Cool Ryder, Smooth Talker

Say what you will, but there is no doubt in my mind that there is such a thing as karma in this world. Plus, there is a some truth to this whole "put it out there to the universe and it will answer" stuff.

I submit for your approval...
Exhibit A:

This morning on my ride home I was planning out my day. I figured that since I have a bit more cash then usual in my bank account I was finally going to go and finish the paperwork I started with my car about 4 months ago. I have already paid the horrible amount of money that it costs to get new plates in this state, but still needed to get my smog check done before I could submit it fully. I have been putting this off and off and off... Well today I thought, I need to do it since there is a smog check place, a car wash and a DMV right next to my new place I have no excuse. Well I got home and passed out. I woke up an hour or two later as the cable guy was there and instead of going and doing what needed to be done, I went back to sleep and by the time I woke up it was already 5pm and the DMV and SC place were closed. I knew in the back of my mind that this was going to be bad... and I was right. As I was driving to work today I pass a police officer turning onto the street. He looks to be turning onto the next street but then stops, gets in my lane and speeds up to my rear. Never a good sign. We are stopped at a light waiting to turn onto the street that my work is on, and sure enough, when the light changes on goes his blue and reds and we pull over. Now I am freaking out because, for one, I knew this was going to happen, and two, I had just bought a new fridge that cost me most of my extra cash and I knew I could not afford this very large ticket coming my way. Well here's how it pans out... (You might want to write this down...)

He comes out of his car, I have my car turned off and lights still on with my window rolled down. As he is writing my plates and walking up to the car I have my license pulled out and my Washington and California registrations ready. He asks for the info. I explain the situation calmly and apologize just enough to not sound too guilty. He asks for my proof of insurance, which I know I don't have, but look through my wallet anyway. He then goes back to his car. 5 minutes later he comes back and explains what he is going to do. Instead of giving me the HUGE ticket I deserved, he only cited me for the expired tabs, out of state license and missing proof of insurance... all of which will be dropped if I show up to court by Jan 10th with all of them rectified. He even let me off with a warning about the dead tail light, which was the original reason he pulled me over. So Monday I will absolutely get the smog check and DMV thing done and over with, print out my insurance card and set up a court appointment. This is the 5th ticket I have gotten out of so far. Here's the steps I take to avoiding it:

1. Never be in a rush.
   
2. Always keep your cool. Never EVER raise your voice or act like an asshole, even if the officer is acting like one... you will never win.
   
3. Always be gracious. "Yes Sir/Ma'am", "No Sir/Maam", "I apologize Sir/Maam" etc.
4. If all else fails, show some skin...
5. And always let them drive away first!

Plus, if you just follow those rules in general you will find that it makes most of the dealings with other people in your life that much easier.