Oh geez! oh geez! There's so much to do!

So all week I've been re-reading last Sunday's entry and getting so excited to write my next post!  It's Sunday night.  I did stuff all week, and now I'm not sure how to share my activities in a way that serves any kind of purpose.

Alright le-go, leeeeerrooooyy jeeeeeeenkiiiinnnsss!!
       
It was one of those weeks where you are constantly doing things and checking stuff off your to-do list, but somehow didn't get enough done.  I have a feeling that this post-wedding clean up process will keep me occupied and on a productivity treadmill for quite a while yet.

Most women are aware of the fact that they have the option to change their name after getting married.  What I was unaware of was the time frame for this process.  It took 4 weeks to get our marriage license back from the county (with another couple's license included.  High five, Harris County).  Now I found the time to take all of my forms of ID to the social security office, but have to wait another week or 2 to get the new SS card.  Tally is at 6 weeks post wedding date.

Then I get a new driver's license (another week), have to change my info with my bank, prescriptions, health insurance, car title, car insurance, passport, refile all of the paperwork for my jobs, and whatever other things that will inevitably create a huge inconvenience to myself when I forget them.

Pretty sure I'll be looking at a 4-6 month total process to take my husband's last name.  Good thing I really want to have it!  Seriously, go on facebook and search for people named Caitlin Riley.  Start counting... ok don't really, because that's a boring way to spend 20 years of your life.

Somehow I managed to marry a very nice Nigerian man with an easy name!  I would be willing to bet any sum of money that I am the only person on the planet with my married name.  Yeah, I know that there are 7,000,000,000 humans with names on this planet.

Is it worth the effort to take your husband's name?  I love my family and my maiden name identifies me as part of that family.  For a long time I thought I wouldn't be able to part ways with my ethnically obvious name.  There's something comforting about having a clear identifying link to your family history.   But I can't imagine any better way to fully embrace the fact that my husband and I have made the beginning steps toward creating our own family identity together.

I'd call the process a necessary evil, but the end result is an exceptional reward.  This week was trying for me.  I can be very patient with people and animals, but I hate waiting for procedures, tasks, and outcomes!  There just aren't enough gold stars and "grape job" stickers being handed out these days to validate life efforts.  So I was really grateful this week to have a husband who is willing to serve that purpose.  Nothing better than a heartfelt pep-talk to get your eyes (refocused) on the prize(s).

Our entrance into the Nigerian wedding