Today I left work a little early. I had to run down to the DMV to renew my driver’s license. The last time I renewed I just walked in, kept the old photograph just like I always have and was out in seconds flat. This year, however, I received notice in the mail that they required a picture. The picture that was on my license up until today was originally taken back when I was 21 years old, about 1995.
What I notice most about this picture is that first of all I was thin. Secondly, my beard, if you can even legally call it that, was unable to connect to my moustache. It was extremely pitiful. Now compare it to my brand new license from this afternoon:
What is different? Well, I have glasses, my hair is much shorter. Also, I seem to be much hairier and about a billion pounds heavier. Plus there is something else. It is barely noticeable but it is there. Yep, a hint of a smile. I look happier. It took about 15 years but the guy in the new picture is a more pleasant and happier guy. The kid in the first picture may be skinnier, but he was a miserable douche. I think I like the older, wiser, blinder, fatter, greyer guy.
