I went to the Social Security Administration building in Chinatown yesterday to commence “the changing of the name.” I was the only non-asian, which wasn’t that big of a surprise since I was in Chinatown. But after I got my number and sat down, with all those eyes staring at me, I started to think I had walked into the wrong door. So I actually got up and sorta fumbled around amongst the pamphlets until I could assure myself I was at the right address.
A nice man called me up to number 5 and I handed in my paperwork. I had managed to keep it clean and crease-free until my nervous fumbling forced me to take a sip of water at the fountain, and I of course spilled water on my inkjet printed form so it got all runny. Mr. #5 didn’t seem to mind. I always feel like I’m trying to get away with something when I have to sit quietly as someone checks over my paperwork. Turns out either I’ve been spelling my mother’s maiden name wrong for like… 30 years, or there was a typo on my original Social Security card.
So the nice man goes over everything and asks me to sign with my new name. That’s when it really hit me.. Oh my God, I’m changing my name. I felt nervous and giddy and a little freaked out. I said “It’s my first time.” and Mr. 5 giggled. “It’s so strange.” and he said with a smile “Yes, it is.”
I rewarded myself with some mango sticky rice and promptly went back to my desk where I went on a name changing rampage across the internet. I figure, if you’re gonna change, you might as well jump in feet first.
Unfortunately with name changing there is a lot of waiting. I can’t change my driver’s license until my Social Security name change is done and I can’t do pretty much anything else until I have a driver’s license. Oh! That reminds me. Time to make a DMV appointment.