Today was an exciting and frustrating day all at the same time. Today was my Court date for my name change. I woke up too nervous to eat but that was okay, I had a feeling my stomach would be filled with butterflies. We arrived at the courthouse almost an hour prior to the time on my paper, we got through security like pros (duh) and then went through the hunger games elevator...Really no buttons inside at all just the beep of the floors. After we flew to the 16th floor we found out Court Room then the waiting. We sat outside the court room and looked out the window, played on our phones and chatted. I tried to find Disney from there but we were facing the wrong direction.
Once the doors open they brought us all in a room and took our id's and paperwork, then we waited more. While we were there we noticed Alison and I were the only two people there that were not getting a divorce. I was sad for those who were separating from the people they once loved but was reminded that not all divorces are bad. The police officer came back out and told us that we could go in the room but only the people who id's he took. He didn't take Alison's which mean she had to sit out of the room. I was a bit pissy but more than anything even more nervous. We do everything together, seriously everything. I did not want to go into a very important court hearing without my partner. After we were sworn in and given very detailed instructions he looked around called my name and had me sit at the table first. Then he said I think we have enough space let me go get your friends and spouses...My stomach relaxed and my nerves calmed down.
The judge came in and I relaxed even more when I saw her DISNEY coffee mug!! I knew I was in good hands when she came in. She smiled at me and we started. She went over my paperwork told me everything looked good then asked me three simple questions. Asked me if Kaden Tristan Charming (then she grinned) was the name that would suit me better, I said yes ma'am and she said alright I will sign this paperwork and send it downstairs for you to pick up. I thanked her and had to restrain myself from saying Have a magical Day or I really like your coffee mug. I then left the courtroom with the biggest smile on my face, a sense of self worth for the first time in well forever and I was holding my head higher than I think it's ever been.
I'm Official!
Then the paperwork...Oh my gosh the paperwork. We waited for about an hour to get the certified copies we needed, then we had to go to Social Security which was beyond entertaining. We were there with Santa and it kinda made my day. I got super frustrated because it said I needed a birth certificate to get my new card but then I didn't need it and that made it better. The guy was super cool, except he put the F instead of the M on my paper work. We showed him my doctors note and he fixed it to M making it legal in the governments eyes. I got my receipt (stupid SSA and not printing cards there) the told it would be TWO WEEKS till my card came in the mail...seriously the mail?? Just the most important card and number but ya know we will mail it to ya cause that's safe.
We still had not eaten and it was about noon, we had been up since six and it was starting to get to both of us. After a call and a stop to the DMV to reaffirm the 24 hour waiting period to get a new Drivers License we decided it was time to get some food in both of our bellies. So we picked a place to go celebrate and use my official last name for the first time. Of course it was Disney and well let's just say they loved my new name just about as much as I do, maybe even a little more than me.
So after a long day and a lot of waiting and paperwork my name is officially changed to Kaden Tristan Charming.
The new name doesn't mean the old me doesn't exists anymore, it doesn't mean I am a different person it just means that the name finally fits the person. I am still me and will always have my past which built me into the person I am today. I am so excited and can't wait to get my new Drivers license, social security card, new work id's and finally my name change on the paperwork at work which goes out to all of my fellow coworkers so they see the old name then ask questions (which obviously I don't really care too much about) and last but not least our LEGAL marriage license! We will be able to pick it up tomorrow wait three days then be legally married. All in all I think today was a pretty amazing day. Alison put up with my stupid mood swings, hunger and my humor that may or may not have been appropriate.
