my love story with administration...

Just venting.
I went to get the extended version of my marriage certificate today, so I can register my marriage in France.
I left at 8:30AM.
The city clerk just moved in a new location. I'm so thankful I called last week to find out where they are now...
"(me) - can I get the new address please?
- (fast talking lady) sure 141 w**** street, main floor.
- I'm sorry can you say that again? 141 wall street?
- Yes 141 welss** street.
- I'm sorry I'm not sure I got the street right, wall street? W-A-L-L?
- Are you listening miss? I said W******* street W-O-R-T-H!!!!"

Anyway. So I get there. A big hall, with an empty "information" desk, and a bunch of computers, with the same screens as the social security. So I start trying to get my ticket, so I can get on line. I felt a little weird, so I ask the security guards if it's the right place, and the right thing to do. They send me to an other desk, where the lady send me to yet another place, who send me back to the first "information desk" I saw. But this time there are 2 ladies. I don't know at which moment they appeared..
I fill in some paper work, get the precious ticket and go on line. My number is B516.
Numbers called:
A020
B510
C240

I'm thinking: "youhou! there is only 5 persons before me!"
well I was called 1h10 after I got on line.
Numbers were
A046
B516
C263

So I get my precious paper, 35$. The lady (who, of course, speaks fast) give me a paper and yell something at me.
I'm surprised by her tone, and ask as politely as I can if she can repeat slowly.
I have two more places to visit, to certify my paper.
!!!???
Seriously? They just sold me a paper, but it's no worth before I get, not one, but two certifications on it. From two different offices, in two different buildings.
Welcome to America.

The paper she gave me are more instructions, addresses and fees for the following of the operations.

I make it to the next building. The supreme court. Waouh, I'm super impressed. Is it really necessary??
One more line (it's the theme of my day). For security. They take my camera.
I find the room where I'm supposed to get the first certification. One more line.
This is when my poor husband calls me, to ask if I join them to the inauguration party... hmm no, thanks I'm on my second line of the day. I have no idea how long this is going to take... Poor guy, he felt awful. Next time I'll remember not to answer the phone when my nerves are close to breakdown.

I got lucky, this line was fast, in about 10min it was my turn. I asked the lady why I needed this certification. She was very nice, but she couldn't answer, she said it's procedure. Anyway, she gently sends me to the next line, right there, to pay the fee!
The fee guy gives me printed instruction to walk to the next place.

At this point I'm laughing, this whole thing has turned into a treasure hunt!
And the people of the supreme court building are all extremely nice, polite and helpful. :)

Off I go again, for the third place on my list. I diligently follow the directions.
Outside are about 50 persons watching inauguration on giant screen. But I don't know how long the next line is going to take..
I pass by a dunkin donut. I love DD. I don't go often, but it just makes me feel good, cozy, comforted. Exactly what I need. :) I stop by. But after 30 seconds I realize the line isn't moving, at all. I don't know what we are all waiting for, and I realize this is maybe the one line I don't have to wait on. So I leave empty handed, but feeling good that I didn't stay on THAT line! na!

Next building, the reception man tells me I want an "apostille" on the 19th floor.
Ah? I didn't really know what I was getting. So here I go for my apostille. Security line (no x-ray this time, just sign a log book). I fill in more papers, to the counter, to the fee... What do you mean you take ONLY CASH??

Yes you guessed it, I have to go to the ATM and then come back. I'm glad I found out before I waited on line.
Anyway. I went to the bank, get some money transfered to DH account, get my cash, and back to the 19th floor. Security again, they remembered me :) not too many people over there.

I waited just 15 min to get my paper once I paid. But those 15 min were so long! At the end I was crying. My nerves gave up just after I paid the last fee. I thought I was in for an other hour or so, and I didn't have my cross stitch..
A nice morning off, wasted.
I'm especially upset because this is just paperwork. And all these security lines and papers and apostille and such are not any protection IMO. If you have bad intentions you'll find the weakness in the system. And if you don't have papers you'll get in through a less legal way...

I know I shouldn't take it personnal, but this is seriously ridiculous.
The worst is I'm not done yet. Now I still need to bring th paper to the embassy.
And then apply for a green card. O Joy.

I think the analogy with treasure hunting was the fun part of the day. Then it got borning, then I got desperate.

I need to find some better motivations for the work permit quest. Maybe a nice cross stitch project...

Tonight I have dance, that will help me relax!