Life in New York

I went to the DMV at Herald Square today for the 3rd attempt at getting my New York license.  The first time I hadn't read the instructions carefully and ended up without 'Proof of Birth', which isn't actually listed in the bullets of items needed, it's in the paragraph at the top.  My fault.  On the second journey I walked in proudly with my passport, birth certificate, transcripts and original social security card, only to find a line out the door (estimated wait: 4 hours).  I waited about 15 minutes, when an announcement informed us that the  whole state computer system was down and that we'd have to return the next day.  That was two weeks ago. 

Today I returned.  The line snaked halfway to the door, indicating a wait of about 2.5 hours.  I was armed with my book, two New Yorkers, my blackberry and some snacks.  About 40 minutes into my wait I was ready to sit down (I've gained 20 pounds, 29 weeks pregnant).  I received a long-awaited phone call from the Department of Education (that's a whole other story) and as I was talking to the woman (despite signs that say "NO PHONE ZONE") a young-ish woman interrupted me, asking if I was pregnant.  I'm clearly pregnant and wondered why she was butting into my conversation to ask me that.  She walked across the room and got a security guard, announcing to the line that pregnant women don't wait in line.  He escorted me to the front.  What a gesture!  I quickly finished my phone call but not in time to thank the woman who had saved me from hours of waiting.  Where ever you are, THANK YOU!