Federal Government Shocks and Amazes Aspiring Traveler

That's right. Here I sit, shocked and amazed.  The United States government has broken a record. No, not in spending and borrowing. (That was 2009. But since this is not a political blog, I shall keep things moving along.) In far happier record breaking moves, the Department of State has stepped up their game and apparently are moving passport applications along at a nice clippy pace.

It came last Thursday, LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER I SENT IN THE APPLICATION! This is unheard of. Seriously, I should know. This is my third passport in two years. Plus the woman at the Department of State who I spoke with about this matter, practically had me convinced that Amanda would be going to Spain without me as I had not yet mailed the renewal application.  I almost did the happy dance when I saw it nestled safely inside of my mailbox-and I live on a very busy road full of lots of traffic and people who would not take kindly to the Happy Passport Dance. I promptly sent Amanda a jubilant text, confirming that I would indeed actually be going to Spain with her. Yes I know, the ticket was already bought, but really, without a valid passport, who are we kidding? 

Now, since most of you know or have picked up on how thrifty (cheap)  I am, I debated for days on whether I should buy the ticket in my maiden name, keep my "old" passport and call it a day. I did NOT want to pay the outrageous renewal fees, when my current one was just over a year old.  But then I had visions of arriving at the ticket counter, and the airline agent verifying my passport information only to find that the person listed in my old passport no longer exists! Technically, Claire Maiden Name no longer does. Sad-but the reality of name changes as well as the subject of lively banter between my husband and I. I felt he should change his name. He did not agree, even in the slightest bit.  Choosing battles is a key ingredient to a happy life, and I chose not to pursue this one.

So I have it now, in all of its pristine freshness. I hate fresh passports. What if the person looking at it thinks this is my first trip out of the country and therefore am clueless about the rest of the world? What if they  stereotype me an American who never bothers to get off the couch and do something to see how the world lives? What if......?

Better question-why do I care what the random people looking through my passport think??!!!

Must get over myself.

PS- I am spending part of today/this week trying to plan for Madrid. If you have been there and have suggestions, ALL are welcome!