Apology to the residents of Massachusetts

So today I received my very first traffic citation. I might add that it was for a pretty lame reason. So Todd and I were driving home from Boston, chit chating about what a great day it was when I looked in my rear view mirror and saw one of Massachusetts finest behind me, lights flashing. Ugh! I looked down at my speedometer...65 on the dot. I pulled over and when the officer approached, I sincerely said:

"I'm so sorry sir, was I speeding?"

The Officer replied and I quote:

"No ma'am, you were not speeding. You were cruising in the far left lane which is illegal if you are not passing anyone and it really pisses off the residents of the state of Massachusetts"

Immediately, I looked out on to a fairly empty freeway and again sincerely responded:

"Sir, oh my goodness, I am so sorry, you see I'm not from around here and I didn't know...."

But is was too late, he had already snatched my license and registration and walked back to his patrol car. The next five minutes Todd and I spent staring at car after car all 'cruising' in the far left lane thinking...'what???' Finally he came back and issued me my citation with a fine for $100. $100!!! Now I realize he was just doing his job, and I did break a law that I had never heard of, but I wasn't speeding, I wasn't tailgating, I wasn't driving irrationally. I was just driving the speed limit on a fairly clear highway having a nice conversation with my hubs...is it such a stretch to just give a warning?

So to the 3 other motorists on the 4 lane highway with us today, I truly apologize. I had no idea that you were quietly hating me behind your steering wheels for occupying the passing lane for too long. You see, I'm from California, a land where you are welcome to travel in any lane, or at least I have never been bothered about it. I truly didn't know. I hope you were able to forgive me and go on to enjoy the rest of your weekend.