Look Out! Jon’s on the Road and He Can’t See!

Well, I finally did it yesterday. I went to Motor Vehicle to renew my drivers' license. It expired in December.

It's expiration came to light when Marie-Anne and I got to the Portland Jetport last earlier this month to fly to Nashville. The TSA almost didn't let me go because, they pointed out, my license was expired. I didn't know. I don't remember getting a notice in the mail or anything.

So, anyway, I used my concealed carry permit along with the expired license and, reluctantly, they let me through. Whew! That was close!

So yesterday I go to Motor Vehicle, grab a number and take a seat. Half-hour later I'm sitting in front of Trisha. Things were very quick. Checked a few boxes, signed a couple of times and paid my $30 bucks.

"I see you need a vision test," she said.

"Yes I do." I knew that because, while in Nashville, I tried to renew online and they said I couldn't because I needed a vision screening.

"Just look in here," Trisha said, as she motioned to the large "binocular type" machine. You know, the kind they used in school to see if our we could see well enough to read.

I look into the machine and she tells me to read the top line.

After a little uncomfortable silence, I start saying letters. Not the correct letters, mind you, but letters, just to break the silence. I had to say something. Silence is not an option. By saying letters, at least I stood a chance.

"How about this line?" she asked, assuring me that I had totally bombed on the first set of letters.

"Can I try it without my glasses?"

"Sure"

"Ah....O...C....8...am I even close?"

Trisha smiled. "No, sorry."

As I was trying to figure out the letters, the screen kept flashing. I thought this malfunction might help me get a pass but, when I brought it up, Trisha informed me that it was because I wasn't pressing my head against the machine. That was because I kept moving my head away, hoping the letters would some into sharper focus. Nope.

"I need my long distance glasses," I told her, as more and more people came into the waiting room. They might be in my truck.

"Go look," she instructed. "I'll wait."

I walked out of the half full waiting area. I could feel the thoughts of those in chairs, thinking, "finally...maybe things will move a little faster."

I looked all through the truck. In the door pockets, glove compartment, under the seats, in the center console. Nothing. Except some fries and sesame seeds. So I snacked on my way back in.

As I walked through the door, I swore I could hear sighs. But hey...this was my time! They were serving ME, #70, right now!

"Can't find them..they're at home," I told Trisha.

She told me that it was fine and informed me I'd need to visit the eye doctor and get a paper (which she supplied) signed and mailed back. In the meantime, I have a 60 day license.

Thanks to Trisha L. at the BMV, my visit there was fast (insofar as the BMV was concerned...me...well I slowed the process a bit) and enjoyable from a personal perspective. She wasn't put out one bit. She could have shaken her head and told me to hit the road and come back with my other glasses. Thank you for your patience with me, Trisha.

To those in the waiting area, I'm sorry....especially to #74...he was next in line. I heard his number called as I walked out the door.