My experience with the Asotin Co. court system. . .

So, since most of you heard about my unfortunate ticket that I receive about a month ago, I thought I would post some closure to the drama. For those of you who haven't heard. . .here's the story.

So, I was leaving the hospital one morning after finishing my rounds and was heading to the clinic to start my day there, when all of the sudden I see flashing lights behind me, pulling me over. I'm thinking to myself, "what in the world did I do?". I had been driving 35 mph, which was what I thought the speed limit was, so I assumed that they were stopping me because I have out of state tags. Then another cop pulls up and I've got two cop cars with flashing lights pulled up behind me in plain view in this rinky-dink town. After they finished discussing my out-of-state tags (yes I can hear people talking outside of my car), the officer asked for proof of insurance and registration. I found the insurance, but was flustered because I was having a hard time finding my registration. When I had bee pulled over in KS last year, they just looked at the liscence plates to see my registration hadn't expired. So, I continued to be flustered and not able to find the paper, and the cop wasn't exactly very nice about it. He finally gave me a speeding ticket for 36 mph in a 25mph zone, which I want to point out is NOT MARKED going westbound on that street for almost 2,000 feet behind the hospital.

So, I decided to contest because of improperly marked streets. Everyone at the office thought I had a good shot too, because I was new and there isn't a speed limit sign anywhere close to the hospital. They gave me a court date which just happened to be smack in the middle of my work day, and it is tough since we have patients scheduled so far in advance. Another co-worker offered to cover for me while I went to court. Contested hearings began at 1:35 pm and the court clerk told me I should be out of there by 45 minutes later. She said she would put my name first on the docket. . . right!

I show up for court, ready to plead my case. After a couple who were divorcing and did not have their paperwork done correctly, several mitigation cases, and a harassment case, we finally got on to the contested cases. So, I should be first, right? NO! Every time a lawyer stepped into the room, their cases got pushed right to the front. To make matters worse, they were going through the cases by alphabetical order, and I was not put in the front as requested. At 3:00pm we still had not reached my case, and I really had to get back to the clinic. The judge called for a recess, and I just raised my hand and stated my predicament. He responded by saying he'd either give me a deferrment (which means I pay $25 on top of the ticket, which was already $132, and if I have no infractions in 6 mo. it doesn't go on my record) or I could wait around and he'd get to me when my name came up on the docket. I didn't really have a choice, so I paid the deferrment, and after some pathetic attempts at apologizing by the court clerk (she just couldn't figure out why I hadn't been put earlier, and really it was the fault of all the lawyers that showed up), I left, trying not to speed to get back to work in time to pick up my caseload. Needless to say, I am not exactly impressed.

I am still concerned about the fact that there are a lack of speed limit signs around the hospital. So many people come to visit friends and relatives there, and many of them have never been there before. How would they know? So, my plan is to call the county commissioner (the only helpful piece of advice given to me by the court clerk) and suggest that more speed limit signs will be put around the hospital going both directions.

So, you see that the drama of a small town really is just as interesting as life in the big city, right?

My how time flies. . .

So, I was looking at my blog the other day and realized, I haven't posted in awhile. Since I don't want people to think I've dropped off the face of the earth, I figured I should pass on some more info about my ever exciting life.

Work is continuing to go well, busy but well. I still love working here and love my co-workers. And heck, I'm even helping some people get better! My boss talked to me last week to kind of comment on my first 3 months here. He said that I was doing a great job, am very personable with my patients, and he had no doubt that I was going to be a great therapist. Inside I said a silent "yippee!". See, the thing is that when you graduate from school and get into the real world, you pretty much feel like a complete idiot that knows nothing. I still feel like I know very little, but the little that I do know seems to be helping people. Don't get me wrong, there are some patients that you are just like "I have no idea what's going on here and have tried everything, but nothing is working!" But then the guys remind me that they have moments like that too, and they are a great resource when the wheels in my brain get stuck in the mud. I LOVE working with people, and everyday is another adventure.

Aside from work. . . The Boy had his birthday last week and we got to celebrate with Scorbin! It was way fun to get to spend time with her again, although she had to hang by herself for a whole day since I had to work. We went down to Oregon last Saturday, spent some time in Joseph which is a pretty little mountain town. I got a way cool scarf, and met a guy who's dad played for Phog Allen, and another guy who was a KU grad. We took a short hike in the Wallowa mountains, overlooking Wallowa Lake, which is absolutely beautiful. There is an "air gondola" ride that gives people a view of the mountains, but it had already shut down for the winter season. Add in eating salmon a couple of times, and making a trip to Spokane, and you get a fun weekend with an old friend. We also had cake, and you can't go wrong with cake. Especially cake that's chocolate with vanilla cheesecake filling and cream cheese frosting. Mmmm. . .

And more on the note of exciting news. . .the boy is giving me my best birthday present ever! He got us tickets to see the Bulls play the Supersonics in Seattle in November. I'll get to see Nick Collison and Kirk Hinrich play again!!! I am all ready to make a huge sign that says "we love you Nick and Kirk!" with a big Jayhawk on it. I'm hoping to get some autographs, and maybe a picture with them too! Keep checking here for updates from my birthday trip.

Excited for my birthday. Excited for Thanksgiving and Grandma's yummy food. So much to look forward to!