It was just nearing the end of my 10-year high school reunion. We went to this little lounge called The Lift. It was nice and fun, crowded with a good 100 people of my high school life, some I remember, some I'm wondering to this day who they were, recreating memories and making new ones. I double booked myself, with the appearance of a long time friend who happened to be in town from Virginia. I had to excuse myself from the party but not without saying my condolences about not being able to take that last shot of tequila or that session in the photo booth.
Upon leaving the lounge, I got into my car. I was a bit redder than I wanted to be, all because of one shot of Patron and the raging bull I had nursed earlier. Much less to say I got into my car, drank some more water, started the engine and rounded the corner to get onto the freeway. Much to my shock, I nearly forgot and actually did forget how to get to my next venue. I didn't have to think long because the lights and sirens behind me caused a miniature delay in my plans. To the short of the story, I was stopped because my registration was not updated. Now mind you, my registration is for the month of November and that year, I was stopped on November 28, if I can recall correctly. No matter, I took the fix-it ticket happy to not have my license revoked and drove on aimlessly to my next destination.
It has been busy in my workplace with constant changes. Its no excuse but I didn't have a free day to be able to go to court. I show up finally to court 1 week after the courtesy letter's information. Alas, stupid mistake on my part. There is now a $300 civil assessment that is automatically added to the claim. So instead of easily paying for a $25 fix-it ticket it was now driven up to $325. Now... I had to go to court to get the $325 because I FTA'd it was originally now $600+ which I don't recall. I did sit in court and pleaded guilty to get the reduced charge.
Again busy with work. I was not informed that I had to immediately pay that $25 in fees that day. I was given a paper that said that I could handle the fine online. Already I was about an hour late for work and my work is about 15-20 minutes away. So I thought to myself that I could take care of it at work. Big mistake. It took about a week or so for the case to be inputed to this collection agency. When I was finally able to see my case and talk to a representative at the collection agency, there were more fines adding up to about $467 or something.
Enraged and peeved I decided that I was going to appear in court yet again to figure out exactly what is going on. I was able to finagle my schedule last friday to do it. I stood in line, which was only mercifully 45 minutes and got the same clerk from the first time. Fortunately, she remembered who I was too which helped. Unfortunately she couldn't help me at all. I sighed and tried to pay for the fine. Which I can't because they can only take cash. Not check, cash, not debit, cash... Really?
In the end I call back the collection agency and just gave them the money. It should be taken out by now.
I should be furious. I should be writing to the Chief Deputy. I should be out drinking and soliciting everything that came my way. No. That is all useless. I'm not angry about this at all. I'm upset that I lost a chunk of money but it was all due to my own stupidity and pride. In the end I'm categorizing this as a "learning experience" because I can guarantee you. I will never ever make this mistake again.
