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!