I haven’t written many posts under this category, because as I’ve grown older I’ve found myself much more laid back in regards to the day-to-day inconveniences that I’m faced with.

And the topic of this post is nothing more than just a simple, silly inconvenience, if it’s even that. I just wanted to see if I was the only one out there who has had similar experiences to mine.

When traveling west on Brandon Avenue (away from downtown, towards Salem) there is an unusual intersection along Brandon Avenue, where Main Street SW intersects. I’m sure you know where I’m talking about.

Approaching the intersection at Wasena, first traffic light still green.

I travel this direction home from work nearly every day. On occasion, perhaps once a month or so, I barely make the first traffic light signal, but miss the following traffic light that is just ahead (which changes as the same time as the first).

First traffic light changes abruptly but I still make the light.

Then I find myself temporarily “trapped” basically in the middle of the intersection, until that second traffic light makes its rotation and turns green.

Second traffic light (which changes at the same time as the first) can't be made so I'm stuck in the middle of the intersection.

To me, it’s just an odd feeling to be stuck in the middle of the intersection on my own little asphalt island like that.

Now, maybe it’s nothing. No, I know it’s nothing and this is probably the silliest post I’ve written yet. But, has anyone else ever had this happen to them?

Noke Annoyances are slight irritations of and about the Roanoke area.

Have you ever received this publication in your mailbox?

I actually recently just received the 6th Edition (Summer 2008). And I guess my biggest complaint is with the title, and specifically the words “Home Town Magazine” on the cover.

It’s really just a pamphlet filled with advertisements!

Now, I’m not against the ads really. In fact, there are several ads and coupons for some legitimate local places such as the Roanoke Weiner Stand. (And I’ll probably be clipping those out.)

But, it’d be neat to have a couple human interest stories thrown in for good measure.

After all, it’s our “Home Town Magazine.”

Noke annoyances are slight irritations of and about the Roanoke area.

A recent trip to the DMV at Crossroads Mall led to this new series of posts, and it’s probably not for the reason you may be thinking…

I drove out to the DMV this past Saturday to renew my license plate registration and get the new “09″ stickers, since the “08″ ones are slowly becoming out of style (and expired). The place was packed of course. But, fortunately, I was able to handle my transaction at the front self-help computers and was in and out in just a few minutes.

And, even so, I know the DMV stays busy and also when to go to lessen the wait time so I have no great quarrel with the DMV itself.

The problem is ..well.. let me ask you a couple questions:

Do you usually enter the parking lot to reach the DMV from Rutgers Street (across from the K&W Cafeteria)?

Ok, check.

Crossroads Mall Parking Lot (Turning from Rutgers Street) as Seen Leading to the DMV

But, how many times do you swerve in order to miss a pothole, or other rough spot, on that short section of road that leads to the DMV?

So many times you feel like you may be on some kind of vehicle obstacle course?

I feel your pain.

I assume the road is owned and maintained by the mall, but either way I say this section of parking lot is long overdue for some repaving. Maybe one of these days…