Speeding Ticket on the way to Traffic Court

I thought this was a funny story because what were the chances of this happening?

I was returning to college from Christmas break and was pulled over for speeding. I HAD to go to court in Farmville, VA (paying online wasn't an option since there was no 'online' then). How was I going to get out of this ticket? The only advice I received from everyone I asked, was to not be late to court. They seemed to imply big fines, imprisonment, license revoked, etc.

So on my way from college to Farmville Traffic Court, I kept calculating the mileage and my speed and concluded that I would be late getting to court. Wanting to avoid jail time, I sped up- what were the chances I'd get another ticket? I was in the back of a pack of cars when I heard the familiar siren. I pulled over and the officer asked if there was a reason that I was speeding. I didn't want to show my obvious repeated tendencies of having a lead-foot, so I just said, "No. No reason what so ever." Meanwhile I'm thinking, hurry-up before I have to withdraw from college to do time in the slammer. I get my ticket from the Award Committee (The Police give awards to the fastest drivers) and slowy procede to Farmville.

I arrived 20 minutes late and feard the worst. The Bailif was reading names from the docet....more names than people present, '...John Doe...oh he's always late, Jane Doe, I think there might be traffic on Main St...' I'm thinking, really? These people are late and it is ok? Why did I risk the ticket?

Finally it is my turn and I face the judge. With no real good excuse for speeding and this being my first ticket, the judge decides to give me probation. He says, "No tickets between now and 6 months. If you get a ticket in the next 6 mos, I'm taking your license." I reply enthustically, "YES, Sir." I look at my watch and note that 'now' is 10am.

Six months goes by and the Sherrif shows up with a subpoena to appear in Farmville Traffic Court due to my traffic violations. I arrive in Farmville ontime and with no tickets. The judge calls my name and says, "Now didn't I tell you no tickets for 6 mos?" I reply very respectfully, "Yes your honor, you did. And if you note the time of my court appearance- 10am and the time of my ticket- 8:30am, I did not get a ticket in the time specified." He clarifies, "You mean you got a speeding ticket on the way to traffic court?!" He bursts out laughing making the Bailif laugh. I find no humor in the fines I've been paying, but do my best at a smile and chuckle. Then he asks, "Did you get a ticket today?" "No." I reply. "Then I will give you another 6 mos. probation, no tickets, and I mean it," he says. I met the demands of the probation and never had to pay fines for the original ticket.

No TV, No Problem.

The other day 4 yr old Beck was not behaving appropriately, back-talking, etc. Then he has the nerve to ask to watch a cartoon. I reply firmly, "No way, not the way you have been acting. No TV tonight." As he crosses his arms across his chest, he replies, "Fine. Then tell me a story. Tell me a story and I'll pretend like you are on TV. I'll watch you on TV." Much like the penguin fiasco, I excused myself from the room so I could laugh. I'm going to have to be quicker with my replies.