Yesterday my daughter and I drove to Temecula to attend the baby shower of my niece who is due on Christmas Eve. Things have been pretty crazy around here, and although we got a late start due to some unforeseen circumstances, I was happy to get out and about. Since it is an 80 mile drive, I figured it would be fun to spend some quality time with my 33-year-old baby girl.
My daughter drove my car as she is not very tolerant of what she perceives to be my turtle speed and I just really wanted to chill out and not think about the traffic. We were cruising along, chit chatting, laughing, being sarcastic, and listening to some tunes when we approached the 91 E Toll Road. My map indicated that we would have to pay a toll which I was in favor of since the traffic was so heavy on the freeway. As we approached the entrance, there was a huge sign that indicated it would be a $2.90 fee. No problem as I retrieved three one dollar bills from my purse.
As we were traveling along, my daughter began to question our decision to use the toll road. "Where do we stop and pay the toll?", she said. I answered, "probably at the end of the toll road." She was doubtful. She further explained that she had a Fast Track pass for work in her car and that is probably what we required to travel this toll road. I wondered why would they advertise a $2.90 fee if that were the case. Lo and behold, by the time we reached the end of the road, we never came upon a toll booth and we suddenly merged into the freeway traffic. Lovely, I thought and then I asked, "Did you see any cameras?" "Yes, they were back at the beginning of the toll entrance", she replied. I don't even want to think about the fine. I hear it is somewhere close to $400. A pretty nice haul for false advertising!
As we continued on, we resumed our conversation. I don't know why, but I was in complete awe as to all the new development along I-15. It had been years since I traveled that road, and it was quite astonishing to view the massive development. I knew that Temecula would surely be different than I remembered it.
We finally arrived at our exit and I began giving directions from the map we had printed. Yes, everything was different and I recognized nothing.
As we approached a red light, we saw a sizable crowd of people standing on the sidewalk near the intersection we were stopped at. Hmmm....lots of folks holding up Yes on Prop 8 signs, the initiative on the California ballot to end gay marriage. The urge to say something overwhelmed me. I rolled down my window and started yelling, "No on 8", as I was giving them the thumbs down sign. I became really boisterous as I read several signs that indicated gay marriage interferes with our religious freedom! Really? Are you kidding me? A same sex, married couple has never come between me and my relationship with God. Then there was the opinion shoved in my face that schools would teach small children about gay marriage. Let me catch my breath here...since when do schools teach anything about marriage--homosexual or heterosexual? That's news to me!
Come on people, I thought, we have a tanking economy, two wars, corrupt politicians and fraudulent elections, and you want me to vote against two people who love each just because they happen to have the same body parts? Why is this even an issue? I am appalled by those folks who like to be in everyone's bedrooms! Let's move on! I was revved up!
As I am having my roadside debate, my daughter is trying to subdue me. Suddenly the window goes up and my arms are trapped at the top with my two thumbs down gesture the only body part feeling the outside air. As I am pinned in that position, a women rushes up to the window with a large colorful sign that reads, Mervyns, going out of business sale. She is frantically indicating to me that she is there to advertise for the sale and is pointing to the store, "come in and buy, lots of bargains." I just stared at her, both arms still pinned in the window.
The light turns green and we peel out. I am finally released from the makeshift prison my daughter has fashioned for me. She acts appalled at my behavior, but somehow I think she doesn't really mind. I believe she just worries for my safety!
After traversing up a long winding road, we finally arrive at the baby shower. We are greeted with hugs and smiles, and quickly settle down to eat. We are ravished and we are also an hour late! The games immediately start as we swallow our last bite. I suddenly find myself with a small Pampers in my hand labeled with a big number 5. The object is to open the diaper containing a melted chocolate candy bar, smell it and identify the name of the candy bar. Did I not just eat? There are five of these tiny little diapers circling the room. I slowly open each diaper, close my eyes take a whiff and carefully pass it on.
I missed the first one. Diaper #1 was a Snickers bar and I wrote down Baby Ruth. Close. However, I identified the remaining four correctly and won the Poopy Diaper contest! My daughter won the next game...word scrabble. I used to be good at those things, but not so anymore. I only got ten right, while she got eighteen correct. Moving on, we played a game that identified me as the tallest guest with the biggest feet and carrying the largest handbag.
After the gifts were opened, cake was served and some more catching up with the other guests, we hit the road for our return trip. My daughter maneuvered us quite well back to the freeway, but it was not without incident. Yes, as we approached another red light, more protesters were standing on the side of the road. I started for the window while my daughter yelled at me, "no!" However, as I rolled down the window, I noticed this group held up "No on 8" signs. My thumbs quickly changed directions, up instead of down, and I applauded them as well. I heard horns honking as cars traveled past them. I shouted, "right on" as we rounded the corner on the green light. My daughter allowed me the moment this time!
As we headed down the road, we had to make a U-turn to get back to the freeway entrance. As we traveled past the No on 8 folks again, I snapped this picture.
The remainder of the trip home was rather uneventful except for a few tailgaters and my daughter's choice words for other drivers who think they own the road. I am looking forward to the next day that I can just chill out and relax. Hopefully that time will be spent once again with my 33-year-old baby girl!
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