Monday night I was driving the kids home from swim practice when I saw the blue and red lights in my rearview mirror that mean that you have done something wrong. The kids, of course, were thrilled and worried.
The officer informed me that my tags were two months overdue to be renewed, which I didn't realize... must have somehow missed the letter from the DOL. I tried to get out my license and registration and insurance and only managed to produce the license. Of course the registration was expired. And for some reason I could only find the old insurance card, too. I did, however, have the car's proof of ownership which, of course, you should not keep in the glove box. The officer sighed multiple times to see what an idiot I am. Meanwhile, his dog was barking like he just wanted an excuse to get out of that car and maul someone. So when the officer said he was going back to his car to check on something and DON'T GET OUT OF YOUR CAR I gladly stayed put.
When he came back, he told me that there was no excuse for not having my registration updated and I agreed with him. He told me to get my insurance in the car, and I told him I would. He told me that next time there wouldn't be a warning, and I believed him.
Then the kids and I went inside the pizza place and picked up some pizza. This one guy kept going to the window and looking out where the officer had been, which I think might be his way of letting me know that he was in the mafia.
In any case, I was glad that I got off with only a warning and I immediately went and registered the car as soon as the DOL opened. AND once we got home that night, the kids decided to play "train the police dog" which was cute. My favorite is when the police dog ("Caroline") was taught how to correctly employ her "loving bite." Just in case a criminal just needs some affection.
So, anyway, thanks for the heads up, Vancouver Police Department, and thanks for not giving me a ticket. I am glad to say that my car and I are both law abiding once more!