My Tuesday Adventure

I started my day at 9:30am. Hubby drove me off to the Social Security office to get my name changed. I had to wait 15 minutes under the scorching heat of the sun with the rest of 10 or more people because they are following the fire hazard rules and only a certain number of people are allowed at a time. I went there with everything prepared, so when we were allowed to go inside, a man handed me my number to get my name changed. To my horror, the number of the screen is 204 and I have 257 in my hand. I already psyched myself that it's going to be a long wait. I didn't bring a book, so what I did was observe people. There were a lot of Hispanics and Blacks. There were also Asians like me, but they were all Chinese. I didn't see any Filipino inside that office today - well at least where I was sitting. The guard was very strict with cellphones, but there are still some people who won't listen and they got reprimanded. The guard warned a man that if he uses his phone again, he will be forced to leave the building and pay the $250 fine. I didn't risk my chance, so I kept my phone and placed it on silent mode. After 2 hours, I finally see my number flashing and I was called to proceed to window 7. The lady was nice and she didn't give me a hard time in changing my last name. She just told me though that it's going to take longer to get my new card 'coz my immigration documents will need verification. I hope I can get my new card under my married name in less than 4 weeks so I can start working if a company calls me up.

As I was about to leave the Social Security office, the same guard who was so strict in imposing the rules, opened the door and asked me "Filipino?" I said yes and he told me "Salamat!" That made me happy 'coz I am finally recognized as a Filipino and not a Puerto Rican or Chinese. That guard has been nice to me since my first visit to the SS office. He is a bit tough on people who won't follow rules.

I was happy that I have accomplished my mission for the day. It was time to head home. I had to wait another 30 mins for the bus and I took this picture of how our bus stop looks like here.Unlike in the Philippines, buses would stop anywhere and in anytime of the day. Here, buses arrive at a scheduled time and they can only drop off and pick up passengers at designated bus stops. If you are not at the bus stop at a particular time, you are screwed. It was terribly hot today and I'm glad that I wore sunscreen for my arms and legs and a good amount of sunblock for my face.

The bus fare is $2 and I asked for a transfer pass so I can get to the other bus that would pass by our street. It expires in an hour and 30 mins, so you have to use it right away. But I made a silly move by getting off a block away from where I should be getting off. Good thing that block had the pedestrian lane, so I just crossed from there. It was a long walk towards my transfer stop and the skies were getting so dark. I had to stop at Ross Dress for Less, so that I won't get soaked in the rain.

I was checking out office pants for my future interview. I found a couple of good styles, but as I was about to try them, it just won't fit! Booo! So I really have to lose weight so I can get the styles I want. I checked out the whole place and found some great items at a very low price. I wonder how they do that. I had limited cash on hand (which is a good thing), so I wasn't able to hoard all those things I want to get. I saw a drying rack which I had been wanting to get for a long time, but I just can't find one. I saw one for $12 and I wanted to buy it, but I had to stop myself 'coz it was a bit heavy and I won't be able to use the bus anymore, so I had to walk 4 blocks to get home. Instead of buying that rack, I got a Kenneth Cole wallet and this cute organizer! I fell in love with it the moment I saw it on the rack.
It had sticky notes, memo pad, weekly notepad, and an accordion envelope. I've been wanting to get an organizer since I got here 'coz I easily forget things. Good thing I found this for $4.99 instead of paying for $10.

I walked out of there with a happy heart even if I wasn't able to get the office pants I needed. I had to head home before I get caught in the heavy downpour again and I was also hungry, so I walked 4 blocks towards home under the heat of the sun with a smile on my face because I conquered this day on my own! Believe me, I had FUN!!!