Friday, March 18, 2011

OMG, LOL or Cry, No Wait - So NOT Funny, WTF?!

Barbara Ward-Finneran



Kindly pay attention, that's Barbara, capital W, a, r, d, hyphen, capital F,i,n,n,e,r,a,n.  I have spelt my name that way for over 17 years now and have often had to verbalize it in just that way to be sure it is correct in the system.  My attention to detail matters not, if the person you are dealing with in the "system" is not a detail person.  Is it absolutely beyond a reasonable deduction to expect a government agency to get something right?!

I know it's not the usual day for "Random Rants".......... But, I need to VENT!

The last 18 hours, minus the few spent sleeping, have been a nonstop sticky, messed up, gigantic tangle of red tape.  And, that's putting it mildly! Paper pushing, bureaucratic, nonsense, that equaled a system error in epic proportions for me personally.

I am not in shock by the fact that "the system" has issues. Having battled with the Social Security system for years for both my husband and son, I know it's the exception, rather then the rule that things get done right the first time.  I am all too aware that that usually that means I have to spend time and energy to correct situation and "help" someone do THEIR job.  I am used to being an advocate.  I am just not usually the "victim" who needs assistance.

Last fall I got a ticket.  I was pulled over for rolling through, stopping and rolling through, a stop sign. The sun was in my eyes and I was trying to see the intersection better, however this did not qualify as a "full stop".  It stinks, but fine, my bad.  The officer ran my license, and told me it was clean.  Never a violation since it was issued in Florida 1993. I would have been home free, except that after pulling over I immediately unbuckled to reach my purse on the passenger side floor. The officer showed mercy on me and wrote a warning citation for the safety belt, explaining that it was a lesser fine and NOT a moving violation.  In the scheme of things - all good.  I proceeded to pay the citation at the "Clerk of Courts" on the last day possible as funds are always low.

Yesterday I took a "mental health day" to see old friends in Orlando and spend some quality time with my kids.  It was an amazing day.  The boys were tickled that I braved the roller coaster, (So not my favorite!) not once but twice.  We stayed late despite the school night and after goodbyes headed the 78 miles home.  The first 60 of them uneventful.......

As I drove down US-1, blue and red lights appear.  At second glance I realize they are directly behind me.  So I pull over and unbuckle nothing!  One of my sons is out cold and the other now is wide eyed with concern.  The officer announces to me that I was doing 54 in a 45.  I though I was still in the 55 zone.  I sigh and get out the items requested, thinking, "UGH, my first real ticket".

The lady officer then calls to me from the back of my car, after running the stuff through the system, "Mrs. Finneran, please step out of the car." My heart instantly races.  This CAN'T be good.  She proceeds to tell my that my license was suspended due to an unpaid citation.  Mortified and practically speechless I very politely explain that I paid it.  DMV only shows the suspension she explains.  In addition to the speeding ticket, I will not be given back my license and this is a criminal offense. At this point, shaking and fighting back tears, and panicked - wondering if I am about to be arrested with my eleven & nine year old watching out the back window of my Sentra.

A second officer arrives.  They talk.  Come back to me and say, I will need to appear in court but will be allowed to leave the scene.  However, I cannot drive the car home.  I cannot even drive it to a better lit area while I wait for help.  The fear of being arrested now replaced by the immediate concern of waiting here in the dark isolated area with my kids.  Long story short... one of the officers stayed with me.  They went above and beyond while we sat there and researched my claim that I had paid the violation.  She walked back to my car to hand me a note she wrote.  On it was information about the paid citation from the clerk of courts office.  She invited  me to look at the computer screen in her squad car.  I walked over and she asked me to read it carefully.  There was my former license on the screen, I read on and get to the payment information.  Barbara Wardfinneran was what appeared.  The clerk of court records apparently would not reconcile with DMV's as they were different names.  I stammer, but my photo and driver ID number is there.  She shakes her head saying it what is entered into the system that matters.  "So, you've seen this before, I'm not the only one?" I exclaim.  "Not the first case like this I've seen".

I have spent hours and hours today to rectify the fact that my license was suspended for a non-moving violation ticket that I paid.  DMV is painful at best under the best of circumstances - but wicked, wicked, wicked, when you no longer have a valid licence.  The second trip back to DVM with all the papers they asked me to bring back.  Now armed with my certified birth certificate, certified marriage license, social security card & W2 form, the car title, a bank statement and two utility bills, paid the $115.00 fine and I was granted a valid FL State Drivers license at 4pm.

It's been a day. I got nothing else done but fix an epic failure that was beyond my control. I will not get this time back or day's pay I lose to go to court.  I will, however, fight to get the fine back and clear my name at my required criminal court appearance next month.  Another perfect example of doing EVERYTHING you are supposed to do and someone else NOT DOING THEIR JOB!

To take a glass is half full approach and move forward, as Dawn said to me on the phone today, "Things happen for a reason." Yes, I can appreciate that fact. I am beyond thankful that I was not arrested.  It is a blessing of sorts that I now know that I unknowingly and unintentionally was driving illegally. (You'd of thought I have been notified! -That's another blog yet to be born.) Had I been in an accident I'd have probably wound up in lock up even if I wasn't at fault.  I am now in possession of a license valid until 2020 and sporting a picture of the thinner me.

In the past 48 hours validated a few things that I know for sure;
- This too will pass.
- I  like the new photo on my ID of the thinner me.
- Come next month, post my court appearance, I'm certain it will become just another story to tell - by then it might even seem funny.
- The system sucks. and...
- My bruise hurts - "Skinny girls" get beat up on roller coaster rides! :)

Now, since my kids are at sleepover for the evening, an adult beverage is in my future!
CHEERS!  Here's to a great weekend!  Dare I say it couldn't get worse.... LOL

12 comments:

  1. Have at least two drinks!

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  2. If you need a character witness, here I am!

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  3. Sorry this happened to you Barbara. With a name like TONY WALKER I have to fight with various creditors & other people who come after me but I am not the Tony Walker they are looking for. So I have an idea of what you went through.
    Plus I too spent hours today going through some BS involving a lawsuit I have against a former employer. I feel like someone beat me up today. Is that a good way to explain how you're feeling?
    Enjoy your adult beverage! You deserve it!

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  4. Well, that was suckiness on an epic scale. The fact that you still have your sanity is a testament to your strength. Kick back and let the alcohol do its job.

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  5. Aggravation at it's best! My family is safe & happy... all things considered - I am very blest and I can't complain. But, I'm thinkin' I'd like to give dull & boring a try!

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  6. It could be much worse, you could live in Japan or have a dying loved one. Get a grip.

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  7. not sure where in this story Japan was even compared...

    Isn't it funny that when something happens to someone else everyone always thinks...what's the big deal, but when it happens to them it's the end of their world - who pissed in your cornflakes Anonymous?

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  8. Anonymous... do you ever read it all?! As I stated right before your comment - I am VERY BLEST!

    I was not looking for pity or help - I was simply venting about a ridiculous situation that NEVER should of happened. It might just comfort someone who has been tangled repeatedly in a red tape BS mess - that it happens. "#&^%" happens!

    In the scheme of world events it matters not. I offer my prayers and try to live my life by actions that demonstrate love and kindness to others as well as advocating for what is just and right in any way that I can. That however does not change the fact that daily life has it's own challenges and aggravating moments. It happens to everyone I know.

    You must be blest beyond words if you have never had one of those days. Funny those that blest usually aren't such negative downers...

    And, you wouldn't know if I had a dying loved one, friends in Japan, people I love in combat , loved ones with mental illness --- or any other problem that you might reason or deem big enough...

    What's wrong with your little corner of the world that you feel the need to spew negativity at me?! Perhaps, look in the mirror.... then,take a breath, get a grip, and maybe you'll pin point the problem. .....Just sayin'!

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  9. Holy Cannoli that stinks. Why does the DMV need all that information from us? Next, they will want a DNA sample to prove who you are.

    Enjoy your beverages.... Cheers

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  10. If you can't handle negative comments, why do you write a blog? Do you want everyone to sympathize with you? Or agree with you? No, right? Apparently this person thinks you need to get a grip, so what, is he really ruining your day? I believe this is why you have a comments section, so people can give their views of your blog. But it seems any comments that are different, negative, offensive... the "lounge" gets upset and defensive. "You can't please everyone so you've got to please yourself." Your blog, write what you want. But also let people express their views, good or bad.
    My .02 cents

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  11. Awe sweetie.. What a crummy night after a fantastic fun day with you. Guess fate was telling you should have stayed with me and I would have gotten rid of those who would be a kill joy.. Glad you didn't get hurt. I would have felt even worse then I do now knowing what happen that night. Glad adult beverage was able to be comsumed though! ;)

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  12. DM.... Anonymous so didn't ruin my day at all!
    Your points are noted... Thanks! That said - I do think readers want an interaction with the authors - so that is why we do our best to comment back...

    Patty... The visit was fantastic! The rest is all good - it'll be fine! I never did get that drink in.....

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