The Future Mrs.

I am going to change my name. My last name that is.

Although at one time in my childhood I did secretly change my first name from Lacey to Laura Bell. That was only when I was playing beauty-shop with my mom and brushing her hair. All other times I would answer to Lacey ... or Wacey ... or Stacey ... or Haley Beth ... or Darbey Rhea ... or Tanya ... or Joyce ... .

I'm not really ecstatic about changing names because I enjoy my last name and will need some time to adjust to my new last name. I have been trying to feel out the process of changing my name as I think it will take time, money and paperwork. My least favorite things.

As according to Thirty Something Bride, here is her advice about going at this process. Yes, this is another list in my life:

Here's what you need to do:

All things start with your Social Security Card and Driver's License. Do those first.

Go here to get the SS-5 form for your Social Security Card.

You'll need to go to your particular state's DMV website to get your form. 99.9% of the time you will need your marriage license when you submit. In person. At the DMV. Suckage.

The other biggies?

The U.S. Postal Service- but really only if you're moving in with you're honey and changing addresses.

Passport (You will need to mail in a physical marriage license, but you get it back. I highly recommend getting one or two extra notarized copies. In Tennessee you can request them in writing with a handy dandy on-line form and they are $5 each. It takes less than a week to get them back.)

Credit Cards

Banks

Health Care Providers

Frequent Flier Cards/Membership Cards (this one has quite honestly been the most difficult group)

Mortgages

Student Loans

Car Loans

Your place of employment (they'll need a copy of your new SS card)

Investment Houses (401K, IRA, etc)

Legal documents (wills, trusts, power of attorney, etc.)

Voter Registration

There are also some web sites out there that offer all these forms for FREE.

http://newlastname.org

http://namethatbride.com

Now, the webiste that I wasted my money on does have a handy checklist that lets you know when you're done filling stuff out. But please, any moron can do this. eHow has a free check list that you can use - that again, is free.

I'd say save your $30 for a spring t-shirt or two at Old Navy and DIY this one, ladies. It's just not worth it.

Now I know this doesn't apply to you readers. Basically, I needed a place to post this so that I won't forget how to do all of this in June/July when I have free time and will have a consistent mailing address.

Changing names love and all of mine!

PS. Dra-dden and family would appreciate prayers as he is recovering from appendicitis surgery. Appendectomy? Visit his Mommy here!