Tomorrow I get to start the process of getting my name changed. At least on my birth certificate. According to the Canadian government, I have been using an illegal (or if you're some people illeagle :P) name for the last 27 years (note that I am now 27 years old). This hasn't really caused me any problems up until now. A few weeks ago, I went to get my driver's license and send away for my passport. Well, I can't do either of these things right now since the name on my birth certificate and the name that I've been using for longer than I can remember don't match. Woohoo! Now, I have to send away for an official change of name certificate to prove that I have changed my name (which I haven't). Fantastic! This might hinder my trip to Illinois to visit a couple of friends. Now, you don't absolutely need your passport to cross the border, but it does help to speed the process along. Even if I don't get the passport in time (yay for a two month backlog.) as long as I have that official document that says "Yes! This woman has paid the $137 to have her name legally changed!", I should be okay. I just don't want to take any chances.
It would really suck if we got to the border and were told that we couldn't enter the United States because my ID is screwed up. I'd feel pretty bad about the whole things since someone else is doing the driving. And it's not a short trip either. 11.5 hours and I don't think that's taking into account all the stops that will be made along the way.
Bleh. So, tomorrow the process begins! This should be fun! Fill out forms, get a money order (No personal cheques! They're bad m'kay! Bad personal cheque! Naughty personal cheque! Go sit in the corner and think about what you almost did! Or...uh...whatever), find someone who has known me for the last 5 or more years (can't be family) have them sign said forms to say that yes, I am who I say I am, then sign, seal and deliver. No kiss though. In 4-6 weeks, I should have that handy dandy certificate and then I can finally send away for my passport, which may not arrive in time for the bloody trip. Hopefully putting the expected date of travel on the application will speed the process along a little (Crosses fingers).
Anywho, that's my rant for the night.
Peace, love and fluffy bunnies
Karmi
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