Thursday, November 14, 2019

My Favorite Subject - DMV

It takes a certain type of person to work for the government.  I did it for 25 years.  I was always as polite and helpful as I could possibly be, going out of my way to help anyone and everyone.  My goal was to at least show people there was ONE person working there that had their back.

I'm here to tell you that the Demented Mediocre Vxxxxxxx people are out to block your progress any way they possibly can.  They are very adept at their jobs.

Here's the problem:  I paid for my truck registration stickers on June 2 via the internet.  Since I needed a smog certification, I had that done (and sent automatically to the Department of Motor Vehicles) on June 10.  Then I went to Arizona and back to the Pumpkin Patch.  Surely by now, those tags should be in my Post Office Box.  That would be a big NO.

I tried to calm my nerves by baking some banana bread for Jonathan the parrot, knowing full well the territory I was about to stick my big toe into.
I called them in the morning.  After going through a myriad of questions, hitting the "1" button six times, I got to the part where they tell you how long you will be on hold.  One hour and seventeen minutes.  I kid you not.  

Just before I blew a gasket (because I have zero patience with these people), it said I could leave my number and they would call me back.  

While waiting, I whipped up a batch of cauliflower soup for lunch.  Apparently I already had a rather bitter taste in my mouth, because it wasn't NEAR as good as I remembered.  I'm not really a soup person anyway.  You know how you are hungry two minutes after eating Chinese food?  That's me with soup.
I was still waiting for my call.  I sewed this quilt together, trying to be patient because the directions had an error in measurement that I didn't catch until it was too late.  Frustrating, but not NEAR as frustrating as the DMV.
At long last at 4:30 pm, they called.  When I said hello, I could tell I was on hold.  The music played on for about ten minutes before someone finally answered.  I explained the problem.  OH she said ... "we mailed the sticker".  Okay, can you tell me WHERE you mailed it.  "Why to your address on Bellevue Road".

I haven't had that address in three years.  In fact, I changed ALL my registrations to the current address and received every registration for the last TWO years.  Why all of a sudden is THIS one going to the old address? 

"Oh I have no idea".  Yes I completely understand that!!!!  Since you agree it's paid until June of 2020, could you please send out another sticker and change that address.  "Why of COURSE NOT"!!  I have to download a form, fill it out again (I've already done this twice actually) and mail it in.  

She could tell I wasn't a happy camper.  She suggested I go to the nearest AAA Insurance office, where they can not only change the address but give me replacement stickers.  I couldn't help myself ... I asked the question ... but why can't YOU do that?????
I already knew her answer ... "oh we can't do that over the phone".  You have to go to the local DMV office, where you will sit for three hours with 200 illegal immigrants getting their drivers license for free, with no car or evidence of insurance in sight.  Don't get me started.  I hung up the phone.

My first thought was to strangle someone, but cooler heads prevailed and I just cooked dinner instead.  Tuscan chicken, with spinach, parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.  It was yummy and the perfect way to end the day, along with the text message I'll be having company today.  

I laughed out loud!!  At least I'll work off some of that frustration cleaning the house and changing the sheets in the spare bedroom!!!






14 comments:

  1. Isn't Bureaucracy wonderful? Like you said someone too darn lazy to do their job thinking it gives them "Job Security". Not!
    Hopping you Enjoy your visit and get things straightened around.
    Be Safe!

    It's about time.

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    1. I suppose they at least keep our brains in working order thinking about how terrible they are!! LOL

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  2. Just think, if Bernie or one of the others of his ilk ever wins, your whole day can be one big visit to the DMV

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  3. The last time I called DMV I opted for a "call back". When I received the call back, you can tell the system is connecting you to a person. While the system was connecting me, my call was "dropped". Grrrrr. Elva Shannon

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  4. The chicken looks wonderful. We're still waiting for our new plates for the cars. I wonder if they'll arrive before the temporary tags expire.

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    1. Hmmm ... I forgot about new car plates. Prisoners used to make them here ... I wonder if that's true in Arizona? Maybe they are on strike!!

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  5. My drivers license. Was returned to dmv,no idea why,same address for 30 years. Trying to get it replaced,same problems 45 minutes on hold,finally called back. Yes if I go in can get my real id at same time. NOT,third time trying,each time different docs needed. Wanted to screem,just came home will try one more time if I can get appt. So inefficient.

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    1. That's it exactly. Don't they train those people? And it seems they always hire people who could care less. I too have a driver's license expiring soon. I'm afraid!!!

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  6. The answer to your California straw question
    In California if you get a drink TO GO they give you plastic if YOU SIT down at their counter or table they give you paper
    And if you really want to screw with the establishment bring your own straw next time you go
    they won't know what to do
    As for the DMV they made a mistake they should correct it

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    1. Shhhhh don't tell anyone but Applebee's (our only good restaurant, go figure) is giving out plastic straws at their sit down tables.
      Yes DMV should correct it, maybe in ten years or so.

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  7. After dealing with California DMV for 20 years, Utah for four, Arkansas for 22+...I must say that Florida is the best (but that does depend which county you live in). The DMV is run by each county's Tax Collector for the state, run by an Elected Official (the Tax Collector), who, if they wish to be re-elected, makse sure the DMV offices run properly.

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    Replies
    1. Aha!! That's what we need here, because absolutely no one in that office gives a damn!!!

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