Linda & the Passport: The Saga Continues

Good news: I received my passport from the Department of State today--less than a week after I applied. Very impressive since I did not shell out the big bucks for the expedite. The problem: the original birth certificate that I was required to submit as part of the application was not included in the envelope. The fun ahead? Trying to deal with both the post office who took it from me and assured me it would be returned, or the State Department, which more than likely received it because they approved the application. Of course there is no phone number with which to follow up. I have plenty of time for all of this because I have no trip on the horizon. I just wanted a passport because it seemed like something a grown up would have.

My prediction? Lots of finger pointing, blaming the other federal agency; ultimately I will be beat down by bureacratic nonsense and will re-purchase my own birth certificate. After much research of the obsure bureacratic application process and the writing of a check, I will be in a position to start saving for a tropical vacation. Luckily, I will have a passport.