six months married

canon digital rebel xsi

Today marks our six month wedding anniversary. It really doesn't seem possible that much time has passed already. It also doesn't seem possible that I have not completely changed my name yet.

I have made progress. Social Security card - check. Driver's License - check. Library Card - check. Bank - well, one of them. Credit cards - all have been notified, but not fully processed. Passport - working on it. On-line - don't get me started. It just feels like I am still in this in between state. I still am carrying around two ID's, plus my marriage certificate, just in case. Some days it also feels like I am playing some warped game of Whack A Mole - I change my name one place, only to remember three more that need to be changed.

The worst of it was having no access to my money for several days. I knew that that was a possibility, and honestly I doubt there is anyway around it. The other major hurdle is that everyone seems to have their own requirements for changing your name. Some can be done on the phone, others online, and still others require paperwork be mailed.

My bank, as I expected, required that I mail a copy of my marriage certificate. I sent a letter along with the document, asking for a new ATM card - as well - the old one was not going to do me much good. They changed my name on the account, but didn't notify me. I checked the account, saw the name change, and then waited a couple of weeks before calling because I still hadn't received a new ATM card. They were able to pull up the letter, and sure enough, whoever processed the request, either didn't read the letter, or didn't think that maybe a new card should be issued. How is that not policy. Why wouldn't you want a card with your new name?

The best experience I have had was with a retail store credit card. I was able to change my name on line with a couple of keystrokes, which prompted a "would you like a new card issued" box to appear. Amazingly, that card arrived in the mail a few days later. Ironically, I think the rest of their site is really a pain to use. In particular, when paying your bill, the system doesn't tell you what the full balance due when are on the actual make a payment page. It catches you if you enter too much, but a typo in the other direction could cause painful finance charges. It also won't let you schedule a payment, but name changing is a breeze. Sadly, I only plan on doing the name change once.

Tomorrow we go to the bank where we have had a joint account for almost 20 years, and I will get my passport photos taken so I can check that off the list as well. Fun times.


on the night stand :: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey

i have been married two months

canon digital rebel xsi

It sounds weird saying it. Two months in, and it really hasn't set completely. We finally got the official certificates so I can go about the process of changing my name. Already I am starting to switch to my married name when I introduce myself.

The other night I remember introducing myself to two people in a row, using my full married name. It felt odd, but at the same time, a part of me was giddy. Another part of a bit sad because someone had noted to one of the men that he had a fine Irish name. In my head, I was thinking, I can no longer really say that. I am turning into a Chinese guy.

I did take the first step in changing my name. I went to the Social Security Administration website. I figured out the form, and then entered my zip code to determine where I needed to send it. I got an error message informing me that information was not available at this time. Anyone else think this is odd? I mean how often is a new Social Security office opened? I am just happy to learn I can do it by mail. Won't be as lucky with the DMV.



on the night stand :: Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos


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