Can you believe I am as old as I am and don't have a passport? Since I served a mission in Canada pre-9/11, all I needed for a visa was my birth certificate. And it's not like I'm swimming in money to travel whenever I'd like, and I didn't want to go traipsing all over the world by myself.
But yesterday, I gathered all the required paperwork, paid the fees, and in 4-6 weeks I will have a passport. As I left the Post Office, I thought to myself why I had waited so long to get a passport, and though not the sole reason, one reason was that I kept expecting a different last name.
It's the same reason why I never had my scriptures engraved--when I bought my post-mission set, I was dating someone, then someone else, and then I figured I'd just wait.
(And yes, the feminist in me kinda cringes as I admit this to the world, but it's somewhat safe with the pseudonym and all.)
So, Universe, my passport application is on its way to the State Department. Is this passport gonna last me 10 years? Or will I have just paid $135 only to have to get a new one in the next year or two?
Your move.
2 comments:
FYI, if you change your name within one year of having your passport issued, you can get a replacement for free. Any longer than a year and you have to pay the renewal fee. Good luck!
I went to England with a student leadership program and we were able to meet with a British "senator" and learn about their government system. During his discussion he said only 1/3 of Americans have passports and many of our own senators/representatives don't have passports. Our country is large and diverse and you don't have to travel far to find an adventure. That said, some of my favorite experiences have been while traveling the globe. Good for you!
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