Identity Crisis

Yikes! I’m a Mainer!

It was just a matter of practicality. The question was: Did I need a U.S. address in order to continue functioning as a U.S. citizen?

For the most part, I could get by without one. But when I was asked if I intended to vote in the future, my answer was a resounding ‘Yes!’ – and for this I do need an official place of residence. I may be completely exasperated, disenchanted, even furious with the politics in this country and the way things are going, but I’m too opinionated and stubborn to let my voice go unheard.

The interesting thing is that now my voice will be part of the Maine demographic, and not lost in the sea of Democrats voting in NJ. 

The other tipping point was that my NJ driver’s license was due to expire early next year, and without a NJ address, I would not be able to renew it. So off I went this week to the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) with the necessary documents to get my Maine license.

And this, my friends, is what makes living in Maine worthwhile. The entire process took less than 10 minutes. No waiting in lines. A brief, simple form to fill out. A super friendly clerk to explain everything. Even a fairly decent photo! Does it get any better than that?

And in other car-related news, I sold my Honda this week! My intention was to sell it, but not turn it over until just before I leave for Vienna. It’s the one – and only – thing Portland has in common with LA: you need a car. So I went back to Craig’s List to post my ad.

Bye-bye sweet baby Honda

Did you know that, unlike NY or NJ, where CL has several regional divisions, the only one for the city of Portland is the one in Oregon? The entire state of Maine is its own region, and there are no smaller ones!

Anyway, the good Karma was still floating around out there, and after several other inquiries, a very nice couple (actual hunters!) from Auburn (about 45 minutes north) responded to my listing, and really loved the car. After a brief visual inspection, a peek under the hood and a 20-minute road test, we struck a deal. And since they really didn’t want to wait until January to take the car, they paid a price that covers the cost for me to rent a car until I leave. Sweet!

Hello chintzy Chevy

Just hope my rental (an uh-uh-ugly) Chevy HHR rides well in the snow, which has just begun to blow down. Great night for my hearty beef stew,  now simmering on the stove. Yummm!