Not as long as before between posts; hooray...

Yeah, the hooray is more for me, and not really for you. I'm excited that I have some time to sit down and write a little bit here. This isn't particularly good for you, the few readers here, but I'm excited about it.

I'm watching the Little League World Series, and I can't help but think if they played the semi-pro team I play on...

I don't want to finish that. You think it over. I'm sure you can guess what I'm thinking.

However, I've always said if I played junior high girls basketball right now, I'd dominate the game!

Enough of this nonsense. I have something that is a bit more of a "You were always right" for somebody.

I've got a guy in my shop who doesn't really like to listen to suggestions. Some of my suggestions should come across as more direct orders, but it is hard when it is part of their personal life.

A little back story for you:
I came to Camp Lejeune June 2. Since I've been here, there has been a truck in the parking lot that belongs to another Marine. Finally, after it sitting there an entire month, I say it is time to either get it running, or get it out of the general's parking lot. I'm pretty sure I said my parking lot, but that's only because in the Marine Corps everything is always "yours;" e.g. my parking lot, my building, my seven day store. It isn't mine, but that doesn't stop me from saying "my whatever."

The truck is running, but only for a few days. On the way home last week, he tells me his truck died on the way home. That's fine, I recently had him put roadside assistance on his insurance because I know how his truck was not running very well. I figure he'll get it towed to a shop, or where ever, as long as it moves. Lesson number one right there. Follow up. This was a Tuesday night that the truck died.

Back to the present:
Sunday, I'm on my way home from a friend's, and I see the truck parked half-assed in the ditch along the road. This prompts me to say something immediately this Monday morning.

Call the insurance company and get the truck towed. See: Lesson number one.

I didn't follow up about the truck. Somehow, babysitting a 24-year-old Marine escaped my mind.

Now it is Wednesday, and I just had a minor disagreement that left me confused and a little angry. The next thing that happened only added to my plummeting mood.

The phone rings, and the other end says, "This is Trooper Dudley and I'm looking for Isi... Is... Isid..."

I say, "(Full name) and this is about his truck isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. I'm fixing to have it towed because I just got a complaint about it."

(By the way, I love the phrase: I'm fixing to... Why is everybody fixing everything? Is everything broken? I know the truck is, but the act of towing is not.)

So, this really just sets me off, because I'm pumped about nothing being done about it Monday or Tuesday. Lesson number one staring me right in the face.

Long story short: The truck gets towed. Now my Marine is out $125 for the towing fees and $25 a day at the impound lot. Don't forget it isn't running, so add more money for the dolley to pull the truck behind another vehicle.

Roadside assistance = $0. There's lesson number two.

Lesson number one: Follow up. An essential part of my new found responsibilities while trying to ensure this Marine is taking care of himself. Amazing. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Lesson learned!

Lesson number two: I remember people telling me to be proactive when I was younger, and just take of some things before they ended up costing me more money in the long run. I didn't listen because I knew everything. So, yeah, I get it. I'm sorry for being stubborn when I was younger. That's a recap for lesson number two.

You know the saying, "It's easier to ask for forgiveness rather than permission"? Well, that's all used up.

The good news for you: He's still around until March, so there should be more stories. Hopefully, I'll get better at writing and they'll be even funnier.

I'm a hundred miles away, son. Ready to strike.

More effort, not worth the trouble

When you buy a new vehicle in a different state, how do you retain the license plates you already have?

I know, I asked myself that question just the other day because it is a question I had earlier this week. I found out exactly what it would take for me to transfer the license plates from my car to a vehicle bought in North Carolina. I want to keep my Minnesota plates because they are Iraq War Veteran plates. Plus, I had to pay extra to get those versus regular plates, which seems weird to me anyways. Whatever, I don't ask where my taxes go, but I'm beginning to think I should start.

Anyways, I e-mailed the Department of Vehicle Services yesterday. This is what I asked: Comment/Question: I may be buying a new vehicle in North Carolina, and would like to keep the plates I currently have. How would I transfer those to the new vehicle? Would I have to re-register the vehicle in MN after registering it in NC? Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. (Currently stationed in NC, active-duty military)

Here is the answer I got:
Thank you for contacting Driver and Vehicle Services.

As long as you register the new vehicle in Minnesota, you may transfer the plates by completing a special plate application. We recommend submitting it at the same time as the title and title application. If you're currently out of state, you may apply by mail.

We'll need:

The out of state title (or MSO) signed over to you.
If there's a lien holder listed on the title, we'll also need a lien release.
MN title application
MN special plate application
Fees

Here's a listing of fees that we'll charge:

Registration tax: Based on the year, make, and model of the vehicle.
License plate transfer fee: $5.00
Wheelage tax (if applicable): $5.00 - Due only if the vehicle is mainly kept in one of the following counties and registration tax is purchased: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Scott or Washington.
Public Safety Vehicle fee: $3.50
Transfer tax: $10.00
Title/transfer fee: $8.00
Lien fee: $2.00
Excise tax/Sales tax: (6 ½%)
State/Deputy Filing fee: $8.50

The forms are available on our web site. You may find them on the following link: http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/PDFForms/motor%20vehicle%20forms.htm

Sincerely,
(Operator's name/number)

Check out the fees I'd be charged. What I really like about the fees, is the title transfer fee, license plate fee and sales tax. I'm already paying those taxes here in NC, what would be the point in giving MN the same taxes? How lame. This is a great way for them to just grab a few more dollars for the state to not use on things they should be used for, like ensuring the infrastructure is sound and everything is up to code...

Enough of my ranting. I hope you never buy a vehicle from out of state and try to bring it back to MN. What a pain in the bum.