On Changing My Name - Phase #1

I had always planned on changing my name when I got married - but it's another thing when you actually need to do it. I got over the weirdness of the fact that my name that I've had for 30 years will now be different, that I have to practice writing out my new last name because it has way more letters than my old name, and because it feels so unfamiliar to me!

But then there's the fact of the places you need to go to change your name. It would be nice if it was automatically done for you everywhere. I thought about using one of the online name change services, but my wise husband questioned the wisdom of putting all sorts of personal information into a questionably secure website on the internet. So I am going about it the old-fashioned way - paper, office visits and phone calls.

Yesterday, I made my first trip to the Social Security office. It's a good 45 minutes away from me (and they close at 3:30 - how exasperating!) but I was able to combine it with a work errand and make myself feel a little better about the long drive.
I was concerned when I arrived there at 3:15 if they would still process everything before they closed, but relieved to find out they issue the last number ticket at 3:30, but stay until 5 pm to finish up all the people there. And boy was it crowded! It was difficult to find a seat, but I found one. And I waited. The overhead speakers announced new numbers for service every minute or so - and it was obnoxiously loud, but I was thankful that they were moving people through rather quickly. One hour later (and 71 pages read in the book I brought with me) it was my turn.
I was most nervous that I didn't have everything with me that I needed to change my name and that I would need to make another trip back to finish everything (coupled with another long wait). But I was prepared, and 10 minutes later I had my new name!
Now it's on to a new license, updating bank accounts and credit cards...
And I still have a zillion thank you notes to write...
And the house is still fairly unorganized...
And our yard is an eyesore...
But we have much to be thankful for!

On Being Married

I like it.

A lot of it is the little things that make it so great.

We no longer have to drive 20-25 minutes to be able to spend a few hours together, before returning to our single lives. I get to see him every night.

It's nice to have someone to snuggle with.

It's great to actually cook and eat the food that you buy at the grocery store - because you're home every night instead of grabbing something quick while you're on your way somewhere.

It's nice to have a good reason to stay home for the night, other than "I feel lazy".

It's nice to have a roommate. My house had been feeling kind of lonely with just me in it.

It's so much easier to plan going places and hanging out with friends, when we're both at the same location - no figuring out whose house we're going to meet at (or just meet at whatever location we're going to).

It's fun to host parties together - I'm so thankful for a man who is observant, conscientious and helpful (and a good cook!) when it comes to things around the house.

I feel settled and at home with Daniel.  Even though I've been living in the house for a year and a half, it hasn't felt complete until now.

I like having someone to do things for. I'm not as motivated when it's just me. I tend to clean up after myself a little better, cook more... and I'm trying to start exercising regularly again! I'm thankful to have a man that is concerned for my well-being and wants me to be healthy - but loves me just as I am.

I am blessed by God to have such a great husband to share this life with.