The Passport

(posted by Ange)

I do not have a passport. That's right. No passport. Just a birth certificate confirming my citizenship and a driver's license supporting my identity. I don't have a passport because I have never been anywhere that required me to have one. My birth certificate and drivers' license have gotten me in anywhere I've been. I know, I know, since 9/11 the U.S. would like me to have one, but at the moment, it's not REQUIRED, so no passport.

I have thought of obtaining a passport many times. I've actually picked up the application a number of times. I should have a passport - who knows when I might get offered a trip to France, right? I should be ready to go. Did you know a passport costs $89? Plus the cost of the photo. Plus the charge for having the form filled out by someone who will guarantee you are who you say you are (you can choose from a list of professionals, most of whom will surely charge you). Anyways...given the cost, with nowhere to go, I've never actually filled out the application and have spent the money on more important things like clothes, restaurants, wine, etc. The application usually sits somewhere for a couple of months, on my "to do" list, until I face reality (nobody is offering me a trip to France) and toss it into the recycle pile.

Recently, I could have been in trouble. Dave is currently in Mexico, working on a show called The Travel Guys. He found out about this "job" (it's not hard work ladies and gentleman...he's helping out with a camera for a few hours a day, and not every day) only a few weeks before his departure. Had he insisted on taking me with him, I may have had to scramble to obtain my passport. Luckily, he did not offer to take me with him, so my passport-less state was inconsequential. And I have been sitting at home in sweatshirts and thick socks, thinking about passports since he left.

Obviously I will need a passport before our Excellent European Road Trip Adventure. SO, I do in fact have an application in my possession. In fact, I've had it for about 6-8 weeks. AND I have completed the application form. It was the first thing I did when I brought the application home. All I have to do is get my photo taken, have my doctor sign the other form and send it off to Passport Canada to be inspected and approved. Still, Europe is a long time away and that $89 has much higher priorities. Then again, what if Dave suddenly surprises me with a trip to Jamaica? I should be prepared. Perhaps I'll aim to have my application in before the end of 2006.