justplainbil

Just Plain Bill

Cross walker or Jaywalker?

Just the other day, when I found myself dodging cars while crossing the street, I realized that for as long as I can remember, I usually jaywalk instead of using the crosswalk.

I can’t remember if at one point in my life, I made a conscious decision to jaywalk – which is against the law in many cities – because I was in such a hurry to get somewhere. My wife doesn’t do it, my children don’t do it, and as far as I know, my grandchildren don’t do it as well.

Thinking back to my youth, I don’t believe either of my parents or my sister did it either. I wonder what triggered this lasting act of lawlessness?

In the grand scope of things, I don’t believe this misbehavior even registers on the meter of sins of commission or omission. And, maybe a little more troubling, I don’t know if there will be a reason to stop.

Maybe the time will come when I misjudge the speed of the oncoming cars. Or maybe I’ll receive an expensive citation – the fine is $75 in one city where I’ve lived. Will I then modify my behavior from rebellious jaywalker to conforming cross walker? It’s hard to say with certainty, but I’m inclined to answer “probably not.” Like other habits I’ve developed, this seems to be done unconsciously. It may be so ingrained in my 76-year old personality by now, or that I just cherish saving time, but I accept that I may well be destined to live out my remaining years as a defiant jaywalker.