42 Dreams of Arizona Bay

Ever wonder what you can do while waiting at the DMV, waiting, waiting, filling out forms and trying not to let the smelly, big guy next to you get too close?
Play bingo! That’s what it seemed like while I was in the California DMV office for over an hour and a half earlier this week.
Under some elaborate numbering system I don’t quite understand, you take a number. Well, actually first you talk to someone in information at the door, who makes sure you have everything you need before handing you a form and number.
You sit down and ignore the kid throwing stuff on the floor two seats down. You try to figure out your paperwork, and look eagerly at the number on the monitor in front of you. It’s also being called out in a computer voice. B170, window 12, the voice says.
Oh goody! I’m B181. I’m not that far away. Hope I have enough time to fill out paperwork.

Um, no, you have plenty of time. You probably have time to go get a sandwich, wash your car, take a nap…
So the next number called might be E90, window 17. What?
C150, window 8.
You watch the screen, and hope your number comes up. I don’t know how they’re assigned. I don’t know how they make sense. I just waited for B181, and Bingo! I get to go to a window!
After an hour and a half at the DMV, I get a temporary drivers license, after passing a test where I bluffed half the questions since I’m not from around here, and a smog check temporary tag. Even though my car is two years old and meets California emissions standards, because I brought it from out of state, it still has to be checked. My old plate can come off, but I think the car would feel naked without it.
So once I pay more money to get my car checked, it’s back for another round of bingo.
BTW, also registered to vote. It’s just that simple. Now I feel like a true Californian citizen. License on the way, voter registration and smog check tag. Also trying to give up meat and caffeine. So far, no good.