Making like a martini, I’m gonna say it straight up: I dread this time of year.
Even the wonky star on top of our tree is starting to make me stabby.
I’m emotionally fatigued and physically frazzled.
I’m dreading the one year anniversary of my cousin’s passing.
Knowing that there’s 20 days till Christmas is akin to the last kilometre of the half marathon I ran.
Did I tell you I experienced severe headspins and almost past out?
Yup. Same, same.
Driving home from the gym the other morning, I took the same route I always did, passing the school zone.
Such the nanna driver, I diligently obey the speed limit during as well as outside school zone hours.
I often lecture Mr Surfer to slow down in that particular area.
Whatever it was – bad luck, bad timing, bad brain – I started to pick up speed while still in the zone and BAM! The speed gun got me.
Throwing around some colourful explicits to myself, I pulled beside the road and resignedly handed over my license.
“Was there any reason why you were doing 53 in a school zone?”
Do I have a viable excuse for being an idiot on the road? Well, no. No, I don’t.
Of course, I didn’t say that.
I apologised profusely, openly admitted to fault and stupidity.
Off he went to write me a ticket.
The damage was bad, but not as bad as I thought.
And I’m not even talking about losing 2 demerit points and being slapped with a $182 fine.
I’m lucky I didn’t hit a child.
The silly season can have this underlying gloomy meaning that’s contrary to what it’s supposed to be about.
I hate the fact that, while it’s supposed to be a time of joy, cheer and relaxation, people are frantic. It’s helter skelter; the worse time to be on the roads.
Don’t be a dumb ass like me the other day.
Stay safe on the roads these holidays, peeps.
Have you ever been busted for speeding? Anyone want to make a $182 donation to the State Debt Recovery Office on my behalf? Anyone else have a wonky star on their tree?
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Bummer Grace. Yeah .. my head is in the clouds right now too. Just like the kids with their end of year exhaustion … we adults get the same.
On a positive front … you have the same star atop your tree that we have!
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 1884 – Dance yourself happy
Yes I hear you Grace, I know it is not a PC thing to say but I am not a big fan of Christmas either. Lots of running around acting crazy buying stuff for people that they don’t need or want just for one day. Such a strange time of the year!
Shelley@moneymummy recently posted..How Do I Know If I Have Enough Superannuation?
Bummer Grace. I can’t believe that fine is so low. I forgot to pay Hubby’s Rego this year and he was pulled over and slapped with a $700 plus fine. Do you, like me, think that there’s something majorly odd about the gravity of these fines?
Avoid the wonky star by putting the tree up a few days before Christmas. There’s no sign of Christmas at our place. I am hoping it will go away…!
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Oh no, Grace! So sorry to hear that. My mum is the most diligent driver too and at the age of 63 got her first ever speeding fine in our street just because she had her mind on something else 🙁 I absolutely love Christmas, but there’s no doubt I always get frazzled, burnt out and stressed this time of year. Everyone seems to be on edge. We always have a battle of whose house xmas is at too. One year I wish we could just spend it at the beach and be done with it!
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me recently posted..Candy Apple Clothing giveaway
Bummer about the fine. There are police out the front of our local school at least three times a week and they ALWAYS have a line of cars pulled over. To be honest I’m not a huge fan of Christmas either and for the past four years I’ve dreaded this time of year as it bring up a lot of emotions and really crappy memories. I’m trying REALLY hard to put some effort in for the boys this year – especially our big boy who is beginning to understand what it’s all about.
Sending you a big hug xx
Lauren @ Create Bake Make recently posted..Easy Christmas Cookies – Fabulous Foodie Fridays #30
We have three school zones on a local street – i get really confused when they start and stop, so end up doing most of the street at 40 because there’s always cops there, and they non school zone bits are only 50 metres or so before the nest one starts up again….glad it’s not too hefty. Take it easy!
Lydia C. lee recently posted..2014 in Review
The only speeding fine I have ever had was at a school zone, grrrrrr. X N
Nikki@WonderfullyWomen recently posted..Mastering Google Analytics For Blogging Success!
That sucks but like you say, the most important thing is, no one was hurt, because everything is replaceable except life itself. I love Christmas but it can be so stressful, I think we should treat it like a secret wedding, just run away, celebrate and be done with it. Our star is wonky too (is there any other way?) I think it’s like a metaphor for life, it doesn’t always go the way you planned but when you look at it, it’s always shiny and bright! xx
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..Thermomix Rudolph the Reindeer Cookies
I got a ticket this time last year, it was $330 worth, for touching my phone, not talking on it, but hanging up at the lights! I was on speaker. GRRR. Xmas can be such a hard time of year, hugs to you – and if that star really annoys you take it down, jump on it and buy a new one – retail therapy!!!!!!! xx
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..My baby boy nearly drowned & it was all my fault – an update!
That can’t be legal. Surely you’re allowed to hang up the hands free?
Peachy Keen Mumma – Jess recently posted..Frank’s Red Hot American Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dip – EASY!
That was already the second one that I’ve bought! LOL! Maybe we should just go starless 🙂
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Thanks for sharing such an important message. It suxs that you got caught out when you are normally so diligent. I recently got a speeding fine too for doing 50km’s in a 40 zone in the city – I just didn’t see the sign and there had been recent speed changes that I didn’t know about. Gahhhh…. makes me cross but it really does mean I wasn’t concentrating entirely. It’s so easy for something to go pear shaped at any moment. You’re right a fine is so much better than a child stepping out on the road.
Hope you find a way to de-frazzle a bit. It is a crazy time of year.
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad recently posted..Hello Third Baby!
We all do it Grace. The other week I pulled out in front of someone and no idea why! I felt awful and was so lucky nothing happened. Your mind drifts for just a moment…
Hope your week improves xxx
EssentiallyJess recently posted..My How You’ve Grown
My husband is the one who gets caught in school zones. When I drive with him I am constantly telling him that the speed changed in any particular area. Apparently he just doesn’t see the signs, totally misses them. I finally got my ticket – and it was for doing a U-turn a block from my house right in front of a freaking cop. It was well over $200. That is one of the perks of living on a main road, having to drive way too far to get going to other direction. Ah well. Now I know how my husband feels. It’s definitely silly season Grace. I still get shocked at home many people go to the mall this time of year – you think I’d be over it. I just went there to pick up a few things and let my son have a play, bad idea.
Peachy Keen Mumma – Jess recently posted..Frank’s Red Hot American Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dip – EASY!
Christmas can be crazy but every year lately I really try and keep focusing on the important things. For those that are missing loved ones it always makes it harder but also in a way easier to be grateful to be able to spend time with those still here. I hope yours is a safe and happy one too Grace xx
We’re already on school holidays up here. It’s been nice not to spend the morning rushing and shouting orders about school shoes and hair brushes. I hope you get a little downtime soon too. xx
Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker recently posted..three simple bring-a-plate Christmas ideas for kids
Yes! So true hun. I got hit with a whopper a few months back for going through a red arrow. It was over $400. Put this one down to life experience I suppose. Neither of us will do it again. Chin up.X
Yes, I think it really does happen to everyone. I’ve only ever had one speeding fine, and I felt like such an idiot. I’m actually kind of glad I got it because I think I had become a little too complacent.
Bec @ Seeing the Lighter Side of Parenting recently posted..I’m done having babies – should I downgrade our health insurance?
Oh bugger! But you’re so right… everything is so busy this time of year that I know I certainly need to remember to slow down and take it easy! xx
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted..Easy Christmas Cookies – Fabulous Foodie Fridays #30
That ticket is the last thing you need amongst the frazzle and expense of Christmas – you should go at watch my one minute pep talk and in my post this week and maybe you’ll feel better. I copped a $220 fine in Canada for driving over the limit in a school zone during the middle of the day (had no idea they’re school zones applied all day, not just in the morning/afternoon peak). Funny I was coming back from a yoga class, so I wasn’t exactly in speed mode. The officer did kindly offer that since I didn’t have a Canadian driver’s license, then it probably couldn’t be enforced. I took the risk that I wouldn’t be pulled over for the rest of the year and didn’t pay – hope I’m not on the naughty list in Canada.
Kathy recently posted..Look in the mirror beautiful
It is such a busy time of the year and people tend to get a little crazy and do stupid shit. But I still love Christmas time – the awesome food, catching up with friends and family, giving gifts, yep even getting gifts. I hope its not all too stressful for you and you get to enjoy even just a small few moments.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..Have a Laugh on Me
We’ve all (well, I’m sure most of us have) done it Grace. Mine was for going through a red light just as it changed. I wasn’t familiar with the area, and John said “watch, it’s going to change, watch it! Oh #%@*, there’s the flash!!!” And that was a $330 reminder for me 🙁
Yes, this time of year always makes me think of, and miss those that aren’t with us any more. But, I also absolutely love the whole crazy business of Christmas. Bell’s putting our tree up today, and I know that most of the tree will be wonky, but that’s part of the charm.
Be a little kinder to yourself at this time sweetie. Lean on your network, and take a bit of the pressure off. Your little possums will no doubt keep you busy in the countdown xxx
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..Getting Away
Ouch indeed! People do go a bit crazy at this time of year.
The first anniversary of anyone passing is hard. Sending yu love x
Dani @ sand has no home recently posted..Daliesque adventures, Lovely Reunions and Some Haiku
Grace you could be reading my mind this morning. We have had a MEGA busy week and we are all tired and frazzled. I feel like I am dropping the ball all over the place too. Here’s hoping the pressure eases soon – before one or both of us cracks up!!
Rachel_OurTownBNE recently posted..Summer Fashion Trends 2014: Nikki from Styling You
Ouch.
I got my first ever ticket last year for an illegal uturn that I had no idea was illegal, so embarrassing and to make it worse I burst into tears!
So impressed you finished that marathon with your head spinning, your amazing!!
And eeek how did Christmas sneak up so quick!
Bek mugridge recently posted..I Will Do More. Getting active in fun ways in 2015
It’s so easy done Grace. Christmas seems to be such a stressful time of year for most people but it shouldn’t be. It should be fun and the time of year where everything starts to slow down. I’m sorry about the nearing anniversary to your cousin’s passing. So tragic and hard to deal with on top of Christmas. Thinking of you sweet. x
Bec @ The Plumbette recently posted..Kidspot Voices of 2014 – If it can happen to me, it can happen to you!
I know what you mean… things are supposed to wind down but instead, everything seems to be so rushed, crowded and confusing! All I want to do is just snuggle in bed and hug Lil Pumpkin to sleep…
Ai Sakura recently posted..Intense Pulsed Light {IPL} Treatment @ Phoenix Medical Group with FAQs + Promo Code
The worst one is getting caught in a school zone doing 50 on a gazetted school day, but also a student free day. There are no if no buts. We tried to get out of it but didn’t. I guess it’s a small price to pay for keeping us vigilant when driving near our kids.
Carolyn
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I’ve often thought I would be annoyed with myself if I got a speeding ticket since I generally really do try to follow the speed limits. Sure enough last year I got one. I didn’t mean to speed, but I was rushing because I was late to Playgroup, so I really should have been more careful. You are right, we do need to be safe on the roads, especially at Christmas. Not just because we get fined, but for the sake of the people around us.
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I had my first fine last year, I was doing 55 in a 50 zone but thought I was in a 60 zone. The speed camera was hidden in the back of a van on the side of the road but I knew the minute the flash/camera went off it almost blinded me.
I can’t seem to get into the Christmas swing of things this year. I’m hoping once the girls finish school in two weeks that things will change and slow down a bit.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..12 Days of GIVEAWAYS – Day 5 – The Perfect LBD
We have the exact same star Grace – it looks all drunk and floppy on the top of our tree. I keep telling myself every year to get a new one! I hope you get to enjoy the festive craziness and stay safe 🙂
Tash @ Gift Grapevine recently posted..Gift Grapevine gift guides: Gift ideas for 4 – 6 year olds
Nope, never been caught speeding. The only time I speed is if a car is sitting right up my ass and I feel really intimidated. Otherwise I slow down more to piss them off.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..Learning the alphabet with AlphaPup
OH bugger about the fine, but yeah its a crazy time of the year.
You know what Grace, I haven’t started Xmas Shopping yet and I have no plans to start any time soon….I have my head in denial – surely it can’t be Xmas already?
And yeah one time I got done for speeding – I was not looking at a road that I travel down every day and it was a 40 zone due to road works. I was doing 96!! {thinking it was a 100 zone} – lost nearly all of my points, MASSIVE fine {over $500} and was a mess for weeks.
We had to pay that fine off.
And I had to wait for my points – the police man said if I was doing the 100 speed limit that I thought it was, that I would have lost my licence on the spot.
That was about 4 years ago – I am still scared of road works and keeping to the speed limit of 40 even if those around me wont slow down or keep going to the normal speed…..I sure learnt the hard way.
Hope you have a great week xxx
So very sorry for the anniversary of your cousin – sending love xxx
Lisa Wood recently posted..The Bolt That Stopped The Nation
Oh no! That’s not good…and I know exactly how that happens. Just a moment of thinking about something else and you forget you’re in a 40 zone. You have a very good attitude about it though. Just a bummer to happen. This time of year is ridiculously chaotic and busy for us – so many things squeezed into a two week period. Total headspin.
I hope you manage to find some moments of calm and with one foot in front of the other, you’ll reach that marathon finish line.
Fairlie recently posted..Meet a stranger a day. Get involved!
Only a few more weeks to go Grace – look after yourself and be kind to you x
Kirsty @ My Home Truths recently posted..Autism and the Silly Season
Oh bugger Grace getting a fine sucks, but like you said at least you didn’t hit a child. I usually love Christmas but I’m just not feeling all that Christmassy. I hate how the season stresses everyone out, and how rundown we usually get from a long busy year, We also have the anniversary of my Dad’s passing next week, which I’m dreading. We haven’t got our tree yet (we pickup a free one tomorrow) so no wonky star here. Take it easy Grace x 🙂
Julie @ Off to the park recently posted..Christmas craft & recipe link-up
I hear you… loud and clear, I received a parking fine for not parking in the lines at the local carpark the other weekend, madly trying to get to nippers etc. I’m stopping to slow down too and just enjoy the season. Have a great weekend. x
sarah@tomfo recently posted..DIY Christmas Tree Paper Garland
Oh and BTW, my star is crooked on the tree too! x It’s got character lol!
sarah@tomfo recently posted..DIY Christmas Tree Paper Garland
Oh damn, that really sucks being so close to Christmas but I’m sure we’ve all zoned out like that before, I know I have!
I am completely frazzled and it doesn’t help that my son has his birthday in December either, it’s double mayhem!
I appreciate your positive spin to this event Grace. And I love the star on your tree ♥
Sending you a virtual bottle of wine to have with your feet up. x
Kaz @ Melting Moments recently posted..Weekly Wrap Up – Better Late Than Never
There’s nothing worse than a fine. It’s like money down the drain. Money you may as well burn. I’ve had three speeding fines in my entire life and all three were just outside a little town 100 kms north of where I live. the police there are notorious for doling out speeding fines and they hide behind a huge rain tree just outside of town. It’s called “The Money Tree” by the locals. It’s just before you hit the 100km zone and it feels like the highway it’s so deserted. Frankly I think it’s entrapment. Cheer up lovely. I bet the boys are excited 🙂
Pinky Poinker recently posted..Secret Santa Secrets
I’m the first to tell my husband off for speeding, and I never consciously do it – but I do tend to get on ‘auto pilot’ some days, especially on that routine school run when I’m planning dinner and thinking about next week’s birthday party (or whatever!) while I drive. Thanks for sharing your experience as a reminder to us all!
Lara @ This Charming Mum recently posted..5 Ways Volunteering Can Help YOU!
Scary how easy it is to go over the speed limit without even realising!! Just after Lexi was born I parked in a disabled bay – genuinely by accident and I was hit with a $500 fine!!! Lesson well and truly learnt!!
This month will go SO fast! I just panic at the thought of it. You got out pretty easy with that fine. I do love this time of year though x
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