Mrs. Hunter goes to Washington

When I travel, I always forget to do something somewhat important like packing underwear, a church dress for Sunday, makeup, leave my purse (full of expensive and important things) in a McDonald's and then three states later realize I don't have it...things like that. It never fails. Every trip, I forget something or I forget to DO something.

Well, this time, I did not disappoint myself!! I FORGOT AGAIN! Ohh, loove it. Except, this time it is more of an issue. I forgot to update my passport with my new married name!! Yay! Well, I can't say that I forgot. I didn't "forget". I just sort of neglected to do it. Andrew asked me once if it would be a problem if it was under my maiden name. I remember telling him something like "Nooo. I have my old license that has my maiden name on it. I can just show them that and we'll be fine. It proves who I was!" Ohhhh how wrong I was! So let's fast forward a week or two to a call I got from my mom (while I was in NC). She asks me the same question Andrew asked me and then adds on "because when your sister traveled out of the country with her passport, she was given problems because her passport was in her maiden name". So that sparked the "worry" cell in my brain and I started asking around for more info. I was given a few pieces of advice like "bring your marriage certificate with you" or "change the name on your airline ticket". My marriage certificate was packed up in a box in Grandma Hunter's house. At least I knew what box it was in right? Right! Luckily it was found and over-nighted to NC.

Problem solved? No

Andrew was still worried so he asked his mom for some advice about the situation. She decided to call a few people and she was transfered about 5 different times until finally she was transfered to the Congressman Brad Miller's office. They proceeded to tell her I HAD to have the name on my passport changed because having a marriage certificate would not suffice. I most likely wouldn't be able to travel if I didn't change the name on my passport. I had TWO options. I could fill out a bunch of paper work and then Mr. Miller would do what was needed in Washington D.C. for me and then have the passport mailed back to me here in NC. However, that would most likely take OVER a week and that'd mean I'd miss my flight to El Sal on May 9th, which would have meant a flight change...which means money...heck no. OR I could drive 6 hours to Washington, D.C. and get the name changed myself (which still required paper work, a long trip, lots of money, and time away from Andrew's family).

I chose option two. Less money, less hassle for everyone. What a pain in the butt. I feel bad for Andrew's family. I am so absent minded sometimes. But hey, at least I get to visit my nation's capitol! It'll make for some fun pictures! haha:) Stayyyy postive.

PS- Any PA friends/family wanna meet up in D.C.? It's only 2 hours away...heck, I should just go up there!! But we probably shouldn't. BUT, I'm being serious if anyone wants to meet up and say "hey"!! CALL ME, or comment...or email me. I think emailing is the best way to get ahold of me (since I don't have a phone...haha). But we'll be up there on Tuesday morning till the afternoon.