...or maybe a District-ite, Districter, DCer...forget it. But, I do have proof:And the best part is, that I was able to effectively waste an entire Saturday. One of the many government agencies in this city that locals claim are "inefficient" and "inconvenient". I'm starting to think that the only thing people like around here is the Metro. Most of my experience driving in this city has been painful and annoying, so the only motivation to get a driver's license was to prevent idiots from checking my ID and saying: "Hey, you might want to get that renewed...it's gonna expire soon." Yeah, thanks. I heard that one already...what, no "Hey, you're birthday is coming up!"
Because my impending license expiration was an annoyance, I endured nearly 4 hours of boredom and waiting. Most of that was in lines similar to this picture on the left (which is outside the building, wrapping around to the dumpster out back...that line took 45 minutes). Once, inside I found out that I hadn't brought enough information so I had to drive back home (45 minutes roundtrip) wait in another 20 minute line, just to get a number and wait in the waiting room (for about 30 mintues). This picture on the right shows only half the room
that could probably contain about 150 grumpy DC-ians at a time. I saw most Districtators reading, some with PSPs and iPods...I caught up on some grading. Once out of the tension filled room I noticed people starting to smile. Then it came clear to me: after the unhappy government employees process your paperwork, take your money and DESTROY your old ID, they send you to have your new ID picture taken. After another 20 minutes in line, the guy says: "Please stand in the blue box, look at the yellow dot, and smile for your picture." And that is why people are smiling, because they finally get to smile and leave!I'm smiling too, but for a minute I realized that I was waiting and waiting for that little piece of plastic that confirms I have officially moved, 2801 miles away! I know that may make a few of you sad to hear that, and it makes me a little sad too, but this adventure still hasn't lost its excitement.
I continually stumble around and find new things, like Ebenezer's, which is DC's version of the Service Station. They have a "Coffee with a Cause" slogan, and are owned by a local church. Its a very big-city version of this church connection it seems...but small world moment: Brandon Heath played here last week. I love Brandon Heath (YL camp musician), but I found out too late about the concert. I need to stumble around with more convenient timing. Anyways, that's probably enough about my weekend, and I've spent too much time here this weekend (stupid Verizon, giving us internet trouble and won't fix it...that's another story that involves my roommate yelling at the Verizon 24-hour help guy!). Enjoy your Sunday!
