Officer: What's your hurry?
Me: I'm running late to work.
Officer: Do you know how fast you were going?
Me: Um...
Officer: Just a ballpark?
Me: Well... I--
Officer: Try 85.
Me: Really? If so, it was when I was passing.
Officer: Did you know that in the state of Oregon, there is no provision for exceeding the speed limit, even while passing?
Me: Hmm. Well, I didn't know there was another car in front of the first person.
Officer: Did you know that you're not supposed to pass when there is another car coming in the other lane?
Me: Well, it was far enough away for the one car, but I didn't know there was another car in front of him.

Then he asked me for my license and registration and proof of insurance. I gave him all that and he went back to his car. The guy whom I passed had stopped, also, and went to the officer and said that he was the one I passed without provision and he is willing to be a witness. They talked a little bit and then the guy left. He was old. The officer came back and asked if I was really going 85. I said how my speedometer is off and it didn't show that I was going that fast, but I had to speed up because I didn't realize there were 2 cars there. He gave me the lecture about how speeding won't get you there very much sooner. He gave me the ticket. It was $237 for speeding and $237 for "unsafe pass on left". He said he could also charge me for wreckless driving, but he thinks those 2 are enough. His closing statement was for me to just slow down. Well, I went to work and was 15 minutes late, but of course, nothing was said to me. I told various people I was buddies with about the whole situation and showed them my ticket. Basically, they all said that there was no way I could talk my way out of some of the money and the only chance was to just plea guilty and say I was sorry and stuff and they might drop the price some. Well, naturally I was upset by it. I mean, this is my first ticket. But after pushing carts and thinking, I realize that if I'm honest with myself, there's no one I can blame but myself. I can't even blame the situation, because I caused the situation. It's a good thing I got pulled over, because I really deserve it and it was a crazy thing to do. I suppose getting away with stuff gives you somewhat of a big head, and people need to be caught to bring them back to reality. It seems that this is what I needed. Well, no more wild speeding for me like that. Sure, it was pretty fun and the whole time I was heading right for that car that was heading toward me, I had this thrill and a big smile on the inside. But I don't think I'll be doing anymore speeding, at least not more than like 5 miles or something. And don't you dare say anything, Kelli! I know you told me so.