Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Stupid

It was that time again recently.

Driver's license renewal time.

I was apprehensive about it. Did I have all the correct documentation? Could I even find my birth certificate? What if I didn't pass the eye exam? I don't wear glasses or contacts, and I haven't noticed a deterioration, but if anything could go wrong, wouldn't that be it?

But really, that should have been the least of my worries.

Little did I know (or remember from ten years ago) that they also quiz you on road signs. Blank roadsigns. With color and symbols only. No words.

I get that words would defeat the purpose. But seriously?

I had a small moment upon this realization. But it was over in no time, and relief washed over me. Stop sign, no U-turn, merge, no left turn, traffic light ahead.........no problem! And then it was time for my picture to be taken.

I left smiling like a Cheshire cat with a new license in hand. The gal even let me preview my picture to make sure I liked it. I was pleased as punch.

Until about a mile down the road, when that smile disappeared as I realized something. This was NOT a yield sign, as I had confidently stated during the quiz..........


Without the words Do Not Enter, one could easily confuse it for the yield sign, right? Think about seeing it blank......just a red circle and white rectangle. Yield wasn't that far off, was it?

That pleased, possibly smug feeling I had had was immediately washed away with feelings of stupidity.

Panic replaced glee.

Once I got home, I immediately googled road signs. How many did I get wrong?

My license was renewed, so I shouldn't care, right? But the straight A student and perfectionist in me was still beating myself up.

Oh well. Five out of six ain't bad, I guess....

2 comments:

  1. I also remember panic in that first moment when I realized I had to 'know something' in order to renew. I think your confident mistake was better than my, "uhhh... gosh I'm not sure about that one".

    Happy with your pic then? You'll have to offer it up, lady.

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  2. You crack me up!! I can remember getting my license renewed and I did have alittle bit of anxiety when I saw the blank signs as well. It is very nerve racking!!

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