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April 20, 2004
Challenges
There are a few things in life that appear difficult to me. Now, I’m not saying that I can’t do these things, or that they really are hard to do—they just look complex from where I’m standing; which is inside my house with my windows closed and doors locked. Most of the time, I patiently take the long road around any obstacles that block the life-path I’m traveling down. I like my life relatively safe. Things I’ve managed to avoid so far:
· Taking over payments on my life insurance policy my Dad took out on me when I was 9
· Planning my wedding
· Traveling outside of North America
However, there are times in life when you are forced to do what you don’t want to. You must embrace the unfamiliar, and travel the darker paths. In the past few years I’ve done what I never thought I could do:
· Bought a cell phone and negotiated for the best deal
· Bought a slightly used car and negotiated for a really crappy deal (but I still love my car!)
· Went on a business trip to another state, where it snowed the entire time--forgive me--I’m born and raised in San Diego
While the above accomplished feats may not be so exciting to you, they were outside my comfort zone. Now, I’ve traveled into another area that I’m unfamiliar with: I’m married, and I have to change my stinkin’ last name.
While the last name change has gone surprisingly smooth so far, I can see it’s going to get a little bumpy from here on in. All smiles and newlywed excitement the weekend we did the deed, Frinklin and I emailed and called all of our credit card companies (many, many, many credit card companies) and were shocked at the lack of verification needed to change the last name on a credit card.
“Oh, you got married?”
“Yes.”
“Great, just tell me your new last name and we’ll put the card in the mail.”
Considering how willing credit card companies are to hand out free money to college students, I shouldn’t have been so surprised. Plus, I’m sure I’m not the first person to get married and change her last name. But it’s new to me, OK?
While credit cards are all well and good (so good, and soooo evil), a new bride doesn’t officially switch over until the DMV and the Social Security office have been notified. And to officially notify these offices, one must complete official forms. Which requires appointment making. At the DMV. Did I mention I have to go to the DMV? Ugh. I tried to run in and out of the DMV a week or two ago. I forgot that there is no running in and out of the DMV. Especially since forms must be completed. And money must be paid (WTF?). So now I have to wait a whole month for my appointment at the DMV.
The Social Security office, while probably just as fun as the DMV, was much nicer (and quicker!) on the phone, so they’re already ahead in my book. They mail out forms to you and note that it only take a few minutes to get a new Social Security card issued.
For someone who sees each day as a series of hurdles, getting your last name changed is almost the Olympics of daily life. Thank you, Social Security office, for easing my fears as I slide gently into married life.
And screw you, DMV.
Posted by Ensie at April 20, 2004 07:19 PM
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