Who’s That Stranger?

Who’s that stranger on my driver license?

Technology had offered us another time saving option; you can renew your driver’s license online if you qualify. What a convenience, I simply filled out a few lines, gave them my payment information and hit send. Three weeks later I received my new card that is good for another four years. As I slide the plastic card into its slot in my wallet, I stopped, pulled back and examined the card more closely. “Who is that stranger on my driver license?”

I felt a sinking feeling in my gut, much like the feeling I have when the last piece of cake that I’ve been thinking about eating had been devoured earlier by my loving granddaughter who comments, “I thought you were on a diet,” when she sees the disappointment on my face. I smile, run my finger across the cake plate and get that last bit of chocolate fudge icing. That feeling of defeat and disappointment was came over me when I realized the picture of the woman with the forced smile and the chiseled cheekbones on the new license was me.

I looked in the mirror and saw more of a round face, chubby cheekbones; the kind that belongs on a young child who still has their so called baby fat. But no…there I was with my adult fat. The sort of fat that causes me to wear baggy clothes, avoid mirrors and shop in the plus size department.

Much like the picture which was a complete ruse was also the weight listed on the driver’s license. It stated that I was a healthy 135 pounds and then I wonder is it a crime to lie on your driver’s license? I’m big on doing the right thing and my new shiny driver’s license is making a mockery of me.

I suspect when the sales clerk asks for my identification card, does she secretly smirk and think “sure lady…you wish this is what you looked like.” I shudder at the false pretense but is it worth going to the Department of Motor Vehicles and standing in line for two hours to approach the window and admit that your picture and your weight are nothing but sorted lies? I think not!

So the next best thing and yes I know…the hardest thing is to start working my butt off, to make my goal the weight listed on the card. So I’m going to put my card of shame back into the wallet for safe keeping and I’m going to park the car for short trips and start walking. Get out of the bucket seat and onto the bicycle seat. Exercise my right to be honest.

I have four years before I have to renew this documentation again and I vow that it will speak the truth. No more lies and no more strange faces looking back at me.