Not really. I have to run over to the health department to pick up a copy of Jonathan's birth certificate. Why? Well, a year ago, Reba thought we might need it to sign him up for soccer or school or something, and kept after me to get a copy, because we can't find the original at the house. It's probably under a huge stack of paper over on her side of the bed, but obviously, I dare not suggest a thing.
I also did not dare suggest that the fact that we didn't need it for whatever she thought we were going to need it for meant that we didn't need to get a copy.
Have to have it, 'just in case,' you know.
I successfully managed to avoid doing anything for a year now, until last night we were trying to find something Oldest could use as an identification to get her learner's permit. (Reba's taking her today.) Well, they have a laundry list of things you can use--luckily we have her birth certificate--and for some reason Reba hit on the use of her Social Security card. We have any number of the other things--school ID, school enrollment form, tax return, etc., but Reba seemed to think the card HAD to be it.
And guess what? Right--Ashley's SocSec card is probably with Jonathan's birth certificate. The inability to find either of which is my fault, because I never ordered a replacement copy of his birth certificate, and because I am a man.
So I was told to get Boy's certificate today, and to find out how to get a duplicate card. And yes, I know all the reasons why the actual Social Security card is more trouble than it's worth to have around, but you're not dealing with me, you're dealing with Miss Reba, and once she sets her mind that something is needful, there is no other recourse. As for the other form of identification she took with her today, she settled on using Ashley's final report card, but under extreme protest, and only because Ashley HAS to get her learner's permit TODAY. They are supposed to start operating a motor vehicle TOMORROW!
It's a good thing I am so calm.
You need one small filing cabinet somewhere. Insurance papers, car titles, IDs. We'd be lost without a cabinet.
Posted by: Janis at June 7, 2005 11:46 AMTerry,
You probably need to go ahead and get the documents about which you are writing anyway, because I understand the Real ID legislation (passed by Congress this year) may wind up meaning you'll need proof of SSN, for example, to get or renew a driver's license by 2008. The full details of that probably have not been worked out, but who knows what permutation will be developed in Alabama?
Posted by: Stan at June 7, 2005 11:47 AMWay up here they can drive as part of the class before getting the permit.
Posted by: jim at June 7, 2005 01:31 PMSilly Miss Janis--we HAVE a file cabinet, and a safe. But see, some persons unnamed are less good at returning important things to these receptacles. I shall not say who.
Stan, the whole Real ID thing has me so confused I might just decide to get myself deported.
And Jim, you've been away too long. Not only do you have to have a permit, you have to take a test to GET the permit.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at June 7, 2005 01:46 PMThat is what I thought but the class prepares people for the permit test and insures that they can handle the car before the state lets them loose.
Posted by: jim at June 7, 2005 01:54 PMI have to admit all these licenses and license requirements have me confused enough I sometimes think about whether I could live without a car. Unfortunately in Birmingham that is probably not realistic. Wonder if a motorized skateboard would work?
Posted by: Stan at June 7, 2005 02:16 PMI agree with you, Jim--seems like some more instruction would be in order before letting them loose like that.
Stan, maybe we could get you onto a Segway!
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at June 7, 2005 02:20 PMOoh, ooh, segue ...
And now for something completely different
...
the Larch.
Quite lovely, actually.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at June 7, 2005 03:50 PM