I just got back from the DMV where I got my New York license plates and registration completed for my 1975 Volvo. At first, the mission seemed impossible. I got there at around 8 AM and the line was already around the corner and half way down 34th Street. Like this:

Only I didn’t realize there was a line at first. I took the N/R up to 34th and got out and casually rounded the corner. I broke through and walked next to a wall of grumpy people. Apparently, I didn’t give it much thought as to WHY these people were standing in a single file line at 8 AM. Instead, I moved south along Broadway in search of the DMV. I reached the door of the building and then realized the the trail of people crumbs was actually the line I was to be in. I walked back, holding my head down in shame.

Before I had realized the error, 20 smarter people had cut in front of me. I was pushed even further back.

By the time the DMV opened at 8:30 AM, the line looked more like this:

And I began to pity the poor fools at the end.

Much to my pleasant surprise, the experience did not take long. It looked much much worse than it actually was. Had I had my paperwork properly filled out, I would have been in and then out in about 45 minutes. (That includes the time I spent waiting outside before the place opened). Since I didn’t have my paperwork filled out properly, it took me an hour. I was at work in time and everything.

Tonight, we’re going for a drive. I can’t hardly wait.