My first visit to to the DMV
This day represents the beginning of a long journey. The whittling down of the tedious chores on my list of lists, one by one, until finally I have reached touchdown. Simplicity will reign soon enough and a whole section of my brain will be freed of the weight of The Looming Task, free to enjoy The Moment.
Looming Task #1 : Admit to my residence in this state, get California plates and tags for my car.
11:25 am – Auto Club membership on Mike’s account ($32.25 pro-rated).
11:37 am – Meet with Kathy, facilitator of paperwork.
11:45 am – Parking lot for vehicle inspection.
11:55 am – $171 cash (including $50 penalty).
12:00 pm – Go to smog check place.
12:05 pm – Talk with black guy who got his catalytic converter stolen of of his parked truck.
12:19 pm – Passed, pay the nice Vietnamese guy $43.65.
12:35 pm – Auto Club. Chat with Kathy about her husband’s retirement pension.
12:40 pm – Ta da! New license plates and stickers.
Looming Task #2: Transfer title of the trailer to my name from the previous owner’s name.
12:45 pm – Paperwork.
12:55 pm – $263 (by check).
1:00 pm – Permanent trailer ID card.
Conciliatory Task – Thai place for lunch.
1:15 pm – Table 5.
1:30 pm – Spicy beef salad and Panang curry. 2 Thai iced teas.
1:45 pm – Talk with our waiter, a Hawaiian Japanese guy about marathon running. Next time he recommends #21, the dish with glass noodles.
2:25 pm – Final bill $25 even. Say goodbye to Thai restaurant owners.
Total cost of 2 Looming Tasks plus 1 Conciliatory Task: $534.90. Ouch.
