CRANKY DAYS

at the DMV.

I could have mailed in my license renewal

or renewed it on-line, or by phone;

but I didn't for a few reasons,

1.  In the back of my mind, I thought if we moved to CO in time, I could just do it once this year.

2.  Hearing that I don't look like the picture on my license, is getting old...well, that's not the only thing getting older; I am too, which is probably partly why I don't look like my picture anymore--that--and my hair is a foot longer now.

3.  There is no reason why I shouldn't go into the DMV and renew-- it's not like I'm a criminal or anything.

I meant to go on or before my birthday but I was working and couldn't find the time.

So, I decided to go this past Monday, but with a fever and feeling rather cruddy, there was just no way.

Tuesday was the same story.

Wednesday, I still didn't feel well but I was really trying to believe that I was better.  Marilyn (my niece) came over for her birthday lunch, which was so nice for me to have her here.  That night I had youth activity...and really by this point, I had forgotten about renewing.

Which leads to Thursday and feeling even more cruddy; by then I was struggling to use my voice as well.

Friday morning as soon as I began my day, the thought of not having a valid license was getting to me; Friday afternoon was spent at the DMV.

Just after walking in, I knew that the ladies who were working there, were feeling a little cranky.

The room was humming with constant orders given to those who had reached the front of the line; when suddenly, one of the DMV employees began to yell at a man who was looking for a trash can.  The room turned completely silent-- just for a moment-- then it was back to issuing orders, people reading lines out loud, others talking among themselves, (mostly about the yelling that just took place).

My thoughts turned to things that could possibly help the DMV feel a little more cheery and friendly.

Paint?  Maybe just a little bit of color on the walls would bring some happiness to the place.  I began to decorate the room in my mind.  New, fresh paint, sparkling clean counter-tops, decent chairs, etc.

Finally, I had arrived at the front of the line!

Taking my happy thoughts with me and smiling at my not too friendly DMV employee, I handed her my expired license along with my renewal notice...just so she knew for sure that I wasn't a criminal, I had just not been able to renew before now.  I tried to let her know of my reasons, she REALLY wasn't interested, so I moved forward with my instructions;  pay now, read line 5...as I began to read line 5, she got a little testy with me.  I had no voice and she was upset that she couldn't hear me.  "Read line 5 again and say it so I can HEAR it!"  She really wanted to finish that sentence with "you perky primadonna..." but thankfully she refrained.  I let her know that I was trying to speak as loudly as possible, really, (inside I felt as if I were yelling), and then I read line 5 again. 

Picture time!

"Oh, did I blink?"  I asked.

"Sign here!"  is all she would reply.

"Thank you so much for being so efficient today!"  I said as I began to walk away.

"Uh, You're welcome."

Guess she heard THAT!

Comments

[Jonathan]

Hope you didn't blink!

JD

Was that efficient?

[steve]

It sounded like she needed a hug, but may be she wouldn't appreciate it much. Maybe your right just add some color to the room!
Steve

[Joan Lloyd]

In my mind I thought it might be funny to add a little color to her eye (black and blue). Oops, did I say that?

[Marilyn]

You should have met me in Lewisville, we could've done it together!! The people at my dmv were much nicer. (By much, I mean no yelling.) Of course I got there much earlier in the day, so maybe they just hadn't gotten to the cranky part yet. The lady who took care of me was the nicest of them; she even wished me happy birthday!! I am sorry yours wasn't nice to you. If she knew you, she'd be sorry.

[Karen]

I think that they just needed some cookies. Truly, what could be better than some wonderful, fresh, homemade cookies? Right from the oven (and from your heart). I bet that no one has ever just thought, "Man, you know, I think that the DMV workers would like some cookies today, " then proceed to make and deliver cookies. I think that could potentially revolutionize the world. No more cranky DMV workers... And plenty of cookies for all!! :)

I'm sorry that you weren't feeling well this week Aunt Mar. I love you! Feel better!!

[Mar~]

Karen,
I agree that cookies are a great idea and could change the world one choclate chip and smile at a time; however, with the group I was facing at the DMV, I believe they would have called in the bomb squad and blown them to bits!

[Kim]

Your experience sounds like mine at the DMV last year. What is it with these places and people? Is it a employee pre-requisite to be cranky, angry and down on life? I don't know if color on the walls is enough?!

I'm also sorry that you have been feeling cruddy. What an awful day!

[Valerie Chandler]

...and we want the government running our health care? ugh

I am so sorry that you are sick. I hate hearing that. Any better today?

[Kimberly]

I have always had similar DMV experiences until I went a few months ago to get my license removed. The gentleman at the window actually made me laugh and I was shocked. He even made the comment that I had probably never laughed at the DMV before and I told him he was right. It is too bad more workers aren't like that man, going to the DMV could be a pleasant experience, or at least not as painful!

[Kimberly]

When I say removed I meant renewed. Oops! Perhaps I should have read over it before I submitted it!

[Nurse Stacy]

No Valerie, don't have the government RUN healthcare, just pay for it so that all people at least have access to it! I would rather my wait in line for 2 days with rude nurses (you know lots of people with good insurance already do that) to get treated than to not be treated at all. It's kinda like that "government cheese" the comedians joke about. But wouldn't you still take government cheese over no cheese? I mean it doesn't mean you couldn't get a good block of cheddar with your own money! Ha ha.

Anyway. I wish I would have been there to explain to the DMV lady exactly why she was biting the hand that feeds her, describe how unattractive a rude woman is, and wish out loud that she get something out of life, so that she didn't have to treat everyone else how she feels! Makes me mad that she did that. People have no right to do such things!!! Sorry Mar, hope you feel better soon!

[Mar~]

Stacy,
Are you Okay?
Please don't be upset, I'm really fine, I thought it was sort-of funny!
AND
I love you, thanks for being so protective!

[Nurse Stacy]

I'm fine, I'm fine