Recently, I received a letter from our Registry of Motor Vehicles that my driver's license was up for renewal and I could now renew on line.
Good deal, I thought, can save gas by not having to drive there. Filled out form, gave my credit card for the fee and hit send. Next day I received a notice that my fee had not been excepted because I needed a new photo.
So, in the car, down to the Registry, got in line for a number then waited my turn. I wear glasses and have worn them since I was seven. Take my glasses off and no one recognizes me. When I got to the window for the photo, I was told to remove my glasses.
"Why" I asked.
"New rules, for facial recognition" I was told.
"OK, but no one knows me without my glasses," I told the lady
"Sorry, but those are the rules." Was the reply I received.
Always knew I did not take a good photo, or just maybe, the registry takes a bad picture. Without my glasses, I almost didn't recognize myself.
Went to read the lines and realized I needed a new pair of glasses. I was given a slip for my doctor to fill out so I would not have to go through the eye exam again. Since my license expires next month, I have no time to waste.
Went to my local Wal-Mart's Optical Dept, was told earliest appointment was Saturday, but that they were booked. Then inquired if it would be possible to make one the first week of July, their answer was that they were taking no appointments the entire month of July.
Off to my next stop, a national vision center. Their optician was located in another state, so much for that one. With the price of gas, did not feel like driving another 20 miles to get the exam.
My eye doctor, who had moved, had sent me a card. Of course, as luck would have it, I couldn't get the new number from information. So back to the house, went through trash, just in case I threw it out. No luck. Searched my desk, and all the places it could be. Finally gave up.
Went to pay a bill and there it was, the card of my dreams. Called, found out where they had relocated to and got an appointment for the next day. Luck seemed to be on my side.
Naturally he did not take my insurance. After I was through, I was out nearly $600.00 and that was with discounts. Most went to my lenses, as I said, I've been wearing glasses since I was seven, and I have a high prescription. I remembered to get the doctor to fill out the form, so I would not have to go through the eye exam again.
Now, I'm playing waiting game...waiting for my new glasses to be ready, waiting to go back to the registry, where I will have to take an awful picture and then waiting for them to mail my license out to me.
A few years ago, I would have been very impatient. As we age, many of us develop something we seldom have when we are younger. We accept having to wait. We have come to realize that sometimes we just can't hurry things up.
So, I wait. And if I am lucky by this time in the next week or two, I will have both my new glasses and my new, glassless photo, driver's license.
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