Notice of Infraction

Last week I had to pay my dues as a new resident of DC by visiting the DMV, not once, but twice in two days. I had to wait in one line to get a number only to wait in another line. And let me tell you, the lovely employees of the DMV take their jobs very seriously. No cell phones, no food or drink, no standing, no loitering, etc. etc. The first trip to get my license was a breeze, relatively speaking. I had all of the appropriate documentation and most importantly no Finn. Because I can't think of anything less appealing than spending a couple of hours at the local DMV for an active toddler, for the toddler and the other people in line.

The second trip to the DMV was because I had already gotten one parking ticket and couldn't really afford too many more. Mark was gone to South Carolina to take another load of furniture that wouldn't fit, so I was forced to take the Finnster. I knew I was in trouble when we ran out of snacks and juice before we were half-way through the first line. It was safe to say that I think the entire room burst into applause when our number was finally called, more than 2 hours later.  At one point during our wait, as Finn was running laps around the room, being his usual loud self and trying to hide in the vacant offices, the head security officer tells Finn that he will have to revoke his license for speeding and reckless driving. If only. 

When I finally got to speak to the "customer service" representative, he told me there was no such thing as a temporary parking permit. I wanted to reach across the desk and claw his eyes out. Better yet, I should have just left Finn in his cubicle and walked out. He finally relented, either out of sheer pity or the intense desire to get us out of his space. It was only a temporary parking permit (which means yet another day at the DMV to get a permanent one). I am only telling you this because I know all of you have similar stories. A nightmare experience at the DMV is a universal part of life.

Finn didn't need a permit for his ride and he has a prime parking spot. What a lucky guy!