Jamie's Corner: A Menace to Society

In the movies, I am not the elegant lady that walks down the stairs and charms her guests with grace and beauty. I am the one that trips on her gown, spills wine on her new dress and tries to carry on a conversation with spinach stuck in between her teeth. Years ago, it used to affect my sense of self and make my depression worse. But I no longer see it that way. A writer once told me anything that does not go smoothly in life makes for a good story. I agree. And I have lots of stories.

View the full archive of Jamie's Corner here.

My story this week: A Menace to Society

When my son was 3 years old, he tried to tell me how to drive. Ok, maybe not the mechanics but where to drive. For some reason, he went through a short period where he liked to tell me which direction to turn. If I did not turn the direction he wanted, he threw a fit. It was an unusual time to be sure. 

Now, he is again telling me how to drive. He is keeping an eye on his father's driving as well. He is 19 and in his second month of learning how to drive. He makes sure we use our turn signals and reminds us of the posted speed limit if we drive too fast. He also has a good sense of humor.

James going to the store with me

James: I noticed you did not use your turn signal when you exited our neighborhood. 

Me: James, no one was behind me. I use my turn signals when I am out on the street, just not always if exiting a neighborhood or in a parking lot if no one is behind me. 

James: Ok, well just remember to use turn signals. People who do not use turn signals are a menace to society.

Me: Do you know where the emergency flashers are and when to use them?

James: Yes. You use them only in an emergency.

Me: Actually, I use them for a variety of issues. If I need to pull over to the side of the street, if I have to go unusually slow, or do anything out of the ordinary. It lets other drivers know to be cautious and that something might be going on. 

James: Then can also be used to blind the police officer behind you so you can get away.

Me: Good luck with that. Now, let's discuss speed limits. I usually go the speed limit or 5 miles over (occasionally 10 if it is a highway. Sometimes you will need to go under the speed limit if it is cloudy, raining, or conditions require it. It is referred to as driving for road conditions and at the speed of traffic.

James: I do not like to go over the speed limit.

Me: Well, you may change your opinion in the future, so I wanted to give you some guidelines.

James going to get food with his dad

James: Dad, you just crossed a double yellow line.

Dad: When I turned, I crossed only a small section of the line. I had to do that because there was another car blocking where I needed to go.

James: You do know the penalty for crossing a double yellow line is going to hell.

Dad: Good to know James.

James: Dad, did you look both ways before you crossed the intersection? You have to practice defensive driving.

Dad: Yes, I did.

James: Ok, good. 

I'm just glad James wasn't the DMV tester when I took my driving test!