Today’s post comes to you live (well, not really) from Hillary at The Other Mama. I met Hillary at SheSpeaks, and it was bloggy love at first sight. Or, at least, bloggy love at first hug. She is sweet and sassy and Southern – three of my fav-o-rite things!
I’m so glad Jessie from The Vanderbilt Wife instructed us, her two mutual bloggy friends, to meet!
So, today, you get the pleasure of hearing from Hillary . . . and as you might have guessed, I’m over at her place. Please be kind and rewind.
Wait. That doesn’t make sense. Just be kind. And welcoming. And you know, nice.
Also – because I like to draw things out as much as possible – if you’d like another chance to read my 9/11 post from last year, here’s your chance: Where Were You?
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No one should have to go to the DMV on their birthday. Unfortunately, for us Alabamians, our driver’s licenses expire on our birthdays every 4 years and each time this blessed event occurs you have to show up at the DMV- in person {none of this pansy online or mail in business}-to renew our licenses. You’d think they’d have a permanent “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” sign in that area or at least one of those fake cakes that you can’t eat. But, alas, it’s just littered with white pieces of paper scotch taped to the wall, each bearing one small piece of information that answers a question that must have been asked 20 times one day. {e.g. LOOK HERE FOR PICTURE and LICENSES WILL ARRIVE IN 2-3 WEEKS}
On my birthday last week, I thought it would be wise to visit the smaller mall branch of the DMV to quickly breeze in and out.
It was about as “quick” as Michael Jackson’s funeral: painfully slow.
About 50 other brilliant people had the same idea, so I settled into line with my new friends; there were about 15 people in front of me.
Soon I met the first character: and older woman who had appointed herself “Head Informant of All Citizens at the DMV”. She was stationed 2 people in front of me, but quickly turned around to tell me which line was which and wanted to make sure I knew where I was supposed to be. You’d think was a kind gesture if it weren’t for all the 8 ½ x 11 sheets pointing to the appropriate line. She was bossy and wanted to make sure you knew she was in charge of this here line.
Throughout my 45 minute wait, she informed our small group that you can NOT get your license renewed early- she has tried. And that it is valid for 60 days after the expiration date; she was full of fun facts. Just a wealth of information, I tell you. I’m sure she gives her correct weight, when asked, too.
She was not the only character there, though. There was overly-tattooed guy, really old grumpy guy, mommy with stroller {praying her infant would stay asleep and not be touched by afore mentioned tattoo guy}, guy who looked like he stopped by during halftime of a gang fight, girl who would not stop texting, etc. The employees did not want to be there and were openly discussing their upcoming breaks and who would bum a smoke from whom. It was a perfect slice of Americana: a cross section of our city, all schlepping down to the DMV for the same silly reasons.
I finally made it to the counter and entered into my discussion with the attendant {she had 10 more minutes until her break, I had learned, so I was lucky to make it}. Here’s a bit of our conversation:
DMV Employee: Is everything still the same on your license?
Me: No, we have a new address {gave her address}
DMV: Height and weight still the same?
Me: No, I’m actually 5’ 7” and you can add 30 pounds to the weight.
DMV: {insert look of shock and awe} What? You want to ADD 30 pounds?
Me: Yes. That’s closer to what I actually weight {please note: STILL not what I weigh} and they wouldn’t be able to recognize me if I was a missing person at that current weight.
DMV: Nobody adds weight lady, but okay.
Yes. I did it. I’m not 15 any more and decided to adjust my weight from 1994- the last {and first} time I had given it.
What I did not ask her to do is add 30 pounds to my face for the picture, but apparently that service comes with no charge.
So, I made my way out of the DMV with this temporary license; the permanent double chin should arrive within 2-3 weeks.
Sayonara, DMV. Until 2013 when we meet again.
And Happy Birthday.
Oh, Hillary. That is so funny! I added weight at the last renewal, too – but you better believe it's not my REAL weight! Ha! You know what? Even when I got my very first license and was a hot skinny chick (just indulge me here), I STILL lied about my weight!
And seriously? That picture is too cute, and I can't believe it's so good. Mine looks like I just ate something sour. It's awwwwesome.
Oooh, the DMV — my favorite place, next to visiting the Post Office and the Dentist for a root canal! Remind me not to move anytime soon, cause it's such a good time to switch your plates and Drivers License — oooh weeee!
And yes, I second Mary's comment –super cute picture!
Friday HUGS!!! Yea!
You probably don't want to hear this, but here in Arizona, our licenses are good like… forever… Mine (that I have had since 2001) expires in 2042.
Maybe you should consider a move. It sounds like it might be worth it!
Gotta love it! The DMV experience in GA is equally exciting!
Maybe I'm just weird, but it was really difficult for me to read your blog on someone else's blog. I had to keep reminding myself that it was you!
I also added weight to my 15-year-old weight. It's still not accurate though!
oh i love your wonderfully accurate description of the dmv! glad you made it out alive–and with a very cute license picture! and happy belated birthday!
I think weight on your license is more like an inspirational goal that you may or may not achieve in this life time. Your choice…
;)
Thank God for Texas where I can renew my license online! The picture I have is now six years old (since I just moved here in 2003)- but I still would like to get a new one….if I didn't have to wait in a horrendous line to do so.
The current picture looks like I have box-y hair. I can not do it justice with that description. At the time, I'm sure I thought it looked so cute…but looking back on it, cute is not the word I would give it.
Oh well, if online renewal keeps me from having to wait in a line, I'll live with the box-y hair.
If only the DMV would provide US magazines to entertain while waiting….I might change my mind.
It's a small world – I'm from Florence.
Hillary, you make me LOL!!! Omg….hilarious.
Thank goodness in FL we don't have to put our weight on our licenses.
Oh my word! I laughed through this whole post! Ohio is pretty much the same – although I've yet to run into some of those characters…
Great pic! I also added weight a few weeks ago. The first time I've ever done that and hey it needed to be done.
Ah the DMV – another reason I moved from Georgia. Your car tag has to be renewed by your birthday – every year. Happy Birthday!
Ack! You covered up your last name in the upper part of your license, but left it in your signature! But I know who you are :)
What a fun idea, post on each other's blog! And, I am a big fan of Hillary. BTW, that is a great photo. Not sure what she is complaining about! :0)
Mrs. Nurse Boy
Hillary you really nailed the DMV. That was almost identical to my last visit back in January. I never ever go on my birthday because they are closed (Christmas Eve). I always wait til January. I wished I had gone sooner this time because the mean cashier at Publix refused to sell my beer on NEW YEAR'S EVE because my license was expired. Cause you know, if your license is expired, then you clearly revert back to being a minor.
Anyway, I think my last trip to the DMV involved some drama about non-working computers, missing employees and not having a personal check. I think I blocked the painful memories. Thank goodness I don't have to go back for another 4 years!
Oh and your picture is super cute! I CANNOT believe you were brave enough to post it on the internet!