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Thursday, August 24, 2006
Moving to a different state sometimes can be a challenge, especially in the first few weeks. This requires new insurance, tags, drivers license, telephone numbers, etc. There is a lot of work involved that usually consists of spending a lot of time on the internet, phone, and standing in long lines with all the other poor people who have made a recent move. It also requires a lot of foresight and research. Now, the husband is very good at this and usually shows up with exactly what we need. For example. One of the first things I do when we move is scope out the library situation.
Me: "I am going to the library to check out a book" The husband: "You'll need a form to prove that we live in ___now, you don't have an ___ license." ( I guess I should be more concerned about my forms of ID as opposed to checking out a library book, but really what is more important here?) Me: "Oh." The husband:" Here is a copy of our apartment contract." Me: "thanks"
The husband of course turned out to be exactly right and I was grateful to get my library card. So Tuesday I decided that I finally needed to find a tag agency and get my license and change our car tags. I had the insurance cards, the car title, and knew where the tag agency was located. I was ready to go.
I walk into the tag agency and whip out the debit card to start the process of paying for my license. She looked at me with my debit card in hand and said that it wasn't necessary. She took my former license out of my hands, cut it up, and switched me over on the computer system, thus making my new residence a done deal. Great. Now, I can pay, get the tags, and be on my merry way. Nope. She then looks at me and says, "Sorry, only cash or an in state check." Oh. That would have been useful information BEFORE you cut up my license, I think to myself. Me: "Well, I only have an out of state check and not enough cash on me." (this is where the whole foresight issue comes in to play) Clerk: "Well, there is a bank a few miles down the road. You can go get some cash." Me: "Um. Can you print out a temporary license or sheet of verification that I have a license just in case I get pulled over?" Clerk: "OH NO. My boss won't let you leave with a license without paying first." Me: "Oh."(insert conversion between me and the clerk that left me in a quiet state of anger.) Me to myself: I think driving without a valid license is AGAINST THE LAW and of course that would look really bad if the husband ever has a confirmation hearing. (those who know us from law school can chuckle at this point because it was a real thought at the time.) The nearest ATM is about a mile away so I'll just call some family to see if they can help me out here.
Here's who I try on my cell: 1. mom- doesn't answer her cell or home phone 2. dad- get him on his cell and he says he can help me after his meeting that is going to last for who knows how long (great, now I am getting upset) 3. The husband- doesn't answer the phone because he is in a meeting. Call 6 times on cell and 6 times at office. Left 6 messages each one getting progressively more weepy to the state of panic. (In hindsight, I realize that calling this many times is not practical and did not help the situation.)
By this time I am desperate. I think about calling my sister in Georgia to see if she can at least sympathize, but then rationality overtakes me. If I leave 6 messages at the husband's work with the full knowledge that we only have one means of transportation and I am the one driving it ( not that I can legally drive at this point) it means that I am on the verge of panic. I sit for awhile thinking, alternating between rational thought and panic. I finally decide that walking a mile to the nearest Quick-trip is the best way to get this over with. I walk and luckily it is only in the 90's and not exactly up to 100 yet. During this walk I am honked at twice by unruly teenagers who made cat calls (classy, really classy ) and I find many "antique stores" that I never knew existed. (Maybe someday I'll muster enough gumption to explore these shops with armed guards).
I get to the Quick trip in time for the husband to call to let me know he will borrow a car and come get me. No need I say, I have the cash and am ready to walk back. I walk another 1/2 mile and proudly present my payment to the clerk. "Poor thing", she says. "Did you walk out in that heat?" Swallowing all sarcastic and rude comments I say, "Yes, but not a problem." I then pay the unknowingly beleaguering lady, get my tags, and walk out triumphant. I guess I would call it a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad afternoon, but with a happy ending. Maybe someday I'll grow in this foresight thing. Sigh. I really need to change our telephone number, but I think it can wait.... extensive research is required.

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