Getting away with bad behavior

I've been a roque and charlatan in my past, and I usually have paid for this nonsensical behavior somehow, some way. If not immediately, then down the line. When I was young, taking stupid risks was a way of establishing "Street cred" or at least having "Cajones". It was important then to be something more than a dweeb or non-entity amongst like-minded delinquents.Activities ranged from throwing a party when your parents are out of town, to petty larceny or sneaking into a movie theater without a ticket. 

Keep in mind that adults are not immune from this type of behavior ,or setting someone up to act it out for them. At times, all that is needed is a simple dare to propel one into performing in this unconscious way.Other times, all we need is to dare ourselves. Impulsivity usually plays an important role in when and how these deeds are carried out.

A case in point when, as and adult, I recently decided to beat the morning traffic by jumping onto the car pool ramp that leads to the toll plaza of the Oakland Bay Bridge. I queasily passed the signs that urged me over and continued right to the toll gate. There I saw a light flash, logging my transponder as I passed through. Then nothing happened. I proceeded across the bridge into San Francisco.

Today, I sit silently grimacing at the thought that I may have been caught. The fine would be well over two hundred dollars. I was wrong and I knew it. Why did I do it? The simple answer has always been that I thought I could get away with it. I no longer subscribe to this way of thinking, nor do relish this behavior. In fact, I find it deplorable. If I am issued a ticket, I will pay it and vow never to do that again. 

The consequences of this type of behavior were not taken into account. Is it that I think that I am different, or that the law does not apply to me? No. If anything, it is a carry over from my youth where I found it necessary to assert my independence, away from what I perceived were those oppressive, authoritarian autocrats. People I disdained, just by virtue of the fact that they easily took it upon themselves to tell me how to behave.

Running Buddies

Nancy and Sandy are the sweetest, most fun-loving women you would ever have the pleasure of knowing. We met up again at our friend Dan McGill's memorial service last Wednesday. Dan was the catalyst for our excursions throughout the Marin Headlands, Golden Gate park and Mt. Tamalpais. He would give us a call in the morning and tell us where and when to meet, and off we'd go on a four to six mile run. We would usually have a nice coffee clach at the end of our run where we would share ribald stories and unique viewpoints.

Nancy and Sandy have a real down-to-earth way about them, which makes them both attractive in their own special way. Sandy is living in Mexico now, and travelled all the way to be at Dan's service. A true friend, indeed. It was great seeing both of them and I hope that we will meet sometime soon in the near future. We are all accomplished marathoners and natural endorphine junkies. Because of this fact, May we all live long and prosper.God bless you Nancy and Sandy... and of course, Dan.

Here's a video of another old codger that we knew who inspired us.