I finally submitted to the fact that I live in Louisiana. I've been putting off getting a LA drivers licence because I haven't wanted to pay for it. Louisiana is notorious (in my mind, at least) for its poorly run government: corruption (Ouachita Parish Police Jury), scandal (Edwin Edwards), and long lines (though I haven't actually experienced this, I can only imagine the Monroe social security office) are only the beginning. While I hate contributing my money to this state, my $23.50 is only a drop in the proverbial bucket. I already pay the oppressive sales tax and income tax, so I might as well face the fact that my meager income supports the "government" of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.
I do have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by my trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles. I was expecting a Walmartesque trip. Either 1 o'clock on a Thursday is an ideal time to go or I just got lucky, but when I walked in, I had to take a number: I got number 67 and the screen said "now serving 66". I could hardly believe it. I was in and out of there in less than 15 minutes. The people who worked there were friendly, and though they're not much in the photography department, overall, they were quite efficient...and I think that's the first time I've ever praised a DMV.