So you think you have the right of way because your car has five times as many cylinders as mine? You think even though (technically) you don’t have the right of way, that you have enough horsepower to squeeze past me and no one will even notice? I realize that you are a VERY important person in a REALLY big hurry but I have news for you—you hot shot driver. Your reckless driving is going to kill someone.

In order to prevent tragedy in the future, I’d like to offer some remedial driving lessons:

1. Right of way. You don’t have it just because you drive a high performance vehicle. Yes, I understand it is a certain right of passage to be able to purchase a BMW (and congratulations, by the way, on your status in life). But right of passage isn’t the same as right of way. For example, if a driver is turning right at a green light, and you are turning left at that very same green light, you don’t have the right of way. Let’s pretend a driver is on a ramp to enter the freeway, and you’re driving behind them—again you’re in a big hurry—so in order to pass them, you take the car pool ramp. The car on the freeway ramp doesn’t see you gaining on them in the car pool ramp. They don’t realize you are about to overtake them. You do not have the right of way.
2. Zig zag. It’s a fun thing to say, “Zig, zag” (not too many words start with the letter Z). It’s thrilling, I know. And I do understand as previously stated that you are a V.I.P. and in a big hurry. But weaving in and out of traffic doesn’t get you to your appointment sooner. Although if your appointment is with the Big Guy upstairs, then maybe it will. This is rude and dangerous driving.
3. Speeding on icy roads. So your car is equipped with all-wheel-drive and crazy performance under the hood. It’s no match for mother nature. When you hit a patch of ice—and you will, we live in Minnesota, after all—your all-wheel-drive won’t save you. Your car will glide and pirouette with grace and ease until a object crosses your path bringing you to a crashing halt.

And so today, you BMW driver who thinks you are hot stuff, I have a message for you: slow down, pay attention, put down your crack-berry and learn to play nice with the other drivers in the sand box. At the end of the day, all drivers on the road—despite their make and model—are just people sitting in machines. And each of us has a life. And it’s precious. Drive safe.

P.S. I realize this letter is addressed to BMW drivers. The reason I chose this luxury vehicle to illustrate my point is because it was a BMW driver who almost killed me today. I realize that bad drivers come in all shapes and sizes. In no way do I discriminate against drivers of high performance vehicles. But I do dislike people who drive recklessly.

Yesterday was a beautiful day. The light was amazing and the snow was glistening. On my way to work, I saw many photos I wanted to take. But I didn’t have time. When I arrived at work, I greeted a co-worker and said in a cheerful tone, “Isn’t it just a beautiful day?” She flashed me a look which screamed that I was off my rocker. So I revised my statement. “It is miserably COLD outside, but it sure is VISUALLY beautiful.” My co-worker gave me a look of understanding.

Since yesterday was New Years Eve, our office closed up early, which meant I had daylight hours to shoot photos! Here’s what I captured.

I shot this photo because I liked the contrast between light and shadow and the texture of the snow itself.

Ice crystals in snow.

Great texture of ice on the sidewalk being eroded away by salt.

Snow on an evergreen shrub.

I wish you a heartfelt Happy New Year and send wishes for a prosperous 2010. Cheers!