DMV

So, I received notice about a week and a half ago that I needed to renew my driver's license this year and I COULDN'T renew by mail! AARRGGHHH!!! We all know what that means.... going to the Secretary of State's Office (or DMV) and waiting forever, or at least a really long time, for your number to be called and issued the standard license tests.

Well, I happened to have the form from the DMV with me today and I decided to drive past the office to see if the parking lot was full. It wasn't so I parked and went inside.

I picked #50 from the machine near the door and before I could sit down, a clerk called, "Number 50! Are you 50 or are you 49?" I told her I was number 50, not nearly 49 or 50 in age :)

This woman was a hoot! I explained that I needed to renew my license, handed her the license and she issued an eye exam complete with flashing lights (for peripheral vision testing). She then told me the cost for my renewal would be $18. I handed her a 20 and she made a comment about needing an advance on her allowance from her boss for change?!

She handed me the change and asked me to step over to the blue screen for a photo. She said, "Smile at the birdie." The birdie? Oh, there was a Beanie Baby bird hanging from the camera..... hmmmm..... okay.....

The clerk made my image appear on a computer screen and she asked if that looked like me. The photo looked like I was saying hmmm.... okay.... I did a chin count - 1, 2, 3, "Yep, that works for me."

She said my license will arrive in 7-10 days and I asked if that was all I needed to do. What no written test? She looked at her supervisor and said, "Does this woman need to take a written test to renew her license?" The supervisor said, "No, I don't think so."

Works for me. I was so happy I almost walked out without my old license which now had the upper right corner clipped off and a temporary license stapled to it.

Relatively painless process and finished in under 10 minutes! Things have changed at the DMV, either that or I picked the right day to visit :)

Bridal Show

I'm going to have a table at the Elder-Beerman Bridal Show this weekend. I'm introducing some new services for brides! Stop in and see me on Saturday afternoon, I'll be near the Mall entrance between the cosmetics counters.

Diego-isms

Following is a short list of recent Diego-isms... he's so funny!

* My tailpipe hurts (after he fell down the stairs yesterday)
* I didn't go in the water today, I just tanned like you do.
* It was very boring looking at the cars over and over, now I can see Bob the Builder and Cars at the same time (after tearing the border off his bedroom wall)
* Why are there mosquitos? Don't they know they make me itch?

Been working on...

My website! Let me know what you think... (be nice, it's my first attempt at website building)

For some reason I can't create a link so just copy and paste the address - www.yourbigdayweddings.net

Thursday

I got to hang out with my April bride this afternoon, she is a real peach... and I mean that in a positive sense of the phrase. She is a lot of fun. We checked out another reception venue and then went to my office to go over the "9 month to-do list".
Her big day will be here before she knows it. And I'm going to do everything in my power to ensure her wedding is perfect. I think I'm as excited as she is to see this wedding happen!

Just Finished

I just finished reading this book. It is a phenomenal perspective on living every day to the fullest.

House guest

Last Thursday I told Joe and Diego we were going to have a house guest over the weekend. Joe just said, "Really?" and Diego said, "Who? Maxiumus?" That kids is really good at guessing games (just a side note: don't play "I Spy" with him unless you want to lose!)

Maximus was the perfect house guest, he made himself right at home. Diego did a great job taking care of him and playing with him... he even got Diego out of the house for short periods of time!

Here's a shot of Maximus choosing his side of the bed (it's Joe's side, by the way!)

Stuff...

So, it's been a while since I posted, lots going on recently and some not going on... read on, you'll understand in a minute.

Joe, Diego and I went up north for the July Fourth holiday weekend. We stayed with my sister and her husband at their cabin in Hale, MI. I tell you, that place is a haven for good times, good food, good friends, good rest, and great weather! We came home on Monday (7/7) so we wouldn't have to deal with the heavy holiday traffic. Must be the price of gas didn't frighten most travelers because the southbound traffic was pretty thick.

The Bender's stopped by to see us on Saturday night as they finished up their vacation. Diego was going through serious Chloe withdrawals.


We got home and I started in on all the stuff that had to be done around the house. Being the email addict that I am, I decided to see if there was anything in my in box that couldn't wait. Well, my in box wouldn't work, neither would my Internet connection... bummer! I even re-set the router and modem several times... still no connection. ARGGH!

Finally back online today after a helpful suggestion (thanks, Brian!).

July 2, 1995

I couldn't sleep last night and thought it was because I had a Diet Coke not long before bed (caffeine, you know). When I finally drifted off I dreamed about the house I grew up in and vividly saw the detail in the woodwork and red carpeting (my mom loved red!).
Realizing the date is July 2 hit me like a ton of bricks... I lost someone precious to me on this date 14 years ago; my dad. No wonder I didn't sleep well.
Every year since his death I have trouble sleeping on the anniversary of his home-going. You see, my sisters, mom, grandmother, and I spent several sleepless nights watching and waiting for death to come and take him. Dad had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He won his final earthly battle and went to be with Jesus very early in the morning.
We buried Dad in the family plot in Sand Creek, a place I visit often. To return there somehow makes me feel a little closer to my parents although I know the ground beneath the headstone holds only the shells of the persons I knew as Dad and Mom.
I miss my dad, especially today, but find comfort in the fact that he left behind horrible pain and suffering to put on a white robe of righteousness... and I look forward to the day when I'll see him again.

Weekend

We did some fun stuff over the weekend... take a look at the iPhone pics I took from our niece's wedding. We took Diego to see Wall-E on Sunday because he was really good during the wedding. It was his second time to see the movie... it's sure to be his new favorite!



Diego with Grandma B.