter shock. He asked where I moved from, if my licence was from UT or AZ, if I knew the number, where I was coming from etc. He just keeping shaking his head in unbelief and sighing. Finally he said, "This really doesnt look good for you." "I know" I said. And he walked back to his car. As I sat there in an agonizing wait, I kept wondering why he pulled me over for a measly 10 miles over. Slowly I came to grips with the fact that I would be paying hundreds of dollars and would have to go to traffic school. I did the crime. I would have to do the time. Oddly enough I wasnt emotional. I was calm as he came back. He then repeated a few more times how things just didnt look good for me(I think he was trying out for an academy award for dramatic affect) and that I need to have my licence when I drive (um, doy. I know that). I just agreed with him, didnt fight him on anything, didnt try any tricks, and didnt make excuses. I guess thats what works because he said. "So, I'm giving you a warning for speeding and first thing when you get home, you need to find your licence and put it in your purse". I wanted to say- "Really? You dont think that thought has been running around my head every minute since I found out that I didnt have it!" But I simply said "Okay officer". Then he added "and dont speed on the reservation again". OH!! The reservation. It all made sense. I had no idea that I was on it! And I have heard things are a little more on the strict side. I'm thankful I didnt end up in jail! I, of course, agreed. and he had me sign my warning. He then added, "You're like the 5th person that I have pulled over today from Utah!" "Really?! " I replied. "I guess they dont know how to teach us to drive!" he laughed and sent me on my merry way. I of course thanked him many times and with a grateful heart drove home.
How did I do it? How did I not get a ticket? How do you speed and not have your licence and still get only a warning? I have come to the conclusion that God was thinking, "Jill sometimes goes fast on roads that she shouldn't. Therefore, to teach her a lesson, I will have him pull her over, but scare her enough that she wont do it again." Well to that I say "I got it! Lesson Learned!"