Coming into work, I drive down route 36 and turn left onto Rt 119; they are both major roads here in Boulder. As I got into the left hand turn lane, the arrow went from yellow to red and was replaced by a regular green light. This is a tough turn to make and more often than not, it's best to wait for the next green arrow. Add to that, there was a big SUV coming the opposite way making his own left turn so there was no way (in my Honda Accord) I could see around him to gauge if there's any oncoming traffic.
As the green light turns yellow, I hear a honking behind me. It's one of those instances where you don't even realize the honking is meant for you and since I certainly wasn't going to risk my life taking a blind left hand turn into oncoming traffic, I shrugged it off. The light turned red and there was more honking. Looking in my rearview mirror I see the flailing arms and twisted of face of an apparently angry driver whose gender I could not discern. Ah, I know you! It's my old idiot driving friend, Ms. Twisted and Hideous.
One more honk (after being at the red light now for a few seconds) and I realized this wonderful person has just earned my three seconds of love! What do I always say? "I return your hate with love!" This was in fact my act of random kindness AND senseless beauty.
I roll down my window in preparation of the green arrow. The beautiful act that was to come was even more special, since there was no one behind my horn-prone friend and the love would be all hers.
I set my watch timer to "0".
The arrow turns green and I slowly put my left hand out the window and using my fingers, slowly count off three seconds for my new friend. I tap my brake lights "one....two....three" for her as well, just to know we shouldn't rush things in this precious life.
In my rearview mirror, it's an awesome show. The "lady" is now honking like mad, her mouth jabbering like an auctioneer, her face a twisted crimson, and a bulbous network of veins has erupted from her pink forehead to her flubbering turkey neck. After three, I slowly bring my hand inside the window and gingerly engage the car into first gear and make the turn.
By now, my friend is in apocalypse mode, muttering a wonderful soliloquy that she doesn't seem to realize I can't hear. I pretend she is singing opera and decide to sing along! Oh, we have fun on this little commute!
Of course, she steams into the left hand lane and passes, not even looking at me to thank me for my generous gift of my time to her: three seconds to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Boulder on a crystal clear, sunny morning.
I know, I know, maybe I'm too generous with my love, but sharing IS caring, you know? I certainly felt better giving someone who truly deserved it a little bit of my time and love.
I bet her day just got better from here! And, for some reason, I'm in the mood for turkey!
