This morning, it was my intention to get up early to get to the DMV at 8 (or shortly thereafter) so I could take care of my registration before work. (procrastinate much? sigh…it’s the story of my life…)

I got there at 8:30 (which is, technically, when I’m supposed to be at work…), and miracle of miracles, there was only ONE other person there! He was just leaving as I arrived, so I just walked straight up to the window, waiting for the clerk to indicate that she was ready for me.

“Can I help you?”

“Registration,” I say.

“Okay. You really should have been in line, though”

I look around, puzzled. “What?”

“The ropes, right there?” She points to the mazelike black ropes, that would normally be filled with people.

Is she kidding? I search her face for signs of humor…because, as we all know, DMV clerks must relinquish any sense of humor upon hiring. If she is kidding, I see no indication.

I half smile, and kind of shrug, and she proceeds with the processing of my registration.

But other than this puzzling little exchange, it is the quickest, most painless trip to the DMV I’ve ever had…